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By Hariharan U
Published on February 19, 2026
BORN Restaurants has expanded its growing portfolio with the launch of FU FU, a bold new Pan-Asian restaurant in Alwarpet, Chennai. Marking the group’s seventh launch in the past year, FU FU positions itself as a fearless response to the way Asian cuisine has often been softened for mainstream palates.
Born out of the idea that Asian food is loud, layered, emotional, and unapologetic, FU FU embraces intensity rather than toning it down. Garlic doesn’t apologise, chillies don’t whisper, and broths are given time. From sushi and a cured-and-cut raw bar to okonomiyaki, robata grill, dim sum, bao, cheng fun, sizzling stone bowls, and stir-fries, the menu is expansive yet sharply curated.
The name itself carries cultural resonance. “Fu” (福) in Chinese symbolises happiness, good fortune, and prosperity, often displayed upside down during Lunar New Year to signify that fortune has arrived. FU FU embodies that irreverent joy while staying deeply rooted in Asian culinary traditions.
Manoj Padmanaban, Co-Founder of BORN Restaurants, explains the philosophy behind the beverage programme: “Across Asia, palate cleansers and small rituals have always been part of dining. At FU FU, we play with that idea boldly. ‘Mouthwash’ was created from a joke everyone knows, that you can’t kiss after an Asian meal. It’s a tall, sweet blue drink served over ice that resets the palate between flavour-packed dishes heavy on onion, ginger, and garlic. They say you can’t kiss after an Asian meal. Now, you can.”
Japtej Ahluwalia, Co-Founder of BORN Restaurants and Double Roti, adds, “FU FU draws strongly from the spirit of the tiger — intensity, confidence, and presence, balanced with joy. It’s powerful yet welcoming, designed for families and large gatherings to truly experience that vibrant energy together.”
The 94-seater space, including a 12-seater private dining room, unfolds dramatically. Guests enter through a deliberately minimal lift lobby before stepping into a moody open-plan dining room layered with mirrors, rust tones, and subtle red accents. A striking cat-inspired light installation above the bar shifts colour through the evening, transforming the energy of the space. The aesthetic blends the polish of a downtown Singapore cocktail bar with the high-energy chaos of a late night on Bangkok’s Soi 11.
Leading the kitchen is Chef Gopalsami Mani, whose culinary journey spans Tamil Nadu, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. His cooking balances global finesse with homegrown depth, delivering flavours that are bold, joyful, and unapologetically Asian.
FU FU joins BORN Restaurants’ award-winning portfolio that includes concepts such as Jolly Indian, Sortd, Double Dashi, and Cherry Pond. While each brand carries a distinct identity, FU FU stands out as the group’s flagship — a riot of flavour, design, and cultural attitude unlike anything Chennai has seen before.
Restaurant Details
Address: 3rd Floor, Born Restaurants LLP, CP Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018
Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Lunch) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Dinner)
Reservations: +91 96000 37124
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Published on August 22, 2026
This August, Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is bringing a warm and comforting Chinese dining experience to the city with Hot-Pot: The Comfort of Togetherness, running from 17–30 August.
The experience offers guests a choice of three broths, Sichuan, Asian Mushroom and Tomato Stock. These can be paired with a selection of vegetables, meats, seafood and noodles, giving diners the option to build a hot-pot meal to their liking.
Designed for sharing, the experience is well suited for Mumbai's monsoon season and offers a relaxed way to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
With its focus on warm broths, fresh ingredients and a shared dining format, Hot-Pot: The Comfort of Togetherness adds a seasonal option to Mumbai's August dining scene
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Rakhi gifting gets a sweeter and more playful touch this year with Harajuku Bakehouse at BKC, offering Japanese-inspired desserts that make for a fun surprise for siblings with a sweet tooth.
Known for its kawaii Japanese-inspired look, colourful bakes and picture-perfect treats, Harajuku Bakehouse brings together desserts that can be enjoyed as gifts or shared during a sibling outing.
For those looking to try something different, the menu features Bento Cakes in chocolate, vanilla and rainbow flavours, along with the soft and jiggly Japanese Cotton Cheesecake and the eye-catching Mt. Fuji Tiramisu.
Smaller treats are also available, including Nutella Dorayaki and Japanese Nama Chocolate Fudge Brownies, offering easy gifting options for siblings who enjoy trying new desserts.
The experience goes beyond desserts, with Harajuku Bakehouse also offering a selection of matcha, hojicha and boba drinks. Guests can choose from Iced Strawberry Matcha, Hojicha Lattes, Tiger Brown Sugar Milk Tea and Iced Boba Matcha, making it easy to turn a Rakhi dessert stop into a complete sibling date.
With its colourful setting and playful presentation, Harajuku Bakehouse offers a different take on Rakhi gifting. Whether it is a cute cake to share or a selection of desserts and drinks to explore together, the Bakehouse gives siblings another reason to spend time together this Rakhi.
This Rakhi, instead of going with the usual mithai or chocolates, siblings can explore Harajuku Bakehouse’s Japanese-inspired desserts and add something new and sweet to the celebrations.
Published on August 21, 2026
The Hazelnut Factory (THF) has marked its entry into Uttarakhand with the opening of THF Lakehouse on the iconic Mall Road in Nainital. Inaugurated on 10th August 2026, the new destination is the brand’s 23rd edition, bringing together its signature artisanal mithai, handcrafted desserts, specialty coffee, fresh bakery and all-day dining.
Set against the scenic beauty of Nainital Lake, THF Lakehouse has been designed to blend with the character of the hill destination. The space combines contemporary touches with the old-world charm of Nainital, creating a warm setting for travellers, families and locals to spend time over food and coffee.
The launch was celebrated in the presence of Smt. Sarita Arya, MLA of the Nainital Assembly Constituency.
For Ankit Sahni, Founder & CEO of The Hazelnut Factory, the opening also carries a personal connection, as he spent his school years in Nainital.
“Nainital has always held a very special place in my heart. I spent my school years here, and to return to the city with something we have built from the ground up is an incredibly meaningful feeling. With THF Lakehouse, we wanted to create a space that feels connected to Nainital - warm, welcoming and rooted in its character, while bringing the quality, craftsmanship and hospitality that define The Hazelnut Factory. It is wonderful to see locals and travellers come together over good food, coffee and the simple joy of being in a beautiful place.”
The Nainital launch is also an important step in THF’s growth journey. Starting from Lucknow, the brand has grown into one of North India’s fastest-growing premium food and beverage brands, bringing together artisanal mithai, specialty coffee, bakery, patisserie and contemporary hospitality.
With THF Lakehouse, the brand continues its approach of presenting familiar Indian flavours in a contemporary way while creating spaces that connect with their surroundings.
In Nainital, this connection comes together through the setting itself, where mountains, coffee, conversations and memories meet against the backdrop of Nainital Lake.
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