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.


Farzi Café CyberHub Unveils ‘Farzi. Forward.’ After Refurbishment

Farzi Café CyberHub Unveils ‘Farzi. Forward.’ After Refurbishment

By Hariharan U

Published on April 29, 2026

Farzi Café CyberHub has unveiled its refreshed identity with ‘Farzi. Forward.’, marking a new chapter following a four-month refurbishment that reimagines the brand’s approach to design, cuisine, and overall experience.

Launched in 2014, Farzi Café has evolved into a globally recognised name with a presence across India and international markets. Known for its reinterpretation of Indian flavours, the brand continues to refine its philosophy balancing familiarity with innovation.

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The revamped CyberHub space introduces two distinct yet cohesive zones, a café-led dining experience and a more dynamic bar environment. The design moves away from its earlier rustic aesthetic, embracing a more contemporary, refined language while retaining the brand’s core identity.

Commenting on the evolution, Zorawar Kalra said, “Farzi Café has always been a genre-defining brand. With the new menu and beverage programme, we are building on years of creative exploration to create a meaningful shift. From cocktails inspired by Indian cities to our progressive coffee programme, the experience now extends well beyond the plate.”

The culinary direction stays rooted in modern Indian reinterpretation, with tapas-style plates such as Dal Chawal Arancini, Burrata Thecha Bomb, and Tempura Fried Prawns with Rasam Reduction. Main course offerings continue this narrative with dishes like Rogan Josh Shepherd’s Pie, Railway Chicken Curry, and Kosha Mangsho, blending comfort with contemporary technique.

A standout addition is the Cocktail Safari, a curated bar programme led by Anurag Dhingra. Each cocktail draws inspiration from Indian cities—ranging from Mumbai’s street-food-inspired highball to Bengaluru’s Kaapi Martini, creating a cultural narrative through mixology.

Complementing the experience is a progressive coffee programme, featuring both classic brews and experimental offerings such as cold brew soft serve and specialty lattes, designed to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Desserts continue Farzi’s signature playful approach, with creations like Parle-G Cheesecake, Tres Leches Rasmalai, and Mithai Tiramisu, combining nostalgia with modern presentation.

With ‘Farzi. Forward.’, the brand reinforces its positioning as a leader in modern Indian dining, focusing on thoughtful evolution rather than disruption—bringing together food, design, and culture in a more refined, experience-led format.


Chef Mohammed Saleem Gafoor Brings Summer Nostalgia Alive with Mango Kulfi

Chef Mohammed Saleem Gafoor Brings Summer Nostalgia Alive with Mango Kulfi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru brings a touch of nostalgia through a special creation by Chef Mohammed Saleem Gafoor, Pastry Chef at the property. Inspired by his childhood memories in Dehradun, the dish reflects simple moments and flavours that define Indian summers.

Chef Saleem recalls growing up near a mango orchard, where the air would be filled with the sweet aroma of ripe fruit. Evenings spent with friends and enjoying kulfi on the way back from school have shaped the idea behind his Alphonso Mango Saffron Kulfi. The recipe captures not just the taste of mangoes but also the feeling of those carefree days.

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At the centre of this dessert is the use of fresh Alphonso mango reduction, carefully blended into a milk base to retain its natural aroma and flavour. While Alphonso mangoes are preferred for their richness, the recipe also allows the use of Kesar or Dasheri mangoes, making it easy to recreate at home.

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The preparation follows a simple process. Milk and cream are gently simmered before being combined with condensed milk, roasted pistachios, and a hint of Kashmiri Mongra saffron. Once cooled, fresh mango puree is added to the mixture and blended well. The mixture is then poured into moulds and frozen overnight to achieve the perfect texture. It is best served chilled with fresh mango pieces and a garnish of roasted nuts.

Through this recipe, Chef Mohammed Saleem Gafoor brings together flavour and memory, offering a dessert that feels both familiar and refreshing, perfect for the summer season.


HGK Foods Expands into Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad & Bengaluru

HGK Foods Expands into Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad & Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on April 29, 2026

HGK Foods has announced its expansion into four major metro cities, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru marking a significant milestone in its journey to build a scalable and reliable corporate food infrastructure across India.

The move reflects the company’s strategic focus on key corporate and industrial clusters, as it strengthens its presence in high-demand urban markets.

Founded in 2018 by Sonal Raghav, the company began as a small kitchen operation serving around 400 meals a day. Today, it has scaled significantly, delivering over 18 lakh meals annually with a daily capacity exceeding 5,000 meals, catering exclusively to corporates and industrial setups.

Speaking on the expansion, Sonal Raghav said, “We’re not in the business of serving food. We’re in the business of removing a daily operational problem for companies. As we expand into new cities, our focus remains the same—bringing structure, reliability, and peace of mind to workplace food operations.”

Workplace food continues to be a critical yet often overlooked operational challenge for organisations, frequently impacted by vendor inconsistencies, quality concerns, and coordination issues. HGK Foods addresses this gap through structured processes, centralised quality control, and accountability-driven execution.

With its growing footprint, the company aims to position itself as one of India’s most dependable corporate food solutions networks, designed to support businesses at scale while minimising operational complexity.

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