Callebaut Unveils the Third Edition of India’s PATISSIER OF THE YEAR Competition

Callebaut Unveils the Third Edition of India’s PATISSIER OF THE YEAR Competition

By Author

Published on December 15, 2023

Callebaut, the renowned producer of the Finest Belgian Chocolate, is thrilled to announce the return of its flagship event, Callebaut Patissier of the Year (CPY) 2024, in collaboration with Chocolate Academy Mumbai. This prestigious competition invites chefs and artisans to showcase their creative mastery in the art of chocolate crafting.

Celebrating a century of crafting The Finest Belgian Chocolate, Callebaut recognizes the paramount value of originality in the world of chocolate and pastry. This year's theme, 'Craft Your Signature,' emphasizes the uniqueness of every chef. CPY 2024 aims to create a platform that celebrates chefs for who they are – their background, culture, and authentic selves.

The competition features qualifying rounds challenging participants to showcase their originality through chocolate creations. Scheduled through February 2024 in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, the qualifier winners will compete in the finale set to take place in Mumbai in May 2024.

Dhruva Sanyal, Managing Director of India for Barry Callebaut, said, “As we embark on the third edition of Callebaut Patissier of the Year, we are excited to witness the diverse and innovative creations of our talented Indian chefs. This competition reflects our commitment to supporting and celebrating the unique talents within the culinary world.”

Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, invited participants to become a part of the Callebaut family, emphasizing the competition as not only a chance to compete but also to learn. “We welcome you to become a part of the Callebaut and Global Chocolate Academy™ Network. We’re thrilled to witness groundbreaking creation techniques and excited to see the best talents come forward to participate in the competition. We are excited to find the best gem of the pastry chef community together,” he added.

Applications are open from December 1, 2023, and can be submitted online until January 20, 2024. An esteemed jury led by Pratik Deshmukh will evaluate the applications.

The title winner will enjoy a privileged visit to the world's largest chocolate factory in Wieze, Belgium. The first runner-up will receive a masterclass at Chocolate Academy Dubai, while the second runner-up will be awarded an international masterclass at Chocolate Academy Mumbai.

Callebaut's CPY 2024 promises not just a competition but a celebration of creativity and individuality in the world of chocolate crafting. As the legacy continues, it invites participants to showcase their unique signatures and be a part of a community passionate about the artistry of chocolate.


LunchBox by Rebel Foods Expands Shravan Specials Menu with New Satvik Offerings

LunchBox by Rebel Foods Expands Shravan Specials Menu with New Satvik Offerings

By Hariharan U

Published on July 30, 2026

LunchBox by Rebel Foods has announced the return of its Shravan Specials menu, introducing an expanded range of satvik dishes for the festive season. Available from 30 July 2026, the limited-period menu will be served across more than 400 kitchens in over 120 cities.

Designed for customers observing Shravan fasts, this year's menu introduces three new additions: Hariyali Malai Paneer, a herb-infused paneer preparation; Masala Arbi, a comforting vrat favourite; and Rajgira Halwa, a traditional festive dessert. The expanded selection aims to offer greater variety while remaining true to the principles of satvik cooking.

Commenting on the launch, Nishant Kedia, Chief Marketing Officer, Rebel Foods, said, "Shravan is one of those occasions where food is deeply rooted in tradition and emotion. At LunchBox, we've seen customers come back to these meals year after year because they deliver the comfort and authenticity people look for during the season. This year, we've expanded the menu with three new additions while staying true to the principles of satvik cooking, making it easier than ever to enjoy wholesome festive meals without compromising on taste."

Prepared specifically for the Shravan season, the menu is 100% satvik, made using Sendha Namak and contains no onion and no garlic. It combines traditional fasting recipes with wholesome ingredients while offering customers the convenience of doorstep delivery.

Alongside the new dishes, LunchBox has also brought back several customer favourites, including the Sabudana Khichdi Curd Meal, Upvas Aloo Pattice, Sabudana Vada, Paneer Makhmali, Kuttu Paneer Pakoda, and Sabudana Paratha, providing a wide selection of festive meals throughout the season.

The Shravan Specials menu is available for delivery through EatSure, Swiggy, and Zomato, catering to customers observing weekly fasts, month-long Shravan traditions, or those simply seeking wholesome satvik meals.


India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2026

India's food and beverage landscape is welcoming three distinctive dining experiences this August, each bringing its own culinary identity to Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad. From authentic Chinese regional cuisine and a thoughtfully curated Japanese-inspired cocktail programme to a rooftop destination celebrating India's diverse regional flavours, these new launches showcase the evolving tastes of modern diners.

Spice Traders Brings China's Eight Great Cuisines to Goa

Perched above Vagator with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Spice Traders draws inspiration from China's Eight Great Cuisines, presenting regional flavours under one roof. The menu reflects the culinary traditions of Sichuan, Cantonese, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Anhui, and Shandong, offering a journey through China's diverse food culture.

The restaurant's interiors are inspired by the ancient spice routes, featuring warm lighting, handcrafted elements, rich red accents, an open staircase, and a mix of communal and intimate seating that complements the dining experience.

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The menu highlights locally sourced seafood alongside regional Chinese favourites such as Mala Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Hunan Sea Bass, Mongolian Lamb Fire, and Lamb Open Bao. Adding another dimension is the introduction of Chifa cuisine, the Chinese-Peruvian culinary tradition that emerged through Cantonese migration to Peru. Dishes including Chifa Sea Bass, Black Cod with Amazonica sauce, Pork Belly and Eggplant with vinegar miso, Lamb Ribs with Sichuan spice and aji amarillo, and Chaufa Fried Rice reflect this cross-cultural influence.

