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.

image

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."

image

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.


Café Amudham Expands to West Delhi with Third Outlet in Punjabi Bagh

Café Amudham Expands to West Delhi with Third Outlet in Punjabi Bagh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 24, 2026

Café Amudham, known for its contemporary take on authentic South Indian cuisine, has launched its third outlet in Punjabi Bagh, West Delhi. The opening marks an important milestone in the brand’s growing presence in the capital and its steady expansion across key urban markets.

Guided by its philosophy of ‘Good Food Happiness’, Café Amudham blends authentic South Indian flavours with a modern urban dining style. The menu is thoughtfully curated to balance tradition and everyday comfort, while the dining spaces are designed to feel warm, friendly, and casual. The new Punjabi Bagh outlet carries forward the brand’s signature Mediterranean detailing, offering a relaxed setting for daily dining.

With this addition, Café Amudham brings its premium yet approachable QSR experience to West Delhi’s vibrant food scene. The focus remains on quality ingredients, consistency, and authenticity, values that have helped the brand build a loyal following across its locations.

Speaking about the Punjabi Bagh outlet, Priyanka Rudrappa, CEO of Café Amudham, said, “Our Punjabi Bagh outlet reflects Café Amudham's continued growth in Delhi. West Delhi has a strong appreciation for food prepared with integrity and authentic flavour. We remain committed to staying true to our South Indian roots while creating warm, contemporary spaces where guests can experience comfort, sustainability, and the joy of good food.”

Ankur Shukla, Director – Operations, Strategy & Growth, Café Amudham, added, “Our new store at Punjabi Bagh is a big step toward bringing the richness of South Indian culinary heritage to West Delhi. We aim to create a warm, modern environment where guests can enjoy both traditional and regional dishes while having a significant impact on the Punjabi Bagh.”

The Punjabi Bagh outlet joins Café Amudham’s existing locations in Delhi and Bengaluru, reflecting the brand’s focus on thoughtful expansion while remaining rooted in its South Indian culinary heritage.

Outlet Details:

  • Time: 08 am onwards till 12 at night

  • Venue: 5C, Punjabi Bagh West, Ground Floor, North West, Avenue Club Road, New Delhi – 110026.


Chennai Welcomes Back The Kitchen by Chef Deepa with Authentic Amritsari Flavours

Chennai Welcomes Back The Kitchen by Chef Deepa with Authentic Amritsari Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on February 24, 2026

Chennai’s culinary landscape welcomes back a much-loved name as The Kitchen by Chef Deepa officially relaunches, reintroducing the city to pure vegetarian Punjabi and Amritsari cuisine prepared in authentic style. Founded by Chef Deepa Arora, Director of Chef’s Table Studio, the cloud kitchen revives the soulful flavours of Punjab with a renewed focus on purity, tradition, and homestyle warmth.

After a brief pause, the brand returns with the same commitment that first won it loyal patrons, slow-cooked recipes rooted in Amritsari households, prepared only in pure ghee. The relaunch reinforces the kitchen’s promise of uncompromising authenticity in a market crowded with delivery options.

Chef Deepa’s culinary journey began at home rather than in a professional kitchen. Having learned traditional Amritsari vegetarian recipes from her mother-in-law in Amritsar, she mastered techniques and flavours passed down through generations. What started as a personal passion gradually evolved into a premium cloud kitchen that blends homely comfort with refined presentation.

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa distinguishes itself through clear principles: 100 percent pure vegetarian Punjabi cuisine, no artificial colours, no preservatives, no refined oil, and cooking exclusively in pure ghee. Key spices and ingredients are sourced directly from Amritsar to preserve the original flavour profile. Each dish reflects everyday meals served in Punjabi homes rather than commercial adaptations, resulting in a noticeable depth of aroma and richness.

