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By Nishang Narayan
Published on May 29, 2025
In a proud moment for Vietnam’s culinary world, Chef Nguyen Dong Hai, Executive Chef at Azerai La Residence, Hue, has been awarded the prestigious title of "Master Culinary Artisan of Vietnam." This rare national honour recognises his exceptional skill, cultural contribution, and unwavering dedication to preserving and innovating Vietnamese and Hue cuisine.
Presented by the Vietnam Handicraft Villages Association, the title is bestowed only once every few years, with fewer than ten chefs across the country selected in each cycle. Chef Hai’s recognition is a testament to his decades-long culinary journey and the profound impact of his work—serving everyone from international royalty and dignitaries to celebrities and global culinary icons.
“Chef Hai embodies the essence of Hue's culinary heritage while infusing it with a global perspective,” said Minh Phan Trong, General Manager of Azerai La Residence, Hue. “His dedication, humility and creativity have earned him this well-deserved recognition.”
Chef Hai joined La Residence in 2005 and quickly became the visionary force behind several of its signature dining experiences, including The Colonial Life—a unique blend of Nguyen Dynasty imperial cuisine and French gastronomy. His celebrated “Majestic Menu,” crafted for the 2017 visit of Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, continues to be one of the hotel’s most iconic offerings.
Internationally, Chef Hai’s talent drew praise from the late Anthony Bourdain during his 2014 visit to the hotel. Bourdain particularly admired Hai’s inventive take on the Vietnamese banh mi, now known affectionately as the “La Residence Banh Mi.”
Throughout his career, Chef Hai has worked with renowned chefs from around the world, and continues to serve as a mentor, training hundreds of aspiring chefs through collaborations with Hue Tourism College. His influence extends beyond the kitchen, playing a key role in shaping Vietnam’s future culinary landscape.
Located in a beautifully restored 1930s colonial mansion, Azerai La Residence, Hue is known for its art deco charm and riverside elegance. Recently named one of Vietnam’s top 16 hotels for 2025 by The Times (UK), it is part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s growing Azerai portfolio.
Congratulations to Chef Nguyen Dong Hai on this extraordinary achievement—a recognition not just of individual excellence, but of Vietnamese culinary heritage on the world stage.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 1, 2025
In a landmark win for Indian spirits, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa has been crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025" at the renowned Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW) held in Germany. The peated single malt not only secured the prestigious Grand Gold but also emerged as the top international whisky, outshining legendary competitors from whisky powerhouses like Scotland, Ireland, and the USA.
Out of 450 global spirit entries, only 11 earned the coveted Grand Gold, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa being the only Indian whisky to achieve this. This dual honour reflects the growing sophistication and recognition of Indian whiskies on a global platform.
The latest expression from DeVANS, GianChand Manshaa is the brand’s first peated single malt, crafted in the Himalayan region. The whisky impressed the international jury with its "long medicinal peat smoke, perfectly framed by citrus and spicy flavours." Esteemed whisky critic and author of the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray, praised it for its “charming smokiness, with peat in sparkling form.”
Crafted using pure Himalayan waters and shaped by the region’s distinct microclimate, GianChand Manshaa stands as a symbol of India’s potential in the premium single malt category. The win adds to the growing list of accolades for DeVANS, following their recent victories at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in Las Vegas, where GianChand Adambaraa was named Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025 and Best Indian Whisky of the Year 2025.
“This prestigious Grand Gold and INTERNATIONAL WHISKY OF THE YEAR award at ISW Meininger, Germany 2025 is a great recognition of our passion, craft and commitment to quality,” said Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS. “It’s not only a victory for DeVANS, but also a recognition of India’s growing role in the global whisky space.”
Speaking on the brand's journey, Dewan added, “GianChand Manshaa and GianChand Adambaraa represent two facets of our legacy, one bold and peated, the latter refined and elegant. Their success is a tribute to our team’s hard work and a reaffirmation of India’s place in the world of single malts.”
