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.


Wendy's India Launches Flagship Store in Delhi's Hudson Lane

Wendy's India Launches Flagship Store in Delhi's Hudson Lane

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 10, 2026

Wendy's India, operated by Rebel Foods under the master franchise agreement, has expanded its presence in the capital with the launch of its flagship restaurant in Hudson Lane, GTB Nagar, Delhi. Positioned in one of the city's most popular student and youth hubs, the new outlet has been designed as more than just a dining destination, bringing together food, music, anime culture, and community-driven experiences.

To mark the launch, Wendy's India has lined up a series of events inspired by the interests of Gen Z consumers. The initiative follows the recent introduction of the brand's Teriyaki Burger range and reflects its strategy of creating experiences that extend beyond its menu.

The celebrations begin on July 10, when customers can enjoy Wendy's newly launched Teriyaki Burgers free of cost, along with exclusive giveaways and meet-and-greet sessions with the iconic Wendy mascot.

On July 12, the flagship restaurant will host Wendy's Buns & Bars, a live rap battle celebrating India's growing hip-hop culture. Organised in collaboration with Naam Sujal, runner-up of Hustle Season 4, the event will feature ten finalists selected through online auditions. Winners will receive cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000, along with exclusive Wendy's merchandise and unlimited Wendy's meals during the competition.

The celebrations will continue on July 18 with an Anime Fans Meetup, inspired by the Teriyaki Burger range. For the event, the restaurant will be transformed into a Japanese-themed venue featuring anime-inspired décor, cosplay competitions, interactive fan activities, and exclusive Teriyaki merchandise, including T-shirts and bucket hats. The Wendy mascot will also make a special appearance, while cosplay winners will receive cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP Marketing, Rebel Foods, said:

"Delhi has always been a key market for Wendy's India, and Hudson Lane - with its vibrant student community and dynamic food culture - is the perfect home for our flagship restaurant. More than just a place to enjoy great food, this outlet has been designed as a space where music, fandom and global flavours come together. Through experiences like Buns & Bars and our Anime Fans Meetup, we are creating meaningful cultural moments that allow consumers to connect with Wendy's beyond the menu. As we continue to expand across India, our focus remains on building experiences that resonate with the country's next generation of consumers."

The Hudson Lane flagship reflects Wendy's India's focus on combining globally inspired flavours with locally relevant cultural experiences, strengthening the brand's presence among young consumers while creating a destination where food, entertainment, and community come together.

Outlet Address:  Wendy's, Hudson Lane, GTB Nagar, Delhi


Haldiram's Strengthens Uttar Pradesh Presence with New Store in Gorakhpur

Haldiram's Strengthens Uttar Pradesh Presence with New Store in Gorakhpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 10, 2026

Haldiram's has expanded its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the launch of a new store in Gorakhpur, marking another step in the brand's retail growth across emerging markets in India.

Located at Mouza Chaksaila, Tappa Kasba, Golghar, Gorakhpur, the new outlet follows the brand's city-wide "Ache Din Aa Rahe Hai!" teaser campaign, which generated curiosity through red billboards placed across the city. The store opening now completes the campaign by bringing Haldiram's signature dining and retail experience to consumers.

Designed to offer a comprehensive food and shopping destination, the outlet features Haldiram's wide range of freshly prepared dishes and packaged products. Customers can enjoy North Indian and South Indian specialities, chaats, traditional sweets, bakery items, and popular street food favourites.

In addition to its dine-in offerings, the store also stocks Haldiram's packaged snacks, sweets, frozen foods, ready-to-eat products, and gifting options, catering to both everyday purchases and festive occasions.

The launch reflects Haldiram's strategy of expanding beyond metro cities and strengthening its presence in high-growth markets. Gorakhpur, which played a central role in the teaser campaign, represents the brand's continued focus on reaching customers in emerging cities across the country.

By combining an engaging marketing campaign with the opening of its latest outlet, Haldiram's aims to deliver an enhanced retail and dining experience while further expanding its footprint in Uttar Pradesh.


Tattva Bar & Café Launches Limited-Edition Monsoon Menu in Mumbai

Tattva Bar & Café Launches Limited-Edition Monsoon Menu in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2026

Tattva Bar & Café in Andheri East, Mumbai, is celebrating the arrival of the rainy season with the launch of its Limited-Edition Monsoon Menu. Available throughout the monsoon, the specially curated offering combines comforting flavours, seasonal ingredients, and handcrafted cocktails designed to capture the essence of the rains.

Inspired by the warmth and joy of monsoon dining, the menu blends global culinary influences with Indian favourites, creating a memorable dining experience for guests looking to enjoy the season.

The culinary journey begins with the refreshing Charred Root & Fresh Mozzarella Salad, followed by the crispy Harumaki Spring Roll and the inventive Bruschetta à la Dabeli, which brings together the flavours of Italian bruschetta and Mumbai's iconic street food. Diners can also savour the popular Kurkure Palak Ki Chaat, while The Not Meat Chapli Kebab offers a plant-based interpretation of the traditional North-West Frontier delicacy.

The menu further features Pear & Black Currant Crostini, Fire Roasted Chicken, Spiced Chicken Tart, and Chilly Crab Croquettes, offering a diverse selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes crafted especially for the season.

Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu inspired by different moods of the monsoon. Guests can choose from Purple Monsoon, Storm Brew, Misty Orchard, and Fireside Rain, with each cocktail designed to pair seamlessly with the seasonal menu while reflecting the refreshing and comforting spirit of the rains.

With its contemporary interiors, warm lighting, and vibrant ambience, Tattva Bar & Café provides an inviting setting for monsoon gatherings. Whether catching up with friends over handcrafted cocktails or enjoying comforting seasonal dishes, the restaurant aims to create memorable experiences throughout the rainy season.

The Limited-Edition Monsoon Menu is available all day at Tattva Bar & Café, Andheri East, Mumbai, throughout the monsoon season.

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