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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 Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on November 30, 2025
ibis Hyderabad has introduced The Groove Hub, its brand-new open-air dining destination designed to match the brand’s energetic and youthful personality. The space brings together relaxed seating, warm lighting and upbeat décor, creating an ambience where guests can enjoy conversations, food and music in a free-flowing, easy way. The venue reflects the spirit of today’s modern traveller as well as the city’s local crowd, offering a comfortable spot to unwind.
Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Tejus Jose, director of operations, ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “At ibis, we’ve always believed in creating spaces that blend great design, comfort, and a sense of community. The Groove Hub is an embodiment of that belief, a lively open-air venue where people can unwind, connect, and enjoy memorable culinary experiences. It’s an exciting new addition that complements the overall vibe of ibis Hyderabad.”
Adding to this, John Surendranath, general manager, ibis Hyderabad, said, “The Groove Hub is a passion project for our team, a space that reflects Hyderabad’s evolving dining culture while staying true to ibis’ approachable charm. Hyderabad is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, and we wanted The Groove Hub to mirror that spirit. Our goal was to create an inviting alfresco setting where guests can savour innovative dishes, sip on refreshing mocktails, and unwind after a busy day in this vibrant metropolis. It’s designed to feel like an escape within the city, vibrant, soulful, and full of rhythm, just like Hyderabad itself.”
With its inviting atmosphere, flavour-packed dishes and signature ibis charm, The Groove Hub aims to become a go-to spot for relaxed afternoons, lively brunches and easy-going evenings. Whether guests want to enjoy a sunny meal or settle in for a calm dinner under the stars, the venue offers a refreshing new dining experience at ibis Hyderabad.
Karigari by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi has rolled out its Limited Edition Winter Menu, a spread that celebrates the warmth of North Indian winters. Crafted with seasonal produce and memories from Chef Harpal’s own family kitchens, the menu blends homely comfort with nostalgic flavours.
The experience begins with dishes that instantly bring back winter-time aromas. The Singhade and Shakarkandi ki Chaat carries the tangy and smoky feel of roasted shakarkandi carts that once dotted Delhi’s streets. The Amritsari Paya Shorba served with Khameeri Naan brings the bustling charm of Amritsar’s lanes, while the Silbatte ki Pahadi Dal offers a rustic, earthy touch with roasted lentils and zakhia-seed tempering. For those who love simple, homestyle winter meals, the Methi Bathua Paratha and Saag Murgh offer the familiar comfort associated with Punjabi homes.
At the heart of the menu is the season’s most loved classic. The Sarson ka Saag with Masala Makai Paratha Thaali brings together fresh winter greens and slow cooking, inspired by the flavours of Chef Harpal’s nani’s kitchen in Patti. The dessert selection takes the warmth a step further. The Kali Gaajar ka Halwa with Panjiri is made the traditional way, while the Akhirot & Anjeer ka Halwa adds a rich, layered sweetness, finished with crisp kataifi and fresh pear.
To complete the winter experience, Karigari also brings back its seasonal Mulled Wine, gently warmed with citrus and whole spices for a cosy finish to the meal.
Every dish on this menu leans into winter’s produce, rituals and nostalgia, giving diners a meal that feels homely, comforting and perfect for the season.
Fact Sheet:
● Outlet: Available across pan-India in 11 outlets (Noida Sector 51, Noida Sector 142, Karkardooma, Punjabi Bagh, Civil Lines, Faridabad, Connaught Place, Indore, Dehradun, Bangalore, Gurugram)
● Timing: 12 PM - 12 AM
By Hariharan U
Published on November 29, 2025
IGP, one of India’s leading D2C gifting platforms and a strong name in the cakes category, has launched a first-ever limited-edition Global Cake Collection, bringing iconic flavours from eight countries to the Indian market. With cakes becoming an essential part of modern celebrations, the brand aims to offer a fresh, imaginative way of enjoying desserts inspired by global cultures.
Launched on World Cake Day, the campaign revolves around the idea that every cake tells a story. To mark the occasion, IGP introduced Cakes of the World, a chef-crafted collection that showcases globally inspired flavours paired with IGP’s signature craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The limited-edition range features eight distinct creations:
France: Smooth Salted Caramel
Italy: Rich Mocha Espresso
Belgium: Indulgent Chocolate Truffle
Switzerland: Velvety Hazelnut Praline
Canada: Fluffy Blueberry Cream
India: Festive Rasmalai
United States: Classic Red Velvet
UAE: Decadent Chocolate Kunafa
Each cake highlights a beloved flavour story from its region, presenting a blend of cultural inspiration, culinary creativity, and global indulgence.
Speaking about the launch, Tarun Joshi, Founder and CEO, IGP, said, “IGP has always been at the forefront of redefining the cake experience in India, and there couldn’t be a more perfect day than World Cake Day to deepen that association. With this year’s campaign, we are introducing Cakes of the World—an invitation to enjoy international flavours and celebrate the joy and indulgence that the year-end season brings. It’s our way of sharing the world’s most loved cakes, crafted in a distinctly IGP way.”
The campaign is supported by a multi-platform rollout, including teasers, digital content, creator collaborations, and communication across the brand’s website, email, and WhatsApp channels. With a strong focus on storytelling and flavour exploration, IGP aims to make World Cake Day a moment of global celebration rather than just an annual observance.
IGP continues to lead innovation in the cakes category, from developing chef-driven signature flavours to building a robust nationwide delivery network. The brand has delivered over 1,500 tons of cakes across India, enough to fill more than 650 food trucks, marking millions of celebrations across the country.
About IGP:
IGP is one of the largest D2C gifting companies with offices in India, Singapore, and Dubai. The International Gifts Platform offers a wide range of festival merchandise, gifts, flowers, cakes, plants, gourmet foods, and personalised products. With customers across 100+ countries and 1000+ Indian cities, the brand has created over 20 million gifting experiences so far.
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