Chef Joel Basumatari’s "Seven Spices Up North" Pop-Up Takes Over Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai

Chef Joel Basumatari’s "Seven Spices Up North" Pop-Up Takes Over Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on June 18, 2024

The Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, in partnership with Gormei, renowned for curating exceptional culinary experiences, proudly presents "Seven Spices Up North"—a unique dining adventure curated by acclaimed Chef Joel Basumatari. Ranked #27 on India's Top 30 Chefs list by Culinary Culture, Chef Joel will showcase the vibrant flavors of Naga cuisine at the Momo Cafe from June 14th to June 23rd, 2024.

Victor Chen, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to welcome Chef Basumatari. His expertise in Naga cuisine offers a unique opportunity for our diners to explore bold and beautiful flavors. At Courtyard by Marriott, we strive to curate unforgettable experiences, and the 'Seven Spices Up North' pop-up promises to be a culinary adventure for all."

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Chef Basumatari's specially curated menu highlights the versatility and health benefits of Naga cuisine. Diners can look forward to a variety of dishes, including steaming hot pots, live cooking stations, flavorful soups, appetizers, and mains. Each meal can be completed with fluffy rice, decadent desserts, and a variety of condiments to enhance the dining experience. Signature dishes include:

  • Dohneiiong: A traditional dish from Meghalaya featuring tender pork cooked with black sesame paste and aromatic spices.
  • Masor Bor: A delightful fish dumpling soup made with ground fish paste, herbs, and spices, offering a burst of flavors with every spoonful.
  • Millet Cannoli: A fusion dessert that combines the Italian cannoli with millet for a unique and delicious treat.
  • Masor Tenga: A tangy fish curry from Assam made with souring agents like tomatoes, lemon, or dried kokum, giving it a refreshing and zesty flavor profile.
  • Oma Bedor Saonia: A traditional Naga dish featuring smoked pork cooked with fermented bamboo shoots and fiery Naga chili peppers, resulting in a smoky, spicy, and aromatic curry.
  • Kenie Thevü Gacha: A comforting rice porridge from Nagaland made with locally-grown sticky rice and served with various toppings such as boiled eggs, vegetables, and pickles.

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Chef Basumatari aims to introduce diners to the unique ingredients and intriguing flavor profiles of Naga cuisine. "Naga cuisine is a hidden gem, celebrating fresh, local produce and traditional cooking methods," he said. "My menu for 'Seven Spices Up North' is a vibrant exploration of these elements. I want diners to experience the warmth and hospitality integral to Naga culture through food. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or curious to try something new, this pop-up at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai will be an unforgettable culinary adventure."

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the magic of Naga cuisine at MoMo Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport.

Venue: MoMo Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, Lobby Level, CTS 215, Opposite Carnival Cinemas, Andheri Kurla Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059

Dates: June 14th to June 23rd, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Price: INR 2375++

For reservations and more information, visit the Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport website.


Third Wave Coffee Enters Andhra Pradesh with Two Cafés in Visakhapatnam

Third Wave Coffee Enters Andhra Pradesh with Two Cafés in Visakhapatnam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 31, 2026

Third Wave Coffee has entered Andhra Pradesh with the opening of two new cafés in Visakhapatnam, marking another step in the brand's South India expansion.

The new cafés are located at Waltair Road and Inorbit Mall, taking Third Wave Coffee's South India footprint to over 100 cafés. With these additions, the brand's national network has also grown to 240+ cafés.

The new Visakhapatnam cafés have been designed around the city's coastal character and growing urban community. The spaces bring together specialty coffee, food, comfortable work-friendly settings and a relaxed environment for customers to meet and spend time. The menu features Third Wave Coffee's signature brews, specialty single-origin coffees, artisanal bakes, quick bites and curated food offerings. Customers can also access a tech-enabled café experience through the Third Wave Coffee app.

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Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said:

“We're excited to bring the Third Wave Coffee experience to Andhra Pradesh with the launch of our cafés in Visakhapatnam. The city's vibrant culture, expanding IT and academic ecosystem, and growing appreciation for specialty coffee make it a compelling destination as we deepen our presence across South India. As we look ahead, the South will remain a key pillar of our expansion strategy. Backed by our Food Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art roastery, we remain committed to offering our signature food and beverage experience as we scale into new markets and serve more coffee lovers across the country”.

Third Wave Coffee continued its expansion across South India during FY26, adding to its presence in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mysuru. The brand also entered new markets including Ahmedabad, Agra and Kolkata, further extending its reach across India. Building on this growth, Third Wave Coffee plans to open 100 additional cafés by FY27, with an aim to take its national store count to 320.

