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.


HollyBelly Launches ‘The Holly Elf Basket’ for a Joyful Christmas Gifting Season

HollyBelly Launches ‘The Holly Elf Basket’ for a Joyful Christmas Gifting Season

By Hariharan U

Published on December 17, 2025

This festive season, HollyBelly introduces The Holly Elf Basket, a thoughtfully curated Christmas hamper designed to bring warmth, joy, and a touch of holiday nostalgia to festive celebrations. Created as a celebration of togetherness and comfort, the basket captures the spirit of cosy Christmas moments through handcrafted gourmet treats.

The Holly Elf Basket reflects HollyBelly’s signature approach to food carefully made, emotionally connected, and rooted in festive tradition. Each element is designed to evoke the charm of a classic Christmas, making it an ideal gifting choice for families, friends, and corporate celebrations during the holiday season.

Priced at ₹5,500, the hamper offers a premium festive experience and is available through HollyBelly’s official website. With its focus on quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation, the basket serves as a meaningful alternative to conventional festive gifts.

Known for redefining gourmet catering and food solutions in India, HollyBelly continues to expand its offerings across curated gifting, bespoke events, and B2B culinary services. The brand operates with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and locally sourced ingredients, delivering end-to-end culinary experiences for corporates, cafés, retail brands, and government bodies.

Founded by Janeya Mehta, a Le Cordon Bleu and London School of Economics alumna and a Forbes 40 Under 40 honouree, HollyBelly is driven by the philosophy of “Food by Mood”, where menus are designed to reflect emotion and occasion. Co-founded by Rishikant Bharadwaj, Executive Chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu London, the brand blends French, British, and regional Indian techniques to deliver versatile, refined food experiences.

Trusted by global brands such as Facebook, Adidas, Sephora, BMW, Jimmy Choo, and Pernia’s Pop-Up, HollyBelly has become a preferred culinary partner across fashion, tech, and lifestyle sectors. With The Holly Elf Basket, the brand adds a festive chapter to its growing portfolio, offering a gift that feels personal, warm, and seasonally special.

Product: The Holly Elf Basket
Website: hollybellyfoodboutique.com


From Badshah to Ajay Devgn Celebrity Owned Spirits Shape India’s Festive Drinking Culture

From Badshah to Ajay Devgn Celebrity Owned Spirits Shape India’s Festive Drinking Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 17, 2025

India’s festive drinking culture is evolving, and celebrity-owned spirits are playing a visible role in this shift. More than just premium bottles on a shelf, these brands reflect the personalities, values and lifestyles of the stars behind them. From expressive vodkas and bold agave spirits to refined single malts and approachable Scotch whiskies, these labels are finding their place at festive tables across the country.

Badshah’s Shelter 6 is a vodka that mirrors his rhythm, confidence and creative energy. Distilled six times in Russia, the liquid is refined and ultra-smooth, designed for those who stand out without seeking approval. Shelter 6 represents individuality and inclusivity, celebrating self-expression, music, late nights and memories that last, this vodka is positioned for people who live life unapologetically and on their own terms.

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Actor Karan Tacker brings a playful edge to the spirits space with EL GOONDA, a 100% agave spirit that is bold, smooth and full of character. Proudly Made in India, the brand speaks to a younger, experimental audience that enjoys cocktails and cultural experiences. With variants like Picante, Café and Strawberry, EL GOONDA caters to different moods and social moments. More than just a drink, it presents itself as a lifestyle built around fearless choices, shared laughter and memorable nights with friends.

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Ajay Devgn’s The GlenJourneys takes a quieter, more reflective approach to luxury. The 21-year-old single malt whisky is crafted for those who appreciate depth, patience and heritage. Smooth and complex, it reflects Ajay Devgn’s belief that true luxury does not need to be loud. The brand celebrates passion, adventure and excellence, beginning with a global travel retail launch, followed by the introduction of an exclusive Cask Series for whisky enthusiasts in India.

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Sanjay Dutt’s The Glenwalk is a blended Scotch whisky that reflects warmth, boldness and approachability. Designed to feel familiar rather than intimidating, the whisky offers smooth, comforting flavours that unfold gently. The Glenwalk was created with the intention of making premium whisky enjoyable for everyone, not just connoisseurs. It stands for shared moments, lively conversations and celebrating life with openness and joy.

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Together, these four brands highlight how celebrity-owned spirits are shaping modern drinking habits in India. Each label carries a distinct identity, inviting consumers to choose not just a drink, but a story and a mindset. Whether it is the clarity of vodka, the punch of agave, the depth of a single malt or the warmth of a Scotch, festive celebrations now come with a personal touch poured straight from the star behind the bottle.


Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

As winter sets in, Anardana welcomes the season with a specially curated Winter Menu that celebrates India’s much-loved seasonal dishes, reimagined with a contemporary approach. Rooted in freshness and familiar flavours, the menu reflects the restaurant’s focus on comfort-driven food crafted with care and balance.

The winter offering opens with the Lamb Bone Marrow Soup, a slow-simmered broth that delivers deep, layered flavours and comforting warmth, making it a perfect start to a cold evening. For those who enjoy rich yet delicate preparations, the Murgh Methi Malai stands out with tender chicken gently cooked with fenugreek and malai, finished with charcoal parmesan shards that add a subtle smoky note.

Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Tandoori Broccoli with Masoor Dal Hummus, where smoky, tandoor-roasted broccoli is paired with a smooth and mildly spiced lentil hummus. The dish brings together familiar Indian flavours with a modern presentation, offering balance and depth in every bite.

A true winter favourite, Makke di Roti and Sarson da Saag, anchors the menu with nostalgia and warmth, capturing the essence of the season and the comfort of traditional Indian kitchens.

To complement the food, Anardana also introduces winter beverages designed to warm and soothe. The Anardana Special Mulled Wine is served warm with citrus and spice notes, while the Kashmiri Kahwa offers a lighter option with saffron, green tea, and almonds.

Every dish on the Winter Menu reflects Anardana’s philosophy of honouring Indian culinary heritage while adding thoughtful, contemporary touches. The result is a dining experience that feels familiar, comforting, and quietly elevated — ideal for the winter months.

Address: Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

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