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.


Barista Coffee Unveils Festive Hazelnut Menu Across India

Barista Coffee Unveils Festive Hazelnut Menu Across India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 13, 2025

Barista Coffee has introduced a special festive café menu created with premium hazelnuts, bringing the warmth and flavours of winter to its outlets across India. The menu has been launched in collaboration with Hazelnuts for India, an initiative focused on promoting high-quality hazelnuts in the country. As part of the campaign titled “Go HazelNUTS with Barista,” the new offerings will be available across 150 Barista cafés in major metro cities.

The exclusive festive menu was unveiled at a special launch event held at Barista’s flagship café in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. The event offered guests an immersive tasting experience, showcasing the entire range in a cosy café setting themed around coffee and hazelnuts. The limited-edition menu features the Hazelnut Crunchy Frappe, Hazelnut Dry Latte, Hazelnut Matcha Tea Cake, and Hazelnut Chocolate Tart, each made using premium hazelnuts known for their rich flavour and texture. The menu will be available from 1st December 2025 to 28th February 2026.

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Speaking at the launch, Mansi Ahuja, Hazelnuts India Representative, AMPRO Marketing, said, “Go HazelNUTS with Barista campaign aims to place hazelnuts at the heart of the café experience. Through Hazelnuts for India, we want guests to discover hazelnuts in multiple forms, in their coffee, in their desserts and in their everyday indulgences, offering a healthy indulgent twist to their choices. The encouraging response at the launch reinforces our belief that hazelnuts have a natural place in India’s evolving café culture.”

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Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, added, “We’ve always enjoyed experimenting with flavours and finding new ways to make every coffee moment feel a little more special. Over the years, our menu has continuously evolved to bring fresh, exciting, and premium tastes to coffee lovers across the country. Our new hazelnut-inspired offerings are another step in surprising our customers with choices that elevate their everyday moments. At Barista, we’re committed to pushing boundaries and creating café experiences that feel both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly new.”

The collaboration highlights the versatility of hazelnuts while strengthening Barista’s role as a preferred destination for festive indulgence and gifting. With this seasonal menu, Barista adds a warm and flavourful touch to the winter months, bringing a delightful café experience to guests across India.


CocoCart & Cafe Opens at Mumbai Airport Terminal 2, Redefining Traveler Experience

CocoCart & Cafe Opens at Mumbai Airport Terminal 2, Redefining Traveler Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 11, 2025

CocoCart & Cafe has officially opened its doors at Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2 Arrivals this November, marking a deliberate shift from chocolate retailer to comprehensive lifestyle destination. The flagship outlet reimagines airport dining by combining globally curated confectionery with a full café experience, ensuring travelers enjoy comfort and quality during their arrival moments. Operating 24/7 in alignment with airport schedules, the café aims to provide indulgence without compromise, whether for a quick coffee or a full meal after a long flight.

The brand’s founders, Karan Ahuja and Arjun Ahuja, designed the café to meet travelers at an emotional touchpoint – post-flight, often fatigued, and in need of grounding. The space caters to both hurried guests and those with time to enjoy a proper meal. CocoCart’s “whimsical wanderer” design narrative draws on vintage travel motifs, featuring scalloped detailing, striped panels, and a warm palette anchored in Apricot Swirl and Molten Fudge tones. A dedicated quiet zone with charging stations also serves as a coworking area, providing a functional space for business travelers.

The menu balances comfort and craft, offering breakfast items such as Rosti, Kejriwal, and Paneer Akuri, mains including customizable pasta and ramen, and handcrafted focaccia sandwiches available throughout the day. Every dish prioritizes quality ingredients and artisanal preparation, grounding travelers while staying true to CocoCart’s culinary philosophy.

The café’s beverage and dessert program draws from the brand’s curated international chocolate collection, featuring signature drinks like Rhine Valley Dark Hot Chocolate and Lindt Mocha, alongside desserts including Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Cake and the World’s Best Godiva Cookie. Retail and café experiences are seamlessly integrated, allowing guests to select chocolates and hampers from top brands such as Neuhaus, Venchi, Godiva, Whittaker’s, Feastables, Ferrero, and Lindt, reflecting CocoCart’s commitment to craftsmanship and thoughtful hospitality.

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Avantika Ahuja, Founder of CocoCart & Cafe, said, “I’ve always believed that when you respect the ingredient, you respect the consumer. Everything we do, from import to cold chain to café service, is rooted in that simple principle. India deserves chocolate that is honest, beautifully crafted, and presented with intention, and CocoCart & Cafe exists to make that standard accessible to everyone.”

A soft launch preview for select media, influencers, and loyal patrons offered curated tastings, interactive gifting experiences, and immersive installations, capturing the brand’s “Come for the chocolate. Stay for the wonder.” ethos. Seasonal menu rotations and in-house collaborations with chocolate brands ensure the concept remains dynamic. As Karan Ahuja explained, the outlet is “where that magic greets you at arrival”, transforming routine transit into a memorable experience through carefully brewed coffee, artisanal meals, and thoughtful gifting.


Dirty Apron Reopens at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre in New Delhi

Dirty Apron Reopens at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre in New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 11, 2025

Dirty Apron has officially reopened at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre, returning with a renewed energy and a stronger sense of purpose. The restaurant, loved for its slow-paced and soul-stirring approach to food, now steps into a fresh chapter under the guidance of Chef Manoj Pandey, where every dish is crafted with care, imagination and quiet artistry.

The space carries the unmistakable charm Dirty Apron is known for a mix of European comfort and Asian warmth, presented with creative flair. Long before experimental dining became popular in the city, Dirty Apron had already carved its identity as one of New Delhi’s early pioneers. With this reopening, the restaurant continues to build on that legacy with a flavour-focused menu shaped by innovation, balance and fine technique.

The experience shifts beautifully through the day. Afternoons feel light and calm, while evenings turn warm and softly lit, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxed conversations. Service remains attentive and unhurried, encouraging guests to slow down, savour their meal and enjoy the moment without the usual rush of city dining. More than just good food, Dirty Apron offers a dining experience that feels personal, intentional and thoughtfully paced.

The refreshed menu features standout creations such as Reconstructed Tom Kha, Caesar Salad 2.0, Edamame & Truffle Dimsum, Quinoa, Asparagus & Truffle Risotto, Spicy Miso Black Cod, and the Yuzu Bar, dishes designed to comfort, surprise and inspire in equal measure.

The venue also doubles as a warm and intimate space for private gatherings. Whether it’s a small team dinner, a celebration with close friends or a quiet milestone event, Dirty Apron can comfortably host 30–35 guests, offering great food, a cosy setting and a completely relaxed pace.

For anyone planning a heartfelt celebration or looking for flavours that leave a lasting impression, Dirty Apron is ready to welcome guests back with open arms.

  • Address: Second Floor, The Piano Man, Eldeco Center, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi - 110017

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