Chef Jai Prakash Brings the Soul of Tamil Nadu to the Monsoon Table with Murungakkai Rasam

Chef Jai Prakash Brings the Soul of Tamil Nadu to the Monsoon Table with Murungakkai Rasam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 9, 2026

As the monsoon season sets in, Chef Jai Prakash, South Indian Specialty Chef at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, brings the comforting flavours of South India to the table with an authentic Murungakkai Rasam, or Drumstick Soup.

A much-loved preparation in Tamil Nadu, Murungakkai Rasam brings together the earthy flavour of drumstick with the richness of toor dal, the freshness of tomato and onion, and the warmth of garlic, pepper and traditional spices. Light yet flavourful, the soup makes for a comforting choice during the rainy season.

The recipe also makes use of the water in which the drumsticks are cooked. Rather than discarding it, the water is retained to capture the natural essence of the drumstick and forms the base of the soup.

Murungakkai Rasam Recipe

Ingredients

  • 5 drumsticks

  • 2 tablespoons toor dal (pigeon pea)

  • 75 grams medium-sized onion

  • 6 garlic cloves

  • 50 grams small-sized tomato

  • ½ teaspoon coarse pepper powder

  • Salt as per taste

  • 5 sprigs of coriander leaves

For Tempering

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1-inch cinnamon stick

  • 2 cloves

Preparation

Start by washing and chopping the drumsticks into little-finger-sized pieces. Add them to a vessel with 4 cups of water and pressure cook until the drumsticks are well cooked.

Once cooked, retain the drumstick water as it carries the essence and nutrients of the vegetable. Strain the water and keep it aside. Using a spoon, remove the pulp from the cooked drumsticks and keep it separately. Pressure cook the toor dal separately and keep it ready.

Bringing the Rasam Together

Heat a pan and add cooking oil or butter. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick and cloves, and sauté for a minute to release their aroma.

Add the finely chopped onion and garlic along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions turn transparent, making sure they do not become too brown. Next, add the chopped tomato and peppercorns. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy. Add the mashed toor dal and mix everything well.

Pour in the reserved drumstick water and allow the mixture to boil on a low flame. Add half of the drumstick pulp, keeping the remaining pulp aside. Let the soup simmer for around 10 minutes, allowing the flavours of the drumstick pulp to blend with the masala base. Add salt as required.

Remove the soup from the flame and allow it to cool. Once cooled, blend it until smooth and clear. Clean the pan and place it back on the flame. Pour the blended soup into the pan and add the remaining drumstick pulp. Stir well and allow it to simmer on a low flame for another 10 minutes.

Finally, garnish with coarse pepper and finely chopped coriander leaves. Remove from the flame and serve hot. With its warm spices, gentle peppery notes and the distinct flavour of drumstick, Chef Jai Prakash’s Murungakkai Rasam brings the familiar comfort of a Tamil Nadu kitchen to the monsoon table.


Susegado Reopens at The St. Regis Goa Resort with Coastal Dining Experience

Susegado Reopens at The St. Regis Goa Resort with Coastal Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on October 19, 2026

Susegado at The St. Regis Goa Resort is reopening this October with a refreshed dining experience that celebrates India's coastal culinary traditions through regional flavours, contemporary preparations, drinks and live music.

Titled The Shore Calls Again, the reopening introduces guests to an à la carte menu inspired by coastal kitchens across India. Set along the shores of South Goa, the restaurant combines regional cuisine with a relaxed seaside setting and live band performances.

A Culinary Journey Along India's Coastline

The refreshed menu draws inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions of India's coastal regions, bringing together the peppery heat of Chettinad, the coconut-rich preparations of Malabar, the grills of the Konkan coast and the distinctive flavours of Goan cuisine.

Rooted in traditional recipes and regional cooking practices, the menu reinterprets familiar coastal dishes through a contemporary approach while retaining the character and warmth associated with seaside dining.

The offering is designed to showcase the variety of India's coastal food culture, giving guests an opportunity to explore different regional influences within a single dining destination.

