Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

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.

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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."

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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.


Mumbai’s Top Sushi Destinations to Celebrate International Sushi Day

Mumbai’s Top Sushi Destinations to Celebrate International Sushi Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 17, 2026

International Sushi Day on June 18, 2026, is set to shine a spotlight on Mumbai’s growing love for Japanese cuisine. Across the city, restaurants are celebrating the occasion with unique sushi experiences, ranging from unlimited conveyor belt offerings and live sushi stations to carefully crafted signature rolls and premium nigiri selections.

Leading the celebrations is Harajuku Tokyo Café, which is extending its popular conveyor belt sushi experience for the entire day. Known for its vibrant Tokyo-inspired setting, the restaurant will offer unlimited access to some of its most-loved creations, including the Spicy Salmon Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Prawn Tempura Roll, and Rainbow Roll. The all-day experience is designed to give guests an immersive and fun-filled Sushi Day celebration.

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Another popular destination for sushi enthusiasts is Torii, a restaurant that has earned a reputation for its thoughtful approach to Japanese cuisine. Its signature sushi menu includes favourites such as the Avocado Tempura, Dirty Torii, Katsu Chicken Roll, and Tornado Asparagus. With a strong focus on technique and quality ingredients, Torii offers an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy a refined sushi experience.

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Amaru is taking a different route with a special Sushi Edition of its well-known Sunday brunch. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared maki rolls and nigiri from a live sushi bar while also exploring a live ceviche station, curated cocktails, a dessert bar, and entertainment from a live DJ. The brunch combines Japanese flavours with Amaru’s lively dining atmosphere, making it a unique way to celebrate the occasion.

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For diners seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience, OJU offers a menu centred around craftsmanship and premium ingredients. Located above Neuma in a restored Colaba bungalow, the restaurant features a sushi and maki selection that includes Yasai Maki, Avocado Tempura Sushi, Otoro, Hotate, and the popular Prawn Tempura Maki with spicy red yuzu kosho mayo. The restaurant’s intimate setting and attention to detail continue to make it a favourite among sushi lovers.

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As International Sushi Day arrives, these Mumbai restaurants are showcasing the diversity and creativity of Japanese cuisine, offering everything from casual sushi feasts to elevated dining experiences for enthusiasts across the city.


Foo Celebrates Sushi Day with a Creative Lineup of Signature Sushi Rolls

Foo Celebrates Sushi Day with a Creative Lineup of Signature Sushi Rolls

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 17, 2026

As Sushi Day approaches, Foo is inviting diners to explore a sushi menu that brings together precision, craftsmanship, and high-quality ingredients. Rooted in traditional sushi-making techniques while embracing modern flavour combinations, the menu offers a fresh take on one of the world's most loved culinary creations.

Among the highlights is the Truffle Togarashi Black Rice Maki, featuring black rice paired with asparagus, avocado, cucumber, and Philadelphia cheese, finished with a hint of togarashi for added depth and spice. Another standout is the Shishito Charcoal Tempura Uramaki, which combines tempura shishito peppers, avocado, crisp filo, and a spicy sauce to deliver layers of texture and flavour.

Plant-based diners can enjoy The Foo Vegan Maki, a thoughtfully crafted roll made with black rice, avocado, Thai chilli, yam bean, and guacamole, complemented by a rich miso sauce. The Foo Wild Salmon Uramaki offers a colourful presentation with vibrant blue rice, salmon, avocado, guacamole, and spicy cream sauce, creating a bold and memorable sushi experience.

Adding a fusion touch to the menu is the Peruvian Lobster Roll, which combines lobster tempura, avocado, spicy crisps, and anticucho sauce. Inspired by Japanese and Peruvian culinary influences, the roll delivers a distinctive blend of flavours and textures.

These signature creations represent only a part of Foo's extensive sushi selection, which continues to attract sushi enthusiasts across the city. With a balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern creativity, the menu serves as a fitting celebration of Sushi Day and the enduring appeal of sushi culture.


Naveen Kandhol Unveils Signature Mocktail Menu with Innovative Flavours

Naveen Kandhol Unveils Signature Mocktail Menu with Innovative Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 17, 2026

Celebrated beverage expert and creative mixologist Naveen Kandhol, The Mixologist has introduced a new signature mocktail menu, bringing together fresh ingredients, modern techniques, and exciting flavour combinations. The collection has been designed for guests looking for premium non-alcoholic beverages that offer the same level of creativity and craftsmanship often associated with cocktails.

The newly launched menu features five carefully crafted mocktails, each delivering a distinct experience. The Lemon Basil Spritz combines lemon syrup, fresh basil, lime juice, and soda to create a refreshing drink with bright citrus notes and a subtle herbal touch. The Strawberry Balsamico blends white balsamic reduction, strawberry syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and foamer, offering a balanced mix of sweetness and acidity.

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For those who enjoy fruit-forward flavours, the Peach Alba combines peach nectar, lime juice, peach syrup, and egg white to create a smooth and velvety beverage. The Rosemary Cherry Tonic brings together cherry syrup, rosemary syrup, lime juice, and tonic water, delivering an aromatic and refreshing profile. Completing the collection is the Hazelnut Cold Brew Shakerato, which combines hazelnut syrup, espresso, vanilla essence, and soda for a refreshing coffee-inspired drink.

Speaking about the launch, Naveen Kandhol said, “Mocktails have evolved significantly in recent years, and today's consumers expect the same level of creativity and craftsmanship in non-alcoholic beverages as they do in cocktails. This menu has been carefully designed to showcase bold flavors, premium ingredients, and memorable experiences. Each drink reflects a balance of innovation and approachability, allowing guests to explore exciting flavor combinations while enjoying a sophisticated beverage experience.”

The new menu highlights Naveen Kandhol’s continued focus on pushing the boundaries of mixology while responding to changing consumer preferences. By incorporating fresh ingredients, artisanal syrups, botanical elements, and contemporary presentation styles, the collection offers an elevated alternative for guests seeking alcohol-free beverage options.

The launch is expected to appeal to a broad audience, including wellness-conscious consumers and beverage enthusiasts eager to explore new flavour experiences. With this latest addition, Naveen Kandhol further strengthens his position as a leading name in beverage innovation and contemporary mocktail culture.

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