Bite-Sized India: Discover the Nation’s Flavors at Monkey Bar

Bite-Sized India: Discover the Nation’s Flavors at Monkey Bar

By Author

Published on October 17, 2023

Monkey Bar, ever a connoisseur of unconventional culinary delights, unveils its latest masterpiece, “Tales of India.” A menu that doesn’t just satisfy your taste buds but takes them on an evocative journey through the diverse flavors of India. With the innovative magic of Group Head Mixologist, Harish Chhimwal, and the culinary artistry of Corporate Chef, Irfan Pabaney, and Chef Sumit Choudhary, the “Tales of India” is not a meal but an experience, a story, a celebration of the subcontinent’s culinary treasure.

Cocktails with a Twist of Tradition

Each cocktail is a creative explosion of traditional and contemporary, where Indian classics meet innovative mixology. Imagine sipping on a ‘Pom Pom Cola’ with the rich, beloved flavor of Old Monk rum, tickled with pomegranate cordial and a zest of lime, or the ‘Rum Cha,’ a nostalgic nod to the iconic cutting chai, swirled with the warmth of homemade masala tea cordial and the bold embrace of rum.

A Symphony of Flavours

Each drink is a narrative, each sip, a paragraph of a tale that unwinds the rich tapestry of Indian flavors. The menu, a brainchild of exceptional innovation, brings together Parsi cola and masala tea, murabba and panipuri, in a dance of flavors so harmonious, it's poetic. Every ingredient, sourced from the varied terrains of India, adds a stroke of authenticity, painting a canvas that’s as Indian as the warm, golden embrace of the afternoon sun.

A Culinary Canvas

The culinary offerings, a meticulous orchestration by Chefs Pabaney and Choudhary, are not just meals but palettes where Indian ingredients waltz in flawless synchrony. From the tangy revelation of the Baked Mirchi Salan to the homey embrace of the Mix Veggie Cutlet and the fiery melody of the Shroom Tikka, every dish is a sonnet, a lyrical expression of the regional flavors of India.

Dine in the Lap of Luxury

Yet, the elegance isn’t confined to the plate. The experience is heightened by the aesthetic allure of the cocktails served in earthen pots, crafted meticulously by local artisans. Every sip, a harmonious blend of taste and visual delight. Every bite, a tribute to the traditional and contemporary, the local and the global, the classic and the innovative.

A Journey Across Regions

Each dish, from the Kerala Roast Chicken's tender embrace to the fiery revelation of the Shroom Tikka, is a journey. The menu takes you through the valleys of Uttar Pradesh with the Chicken Nihari Kulcha, to the spicy terrains of Tamil Nadu with the Chettinad Mutton Seekh. Desserts like Gur Kulcha don’t just satisfy your sweet tooth but transport you to the nutty, sweet landscapes of North India.

The Monkey Bar Experience

With outlets in New Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Mumbai, each visit to Monkey Bar is not just a dining experience but a sensory journey. A narrative of flavors, aromas, textures, and visuals that pays tribute to the rich, diverse, and vibrant culinary landscape of India. In the world of Monkey Bar, dining is not just a necessity but an art, a story, a celebration - a tale as diverse, rich, and enchanting as India itself.

Connect with Monkey Bar

A delight awaits the gourmet soul at every corner of India. Each outlet is a unique chapter of the “Tales of India.” For inquiries and reservations, connect with Monkey Bar on their social media handles @monkeybarind or contact the outlets directly in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Indulge in the narrative, be a part of the story, experience the “Tales of India” - where every bite is a paragraph, every sip a line, of a tale that unfolds the mystical, diverse, and enchanting flavors of India.


Woodside Inn Bengaluru Marks World Pizza Day with Its Signature Bar-Style Pizzas

Woodside Inn Bengaluru Marks World Pizza Day with Its Signature Bar-Style Pizzas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 30, 2026

World Pizza Day is around the corner, and Woodside Inn Bengaluru is gearing up to celebrate it in its own relaxed, no-fuss style. Known for understanding what a good bar-style pizza should be, Woodside Inn continues to serve thin-crust pizzas that are crisp, indulgent, and perfect for sharing over long conversations and cold beers.

Staying true to the brand’s easygoing pub culture, these pizzas are designed for the table, order once, keep reaching back, and let the flavours do the talking. Among the clear crowd favourites is the Bacon Brie Melt, where smoky bacon pairs with gooey brie and a drizzle of maple chilli oil. Rich, bold, and packed with flavour, it’s the kind of pizza that vanishes sooner than expected.

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Other popular picks include the Truffle 4 Cheese for those who enjoy indulgent comfort, the classic Pepperoni Delight, and the bold Lamb-a-licious topped with lamb bolognese, Kalamata olives, and feta. Vegetarian options are equally well represented, with favourites like Margherita, Primavera, and Southwest Sunset offering balance, comfort, and flavour without compromise.

Located in Indiranagar, Woodside Inn brings together warm hospitality, great music, and a steady flow of beers, making it a go-to neighbourhood pub. This World Pizza Day, the Bengaluru outlet offers the perfect excuse to drop in for good pizzas, easy vibes, and bar food that keeps guests coming back for more.


