Chef Chinna Karuppan Unveils the Timeless Flavours of South India at CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

Chef Chinna Karuppan Unveils the Timeless Flavours of South India at CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

By Author

Published on January 17, 2025

CUR8, the vibrant dining destination at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, is set to host an extraordinary South Indian Food Festival led by the esteemed Chef Chinna Karuppan. From January 17 to 26, 2025, guests will embark on a flavorful journey celebrating the rich culinary heritage of South India, with a menu inspired by the spice plantations of Kerala and the coastal kitchens of Tamil Nadu.

A Culinary Maestro

With over a decade of experience at prestigious establishments like The Leela Ashtamudi, Pullman and Novotel Hotel Delhi Airport, and Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel, Chef Chinna Karuppan has perfected the art of blending traditional South Indian flavors with contemporary techniques and modern plating.

Hailing from the charming village of Malavalabu, Tamil Nadu, Chef Chinna’s passion for South Indian cuisine was nurtured from an early age. From mastering treasured family recipes to assisting local caterers, he developed a deep-rooted love for cooking. Now, his expertise shines in signature dishes like the iconic Madurai Mutton Sukka, a celebration of bold regional flavors with a modern twist.

Festival Highlights

The South Indian Food Festival at CUR8 will feature a curated menu of Chef Chinna’s signature dishes, each crafted with authentic spices and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor:

  • Nandu Kuzhambu: A rich crab curry from Tamil Nadu.
  • Lobster Thokku Masala: A flavorful indulgence from Kerala.
  • Fish Nirvana: A coastal delicacy inspired by Kerala’s culinary traditions.
  • Gongura Mutton: A tangy, aromatic mutton dish.
  • Kakarakaya Stuffed Fry: A bold and spicy stuffed bitter gourd preparation.

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Each dish is a testament to Chef Chinna’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and authenticity.

“I believe in celebrating the authenticity of South Indian flavors while embracing modern techniques to elevate the dining experience,” Chef Chinna shares. “Cooking recipes inherited from my mother brings me immense joy, especially when I come close to her original flavors.”

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An Immersive Experience

Set against the warm and inviting ambience of CUR8, the festival promises a sensory feast for culinary enthusiasts. With its live kitchens and Chef Chinna’s mastery on display, the event is a celebration of South India’s diverse culinary landscape.

Dates: January 17 to 26, 2025

For reservations and more details, contact Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru or visit their website.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the timeless flavors of South India, reimagined by Chef Chinna Karuppan.


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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