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.


Golden Dragon Launches Dragon Bowls for a Contemporary Weekday Lunch Experience at Taj Coromandel Chennai

Golden Dragon Launches Dragon Bowls for a Contemporary Weekday Lunch Experience at Taj Coromandel Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on June 23, 2026

Chennai’s iconic dining destination, Golden Dragon, has unveiled Dragon Bowls, a new weekday lunch experience designed to bring together the comforting flavours of Asia in a contemporary and convenient format.

Located at the renowned Taj Coromandel, the restaurant’s latest offering caters to modern diners seeking wholesome, flavourful meals without compromising on authenticity. Inspired by the Cantonese philosophy of harmony, each bowl is crafted to balance colour, texture, flavour, and temperature, creating a complete dining experience.

The menu features a range of thoughtfully curated bowls showcasing premium ingredients and traditional Asian cooking techniques. Highlights include the Emperor’s Fried Rice Bowl, featuring wok-tossed prawns over fragrant jasmine rice finished with chilli garlic oil and a soft-cooked egg, and the Silk Route Noodle Bowl, which combines flat wheat noodles, slow-braised pork, bok choy, and Sichuan pepper broth.

Guests can also enjoy the Clay Pot Treasures Bowl, where sticky rice, shiitake mushrooms, and soy-glazed chicken are finished tableside with hot oil for added aroma and texture.

Vegetarian diners are equally well catered to with the Jade Garden Bowl, a nourishing combination of edamame, lotus root, water chestnut, and tofu served in a delicate ginger-sesame broth over brown rice. Those looking for bolder flavours can opt for the Fire Dragon Bowl, available with Mala chicken or Mapo tofu, accompanied by pickled cucumber to balance its signature heat.

Each Dragon Bowl is completed with crispy wonton strips, toasted sesame, fresh scallions, and Golden Dragon’s house-made chilli crisp, adding layers of flavour and texture.

With Dragon Bowls, Golden Dragon continues to blend culinary tradition with contemporary dining preferences, offering Chennai diners a vibrant and satisfying weekday lunch experience.


Jigger Launches Spiced Tamarind, India’s First Sweet-Sour Ready-to-Serve Spirit

Jigger Launches Spiced Tamarind, India’s First Sweet-Sour Ready-to-Serve Spirit

By Hariharan U

Published on June 22, 2026

Jigger, India’s first Ready-to-Serve (RTS) shots brand, has announced the launch of Spiced Tamarind, introducing what it describes as India’s first sweet-sour spirit. The product will be available from June 2026 across Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Goa, with plans for expansion into additional markets.

The launch marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has spent over three years developing the product. Inspired by India’s long-standing love for tamarind-based flavours found in street food, chutneys, and traditional treats, the company sought to recreate the familiar sweet-sour balance in a full-strength alcoholic beverage.

According to Jigger, achieving the desired flavour profile required extensive research involving distillers, food chemists, and flavour experts from India, Canada, and the United States. The development process also included studying tamarind’s use in cocktails and beverages in Thailand, where the ingredient has long been incorporated into mixology.

The new Spiced Tamarind variant features a flavour profile built around bright tamarind notes, natural sweetness, and subtle savoury spice. It is offered at 37.5% ABV and is available in both a 60ml double-serve format and a 750ml celebration bottle.

Speaking about the launch, Anubhav Khanna, Co-Founder and CEO of Jigger, said the inspiration came from everyday Indian food culture and nostalgic childhood flavours. He noted that recreating tamarind’s characteristic sweet-sour balance in a spirit was a complex challenge that required years of experimentation and refinement.

Founded in 2023 by Madira Ventures, Jigger has positioned itself around transforming familiar Indian flavours into ready-to-serve spirits. Its portfolio already includes variants such as Meetha Paan, Coffee Toffee, and Litchi Rose.

With Spiced Tamarind, the company continues its focus on celebrating Indian taste profiles while expanding the possibilities within the country’s growing alcobev industry.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Brings Kashmiri Flavours to Nazaara with “Wazwan Tales”

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Brings Kashmiri Flavours to Nazaara with “Wazwan Tales”

By Hariharan U

Published on June 22, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is bringing the rich culinary traditions of Kashmir to Bengaluru with Wazwan Tales,” an exclusive dining showcase at its rooftop restaurant, Nazaara. The festival will run from June 19 to June 28, 2026, offering guests an immersive experience inspired by the celebrated Wazwan heritage.

Curated by Chef Nisaar Ahmad Khan and the hotel’s culinary team, the showcase highlights the slow-cooked flavours, aromatic spices, and royal traditions that define Kashmiri cuisine. Set against the open-air ambience of Nazaara, diners can explore a menu featuring signature dishes such as Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Tabak Maaz, and Yakhni Pulao.

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The experience also includes charcoal-grilled seekh kebabs prepared fresh off the grill, along with vegetarian specialities like Nadru Yakhni and Dum Aloo Kashmiri. Traditional accompaniments including Kahwa, Sheermal, and saffron-and-almond Phirni complete the authentic Kashmiri feast.

Adding to the celebration, The Hebbal Cafe will host a special Wazwan Tales-themed Sunday Brunch on June 28, 2026. The brunch will combine Kashmiri delicacies with an extensive spread of Indian and international favourites, complemented by unlimited mocktails, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The hotel aims to recreate the grandeur of a traditional Wazwan feast, giving Bengaluru diners an opportunity to experience the flavours and hospitality of Kashmir in an elevated rooftop setting.

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