Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters Hits 100-Store Milestone in India

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters Hits 100-Store Milestone in India

By Author

Published on March 15, 2024

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India's leading specialty coffee brand, has marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th café in Kolkata. Known for its exceptional coffee and vibrant café experiences, Blue Tokai continues to shape India's coffee culture with its expansion across the country.

Starting as a small roastery in Delhi in 2013, Blue Tokai has rapidly grown into the largest specialty coffee brand in India, catering to diverse demographics and preferences. The company’s cafés have played a pivotal role in introducing specialty coffee to Indian consumers, reflecting a 2x growth since FY23.

Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder and COO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, highlighted the increasing demand for high-quality coffee and the shift towards inclusive out-of-home experiences. He expressed the company’s commitment to expanding its café network, aiming to reach 200 stores by the end of the next fiscal year.

image

The newly opened café in Ballygunge, Kolkata, offers an array of premium coffee options, including espresso, pourover, and Vietnamese-style iced coffee. Additionally, it features a bookstore by Bahrisons Booksellers, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts and readers alike.

With its strategic locations in premium markets, corporate parks, malls, and residential neighborhoods, Blue Tokai aims to make specialty coffee accessible to consumers across India. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in its sourcing of the finest Indian beans and expert roasting techniques.

Blue Tokai’s expansion efforts have been supported by recent funding, including a $30 million Series B round in January 2023. With investors backing its growth initiatives, the company is poised to further enhance its café footprint, develop its B2B channel, and explore new opportunities in India’s coffee market.

As Blue Tokai celebrates its 100th café, it continues to redefine the coffee experience in India, bringing people together over shared interests and a love for great coffee.


Belmarose Debuts as Mumbai’s New Fine Dining and Nightlife Destination

Belmarose Debuts as Mumbai’s New Fine Dining and Nightlife Destination

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

Mumbai’s hospitality and nightlife landscape has welcomed a new entrant with the launch of Belmarose, an upscale dining and entertainment destination located within Sahara Star. Designed as a venue that seamlessly transitions from refined dining to energetic nightlife, Belmarose combines elevated cuisine, signature cocktails, and immersive experiences under one roof.

Inspired by the Italian word “Bella,” meaning beautiful, the name Belmarose embodies elegance, romance, and memorable experiences. The concept has been carefully crafted to create a destination where guests can enjoy sophisticated dining before immersing themselves in a vibrant after-hours atmosphere.

Spread across approximately 5,000 square feet with a seating capacity of around 120 guests, the venue features interiors influenced by European and Roman aesthetics. Maroon velvet seating, premium leather finishes, artistic accents, and warm ambient lighting come together to create a luxurious yet intimate setting that complements the venue’s evolving day-to-night experience.

The culinary programme is led by Chef Sunil Pandey, who has curated a menu that blends European and Asian inspirations while focusing on contemporary techniques, balanced flavours, and refined presentation. According to Chef Pandey, the menu has been designed to create memorable dining experiences through dishes that combine indulgence with culinary craftsmanship.

image

Signature offerings include Smoked Chicken Caesar Croquettes, Enoki Mushroom Roll, Stuffed Zucchini Flower, Rosette Ravioli, and Lobster in XO Sauce. Each dish showcases a combination of global influences and thoughtful execution, reflecting the restaurant’s modern culinary approach.

Complementing the food experience is an innovative cocktail programme curated by in-house mixologists Roshan and Hardik. The cocktail menu features signature creations such as Pandan Bloom, Flora Blanca, Mango Inferno, Palantine Fig, and Ignis Roma, each crafted to balance creativity, presentation, and layered flavour profiles.

As the evening progresses, Belmarose transforms into a lively nightlife destination featuring curated music experiences, performances by international artists, and a dynamic social atmosphere designed to extend the guest experience beyond dinner service.

Sharing his vision for the venture, entrepreneur Rajjeet Chandra said that the most rewarding aspect of building a business is transforming a vision into something meaningful that resonates with people. He added that creating opportunities, evolving continuously, and building a lasting legacy remain key motivations behind the project.

With its combination of design-led interiors, globally inspired cuisine, innovative beverages, and nightlife programming, Belmarose aims to establish itself as a premier destination for dining, socialising, and entertainment in Mumbai.


The Hari Hong Kong Unveils Curated Father’s Day Dining Experiences Across Its Signature Venues

The Hari Hong Kong Unveils Curated Father’s Day Dining Experiences Across Its Signature Venues

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

The Hari Hong Kong is set to celebrate Father’s Day with an array of specially curated culinary experiences across its signature dining venues, offering guests a weekend of indulgent brunches, refined set dinners, and elegant afternoon tea experiences.

