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.


Valentine’s Day Beers That Match Every Mood From First Dates to Long-Time Love

Valentine’s Day Beers That Match Every Mood From First Dates to Long-Time Love

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 29, 2026

Valentine’s Day celebrations today go far beyond traditional candlelit dinners, reflecting relationships at every stage, from first-date excitement to the comfort of long-time love. As couples choose experiences that feel more personal and relaxed, beer has emerged as a versatile choice that matches different moods and moments.

The appeal of beer lies in its balance. It can be casual and easy to enjoy, while still offering depth and character. Whether it is helping break the ice, spark conversation, or simply complement a shared moment, the right beer can quietly set the tone for the evening.

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For couples who enjoy bold, high-energy plans, Carib Premium Strong Beer fits perfectly into lively Valentine’s outings. Its robust profile suits nights filled with laughter, shared plates, and buzzing settings such as bar hopping or house parties. It is a natural choice when the chemistry is strong and the night is meant to stay energetic.

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First dates and easy conversations call for something lighter. Simba Light, with its smooth and subtle character, works well for low-pressure meet-ups and casual café dates. Its gentle profile allows conversations to flow without distraction, keeping the mood relaxed and comfortable.

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For playful and flirty evenings, Bira White adds a refreshing touch with its citrus notes and mild spice. Ideal for rooftop dates, sunset views, or cosy dinners, it brings a balance of fun and finesse, making the evening feel light and quietly romantic.

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Couples who share a confident and no-nonsense bond often gravitate towards stronger flavours. Tuborg Strong suits Valentine’s plans that revolve around long conversations, comfort food, and unfiltered laughter. It reflects relationships where the focus is on enjoying time together rather than making an impression.

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For intense, late-night romance, GodFather Super 8 stands out with its powerful profile. Best enjoyed during deeper conversations and slow music, it pairs well with moments that are dramatic, bold, and memorable.

As Valentine’s Day continues to evolve, beer choices are becoming a reflection of modern relationships, offering something for every mood, moment, and kind of love.


Chinese Wok Launches ‘Wok FM’, India’s First QSR-Owned Music Platform

Chinese Wok Launches ‘Wok FM’, India’s First QSR-Owned Music Platform

By Hariharan U

Published on January 29, 2026

Chinese Wok, India’s largest home-grown Desi Chinese QSR chain, has unveiled Wok FM, a first-of-its-kind brand-owned music universe aimed at deepening its connection with young consumers. The initiative marks a new approach to in-store and digital engagement, placing music at the centre of the brand experience.

The launch begins with two original albums, Get Wok’D Tonight, a high-energy playlist designed to match the brand’s vibrant in-store vibe, and Cricket & Cravings, inspired by India’s love for cricket and comfort food. Together, the albums reflect Chinese Wok’s playful personality while aligning food moments with cultural moods.

Wok FM is now live across 250+ Chinese Wok outlets nationwide, transforming stores into immersive, youth-driven spaces. The playlists span multiple genres, moods, and regional languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, and Marathi. From cricket anthems and festive tracks to quirky brand-led songs, the music creates a distinctive sonic identity for the brand.

Designed as a long-term platform, all tracks under Wok FM are fully original in melody and lyrics. The initiative functions as a scalable owned media asset, independent of individual campaigns, giving Chinese Wok an always-on cultural voice. With this, the brand joins a small group of global QSR players building proprietary music ecosystems at scale.

Extending beyond physical stores, Chinese Wok has launched Wok FM playlists on Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and other platforms, allowing audiences to tune in anytime. New music will be released across seasons, festivals, and campaigns, ensuring that sound becomes as integral to the brand as menu innovation.

Commenting on the launch, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “As a brand built for young India, we believe food today is as much about experience as it is about taste. Wok FM allows us to own a cultural space beyond the plate and build a strong emotional connection with our audience.”

Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, added, “Music is the language of Gen Z, and Wok FM is our way of speaking it authentically. By creating original, brand-owned music across genres and languages, we are building a sonic identity that lives in our stores and travels into the digital world.”

Future phases of Wok FM will invite fans, creators, and communities to collaborate, turning it into a living cultural platform that evolves with its audience.


Serious Slice Sets the Table for Valentine’s Day with a Southern Italy–Inspired Menu

Serious Slice Sets the Table for Valentine’s Day with a Southern Italy–Inspired Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on January 29, 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Serious Slice invites diners to celebrate love through flavour with a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by the warmth and culinary traditions of Southern Italy. Designed for an intimate evening, the special offering blends freshness, indulgence, and classic Italian influences, staying true to the brand’s craft-driven approach.

The experience begins on a light and elegant note with Crudo di Tonno agli Agrumi. Delicately sliced raw tuna is dressed with vibrant Sicilian citrus, extra-virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, and fresh herbs, offering a refreshing start to the meal.

At the heart of the menu are two specially crafted Neapolitan-style pizzas. The Pesto Napoletano Pizza layers fragrant basil pesto with cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, parmesan, and a subtle crunch of roasted almond crumble. For those who prefer a hint of spice, the Pollo Piccante di San Valentino Pizza brings together spiced chicken, San Marzano tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and gentle chilli heat.

For a richer, more indulgent main, the menu features Red Wine BBQ Pork Ribs with Zucca & Beans. The slow-braised pork ribs are glazed in a robust red wine BBQ sauce and paired with sweet roasted pumpkin and sautéed beans, offering depth and comfort.

The evening concludes with Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée, a smooth vanilla custard infused with vibrant passion fruit and finished with a crisp caramelised sugar crust, striking a balance between richness and freshness.

Available exclusively on February 14, 2026, the Valentine’s Day menu is served at Serious Slice, Cunningham Road.

Known for its Naples-inspired approach, Serious Slice focuses on traditional fermentation, high-heat cooking, and ingredient integrity, presenting Neapolitan pizza as a cultural craft rather than fast food. With this Valentine’s Day menu, the brand offers couples a relaxed yet thoughtfully elevated dining experience

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