Bira 91 and New Belgium Brewing Launch 'Chutney Sour' Beer, A Fusion of Indian and American Craft

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 24, 2024

In an exciting cross-continental collaboration, Bira 91, India's leading name in craft beer, has joined forces with New Belgium Brewing, a trailblazer in the American craft brewing scene, to launch a unique beer that's sure to intrigue beer aficionados and culinary adventurers alike. Dubbed 'Chutney Sour', this innovative brew is a nod to the rich culinary heritage of India and the craft beer innovation Colorado is known for.

'Chutney Sour' isn't just any beer; it's a creative concoction that marries the tangy, complex flavours of tamarind – a staple in Indian chutneys and curries – with the brewing excellence of a Belgian-style Dubbel, a signature of New Belgium Brewery. This fusion beer made its much-anticipated debut in the taprooms of both companies, with Bira 91 hosting the launch in Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR, India, and New Belgium welcoming beer lovers in Fort Collins, Colorado.

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The timing of the release couldn't be more perfect, aligning with the vibrant Indian Spring festival of Holi, known for its lively celebrations and splash of colours. The 'Chutney Sour' aims to add a splash of flavour to the festivities, offering a unique taste experience that stands out in the craft beer landscape.

Ankur Jain, Founder and CEO of Bira 91, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We’re thrilled to collaborate with New Belgium Brewing. The idea of combining a Belgian Sour Ale with Tamarind to create a 'Chutney Sour' started as a wild thought but ended up as a stroke of genius. We believe this limited release will be a delightful surprise for everyone who tries it."

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This special brew is a result of a single brewing cycle and will be available exclusively in the taprooms of Bira 91 and New Belgium Brewing until the last drop is savoured. Beer lovers and curious tasters are encouraged to make their way to these locations to experience the 'Chutney Sour' while it lasts.

This collaboration not only showcases the innovative spirit of Bira 91 and New Belgium Brewing but also highlights the potential for creative fusion in the craft beer industry, bridging flavours and traditions from different corners of the world. 'Chutney Sour' is more than just a beer; it's a celebration of culture, innovation, and the joy of discovery.


Taj Agra Celebrates the Monsoon with a Refreshing Seasonal Mocktail Menu

Taj Agra Celebrates the Monsoon with a Refreshing Seasonal Mocktail Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on July 14, 2026

Taj Agra has unveiled its exclusive Monsoon Mocktail Menu, a limited-edition beverage collection celebrating the refreshing flavours and nostalgic charm of the Indian monsoon. Available throughout the rainy season, the menu features five handcrafted mocktails that blend tropical fruits with warming spices and artisanal syrups to create a distinctive seasonal experience.

Inspired by the changing moods of the monsoon, the collection combines ingredients such as mango, guava, watermelon, pineapple, ginger, mint, black salt, and chaat masala to offer a balance of refreshing and comforting flavours. Each beverage has been thoughtfully curated to complement the cool, earthy ambience that accompanies the rains in Agra.

Commenting on the launch, Aman Raj, Bartender at Taj Agra, said, "Monsoon in Agra has a unique charm that calls for comforting yet vibrant flavors. For this menu, we wanted to elevate familiar seasonal fruits by balancing their sweetness with the sharp bite of ginger, fresh mint, and classic street-side spices like chaat masala. These drinks do more than refresh. They evoke nostalgic memories of a classic Indian monsoon, perfectly complementing the cool, earthy atmosphere of the season."

The seasonal menu includes the Mango Monsoon Cooler, a refreshing blend of mango, lime, mint, and sparkling fizz; the Mango Masala Fizz, inspired by India's iconic fruit chaat with chaat masala and black salt; the Watermelon Mint Rain Cooler, combining fresh watermelon juice with muddled mint; the Spicy Pineapple Ginger Fizz, featuring pineapple, ginger syrup, and ginger ale for a warming finish; and the Guava Watermelon Punch, a layered mocktail combining guava, watermelon, and grenadine.

Through this limited-time offering, Taj Agra aims to create a sensory dining experience that captures the essence of the monsoon while showcasing seasonal ingredients through innovative, alcohol-free beverages.

