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.


Golden Dragon Launches Dragon Bowls for a Contemporary Weekday Lunch Experience at Taj Coromandel Chennai

Golden Dragon Launches Dragon Bowls for a Contemporary Weekday Lunch Experience at Taj Coromandel Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on June 23, 2026

Chennai’s iconic dining destination, Golden Dragon, has unveiled Dragon Bowls, a new weekday lunch experience designed to bring together the comforting flavours of Asia in a contemporary and convenient format.

Located at the renowned Taj Coromandel, the restaurant’s latest offering caters to modern diners seeking wholesome, flavourful meals without compromising on authenticity. Inspired by the Cantonese philosophy of harmony, each bowl is crafted to balance colour, texture, flavour, and temperature, creating a complete dining experience.

The menu features a range of thoughtfully curated bowls showcasing premium ingredients and traditional Asian cooking techniques. Highlights include the Emperor’s Fried Rice Bowl, featuring wok-tossed prawns over fragrant jasmine rice finished with chilli garlic oil and a soft-cooked egg, and the Silk Route Noodle Bowl, which combines flat wheat noodles, slow-braised pork, bok choy, and Sichuan pepper broth.

Guests can also enjoy the Clay Pot Treasures Bowl, where sticky rice, shiitake mushrooms, and soy-glazed chicken are finished tableside with hot oil for added aroma and texture.

Vegetarian diners are equally well catered to with the Jade Garden Bowl, a nourishing combination of edamame, lotus root, water chestnut, and tofu served in a delicate ginger-sesame broth over brown rice. Those looking for bolder flavours can opt for the Fire Dragon Bowl, available with Mala chicken or Mapo tofu, accompanied by pickled cucumber to balance its signature heat.

Each Dragon Bowl is completed with crispy wonton strips, toasted sesame, fresh scallions, and Golden Dragon’s house-made chilli crisp, adding layers of flavour and texture.

With Dragon Bowls, Golden Dragon continues to blend culinary tradition with contemporary dining preferences, offering Chennai diners a vibrant and satisfying weekday lunch experience.


Jigger Launches Spiced Tamarind, India’s First Sweet-Sour Ready-to-Serve Spirit

Jigger Launches Spiced Tamarind, India’s First Sweet-Sour Ready-to-Serve Spirit

By Hariharan U

Published on June 22, 2026

Jigger, India’s first Ready-to-Serve (RTS) shots brand, has announced the launch of Spiced Tamarind, introducing what it describes as India’s first sweet-sour spirit. The product will be available from June 2026 across Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Goa, with plans for expansion into additional markets.

The launch marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has spent over three years developing the product. Inspired by India’s long-standing love for tamarind-based flavours found in street food, chutneys, and traditional treats, the company sought to recreate the familiar sweet-sour balance in a full-strength alcoholic beverage.

According to Jigger, achieving the desired flavour profile required extensive research involving distillers, food chemists, and flavour experts from India, Canada, and the United States. The development process also included studying tamarind’s use in cocktails and beverages in Thailand, where the ingredient has long been incorporated into mixology.

The new Spiced Tamarind variant features a flavour profile built around bright tamarind notes, natural sweetness, and subtle savoury spice. It is offered at 37.5% ABV and is available in both a 60ml double-serve format and a 750ml celebration bottle.

Speaking about the launch, Anubhav Khanna, Co-Founder and CEO of Jigger, said the inspiration came from everyday Indian food culture and nostalgic childhood flavours. He noted that recreating tamarind’s characteristic sweet-sour balance in a spirit was a complex challenge that required years of experimentation and refinement.

Founded in 2023 by Madira Ventures, Jigger has positioned itself around transforming familiar Indian flavours into ready-to-serve spirits. Its portfolio already includes variants such as Meetha Paan, Coffee Toffee, and Litchi Rose.

With Spiced Tamarind, the company continues its focus on celebrating Indian taste profiles while expanding the possibilities within the country’s growing alcobev industry.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Brings Kashmiri Flavours to Nazaara with “Wazwan Tales”

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Brings Kashmiri Flavours to Nazaara with “Wazwan Tales”

By Hariharan U

Published on June 22, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is bringing the rich culinary traditions of Kashmir to Bengaluru with Wazwan Tales,” an exclusive dining showcase at its rooftop restaurant, Nazaara. The festival will run from June 19 to June 28, 2026, offering guests an immersive experience inspired by the celebrated Wazwan heritage.

Curated by Chef Nisaar Ahmad Khan and the hotel’s culinary team, the showcase highlights the slow-cooked flavours, aromatic spices, and royal traditions that define Kashmiri cuisine. Set against the open-air ambience of Nazaara, diners can explore a menu featuring signature dishes such as Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Tabak Maaz, and Yakhni Pulao.

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The experience also includes charcoal-grilled seekh kebabs prepared fresh off the grill, along with vegetarian specialities like Nadru Yakhni and Dum Aloo Kashmiri. Traditional accompaniments including Kahwa, Sheermal, and saffron-and-almond Phirni complete the authentic Kashmiri feast.

Adding to the celebration, The Hebbal Cafe will host a special Wazwan Tales-themed Sunday Brunch on June 28, 2026. The brunch will combine Kashmiri delicacies with an extensive spread of Indian and international favourites, complemented by unlimited mocktails, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The hotel aims to recreate the grandeur of a traditional Wazwan feast, giving Bengaluru diners an opportunity to experience the flavours and hospitality of Kashmir in an elevated rooftop setting.

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