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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 February 12, 2026
Third Wave Coffee is marking Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition beverage lineup crafted to celebrate connection and everyday indulgence. Launched nationwide on February 11, 2026, the seasonal range features four themed creations - La Vie en Rose Frappe, La Vie en Rose Latte, Red Velvet Milkshake, and Red Velvet Mocha Frappe - each designed to bring a playful yet comforting touch to coffee breaks.
The rose-inspired offerings lead with floral, creamy notes, where the La Vie en Rose Frappe blends delicate rose flavours with whipped cream and dehydrated rose petals, while the La Vie en Rose Latte offers a smoother, mellow sip with subtle sweetness. Complementing the floral profiles are dessert-style red velvet creations: the Red Velvet Milkshake delivers a rich, thick indulgence topped with whipped cream and velvet crumbs, and the Red Velvet Mocha Frappe combines bold coffee and cocoa with a decadent finish.
Priced from ₹305 onwards, the collection is positioned as an accessible festive treat. Available across all outlets till February 22, the range reflects the brand’s structured, insight-led approach to seasonal innovation, aligning menu development with cultural moments and evolving consumer preferences. Founded in 2016 by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma and Ayush Bathwal, Third Wave Coffee has grown to over 200 cafés nationwide and continues to focus on a coffee-first experience driven by quality beans, accessible locations and technology-enabled engagement.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Burma Burma has officially opened its doors in Chandigarh, marking its 21st restaurant in India and its first-ever outlet in the city. Located at Unit No. 321, Third Floor, Nexus Elante Mall, Phase 1, Chandigarh-160002, the restaurant strengthens the brand’s presence in North India while introducing the city to authentic Burmese cuisine and its signature tea room experience.
Known as India’s only Burmese specialty restaurant & tea room, Burma Burma brings a menu that blends bold and comforting flavours. From Samosa Soup and Lotus Root Chips to Tea Leaf Salad, Tohu Mash with Paratha, Khowsuey and Burmese Falooda, the offering is both distinctive and surprisingly familiar for Indian palates. The dishes are paired with Zero Proof Cocktails and artisanal teas, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
The award-winning brand celebrates the culture and culinary traditions of Burma through recipes inspired by street food, tribal cuisine and heirloom dishes passed down through generations. The menu has been shaped by continued research and travel by the culinary team led by Head Chef Ansab Khan. Guests can explore small plates, refreshing salads, hearty mains, bubble teas, coolers, pulled teas and indulgent desserts, all crafted with attention to authenticity and taste.
Signature highlights include Samosa Soup (Samuza Hincho), featuring a crispy samosa in tangy soup with spiced black chickpeas and spring vegetables, and Mohinga Noodle Soup, the national dish of Burma. The Tea Leaf Salad made with laphet (fermented and pickled tea leaves) remains a popular choice. The Oh No Khowsuey, a fragrant coconut milk curry with noodles and toppings, continues to be a crowd favourite.
The beverage programme stays true to its Burmese Tea Room roots. Guests can choose from black, oolong and herbal teas, traditional Burmese Milk Tea, Yangon Royal Tea, Creamy Bagan Tea and a range of Iced Teas. The Zero-Proof Cocktails, recently awarded Best Non-Alcoholic Menu 2025 by 30 Best Bars India, add a modern touch. Options like Cane Glow, Pandan Royale, Yangon Sunset and Burma Sour bring cocktail-style craft without alcohol.
Desserts complete the experience with both Burmese and international selections. Burmese Falooda, Tagu Piyan, Celebration Cake, Burma Bombe and Avocado & Honey Ice Cream are among the highlights, along with artisanal ice creams made in-house.
Spread across 3,128 square feet, the 98-seater restaurant is designed by Minnie Bhatt of Minnie Bhatt Designs. Inspired by Burmese folk tales, the interiors feature handcrafted artworks, woven screens, patterned floors and warm lighting. A striking mural depicting popular folklore anchors the space, blending culture and contemporary design.
Burma Burma Chandigarh aims to become a favourite spot for post-shopping meals, leisurely lunches and celebratory dinners. With its premium casual dining format, the restaurant offers a space where guests can discover the soulful and hearty flavours of Burma in a vibrant yet welcoming setting.
Address: Unit No. 321, Third Floor, Nexus Elante Mall, Phase 1, Chandigarh-160002.
Vesparo, located in Central Bengaluru, is steadily building a reputation as one of the city’s most romantic dining destinations. Designed with intimate evenings in mind, the space brings together warm ambient lighting, curated cocktails, and a refined menu to create a setting that feels both elegant and inviting.
The standout feature of Vesparo is its rooftop, which offers breezy open-air seating and panoramic views of the city skyline. It is an ideal spot for relaxed sundowners that smoothly turn into candlelit dinners as the evening unfolds. Alongside this, the sophisticated indoor space provides a comfortable yet stylish backdrop, allowing guests to move from a quiet dinner to a more vibrant late-night atmosphere without missing a beat.
Whether it is Valentine’s Day, an anniversary celebration, or simply a well-planned evening out, Vesparo focuses on creating experiences that feel personal and memorable. Every detail, from the mood lighting to the food and drinks, is carefully put together to encourage connection and meaningful moments.
With its blend of rooftop charm and refined indoor dining, Vesparo adds a fresh dimension to Bengaluru’s romantic dining scene.
Address: KRISHVI Evara, 2018, 100 Feet Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008.Time: 12:00PM to 12:30AM.
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