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.


Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on July 18, 2026

Celebrating the seasonal charm of India’s favourite fruit, Rasanai has announced the launch of its ‘Maanga Maanga Festival’, a special culinary experience dedicated to exploring the diverse flavours and regional interpretations of mango across South India.

Running from 15th to 31st July 2026, the festival will be hosted across Rasanai outlets in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Kochi, inviting guests to experience mango beyond traditional desserts through a specially curated menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

From raw and tangy preparations to sweet, spiced, pickled, and slow-cooked creations, the festival highlights the versatility of mango as an ingredient deeply rooted in South Indian food culture.

Inspired by home kitchens, local traditions, and street food flavours, Rasanai’s festival menu presents creative interpretations of classic regional recipes. Guests can explore unique dishes such as Mangai Pachadi Paniyaram and Thengai Mangai Adai Taco, alongside bold regional favourites including Andhra Aavakkai Broccoli, Oorugai Mamsam, and Angamaly Meen Maanga Curry.

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Each preparation showcases a distinct expression of mango, balancing flavours of sweetness, spice, tanginess, and aroma while celebrating the ingredient’s importance across South Indian cuisines.

The culinary journey concludes with Mango Thengai Pongal, Rasanai’s innovative South Indian take on the popular mango sticky rice. Combining ripe mango, coconut, and the comforting texture of traditional pongal, the dessert offers a nostalgic yet contemporary finale to the festival experience.

Featuring vegetarian, meat, seafood, and dessert creations, the Maanga Maanga Festival brings together the many identities of mango through thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate regional diversity and culinary storytelling.

Speaking through this seasonal celebration, Rasanai continues its commitment to showcasing India’s rich food traditions while presenting familiar ingredients through fresh and imaginative perspectives.

For mango lovers and food enthusiasts looking to discover new regional flavours, Maanga Maanga Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the king of fruits in its most vibrant and unexpected forms.

This is mango like never before.

Event Details:

Event: Maanga Maanga Festival
Dates: 15th July – 31st July 2026

Locations:

Rasanai Chennai
Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090

Rasanai Coimbatore
Pappanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore – 641037

Rasanai Kochi
Ernakulum, Kerala – 682020


Mantra Koodam Introduces Diraviyam, A Culinary Journey Through Forgotten Flavours of Tamilagam

Mantra Koodam Introduces Diraviyam, A Culinary Journey Through Forgotten Flavours of Tamilagam

By Hariharan U

Published on July 18, 2026

Mantra Koodam, CGH Earth in Kumbakonam, has introduced Diraviyam, a unique culinary experience that celebrates the forgotten flavours, traditions, and communities of ancient Tamilagam. Designed as a journey through Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage, Diraviyam brings together historic recipes, indigenous ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques to offer guests an authentic taste of the region’s diverse food culture.

Continuing CGH Earth’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage through immersive experiences, Diraviyam explores the culinary identities of Tamil Nadu’s historic regions beyond the well-known traditions of Chola Nadu. While Chola Nadu cuisine continues to be showcased at Mantra Koodam’s signature restaurant Annaprasanna, Diraviyam highlights the distinct flavours of Thondai Nadu, Nadu Nadu, Kongu Nadu, and Pandya Nadu.

At the heart of the experience is a celebration of traditional food systems and sustainable practices. Following a farm-to-table philosophy, Diraviyam uses fresh vegetables, herbs, and ingredients sourced from organic gardens to recreate dishes inspired by rural Tamil Nadu’s culinary wisdom.

A key element of Diraviyam is its connection with local communities. Three women from neighbouring villages have been trained and involved in preserving and presenting traditional regional recipes. Their knowledge, personal experiences, and connection with local food traditions bring authenticity to every meal while helping sustain culinary practices passed down through generations.

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Speaking about the initiative, Radhakrishna Shenoi, Assistant Vice President, CGH Earth, said, “A defining aspect of Diraviyam is its deep connection with the local community. Three women from neighbouring villages have been recruited and professionally trained to preserve and present traditional regional recipes. Their knowledge, lived experiences, and personal stories lend an unparalleled authenticity to every meal, ensuring that culinary traditions are not merely recreated, but meaningfully sustained.”

Remaining true to ancestral cooking methods, dishes at Diraviyam are prepared using traditional wood-fired stoves and earthenware pots. These techniques enhance flavours while preserving the essence of regional Tamil cuisine. The restaurant’s design further complements the experience, drawing inspiration from traditional Tamil villages with thatched-roof architecture, natural materials, rustic aesthetics, and an open-air setting.

