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.


Commune Brings a Vibrant Mexican Fiesta to Mumbai This May

Commune Brings a Vibrant Mexican Fiesta to Mumbai This May

By Hariharan U

Published on May 1, 2026

This May, Commune is set to bring the heat, colour, and convivial spirit of Mexico to the city with its exclusive Mexican Festival, timed around Cinco de Mayo. Known for crafting globally inspired menus, Commune once again turns dining into an experience that goes beyond the plate.

The festival is not just a themed offering but a thoughtfully curated culinary journey that reflects the brand’s philosophy that food should tell a story and bring people together. With its signature creative approach, Commune reimagines traditional Mexican flavours through a contemporary lens, creating a menu that is both familiar and refreshingly inventive.

Guests can explore a vibrant spread of dishes that capture the bold and smoky essence of Mexican cuisine. Standout highlights include Mango Jalapeño Paneer Tostadas, Chicken Chipotle Tacos with Birria Sauce, and the Charred Veg Fajita Bowl with Smoky Roja each dish balancing authentic techniques with modern flair.

The experience continues with indulgent desserts designed to end the meal on a celebratory note. The Jalapeño Chocolate Mousse delivers a rich, slow-building heat, while the classic Caramel Flan offers a smooth and comforting finish.

Set in the lively neighbourhood of Lower Parel, the festival invites diners to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere that blends flavour, creativity, and shared moments.

Event Details:

  • What: Cinco de Mayo Special Mexican Menu
  • Where: Commune, Lower Parel
  • Date: 5th – 7th May, 2026

With its bold menu and experiential approach, Commune’s Mexican Festival promises to be a lively celebration of culture, cuisine, and connection, offering Mumbai diners a taste of Mexico with a distinctive twist.


Blue Tokai Opens Second Flagship Store in Hyderabad with Origins Experience

Blue Tokai Opens Second Flagship Store in Hyderabad with Origins Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 1, 2026

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has opened its second flagship store in Hyderabad with the launch of Blue Tokai Origins at Banjara Hills. This new space brings the brand’s most immersive coffee experience to another part of the city, further strengthening its presence in a market known for its growing coffee culture.

“Hyderabad is the only city where we've opened two flagships in under six months. People here don't just want a great cup, they want to understand what goes into making one. That curiosity is what makes us want to build here, for the long run," said Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters.

At Blue Tokai Origins, guests can explore some of India’s rarest micro-lots along with chef-curated meals. The space highlights Indian coffee estates, regional characteristics, and multiple brewing methods, staying true to the brand’s farmer-first approach.

One of the key features is the Play Bar, where experimental coffee lots are preserved at peak flavour in a temperature-controlled setting. This rotating selection, curated by Blue Tokai’s roasting team, changes regularly and brings new experiences to visitors. Offerings have included micro-lots fermented with farm-grown cultures, coffee aged in wine barrels, and beans sourced from emerging regions like Meghalaya. Guests can also try seven different brewing methods such as Chemex, Syphon, and Slow Drip.

The store also features a Nitro Cold Brew tap, serving chilled, nitrogen-infused single-origin coffee made using patented technology that enhances flavour extraction.

The food menu at Origins has been curated in collaboration with Auroni Mookerjee, known for his work with chef Ritu Dalmia’s Diva Group in Delhi, as well as Sienna Store & Cafe and The Salt House in Kolkata. The menu focuses on comfort food with a creative touch, including handmade pastas like Chilli Crunch Carbonara, gourmet sandwiches and open toasts made with sourdough from Suchali's Artisan Bakehouse, and desserts like tiramisu and Coconut Berry Lamington. Some of these dishes are also available across select Blue Tokai cafés in the city.

Beyond coffee and food, Origins is designed as a community space where people can come together and learn more about coffee. Events such as cuppings, workshops, and cultural sessions aim to bring coffee lovers closer to the craft.

“Origins is for anyone who wants to slow down and know coffee better. Whether through conversations with baristas, curated tastings, or a meet-and-greet with producers, it is a space that connects growers, brewers, and drinkers. Questions are very welcome here," said Shivam Shahi.

Since November, Blue Tokai has opened nine stores in Hyderabad, each catering to different experiences across locations like Sattva Knowledge Park, Gandipet, Jubilee Hills, and Banjara Hills.

"Hyderabad has felt like home since our first cafe here. We love being a part of the city’s different rhythms, and in the coming six months, the plan is to launch 10 more spaces", added Shivam Shahi.

With its continued expansion and focus on experience-led spaces, Blue Tokai is further deepening its connect with Hyderabad’s coffee community.


Pangeo Bengaluru Brings Rooftop Cricket Experience with Rooftop Innings

Pangeo Bengaluru Brings Rooftop Cricket Experience with Rooftop Innings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 1, 2026

Pangeo in Bengaluru has introduced Rooftop Innings, a lively cricket screening experience that turns match days into social evenings in the heart of the city. Set on a vibrant rooftop, the concept brings together live cricket, music, and nightlife, creating an atmosphere that keeps the energy high from the first ball to the final over.

Designed for corporate outings, team gatherings, and casual catch-ups, Rooftop Innings blends sport with celebration in a seamless way. The setting offers a relaxed yet energetic space where guests can enjoy the game while spending quality time with friends and colleagues.

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The experience is supported by a well-curated menu that focuses on bold flavours and shareable options. Guests can choose from handcrafted dumpling baskets, sushi platters with balanced flavours, and a range of veg and non veg platters including paneer tikka assortments and tandoori seafood selections. Popular picks like peri peri tandoori drums, smoky ghost wings, and sriracha wings add to the overall experience. Special platter combinations paired with beverages make it ideal for long match nights and group dining.

More than just a screening, Rooftop Innings at Pangeo creates a space where cricket feels larger than life, and every match becomes a reason to come together.

Located at Pangeo, 4th floor, 171 - 172, Forum Rex Walk, Brigade Rd, Bengaluru, the experience is available starting from April, with timings from 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM.

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