The Drexel at Esmé Hotel Unveils a Coastal Italian–Inspired Culinary Chapter on Española Way

The Drexel at Esmé Hotel Unveils a Coastal Italian–Inspired Culinary Chapter on Española Way

By Hariharan U

Published on January 30, 2026

The Drexel, the well-known Miami Beach restaurant housed within Esmé Hotel on Española Way, has unveiled a refreshed culinary direction, marking a new chapter defined by clarity, craft, and a stronger sense of identity. The restaurant now presents a Coastal Italian, inspired menu that places handmade pastas, wood-fired cooking, and hyper-seasonal ingredients at its core.

The new culinary programme is led by Chef Jarrod Huth, COO of Culinary at Think Hospitality, who guided the development of the menu and kitchen philosophy. Working closely with him is Chef de Cuisine Derek Carressi, the day-to-day culinary lead who brings the vision to life through hands-on execution rooted in Italian technique. Together, the chefs have shaped a menu inspired by Italy’s coastal regions, focused on simplicity, balance, and deep respect for ingredients.

This evolution marks a shift from broader Mediterranean influences to a more focused, ingredient-driven Coastal Italian approach. The menu highlights handmade pastas, wood-fired preparations, and seasonal plates that allow quality sourcing and technique to speak for themselves. By working closely with farmers, fishermen, and trusted purveyors, the kitchen follows a philosophy built on restraint and intention, letting ingredients guide what appears on the plate.

Located at the corner of Española Way and Drexel Avenue, The Drexel was originally created by the team behind Mandolin Aegean Bistro as a restaurant “for locals, by locals,” set within a historic 1920s village. As part of Esmé Hotel, it has long played a central role in the property’s rhythm, serving both neighbourhood diners and hotel guests alike.

“As South Beach and Española Way continue to evolve, with Esmé serving as an anchor for the street, it felt like the right moment to sharpen The Drexel's culinary identity,” said Hunter Gellin, President of Think Hospitality. “Chef Jarrod's experience and skill position The Drexel to play a meaningful role within the area's intentional tenant mix - a place that thoughtfully serves both the local community and Esmé's guests. In this way, The Drexel becomes an essential piece of the carefully curated hospitality ecosystem taking shape along Española Way.”

Chef Huth brings experience from some of the world’s most exacting kitchens, including The French Laundry and Per Se, where he developed a foundation of discipline and precision. Paired with Chef Carressi’s Italian-forward execution and daily leadership, the menu remains refined yet fluid, designed to evolve naturally with the seasons rather than remain static.

Complementing the kitchen is the beverage programme led by Beverage Director Alejandro Chavarria, featuring a carefully curated wine list and cocktails designed to suit both aperitivo hour and dinner service. The restaurant’s daily “Sunset & Sip” happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM continues to position The Drexel as a relaxed, social gathering spot along Española Way.

With its renewed culinary focus and thoughtful evolution, The Drexel remains a restaurant designed for return visits, equally suited to casual weeknight dinners, sunset drinks, and celebratory evenings around the table.


Burger Singh Expands Mumbai Presence with New Andheri Outlet

Burger Singh Expands Mumbai Presence with New Andheri Outlet

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 30, 2026

Burger Singh, India’s fastest-growing Made-in-India burger chain, has expanded its footprint in Mumbai with the launch of a new outlet in Andheri. The opening marks another step in the brand’s focused growth across key urban markets, as it continues to strengthen its presence in western India.

Andheri, known for its mix of commercial hubs and residential neighbourhoods, fits well into Burger Singh’s strategy of targeting high-footfall locations. The area attracts young professionals, families, and students, making it a strong market for the brand’s flavour-forward offerings. The new outlet will serve Burger Singh’s signature desi burgers, blending familiar Indian spices and ingredients with the speed and consistency of the QSR format.

Mumbai’s fast-moving lifestyle and diverse food preferences make it a key market for Burger Singh. The brand continues to fine-tune its menu to match evolving consumer tastes in the city, combining traditional Indian flavours with modern burger formats that appeal to a wide audience.

With this launch, Burger Singh now operates 12 outlets across Maharashtra, underlining the state’s importance in its western India growth strategy. Maharashtra offers long-term potential for up to 200 additional outlets, driven by demand in both metro and non-metro markets. Within the state, Greater Mumbai remains a priority, where the brand currently has 2 outlets and sees scope to add up to 70 more across prominent neighbourhoods and high-footfall commercial zones in the coming years.

Commenting on the expansion, PV Bhargav, Chief of Staff, said, “We aren’t just bringing another burger to Mumbai; we are bringing a flavor revolution that is unapologetically and truly Indian. While the world was busy replicating the West, we doubled down on the Masala, the soul, and the spice that India loves. At Burger Singh, our products aren't just items on a menu; they are personified characters with unique names and distinct personalities that resonate with our customers.” He added, “Western India is our next big bet. We believe the potential in Maharashtra is so massive that the state alone can eventually support more outlets than our entire current national footprint. This expansion is more than just opening stores; it’s a massive opportunity for budding entrepreneurs in Mumbai to partner with a disruptive, home-grown brand and finally be their own boss in one of the world’s most vibrant food markets.”

As part of its wider plans in Maharashtra, Burger Singh is also focused on creating employment opportunities. The brand aims to hire over 1200 employees across its existing and upcoming outlets in the city, contributing to local job creation and supporting operational growth.

With the Andheri launch, Burger Singh continues to build on its momentum, backed by a strong product-market fit across tier 1 cities as well as tier 2 and tier 3 markets. Its expansion remains driven by a franchise-led model, with a clear focus on scalability and operational discipline.

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