Sampan, the legendary Indo-Chinese restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, has stepped into a new culinary era with the launch of Sampan 2.0—a bold and immersive Pan-Asian experience designed to indulge every sense and celebrate East Asia’s vibrant food culture.

Bringing together the fiery zest of Korea, the comfort of Thai curries, the precision of Japanese cuisine, and the spice of Sichuan, the new menu is a curated exploration of the region’s diverse culinary landscape. Highlights include Lemon & Coriander Soup, Dragon Roll, Prawns Egg Drop Soup, Homemade Furikake Corn Ribs, Crispy Duck Pancakes, and Spicy Scallop & Mushroom—each dish brimming with authentic flavour and meticulous presentation.

Adding to the experience, live cooking stations and interactive counters invite diners into the heart of the action, where woks sizzle, dim sums steam, and sushi is hand-rolled in real time. From umami-rich broths to crispy tempura and teppanyaki, Sampan 2.0 turns every bite into a mini journey across Asia.

The ambience blends traditional charm with modern energy, making it a destination for both classic flavour lovers and those seeking new, adventurous tastes. With mains served at the table and live counters enhancing the meal with aromas, textures, and theatre, this is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of Asia on a plate.

Sampan 2.0 officially launches from May 3, 2025, with lunch served from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and dinner from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. The experience is priced at approximately ₹4,000 to ₹4,500 for two, offering great value for an evening of indulgent discovery.

Location: Sampan, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahni Rd, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
When: From May 3, 2025
Timings:
Lunch – 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Dinner – 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Building on the success of its Green Park debut, Cafe Amudham has opened its second outlet in Delhi at Janpath, Connaught Place, strengthening its presence in the capital and taking its total count to eight outlets across India since its launch in 2022.

Founded with the vision to make authentic South Indian cuisine a part of everyday urban dining, Cafe Amudham has quickly grown into a much-loved brand for its fresh take on traditional flavours. Its menu includes signature dishes like Pudi Idlis, dosa varieties, filter coffee, and revived regional recipes, catering to both loyal fans and curious first-timers.

Speaking on the launch, Priyanka Rudrappa, Co-founder and CEO, said, “Our Green Park outlet saw an overwhelming response, reaffirming that there’s a strong appetite for a fresh, elevated South Indian experience in Delhi. With Janpath, we’re excited to build on that momentum and serve even more guests in the city's cultural heart.”

The Janpath outlet stands out with its open kitchen concept, warm lighting, modern textures, and the sounds of curated South Indian music—creating an immersive experience that’s both rooted in tradition and designed for today’s diner. The restaurant continues to focus on ingredient sourcing directly from the South, allowing for rich flavours and authenticity in every plate.

Since its inception in Bengaluru in 2022, Cafe Amudham has set itself apart with a commitment to culinary storytelling, quality, and regional heritage—and its expansion to Janpath is yet another step in redefining how modern India experiences South Indian cuisine.

BLR Restaurants Pvt Ltd, the team behind popular names like BLR Brewing Co. and Bean Lore, has unveiled their latest venture — Hachi by Tenya, a 40-seater Japanese eatery nestled in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Developed in collaboration with the renowned Tenya from Tokyo, Hachi introduces the timeless art of tempura and other soulful Japanese dishes in an intimate and authentic setting.

A name that means “bowl” in Japanese, Hachi isn’t just another addition to the city’s food scene — it’s a heartfelt culinary exchange built on precision, tradition, and the spirit of omotenashi, Japan’s deep-rooted philosophy of wholehearted hospitality.

With Bangalore’s growing appetite for global cuisines, particularly Japanese, Hachi stands out with its chef-led, experience-first approach. At its core is a 12-seat chef’s counter that surrounds an open kitchen — inviting diners to interact with the chefs, watch every tempura crisp to perfection, and experience Japanese craftsmanship up close.

“We’ve long admired the simplicity and soulfulness of Japanese cuisine,” said Prasanna Kumar, Co-founder of BLR Restaurants. “With Hachi, we wanted to bring that spirit to life in a space that’s intimate, authentic, and deeply interactive.”

Leading the kitchen is Chef Takahashi, a Tenya veteran of over 20 years, alongside Chef Nagai, whose training across Kyoto and Tokyo brings depth and elegance to every plate. Together, they aim to not only serve food, but also share the emotional essence of Japan.

“Our goal with Hachi is to share not just Japanese food, but Japanese heart,” said Chef Takahashi. “We’ve brought traditional techniques, heritage ingredients, and a deep love for the craft — from our kitchen to yours.”

The menu reflects the precision and grace of traditional Japanese cuisine:

• Tempura: Light, crisp, and ethereal — flash-fried at high temperatures for perfect drainage.

• Ramen: Silken broths elevated with homemade chicken oil and scallion oil for deep umami.

• Sushi Rolls: Made with in-house vinegar infused with dashi, rolled with precision and care.

• Sake & Japanese Cocktails: Curated to pair seamlessly with the umami-rich food.

• Small Plates: Agedashi Tofu, Chicken Karaage, and Dashimakitamago served with artisanal finesse.

Located just behind HDFC Bank in Doddanakundi Industrial Area, Hachi by Tenya sits next to Hamilton — BLR Restaurants’ new cocktail destination — making it a perfect stop for an immersive night of global flavours right in the heart of Bengaluru.

With Hachi, BLR Restaurants continues to push the envelope in India’s evolving culinary scene, fusing global excellence with local curiosity and heartfelt storytelling.