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.


Nasi and Mee Introduces “Simply Sedap” Menu Across Bengaluru

Nasi and Mee Introduces “Simply Sedap” Menu Across Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

Bringing a bold and indulgent take on Southeast Asian flavours, Nasi and Mee has launched its limited-time “Simply Sedap” menu across all its outlets in Bengaluru.

Designed as a celebration of comfort and decadence, the menu brings together some of the region’s most beloved dishes, elevated with richer textures and layered flavours. With a focus on indulgence and familiarity, Simply Sedap invites diners to experience Southeast Asian cuisine through a more expressive and satisfying lens.

Among the highlights is the Truffle Xiao Long Bao, where delicate dumplings release a fragrant broth infused with earthy truffle notes. The Singapore Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway) delivers a crisp, smoky bite, elevated with XO chilli for a deep umami profile. The Wonton Mee offers a comforting combination of springy noodles, juicy dumplings, and tender char siu chicken, balancing nostalgia with indulgence.

For those seeking bolder flavours, the Ayam Penyet presents perfectly crisp smashed chicken paired with sambal and jasmine rice, while the Massaman Curry unfolds with slow-cooked richness, combining coconut, peanuts, and warm spices into a velvety dish. Ending on a lighter note, the Kaya Bao introduces a soft, cloud-like texture with a gentle sweetness from house-made kaya and coconut.

Conceptualised for lingering meals and shared moments, the menu leans into both comfort and boldness, encouraging diners to savour each dish a little longer.

Available from 12 PM to 11 PM, with prices starting at, the Simply Sedap menu is being offered across all Nasi and Mee outlets in Bengaluru, positioning itself as a must-try for those looking to explore indulgent Southeast Asian flavours in the city.


Wow! Momo Launches Indian Momo League to Turn Match Season into a Food Ritual

Wow! Momo Launches Indian Momo League to Turn Match Season into a Food Ritual

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

Tapping into one of India’s biggest cultural moments, Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd. has launched the Indian Momo League (IML), a nationwide campaign designed to turn match-time viewership into a high-frequency consumption occasion.

Built around the thought “Har city ka apna momo,” the campaign blends city fandom with product innovation and real-time engagement. With a presence of over 800 stores across 80+ cities, the brand is strategically leveraging the match season as a high-intent consumption window, driving demand across dine-in, takeaway, and delivery channels.

At the core of the campaign are six city-inspired momo variants, each colour-coded and crafted using natural ingredients without synthetic additives. Rolled out across Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, these variants reflect regional identities while allowing consumers to express team loyalty through food during live matches.

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To further strengthen monetisation, Wow! Momo has introduced IML Combos, bundling momos, fries, and beverages into a convenient, match-ready format. These combos are designed to drive higher average order value, especially during peak match hours, where the brand has already recorded up to a threefold increase in demand.

Adding a strong engagement layer, consumers purchasing IML Combos also get a chance to win match tickets, directly linking consumption with access to live cricket experiences and encouraging repeat orders.

Sharing insights on the campaign, Muralikrishnan said, “Indian Momo League is designed to translate fandom into consumption. With ‘Har city ka apna momo’, we are building a format where product becomes a real-time expression of team loyalty. This allows us to drive both engagement and business impact during this match season.”

A standout innovation within the campaign is the live Momo Scoreboard, a real-time tracker of city-wise orders. As matches unfold, the scoreboard reflects participation across markets, creating a competitive layer beyond the game itself while encouraging continued engagement and repeat consumption.

The campaign is being amplified through city-led creatives, creator collaborations, and real-time moment marketing aligned with match schedules, ensuring consistent visibility throughout the season.

With the Indian Momo League, Wow! Momo is not only tapping into cricket fandom but also redefining how food integrates into live experiences, positioning momos as more than just a snack, but as an essential part of the match-day ritual.


MasalDani Opens in Noida, Celebrating India Through Its Spices

MasalDani Opens in Noida, Celebrating India Through Its Spices

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

In Indian homes, the masaldani, a traditional spice box, has long been the quiet foundation of everyday cooking. Drawing inspiration from this enduring symbol, MasalDani introduces its flagship outpost in Noida, bringing with it a refined, ingredient-led approach to Indian dining.

Built on a philosophy that places spices at the centre of every dish, MasalDani presents a menu that travels across India’s diverse culinary landscapes. From the curry leaf and kokum-laced flavours of coastal regions to the slow-simmered spice blends of the northern plains, the mustard-forward traditions of the east, and the bold aromatics of desert cuisines, each plate is guided by carefully sourced heirloom spices that define its character.

At its core, MasalDani is not about fusion but about reverence. The kitchen follows a product-led approach where spices are not simply supporting elements but the defining soul of the dish. Familiar Indian flavours are reintroduced with contemporary finesse, while remaining deeply rooted in their origins.

Complementing the cuisine is a thoughtfully curated beverage programme inspired by the Indian pantry. Aromatic botanicals and subtle spice infusions, from cardamom and saffron to smoked cumin, shape a drinks menu that mirrors the layered complexity of the food.

The menu comes alive through a selection of signature dishes that pay homage to regional spice traditions. The Dal Pakwaan brings together crisp pakwaans and slow-cooked chana dal, elevated with asafoetida, Mathania chilli, and pipli. The Jackfruit Kakori Kebab draws from the refinement of Lucknow, where raw jackfruit is transformed into delicate, aromatic kebabs using rare ingredients like stone flower and sandalwood.

Further highlighting the diversity of Indian flavours, the Tandoori Hari Machi offers a contemporary take with Indo-Chinese influences, while the Tandoori Gobi Musallam reflects the richness of Awadhi cuisine through saffron, kabab chini, and meetha attar. The Badami Bhatti Dum Murgh, inspired by Hyderabad, delivers a slow-cooked, aromatic experience layered with almonds, pomegranate seed, and warming spices.

The space itself mirrors the brand’s philosophy, premium yet approachable, designed to create an environment that feels both rooted in tradition and aligned with contemporary dining sensibilities.

Sharing his vision, Founder Priykant Gautam said, “In most Indian homes, the masaldani is the first thing opened when cooking begins. It may appear simple, but within it lives the essence of our culinary heritage, recipes passed down, flavours shaped by geography, and memories created around shared meals. MasalDani was born from the desire to honour that humble spice box and present its stories with contemporary elegance. Every dish here begins with a spice, and every spice carries a story of India.”

With its ingredient-driven philosophy and immersive dining approach, MasalDani invites diners to rediscover India through the flavours that have shaped its kitchens for generations, one spice-led story at a time.

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