In Chennai, where diverse cuisines flourish, authentic Amritsari vegetarian fare remains limited. The brand addresses this gap with an expansive menu that includes traditional daily house food, festive Punjabi specials, Jain-friendly options, family meal boxes, corporate catering, party trays, bulk orders, and customised festive catering.

Signature offerings include Rajma Chawal, Kadhi Chawal, Kulcha Chole, Maa di Dal with Ajwani Paratha, Paneer Multani Tikka, Dum Aloo, Rajma Tikki, Bharwe Aloo Tikki Chaat, and Punjabi Lassi, dishes that celebrate the comfort and vibrancy of Punjab’s vegetarian culinary heritage.

Operating as a cloud kitchen allows the brand to maintain a personal connection with its guests. Chef Deepa often engages directly with customers to understand palate preferences, reflecting her belief that food is deeply personal and should be thoughtfully tailored. Regular menu reviews ensure that popular dishes remain while seasonal and festive additions keep the offerings fresh.

Looking ahead, the brand is preparing to launch an intimate Chef’s Table concept, a pre-booked dining experience for small groups. This storytelling-led format will offer curated, pure vegetarian Amritsari meals in a private setting, celebrating Punjabi culinary heritage in a more immersive way.

From festive menus during Holi and other celebrations to customised catering for weddings and corporate gatherings, The Kitchen by Chef Deepa continues to expand while maintaining strict standards in hygiene, sourcing, and staff training. Positioned as a homely yet premium vegetarian offering, the relaunch signals a renewed chapter for authentic Amritsari cuisine in Chennai.

For updates and menus, visit the brand’s Instagram page. For orders and collaborations, contact +91 9363544123.


The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Debuts Comic-Inspired All-Day Dining

The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Debuts Comic-Inspired All-Day Dining

By Author

Published on February 24, 2026

The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has unveiled a refreshed all-day dining experience, introducing a thoughtfully curated menu that adapts seamlessly to every part of the day. Designed to suit both quick corporate catch-ups and leisurely gatherings, the new offering strikes a balance between comfort-driven favourites and wholesome, contemporary plates.

At The World Café, the idea behind the new menu is simple yet imaginative. Each dish begins as a creative spark, much like a sketch waiting to come alive. Drawing inspiration from global cuisines, the refreshed selection unfolds like a comic strip, where every plate tells its own story. The concept adds a playful touch to the dining experience, bringing colour and creativity to everyday meals without losing sight of flavour and familiarity.

Mornings begin with freshly brewed coffees paired with classic breakfast staples. Guests can opt for Eggs Your Way, The Big English, or the Vegan Jogger’s Breakfast, ensuring there is something suited to every preference. The sweet selection includes Maple French Toast, Coconut Pancakes, and an assortment of freshly baked croissants, muffins, cookies, and pastries, ideal for those looking for a comforting start to the day.

For lighter bites, the menu introduces nourishing options such as the Acai Bowl, Mixed Quinoa Bowl, and Feta & Zhoug Fattoush. Popular café-style snacks including samosas and puffs continue to feature, offering familiar choices for quick breaks.

Lunch brings together global café staples and hearty mains. Guests can choose from the Caprese Panini, Bombay Sandwich, and Vegan Burger, while dishes like Truffle & Mushroom Penne and Chilli & Garlic Linguine add a refined yet approachable touch to the menu. The selection is designed to cater to both working lunches and relaxed mid-day dining.

The beverage programme complements the food offerings with fresh fruit juices, smoothies, cold coffees, and signature cold brews. As the day transitions into evening, the space transforms into a relaxed setting where guests can enjoy wine by the glass and handcrafted sangrias, making it equally suitable for casual meet-ups and informal celebrations.

With its updated menu and contemporary ambience, The World Café continues to strengthen its position as a convenient and versatile dining destination in Bengaluru. Whether it is a quick breakfast before work, a business lunch discussion, or an easy evening unwind, the refreshed experience aims to make every visit both enjoyable and memorable.

For reservations, guests may contact: 81477 96499.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.