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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on May 30, 2024
The prestigious Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 competition, showcasing India’s finest pastry talent, recently concluded in Mumbai. This year, Chef Vedangi Gawde was crowned the winner, with Chef Yash Chhabria as the first runner-up and Chef Sandeep Sharma and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar sharing the second runner-up spot.
Callebaut, famed for its high-quality Belgian chocolate, organized the event in collaboration with Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner. Now in its third edition, the competition aims to provide a platform for India’s top pastry chefs to showcase their innovative use of chocolate in bakery, pastry, and confectionery creations.
The journey to the finale was marked by remarkable talent and creativity. Pastry chefs from across India participated in regional qualifiers held in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The eight finalists—Chef Krishanu Dey, Chef Milan Shoran, Chef Sandeep Sharma, Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef Anshul Grover, Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Chef Shashi Kiran, and Chef Yash Chhabria—competed fiercely for the top honors.
Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef de Partie at Sivako, emerged victorious. Chef Yash Chhabria, Pastry Cook and Co-Founder of Cacaobleu, was the first runner-up. Chef Sandeep Sharma, Demi Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Kolkata, and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Pastry Chef at Sofitel BKC, tied for the second runner-up position.
Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut Cocoa & Chocolate Ingredients India, expressed pride in the event's success. He highlighted the competition’s theme, "Craft Your Signature," which encouraged chefs to express their authentic selves through their creations. He praised the participants for their exceptional skill, talent, and passion displayed throughout the competition.
Chef Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, was thrilled with the level of talent showcased. "Overall, we had a great turnout for the competition. We had the opportunity to taste some really unique flavor combinations as well. The Chefs truly pushed their boundaries through the competition and proudly crafted their signatures. The level of pastry skill has indeed evolved, which was displayed throughout the competition, be it with newer, more efficient methods of working or flavor pairings and techniques used to craft bonbons, entremets, and other creations."
Global Callebaut Creative Lead Chef Minette Smith, who judged the event for the second time, echoed these sentiments. She appreciated the contestants' creativity and their use of local ingredients. She remarked on the difficulty of selecting a winner due to the high level of competition and wished all participants success in their future endeavors.
Chef Vedangi Gawde said, “I am very happy to win the title of the Callebaut Patisserie for the year. This is a very special title for me, and this win means a lot to me.”
The grand finale featured contestants creating exquisite signature dishes across various categories, judged by culinary experts including Chef Minette Smith, Chef Romain Renard, Head of MENA Chocolate Academies, and Chef Arvind Prasad, Ambassador for Callebaut Chocolates in India.
The event was supported by several partners: Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner, The Chocolate Academy Mumbai as the Knowledge Partner, KitchenAid as the Appliance Partner, Unox as the Equipment Partner, Elle & Vire Professional and Delta Nutritives as the Ingredient Partners, BW Hotelier as the Media Partner, Zee Zest as the Lifestyle Partner, and VBev as the Celebration Partner.
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By Hariharan U
Published on August 16, 2026
Conrad Pune is bringing the bold flavours of southwestern China to the city with The Mala Market, a limited-time Sichuan cuisine festival at Koji from August 7 to 16, 2026.
Available during both lunch and dinner, the culinary promotion features a specially curated menu by Chef Gopal, showcasing authentic Sichuan preparations and traditional cooking techniques.
Sichuan cuisine is known for its distinctive balance of heat, aroma and depth, with the celebrated málà sensation at its heart. The characteristic combination of fiery chillies, fragrant Sichuan peppercorns and fermented broad bean paste creates the layered flavour profile associated with the region's cuisine.
The Mala Market brings together a selection of Sichuan classics, including Hot Pot, Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Stir-fried Green Beans and Roasted Pork. Each preparation has been crafted to highlight the bold flavours, aromatic spices and cooking techniques that define Sichuan's culinary heritage.
The specially curated à la carte menu allows diners to explore the diversity of Sichuan cuisine while experiencing its distinctive balance of spice, fragrance and umami.
Set within the contemporary Asian-inspired ambience of Koji at Conrad Pune, The Mala Market offers diners an opportunity to discover the culinary traditions of southwestern China through a focused regional menu.
Whether enjoyed over a leisurely lunch or an evening meal, the limited-time promotion brings together authentic flavours and contemporary dining in an experience designed for Sichuan food enthusiasts.
Promotion: The Mala MarketCuisine: Sichuan CuisineVenue: Koji, Conrad PuneDates: August 7–16, 2026Timings: Lunch & DinnerReservations: +91 91686 03648 | 020 6745 6745
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
This Parsi New Year, Sofitel Mumbai BKC is bringing the flavours of Parsi culinary heritage to the table with a special Navroz Brunch at Pondichéry Café on Sunday, 16th August 2026.
The curated brunch brings together the richness of traditional Parsi cuisine with the contemporary setting of Sofitel Mumbai BKC. Guests can explore heritage recipes, nostalgic street-side favourites, global dishes and interactive live stations as part of the festive spread.
The culinary highlights include much-loved Parsi preparations such as Patra Ni Machhi, Salli Boti, Berry Pulao, Dhansak, Jardaloo Salli Murgh, Mutton Cutlets, Kolmi No Patio, Kheema Pav, Lagan Nu Achar, and freshly baked brun pav.
Adding a nostalgic touch to the celebration, familiar favourites including Bun Maska, Akuri, Kejriwal Toast, Mawa Cakes, Pattice, and savoury bakes will be prepared live, allowing guests to enjoy these treats fresh from the stations.
The Navroz Brunch is designed as a celebration of Parsi food traditions, bringing together recipes and flavours that have been part of the community's culinary heritage, while adding the hospitality and dining experience of Sofitel Mumbai BKC.
Maize & Malt is bringing together India's rich pork traditions and craft beer with Pork & Pints, a month-long culinary festival running throughout August 2026.
The festival brings eight pork preparations from different parts of India onto one menu, giving food lovers an opportunity to explore the distinct flavours and cooking traditions associated with each region.
The menu features pork specialties from Kodagu, Malnad, Kerala, Goa, Mangaluru, Nagaland, Assam, along with dishes from the Anglo-Indian culinary tradition. Each preparation is made with regional ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, keeping the recipes close to their original flavours and culinary roots.
Adding to the experience, every pork dish comes with a carefully selected craft beer pairing from Maize & Malt. The combinations are designed to bring together the flavours of the food and the beer while offering guests a balanced food and beer experience.
The festival's highlights include Kodava Pandi Fry, Malnad Pepper Pork Fry, Kerala Pork Ularthiyathu, Goan Pork Cafreal, Mangalorean Pork Bafat Fry, Naga Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot, Assamese Til Pork, and Anglo-Indian Devilled Pork. Each preparation is accompanied by a recommended beer pairing chosen to complement its flavour profile.
Rather than giving traditional dishes a modern reinterpretation, Pork & Pints focuses on regional authenticity. The festival takes guests through different pork traditions across India while also highlighting the range of flavours that can be paired with craft beer. The festival will be available exclusively at Maize & Malt throughout August.
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