Taking place across June 20 and June 21, the celebrations will span the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants and social spaces, providing diners with diverse culinary options inspired by Italian and Japanese cuisines.

At Lucciola, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, guests can enjoy a Father’s Day Brunch featuring an authentic Italian spread, including homemade porchetta roast and a selection of traditional specialties. Signature dishes include braised veal ossobuco served with saffron risotto, while dessert offerings are presented from a dedicated trolley featuring favorites such as the restaurant’s signature tiramisu.

For dinner, Lucciola will offer a specially curated Father’s Day set menu featuring premium selections including USDA prime rib eye steak and roasted barramundi fillet. The experience concludes with desserts such as Bonet, prepared with gianduja chocolate, amaretti, whipped cream, and rum caramel.

Meanwhile, Zoku, The Hari Hong Kong’s contemporary Japanese dining destination, will present a Father’s Day Brunch showcasing a premium seasonal sashimi platter, assorted skewers and rolls, alongside signature main courses including Spanish mackerel with sake lees sauce. Guests seeking a more elevated experience can also opt for an A-4 Miyazaki Wagyu upgrade.

Zoku’s ‘Discovering Zoku’ Father’s Day set dinner will feature a selection of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including salmon tataki with smoked herring caviar and coconut ponzu, wagyu rolls, prawn gyoza, and chargrilled lamb chop accompanied by black garlic sauce.

Both Lucciola and Zoku will offer brunch experiences starting from HKD 628 per person and HKD 488 per child. The brunch packages include 90 minutes of free-flow red, white, and sparkling wines, along with sparkling and still water, juices, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Additional upgrades featuring Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne and premium sake selections will also be available.

Completing the celebrations, The Lounge and The Terrace will host The Hari Afternoon Tea between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Guests can also enjoy a specially crafted Father’s Day Chocolate Stout dessert, combining dark chocolate, stout beer, and whipped cream to create a rich and indulgent finish to the occasion.

Through these thoughtfully designed dining experiences, The Hari Hong Kong aims to offer families and guests memorable moments while celebrating Father’s Day in an atmosphere that combines culinary excellence with warm hospitality.


Andaaz Restaurant Showcases the Royal Flavors of Lucknow and Vibrant Street Food of Mumbai in New Jersey

Andaaz Restaurant Showcases the Royal Flavors of Lucknow and Vibrant Street Food of Mumbai in New Jersey

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

Andaaz Restaurant, New Jersey, is bringing together two of India's most celebrated culinary traditions by offering guests an authentic dining experience inspired by the royal kitchens of Lucknow and the bustling street food culture of Mumbai.

Under the leadership of Ashish Tiwari, General Manager at Andaaz Restaurant, the establishment has curated a menu that highlights the diversity and richness of Indian cuisine, allowing diners to experience both the refined Nawabi flavors of North India and the bold, vibrant tastes that define Mumbai's iconic street food scene.

Indian cuisine is renowned for its regional diversity, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, historical influences, and evolving culinary traditions. At Andaaz Restaurant, this heritage comes alive through a carefully crafted menu featuring aromatic biryanis, succulent kebabs, rich curries, traditional chaats, and Mumbai-inspired street food favorites.

Drawing inspiration from the royal Mughal kitchens of Lucknow as well as the multicultural influences that have shaped India's culinary landscape over generations, the restaurant aims to offer an authentic yet contemporary dining experience. Traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques form the foundation of every dish served.

Speaking about the restaurant's culinary philosophy, Ashish Tiwari said that Andaaz Restaurant is committed to showcasing the extraordinary diversity of Indian cuisine. He noted that from the elegant Nawabi flavors of Lucknow to the lively and flavorful street food culture of Mumbai, every dish reflects India's rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage. He added that the restaurant seeks to provide guests in New Jersey with an experience that goes beyond food, capturing the true essence and spirit of India.

The menu features a wide selection of signature Indian dishes, including kebabs, curries, biryanis, chaats, and popular street snacks that have become synonymous with Mumbai's food culture. By combining authenticity with hospitality, the restaurant continues to attract diners seeking genuine Indian flavors in a welcoming setting.

With a strong focus on quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction, Andaaz Restaurant continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for Indian cuisine enthusiasts in New Jersey, offering a culinary journey that celebrates the depth and diversity of India's gastronomic heritage.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.