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.


Loya Mumbai Marks Anniversary with Himachali Dessert Akotri on Menu

Loya Mumbai Marks Anniversary with Himachali Dessert Akotri on Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on May 27, 2026

As Loya Mumbai marks a year of culinary storytelling, the restaurant continues its journey of exploring lesser-known dishes from the northern heartlands of India through its anniversary menu.

At the centre of this celebration is Akotri, a traditional Himachali breakfast dish reinterpreted as a dessert, reflecting Loya’s signature approach of blending heritage with contemporary presentation.

Originally a humble buckwheat pancake from Himachal Pradesh, Akotri is reimagined at Loya using ingredients such as buckwheat, coconut milk, jaggery, rabdi, and saffron. The result is a dessert that balances earthy depth with soft sweetness, offering a comforting yet refined finish to the dining experience.

The dish remains rooted in simplicity while introducing layered textures and subtle richness, paying tribute to the culinary traditions passed down through generations in the Himalayan region.

As part of its anniversary menu, Loya continues to spotlight regional Indian flavours that are often underrepresented, presenting them through a modern fine-dining perspective while preserving their cultural identity.

The Akotri dessert reflects the restaurant’s larger philosophy, bringing forgotten or lesser-known recipes into contemporary relevance without losing their essence. At Loya, each dish is designed not just as a preparation, but as a narrative rooted in place, memory, and tradition.


Haldiram's Revives Summer Nostalgia with ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ Campaign

Haldiram's Revives Summer Nostalgia with ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ Campaign

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2026

Haldiram's has launched ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ campaign, introducing a refreshing range of nostalgic beverages and seasonal food favourites inspired by India’s timeless summer traditions. Designed around flavours deeply associated with Indian summers, the campaign brings back memories of cooling drinks and familiar street-style favourites that generations have enjoyed over the years.

For many Indians, summer has always been linked with traditional beverages and flavours that provide comfort during the scorching heat. Through this campaign, Haldiram's aims to recreate those memorable experiences by pairing refreshing drinks with classic food favourites that reflect a distinctly Indian summer experience.

Leading the range is Mango Lassi, bringing back the familiar creamy comfort associated with homemade summer afternoons. Kacha Aam Panna also returns as one of the standout offerings with its timeless balance of sweet and tangy flavours. The menu further includes Jamun Kala Khatta with Soda, Sweet Tamarind with Soda, Masala Soda Lemonade, Masala Sikanji, Peach Iced Tea with Soda, and Dark Roast Cold Coffee.

Adding to the seasonal experience, Haldiram's has also included street-style classics such as Jhalmuri and Bhelpuri, continuing flavours customers have enjoyed over the years. Summer-special meal additions include Mango Shrikhand, Elaichi Shrikhand, Dakshin Curd Rice, and Mishti Doi, offering refreshing and comforting choices for the season.

Speaking about the initiative, the brand highlighted that the campaign was designed to help customers reconnect with memorable summer moments and relive familiar experiences with friends and family through nostalgic flavours.

Customers can experience ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ at Haldiram's outlets or order online through Swiggy and Zomato.


Ironhill India Unveils a Fresh New Menu Packed with Comfort and Bold Flavours

Ironhill India Unveils a Fresh New Menu Packed with Comfort and Bold Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2026

Ironhill India has rolled out a refreshed menu that brings together comfort food, bold flavours, and creative culinary touches. Designed to pair seamlessly with Ironhill’s craft beers and signature cocktails, the new menu combines global inspirations with familiar local favourites, creating a dining experience that feels exciting yet comforting.

The updated spread features a range of dishes perfect for sharing and enjoying over conversations. Seafood lovers can look forward to the crispy and flavour-packed Prawn Koliwada, while the Venezuelan Avocado Chicken Salad adds a fresh and creamy balance to the menu. Comfort food also gets its moment with the hearty Keema Pav, while the Mezze Board creates a laid-back experience ideal for social dining.

One of the highlights of the new additions is the Mutton Donne Biryani, a dish rich in aroma and deeply rooted in local flavours. Bringing together tradition and soul, it stands out as one of the menu’s most memorable offerings. Ending the experience on a sweet note is the Jaggery Brûlée with Red Velvet, adding a rich and indulgent finish.

Created with thoughtful flavours and versatility in mind, the menu has been designed for every occasion, whether it is a quick catch-up, a relaxed meal with friends, or long conversations that stretch into the evening.

  • What: New menu at Ironhill.
  • Where: Ironhill Marathahalli, Sy no 90, 7 & 90/8, Marathahalli - Sarjapur Outer Ring Rd, beside Radisson Blu, Marathahalli, Bengaluru.
  • Ironhill South Forum, 4th floor, Cross Metro Station, Forum South, Anjanadri Layout, Konanakunte, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560062.

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