As the brand continues to grow, it remains focused on product innovation, operational excellence and creating café spaces built around local communities. The latest launch in Visakhapatnam adds another destination to its growing network while strengthening its position in India's specialty coffee and QSR market.


Momoka Brings the Spirit of a Japanese Kissaten to Pune

Momoka Brings the Spirit of a Japanese Kissaten to Pune

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2026

Momoka has brought the spirit of a traditional Japanese kissaten to Pune, offering guests a contemporary interpretation of Japanese café culture through Yoshoku cuisine, desserts, coffee, tea and an intimate neighbourhood-inspired setting.

Founded by Chef Brainard Colaco, Momoka draws inspiration from the culture of Japan's traditional kissatens, neighbourhood cafés that have long been associated with coffee, tea, comforting meals and a familiar, relaxed atmosphere.

The concept brings together these elements under one roof, creating a dining experience that explores a more everyday and approachable side of Japan.

A key part of Momoka's culinary identity is Yoshoku, a Japanese tradition influenced by Western cooking techniques while incorporating Japanese ingredients, flavours and sensibilities. Through this approach, the restaurant presents familiar food forms through a distinctly Japanese perspective.

At the heart of the menu is Chef Brainard's interest in Japan's everyday food culture. His travels across the country and fascination with the dishes found in Kissatens and Konbinis have influenced the restaurant's culinary direction.

Rather than focusing solely on formal Japanese dining, Momoka explores the comforting and casual foods associated with everyday life in Japan, translating those influences into a contemporary dining format for Pune.

The experience extends beyond food, with a beverage programme inspired by Japanese café culture. Coffee and tea are positioned alongside the restaurant's food and dessert offerings, creating a cohesive experience that reflects the slower, more relaxed rhythm of a traditional kissaten.

Desserts form another key element of the concept, with Momoka featuring a dedicated dessert offering designed to complement its Japanese-inspired café experience.

Speaking about the launch, Chef Brainard Colaco, Founder, Momoka, said, "Momoka has always been about sharing a more everyday side of Japan—the warmth of a modern kissaten, comforting food and desserts, and flavours that feel familiar yet exciting. With our new flagship on Prabhat Road, we wanted to create a space where guests can experience Japan through soulful food, a dessert bar like no other and thoughtfully crafted beverages."

Located on Prabhat Road, the new flagship aims to offer Pune diners an experience that goes beyond conventional Japanese cuisine by bringing together food, beverages and atmosphere in a format inspired by one of Japan's distinctive café traditions.

With its focus on Yoshoku cuisine, Japanese café culture and everyday food experiences, Momoka adds a new interpretation of Japanese dining to Pune's evolving restaurant landscape.


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Introduces FOMO Sunday Brunch at Horizon

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Introduces FOMO Sunday Brunch at Horizon

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2026

Sundays at Horizon, the Pan-Asian rooftop restaurant at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, now come with a new reason to stay a little longer. The hotel has introduced FOMO, its signature Sunday brunch experience, bringing together Pan-Asian flavours, free-flowing pours, commercial retro music and panoramic views of Bengaluru.

Located 31 floors above the city, FOMO is designed as a relaxed afternoon where guests can enjoy good food, drinks and music while taking in the changing cityscape. The experience revolves around four elements — Flavour. Overpour. Music. Over the City.

The food offering features a curated Pan-Asian set menu served to the table, with sushi, sashimi, dim sum, bao, Asian grills and wok-fired specialties. Alongside the food, guests can enjoy unlimited champagne and cocktails, while the music gradually picks up through the afternoon. As the afternoon moves towards sunset, Horizon's rooftop setting adds another part to the experience, with wide views across Bengaluru and the city skyline providing the backdrop.

FOMO is positioned for different kinds of Sunday plans, whether it is a birthday celebration, a long lunch with friends, a family gathering, a girls' afternoon or simply a relaxed Sunday spent over good food and drinks. The four-hour brunch runs from 1 pm to 5 pm, giving guests the freedom to settle in and enjoy the menu and free-flowing pours at their own pace.

For guests who want to continue into the evening, FOMO: Sky After Dark offers an extended experience from 5 pm to 7 pm. The sundowner brings together cocktails, sparkling pours, music and the city lights at Horizon.

  • FOMO Brunch: 1 pm – 5 pm
  • FOMO: FOMO Sundowner: 5 pm – 7 pm.

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