A Relaxed Seaside Setting with Live Music

Susegado's refreshed interiors complement its coastal culinary identity, combining rustic textures with a refined aesthetic. The setting transitions from a bright, airy atmosphere during the day to a warmly lit space in the evening.

Live band performances add to the experience, bringing together food, drinks and music in a setting suited to relaxed lunches, sunset gatherings and leisurely dinners by the sea.

With its reopening, Susegado begins a new chapter at The St. Regis Goa Resort, focusing on India's coastal culinary heritage while retaining the easygoing spirit associated with Goa.

Restaurant Details

  • Experience: The Shore Calls Again

  • Venue: Susegado, The St. Regis Goa Resort

  • Reopening: October 2026

  • Timings: 12:30 PM–10:30 PM

  • Pricing: À la carte menu and drinks

  • Reservations: +91 9175681087

  • Hotel website: The St. Regis Goa Resort


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Brings Picnic Charm to Sunday Brunch

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Brings Picnic Charm to Sunday Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach is bringing the charm of leisurely outdoor picnics to its Sunday brunch at The Square. Inspired by the joy of relaxed gatherings, the experience combines familiar picnic favourites with interactive culinary stations in a family-friendly setting overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The specially curated spread features picnic baskets filled with sandwich rolls and fresh fruit skewers, alongside barbecue grills, sliders and flatbread stations. A refreshing lemonade station adds to the outdoor-inspired theme, while dessert offerings such as classic brownies, a chocolate fountain and DIY s’mores bring a playful touch to the afternoon.

Interactive live stations allow guests to explore freshly prepared dishes, adding variety to the brunch experience. Beyond the food, live singing and engaging activities for children create an inviting atmosphere for families and friends looking to spend their Sunday together.

Located at The Square, the brunch combines contemporary interiors, natural light and alfresco dining with views of the Arabian Sea. Pool access further complements the experience, offering guests an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the coast.

Designed around the nostalgia of traditional picnics, the Sunday brunch brings together food, entertainment and family activities in one setting.

Brunch Details:

  • Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach

  • When: Every Sunday

  • Timings: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

  • Highlights: Interactive live stations, live singing, children's activities and pool access.


McDonald's India North and East Introduces ₹99 No Onion, No Garlic McAloo Tikki Meal for Navratri

McDonald's India North and East Introduces ₹99 No Onion, No Garlic McAloo Tikki Meal for Navratri

By Hariharan U

Published on October 18, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has introduced a special No Onion, No Garlic McAloo Tikki Value Meal for ₹99 during Navratri 2026, offering customers a festive dining option that aligns with traditional food preferences.

Available for a limited period from October 11 to 19, 2026, the offering features the brand's popular McAloo Tikki Value Meal prepared without onion and garlic. The initiative brings together familiar menu favourites and an accessible price point for customers observing Navratri.

The festive offering reflects McDonald's approach to adapting its menu to regional traditions and seasonal food preferences. By introducing a special preparation of one of its established vegetarian products, the brand aims to provide customers with an additional option during the festival.

McDonald's India – North and East also highlights its food-handling practices, which include separate handling procedures for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, with segregation across kitchen stations and storage areas.

The company operates fully vegetarian restaurants in Amritsar, near the Golden Temple, and in Kurukshetra. These outlets serve entirely vegetarian menus in consideration of local traditions and community preferences.

Customers can access the No Onion, No Garlic McAloo Tikki Value Meal through multiple ordering channels, including dine-in, takeaway and drive-thru services. The offer is also available through the McDonald's app and food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, subject to availability at participating outlets.

The offering is part of the brand's seasonal approach to menu planning, with festive options designed to accommodate different dining preferences while retaining familiar products and value-led pricing.

About McDonald's India – North and East

McDonald's restaurants across North and East India are operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. The company serves a range of menu options made with quality ingredients, with operations spanning standalone restaurants, drive-thru outlets and 24-hour restaurants.

According to the company, its network comprises 316 restaurants and 200 McCafé outlets across North and East India, serving millions of customers annually and providing direct employment to more than 6,500 people.

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