Nepal's popular restaurant brand Jimbu Thakali has made its India debut with the opening of its first outlet in Gurugram, introducing authentic Thakali cuisine from Nepal's Himalayan Mustang region to Indian diners.

Following the success of four outlets across Kathmandu, the restaurant has opened at M3M 65th Avenue, Sector 65, offering a dining experience centred around the culinary traditions of the Thakali community.

The highlight of the menu is the Thakali Thali, a traditional platter featuring lentils infused with the Himalayan herb Jimbu, fragrant rice, seasonal vegetables, crispy potatoes, fermented gundruk, tangy radish pickle, tomato chutney, and a choice of chicken or mutton. The dishes are prepared using traditional family recipes that celebrate the balance of flavours and ingredients characteristic of Thakali cuisine.

Beyond the signature thali, guests can explore a selection of Himalayan specialities, including Buckwheat Fries, Mutton Momos, Chicken Choila Wings, Sukuti Sandheko, Timur Chicken, and Baked Buckwheat Nachos, showcasing the bold and comforting flavours of Nepal.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on authentic Himalayan ingredients, including Timur, Nepal's distinctive pepper known for its citrus aroma and tingling finish, and Jimbu, a rare high-altitude herb valued for both its flavour and traditional medicinal properties.

Inspired by the historic salt trade routes connecting Nepal, Tibet, and India, Thakali cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange while preserving its Himalayan roots. This heritage is also reflected in the restaurant's interiors, which feature handcrafted Newari-style wooden windows inspired by the traditional homes of Mustang.

Alongside its signature Nepalese offerings, Jimbu Thakali also serves a curated selection of continental dishes, catering to a wider range of dining preferences.

Spread across 2,500 square feet with an 80-cover dining space, the restaurant aims to offer guests an immersive Himalayan dining experience complemented by warm Nepalese hospitality.

Restaurant Details

• Venue: Jimbu Thakali, M3M 65th Avenue, Sector 65, Gurugram
• Price for Two: ₹1,500 + GST

Friendship Day is the perfect occasion to catch up with your favourite people over great food and freshly brewed craft beer, and Tropika Brewing Co. is making the celebration even more memorable with its newly launched Tropikal Treats menu.

Located in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, the brewery offers a lively setting where friends can come together for long conversations, shared plates and refreshing brews.

The limited-edition menu features a variety of dishes that cater to every palate. Guests can begin with appetisers such as Peri Peri Corn Cob Ribs and Shawarma in Pita Pockets, before moving on to hearty specialities including Andhra Naatu Kodi Vepudu, Smoked Tandoori Chicken, Telangana Lamb Chops, and Ghee Roast Pomfret.

Seafood enthusiasts can also enjoy dishes like Hot & Spicy Prawns, Crab Cakes & Crackers, and the Kerala-inspired Meen Pollichathu Fillet, all paired with Tropika's freshly brewed craft beers.

Designed to bring people together over flavourful food and refreshing drinks, the Tropikal Treats menu offers the perfect setting for reunions, weekend catch-ups or spontaneous Friendship Day celebrations.

This Friendship Day, gather your gang, enjoy seasonal flavours and raise a toast to friendships that deserve to be celebrated.

• Venue: Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli, Bengaluru.

Friendship Day is all about celebrating the people who make life's best moments even better. Whether it's catching up over brunch, sharing comforting food, sipping handcrafted cocktails or simply spending quality time together, Mumbai has plenty of places to make the occasion memorable.

From lively restaurants and cosy cafés to indulgent brunches and wellness experiences, here's a curated list of destinations where friendships can be celebrated in style this Friendship Day.

1. Harajuku Tokyo Cafe

If your idea of Friendship Day includes sushi, ramen and desserts shared around the table, Harajuku Tokyo Cafe is the place to be. Its colourful Japanese-inspired interiors and menu filled with crowd favourites make it an ideal spot for friends looking to enjoy a relaxed meal together.

2. Torii, Khar

Celebrate meaningful conversations over exceptional Pan-Asian cuisine at Torii. With thoughtfully crafted dishes, signature cocktails and an ambience that's both stylish and welcoming, the restaurant offers the perfect setting for spending quality time with your closest friends.

3. Amelia, BKC

This Friendship Day, Amelia is adding a playful twist to celebrations with Mahjong & Mochas, organised in collaboration with Bombay Times. Guests can enjoy engaging games, handcrafted mochas and Amelia's elegant European-inspired setting, creating an afternoon filled with laughter and conversation.

4. JW Café, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Bring your favourite people together for a leisurely Friendship Day brunch at JW Café. Featuring an extensive spread of dishes and a warm atmosphere, it's the perfect destination to enjoy great food while creating lasting memories.

5. Papi, Khar

For those who enjoy lively celebrations, Papi offers vibrant interiors, cocktails on tap and a menu designed for sharing. It's the kind of place where casual catch-ups effortlessly turn into unforgettable evenings.

6. Amichi, Bandra

Nothing brings friends together like authentic Italian food. At Amichi, handcrafted Neapolitan pizzas, comforting coffee and cosy interiors create a welcoming space for long conversations and memorable meals.

7. Malgudi South Indian Resto-cafe

Known for its unique Malgudi's Happiest Hour, the resto-café invites guests to enjoy bottomless filter kaapi paired with relaxed conversations. Whether you're meeting family or lifelong friends, Malgudi offers a warm and comforting way to celebrate the day.

8. Habibay

Friendship Day at Habibay is all about sharing. Its specially curated Mediterranean platters and limited-edition Friendship Day combos are designed for groups looking to enjoy fresh, flavourful dishes together.

9. Coffee Island

Experience a taste of Greece at Coffee Island, where the newly introduced Greek menu features authentic Mediterranean-inspired recipes. Paired with specialty coffee, it's a refreshing option for friends looking to spend a relaxed afternoon together.

10. Lyla

Celebrate the occasion with a vibrant weekend brunch at Lyla. From a live taco station and an indulgent grazing table to a lively atmosphere, it's an ideal destination for spending quality time with friends over delicious food.

11. Ivory Atelier

For those looking beyond dining, Ivory Atelier in Juhu offers a unique Friendship Day experience. Guests can enjoy hair, skin and nail services before relaxing at the in-house café, making it the perfect destination for a day of pampering and reconnecting.

12. Amaru

Celebrate Friendship Day with an indulgent Sunday Brunch at Amaru, where Asian and Peruvian flavours come together alongside handcrafted cocktails and live music. Interactive stations featuring Peruvian ceviche and Japanese okonomiyaki, a live dessert bar, fresh juices and signature dishes such as California Explosion sushi rolls, Rock Shrimp, Salmon Carpaccio and Amaru Curry make it an experience worth sharing with friends.

Whether you're planning a relaxed coffee date, a lively brunch or an evening filled with cocktails and conversations, these destinations across Mumbai offer something for every kind of friendship. This Friendship Day, gather your favourite people and celebrate with experiences that are just as memorable as the bonds you share.