Part of the Taj Hotels portfolio, Taj Agra continues to offer curated culinary experiences that blend contemporary hospitality with India's rich gastronomic traditions.


Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to Open New Café at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to Open New Café at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 14, 2026

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has announced the opening of its newest café at Vihang Ventura, a premium commercial development in Mira Road. The café will be one of the anchor brands at the upcoming project, marking the company's continued expansion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Developed by Vihang Ahead, Vihang Ventura is designed as a modern commercial destination featuring premium retail outlets, flagship showrooms, office spaces and lifestyle businesses. Blue Tokai's entry aligns with the project's vision of creating a vibrant space where retail, dining and business come together.

The new café also reflects the changing landscape of the Mira Bhayandar region. Once known mainly as an affordable residential area, the locality is now emerging as a fast-growing suburban hub, supported by improved connectivity, rising household incomes and an increasing number of entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, Global Capability Centre (GCC) employees and young families.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the region has witnessed growing demand for organised retail, premium dining and lifestyle-focused experiences. Blue Tokai, known for its freshly roasted coffee, artisanal brewing methods and thoughtfully designed cafés, aims to cater to this growing market while complementing Vihang Ventura's premium retail mix.

Strategically located opposite the newly operational Kashigaon Metro Station, Vihang Ventura is expected to become a key commercial destination in the Mira Bhayandar region.

Purvesh Sarnaik, Director, Vihang Ahead, said, "Blue Tokai represents the new generation of premium lifestyle brands that resonate with today's discerning consumers. Their decision to establish a presence at Vihang Ventura is a strong endorsement of both the project's vision and the immense growth potential of the Mira Bhayandar market. As we continue to welcome leading national and international brands, we are creating a vibrant commercial ecosystem that seamlessly integrates retail, dining, business, and community experiences, making Ventura a destination of choice for the region."

Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder & COO, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, said, "Blue Tokai has grown into India's largest speciality coffee company, with over 258 locations across seven cities, driven by a simple vision, to make exceptional, freshly roasted coffee accessible wherever people choose to enjoy it. As Mira Bhayandar continues to evolve into a thriving residential and commercial hub, Vihang Ventura presents the ideal opportunity for us to bring the Blue Tokai experience to a vibrant, aspirational community that values quality, convenience, and meaningful café experiences."

India's specialty coffee market has seen significant growth over the past decade, driven by changing consumer preferences, higher disposable incomes and increasing demand for premium café experiences. Blue Tokai's upcoming café at Vihang Ventura reflects this shift while supporting the development's vision of creating a future-ready commercial hub where work, shopping, dining and community experiences come together.


Haldiram's Opens New Restaurant in Ayodhya's Ram Path Road

Haldiram's Opens New Restaurant in Ayodhya's Ram Path Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 14, 2026

Haldiram's has strengthened its presence in North India with the launch of a new restaurant in Ayodhya, bringing its signature range of traditional snacks, sweets and meals to one of India's most important spiritual destinations. Located on Ram Path Road near Ayodhya Railway Station, the new outlet is set to welcome both local residents and the millions of devotees who visit Lord Ram's Janmabhoomi every year.

The opening holds special significance for the brand, which shared that having "Ram" as part of its name makes its presence in Lord Ram's birthplace especially meaningful. The company described the launch as an opportunity to serve devotees and visitors while becoming a part of their journey to the sacred city.

The restaurant features Haldiram's wide selection of food, including its popular savoury snacks, traditional Indian sweets, chaats, North Indian cuisine, South Indian favourites, street-style Chinese dishes, freshly baked products and a variety of beverages.

The launch also aligns with Haldiram's ongoing 'Ache Din Aa Rahe Hai!' campaign, which encourages people to celebrate meaningful moments with family and friends while creating lasting memories over good food.

For Haldiram's, Ayodhya represents more than just another expansion destination. The brand said the opening is an emotional milestone and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Ayodhya and the large number of pilgrims who visit the holy city throughout the year. Through its food offerings and hospitality, the company hopes to make every visitor's experience even more memorable.

With the launch of its Ayodhya outlet, Haldiram's continues to expand across emerging markets beyond metro cities while strengthening its presence in some of India's most cherished spiritual destinations.

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