Currently available in Delhi and Hyderabad duty-free, both GianChand expressions will soon hit retail shelves in Haryana and Goa. These achievements underline DeVANS’ commitment to excellence and its vision to elevate Indian whisky to global acclaim.
For whisky lovers and industry insiders alike, this moment is not just a triumph, it’s a proud celebration of the craftsmanship and innovation coming out of India’s distilleries today.
By Hariharan U
Organic Bistro has opened its doors in the heart of Khan Market, New Delhi, offering a refreshing take on clean, ingredient led dining. With seating for 40 and interiors awash in soft pastels and natural light, the space reflects the bistro's philosophy: serving thoughtful, flavour forward meals without giing in to dietary fads or trends.
Founded by Saru Khemka and Arjun Gupta, Organic Bistro isn’t chasing trends or packaging wellness in cliché. It’s a space designed for people who want to eat clean — without being preached to. The focus? Good food, clear intent, and zero compromise on flavour or warmth.
Chef Nishant Choubey, along with in-house chef Gourav Singh Mahori, has created a menu that’s bold yet grounded. Highlights include Purple Potato Dahi Vada, Peri Peri Chickpea Hummus, Jackfruit Haleem, Urfa Chicken Kebabs, and Achari Rajma Khichri with Torched Portobello, every dish carrying a purpose but none trying too hard.
“We’re not trying to fit into binaries — indulgent vs. healthy. Organic Bistro sits in the thoughtful middle”, shares Saru Khemka. “People can keep coming back — solo or social — and the food will always feel real and comfortin”.
The beverage menu is no less intentional, with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and preservative-free teas and coffees, extending the brand’s commitment to clean comfort.
Chef Nishant echoes this clarity: “Guests today want flavour and freshness without feeling excluded. They care, but they’re not buying gimmicks. We’ve kept the menu open, balanced, and intuitive — whether you're in the mood for a salad or something soul-soothing”.
With plans to expand seating upstairs and a Chandigarh flagship next, Organic Bistro’s journey seems to be just warming up serving taste with thought and comfort without clutter.
Location: 38, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: 11AM - 11PM
This Friendship Day, from comforting classics to contemporary innovations, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach invites you to indulge in an immersive dining experience perfect for reconnecting with friends over great food and a stunning sea view.
Sampan, the iconic Indo-Chinese fine dining restaurant at the hotel, now offers an elevated Pan-Asian experience with its bold and indulgent new menu. Paying tribute to East Asia’s rich culinary heritage, the refreshed menu excites the senses while preserving the nostalgic charm that has made Sampan a long-time favourite. With this modern twist, Sampan sets the stage for a memorable Friendship Day celebration.
From the fiery zest of Korean dishes and the soul-soothing warmth of Thai curries to the refined subtlety of Japanese cuisine and the bold spices of Sichuan flavours, Sampan 2.0 offers a journey through Asia on a plate. Signature dishes include Lemon & Coriander Soup, Wonton Soup, Prawns Egg Drop Soup, Yasai Tempura, Dragon Roll, Spicy Veg Miso Ramen, Spicy Scallop & Mushroom, Furikake Seasoning Corn Ribs, Crispy Duck Pancakes, Stir-fry Okra, Edamame, and Roast Lamb in a choice of sauces, each packed with authentic flavours.
The ambiance perfectly blends tradition and modernity, with live cooking stations and interactive counters that bring Asian street-style indulgence to life. Guests can enjoy watching the sizzle of teppanyaki, the finesse of hand-rolled sushi, and the warmth of umami-rich broths, all made fresh and served with flair. While mains are served at the table, the dynamic live counters add a multisensory dimension to the dining experience.
Whether you're craving comforting favourites or eager to explore bold new flavours, Sampan 2.0 offers a soulful dining experience that makes Friendship Day truly special. Surrounded by laughter, flavours, and friends, there's no better way to celebrate the bonds that matter most.
Details: Location: Sampan, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahni Rd, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Time:
• Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
• Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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