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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 December 19, 2025
McDonald’s India North & East, operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (CPRL), has unveiled its new Signature Collection with two indulgent offerings, Cheesy Mushroom and Cheesy Chicken bringing an elevated burger experience that promises to make you go “Whoaaa.”
With consumer preferences shifting toward deeper, richer flavours, McDonald’s has crafted these new Signature Collection variants to combine bold, thoughtfully layered ingredients, premium proteins, and textures that delight in every bite.
The new Signature Collection includes:
Cheesy Mushroom: A rich, cheesy mushroom patty with savoury Italian sauce, tangy gherkins, and crisp lettuce, stacked in a protein bun for a multi-textured, indulgent experience.
Cheesy Chicken: Flame-grilled chicken paired with a juicy egg patty, balanced with tangy habanero sauce, crisp gherkins, and lettuce in a protein bun, offering a layered, flavour-packed bite.
Staying true to McDonald’s “Proudly Indian” commitment, all ingredients, from mushrooms and lettuce to chicken and eggs, are sourced from trusted Indian suppliers, supporting local farmers while ensuring freshness and quality.
Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said:"With the Signature Collection, we’re transforming everyday burgers into indulgent experiences. These new Cheesy Mushroom and Cheesy Chicken variants are thoughtfully layered with bold flavours, textures, and high-quality ingredients, delivering a symphony of taste that makes you go 'Whoa.' By pairing global-inspired flavours with locally sourced ingredients, we ensure every bite resonates with Indian preferences."
Available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, the new Signature Collection can be enjoyed via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, and delivery through leading food aggregators.
About McDonald’s India North & East:Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s North & East India serves millions annually across more than 270 restaurants and 160 McCafes. Committed to quality, innovation, and local sourcing, the brand provides employment to over 6,000 people and offers diverse formats including standalone restaurants, drive-thrus, and 24/7 outlets.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Chinese Wok, India’s largest home-grown Desi Chinese QSR chain, has announced the launch of Wok Winter Feast, a limited-period winter dining celebration offering its entire menu at ₹149 across India. The nationwide campaign will run from December 19 to December 21, 2025, and will be available at all Chinese Wok outlets for dine-in and takeaway.
The three-day winter feast is designed around seasonal dining behaviour in India, where winter typically sees an increase in social outings, family gatherings, and festive travel, alongside a growing preference for hot, spicy, and comfort-led meals. By unlocking its full menu at a single special price point, Chinese Wok aims to encourage menu exploration while making its popular Desi Chinese offerings more accessible to a wider audience.
The initiative allows customers to enjoy a wide range of Chinese Wok favourites, including signature rice and noodle bowls, momos, appetisers, and flavour-packed combinations. The value-led pricing also lowers the entry barrier for first-time customers, while offering regular patrons an opportunity to try new categories during the peak winter break period. The campaign is expected to resonate strongly with families, students, and young professionals across markets.
Wok Winter Feast builds on the momentum of Chinese Wok’s ongoing Wok Mania campaign, which is running from December 12 to December 19, 2025, and has been driving increased footfalls through cricket-led in-store engagement. By extending this excitement into a winter-focused value celebration, the brand aims to maximise dining demand in the lead-up to Christmas and the New Year.
Commenting on the launch, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “Winter is about indulgence, togetherness and comfort-led food, and Wok Winter Feast brings that behaviour to life at an accessible price point. By offering our entire menu at ₹149, we are democratising the Desi Chinese experience and inviting more consumers to enjoy the full breadth of Chinese Wok’s flavours, reinforcing our mission of making bold, satisfying food accessible to all.”
Adding to this, Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, shared, “The timing of Wok Winter Feast is driven by a clear consumer insight. Winter is when dining out peaks and Desi Chinese becomes a natural choice for shared meals. The special pricing is designed to encourage customers to explore more of our menu, while the strong response to our ongoing Wok Mania campaign has given us the momentum to build December into a month-long celebration for the brand and our consumers.”
With Wok Winter Feast, Chinese Wok continues to strengthen its positioning as one of India’s most-loved Desi Chinese QSR brands, combining seasonal relevance, strong consumer engagement, and value-driven innovation to bring people together over comforting winter flavours.
QLA has welcomed the winter season with the launch of its new winter menu, a carefully curated offering that celebrates the richness, warmth, and depth of cold-weather ingredients. Designed under Chef Dipender Tiwari’s “flavour forward, ingredient led” philosophy, the menu reflects months of focused exploration, placing seasonal produce at the heart of every dish.
Winter-harvested roots, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant citrus form the foundation of the menu, bringing together comfort and complexity in equal measure. A highlight of the season is the Lion’s Mane Mushroom, paired with a demi-glace and smoked spring onion, delivering a deep and layered umami profile. The Morel and White Asparagus Soup offers a rich, indulgent start, while Pumpkin is transformed into crisp Japanese curry croquettes that balance texture and warmth. The Sous Vide Salmon, served with braised parsnip and a saffron-orange sauce, showcases winter produce at its peak, while the Afghan Cherry with Burrata and orange vinaigrette brings a refined brightness to the plate. Chef Tiwari’s approach blends European techniques with global ingredients, executed with clarity and precision.
Complementing the food is QLA’s winter-focused bar programme, crafted to mirror the mood of the season. Cocktails are designed to warm and comfort while maintaining balance and character. The Bourbon Tea blends saffron, kahwa, jaggery, and winter spices, while the Barrel-Aged Whiskey Cocktail combines chocolate, citrus, and oak smoke. The Spiked Hot Chocolate delivers indulgent warmth, and the Q’La Mule adds a lively note with ginger and lemongrass, staying true to the winter palette.
Thoughtful food and cocktail pairings elevate the overall experience. The Lion’s Mane Mushroom pairs seamlessly with the Barrel-Aged Whiskey Cocktail, balancing smoke and umami. The Pumpkin curry finds harmony with the Tamarindo’s sweet heat, while the Q’La Mule cuts through the richness of the Sous Vide Salmon. The Berry and Verde cocktail enhances the Afghan Cherry and Burrata salad, lifting the dish without overpowering it.
The menu also offers a strong selection for vegan and gluten-free guests, with dishes such as Silken Tofu Carpaccio, Thai Herb Curry with Assamese black rice, and an array of winter vegetables, roots, mushrooms, salads, and sushi, all treated as centrepieces rather than alternatives. Desserts continue the winter narrative with Burnt Pear, Strawberry Pannacotta, and Cinnamon and Hazelnut, offering warmth and balance to conclude the meal.
QLA’s ambience mirrors the menu’s seasonal spirit, with candlelit tables, rustic textures, soft lighting, and a welcoming courtyard setting. Live acoustic performances and interactive cocktail moments add to the experience, making both lunch and dinner inviting throughout the season. The winter menu is available for a limited seasonal run, inviting guests to experience winter dining at its most thoughtful and expressive.
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