Guests can also enjoy signature experiences such as a gong service for celebrations, private dining at The House of Red, and Spiced Up Sunsets overlooking the Arabian Sea.

"The Eight Great Chinese Cuisines gave Spice Traders its grammar," says Chef Avinash. "Once you begin thinking about heat, fermentation, texture and balance through those regional traditions, following that journey eventually led us to Lima and Chifa. I would never describe our menu as fusion. The influences are flavour-driven, but they remain integral to the restaurant's culinary language."

Adrift Kaya Introduces a Chapter-Led Cocktail Experience in Delhi

Adrift Kaya has unveiled a new cocktail programme inspired by Edo-period Japanese bar discipline and Indian terroir. Led by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, the contemporary Japanese restaurant continues its focus on precision, craftsmanship, and global influences through a menu that traces flavours from Japan to India along the Silk Route.

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The cocktail menu is presented as a structured narrative, progressing from light and delicate profiles to richer, more layered creations. Using techniques such as fat-washing, broth clarification, and fermentation, the programme combines Japanese methods with Indian ingredients including jaggery, buransh, pickle, kahwa, saffron, and regional herbs.

The first chapter, Edo | Origins of Discipline, features drinks like Broth of Edo and Grain of the Rising Sun, centred on purity and umami. The Silk Route | Controlled Opulence introduces Sunstone Negroni and Silk Root, balancing spices and preserved flavours with refined structure. The Himalayas | Altitude and Reduction highlights Garhwal Snow and Valley of Gold, focusing on herbal freshness and restoration. The final chapter, Delhi | Arrival and Density, reimagines familiar Indian flavours through cocktails such as The Red Fort Old Fashioned and Dilli 6 Spritz.

The programme reflects how geography, trade, and cultural exchange continue to influence flavour while presenting Indian ingredients through globally recognised cocktail techniques.

Vayu Brings Regional Indian Cuisine to Hyderabad's Rooftops

Hyderabad has welcomed Vayu, a new rooftop resto-bar designed as a social destination where food, cocktails, music, and conversation come together. Inspired by the Sanskrit word for wind, Vayu celebrates India's culinary diversity by exploring regional ingredients and traditional flavours from across the country.

The rooftop space combines contemporary architecture with thoughtfully designed interiors, offering intimate seating, communal tables, and a lively bar area suited for after-work gatherings, weekend outings, and evening celebrations.

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The food menu showcases specialties from multiple regions, including Andhra's Gongura Mamsaam, Kundapur Ghee Roast from coastal Karnataka, Kerala's Meen Pollichattu, Kolhapuri Mutton Sukka, Butter Chicken from Old Delhi, Shrimp Pickle with Masala Brioche, Chicken Wings Vepudu, Steamed Kalimpong Momos, and Jeedipappu Pakoda.

Its cocktail programme, The Paper Plane's Logbook, follows a journey across India, with each drink inspired by regional ingredients and memories. Signature cocktails include Crimson Wind with gongura and tequila, Kokum Cloud featuring gin, kokum, and passionfruit, and Firestorm Ember made with ginger-infused tequila and fermented chilli agave.

"Vayu has been envisioned as a social destination that reflects the energy of Hyderabad today," says Mr. Amardeep Singh, Multi Property General Manager, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. "The focus has been on building a strong cocktail programme alongside a menu that celebrates regional Indian flavours, creating a space where guests can spend an entire evening embracing the cosmopolitan spirit of Hyderabad."

With these three launches, Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad continue to expand India's vibrant dining landscape, offering experiences that blend regional traditions, global influences, and contemporary hospitality under one roof.


The Hood by Olive Launches Bear Claw Window with Fresh Ice Cream Swirls

The Hood by Olive Launches Bear Claw Window with Fresh Ice Cream Swirls

By Hariharan U

Published on July 29, 2026

The Hood by Olive has introduced Bear Claw Window, a new walk-up ice cream swirl experience at its Bengaluru outlet, bringing the spontaneous charm of Japan’s Bear Paw cafes to the city’s dessert scene.

Opened on 27 June 2026, the dedicated counter offers freshly assembled soft swirls prepared to order, allowing guests to enjoy handcrafted desserts without reservations or minimum spends. Available from 12 PM to 12 AM, the concept is designed as an accessible neighbourhood dessert stop with each swirl priced at ₹100.

Inspired by the three Hoods of Gion in Kyoto, San Lorenzo in Florence, and Mar Mikhael in Beirut, the Bear Claw Window brings together global flavour influences through a simple and interactive dessert format.

The opening menu features four handcrafted swirls. The Just Vanilla Swirl combines double vanilla bean ice cream with biscuit and mango, while the Japanese Caramel Swirl pairs smooth vanilla ice cream with salted Japanese caramel. The Italian Affogato Swirl blends Arabica coffee ice cream with espresso and hot chocolate, and the Lebanese Coffee Swirl combines Arabica coffee ice cream with cardamom-spiced white chocolate.

Each swirl is prepared fresh at the counter, offering guests a quick yet crafted dessert experience with distinct flavour profiles inspired by different culinary cultures.

With the launch of Bear Claw Window, The Hood by Olive continues to explore new formats that combine global influences with approachable dining experiences for the neighbourhood.

Experience Details

Venue: The Hood by Olive, Krishna Manaera, 14/1, Wood St, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
Timings: 12 PM – 12 AM

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