Harish Venkatasubramaniam, General Manager, Mantra Koodam, said, “Remaining true to ancestral methods, dishes at Diraviyam are prepared over traditional wood-fired stoves and cooked in earthenware pots, techniques that not only enhance flavour and nutrition but also preserve the essence of regional Tamil cuisine passed down through generations.”

Guests at Diraviyam can experience a grand vegetarian feast featuring 28 carefully curated dishes representing Tamil Nadu’s diverse culinary regions. Served traditionally on banana leaves, the dining experience celebrates the timeless customs of Tamil hospitality and communal dining.

Beyond being a dining destination, Diraviyam aims to serve as a platform for cultural preservation, community empowerment, sustainable living, and culinary storytelling. Through authentic flavours, traditional practices, and meaningful connections, the experience allows travellers to discover the roots of Tamil heritage.

With Diraviyam, CGH Earth continues its focus on creating handcrafted hospitality experiences that honour local traditions, celebrate communities, and preserve the cultural identity of every destination it represents.

About CGH Earth – Experience Hotels

CGH Earth is a hospitality group built around the philosophy of creating meaningful experiences rooted in environmental sensitivity, community engagement, and local culture. Its portfolio includes uniquely designed resorts, retreats, villas, bungalows, and wellness experiences across India.

Inspired by local architecture, cuisine, traditions, craftsmanship, and community knowledge, CGH Earth creates immersive stays that connect travellers with the spirit of each destination. Through its properties and experiences, the group continues to preserve heritage while offering contemporary travellers authentic encounters with India’s diverse landscapes and cultures.


Burger King India Turns Up the Heat with New Limited-Time Peri-Peri Fest

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 17, 2026

 Burger King India has expanded its flavour-packed menu with the launch of its Limited-Time Peri-Peri Fest, bringing a fresh line-up of burgers, sides and value meals inspired by the globally loved Peri-Peri flavour. Available across Burger King restaurants nationwide from July 7, the new menu continues the brand's signature Dunking experience following the positive response to its Korean Kimchi Fest.

The Peri-Peri Fest menu is available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery. Customers can also choose from exclusive Peri-Peri combos and meal upgrades for a complete flavour-packed experience.

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The limited-time menu features nine new offerings, including Peri-Peri Veg Whopper, Peri-Peri Chicken Whopper, Peri-Peri Paneer Burger, Peri-Peri Cheese Burger, Peri-Peri Chicken Burger, Peri-Peri Chicken Wings, Peri-Peri Boneless Chicken, Peri-Peri Chicken Nuggets and Peri-Peri Fries.

To mark the launch, Burger King India has introduced a colourful campaign inspired by the African and Portuguese roots of Peri-Peri, blended with a Gen Z-inspired style. The campaign features an original musical film filled with vibrant visuals, music and cultural influences, celebrating the bold flavours in a distinctly Burger King way.

Commenting on the launch, Kapil Grover, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Burger King India, said:

"Peri-Peri has emerged as one of India's most loved flavour profiles, fuelled by consumers' growing appetite for bold and exciting flavours. With Peri-Peri Fest, we're taking that love a step further by bringing consumers an experience that's rooted in the true origins of Peri-Peri. Our signature Dunked Peri-Peri platform delivers richer, bolder flavour in every bite, offering a distinctive Burger King experience that's both craveable and memorable."

Sharing the creative thought behind the campaign, Anupama Ramaswamy, Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer, Havas Creative India, said:

"The product itself has a natural sense of theatre as it's dunked for full flavour. We wanted the campaign to mirror that same exuberance. Instead of simply talking about flavour, we turned it into a musical celebration with an original soundtrack that's catchy, energetic and impossible to forget. Every beat, visual and movement was crafted to make audiences feel the joy of going all in."

To support the launch, Burger King India is rolling out a nationwide 360-degree campaign across digital platforms, out-of-home advertising, social media, influencer collaborations, in-restaurant branding and local activations.

As part of the celebration, customers purchasing select Peri-Peri x Sprite Meal Combos through the Burger King App will get a chance to win a free trip to Korea through a lucky draw. The app also offers exclusive Crazy App Deals for dine-in guests, making the Peri-Peri Fest even more rewarding.

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