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.


Pa Pa Ya Mumbai Launches Express Lunch Menu for Quick Gourmet Breaks

Pa Pa Ya Mumbai Launches Express Lunch Menu for Quick Gourmet Breaks

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Pa Pa Ya introduces its thoughtfully curated Express Lunch Menu, offering a refined dining experience tailored for those seeking a quick yet satisfying break in the middle of a busy day.

Designed for professionals, shoppers, and anyone short on time, the menu delivers a complete four-course meal that balances efficiency with indulgence, ensuring guests can enjoy a high-quality culinary experience without extending their schedule.

The meal begins with a comforting bowl of Laksa soup, paired with a fresh and zesty Som Tom salad that sets a vibrant tone for the courses that follow. Guests can then choose between signature sushi selections such as Asparagus Tempura and Katsu Chicken, or opt for dim sum favourites including the popular Crystal Truffle Cream.

For the main course, the menu features flavour-forward dishes like Wok-fried Sichuan Chicken with bamboo shoots, complemented by crispy chilli rice or stir-fried noodles. The experience is rounded off with a refreshing iced tea and a classic dessert of chocolate brownie served with vanilla ice cream, offering a well-balanced finish.

The Express Lunch positions itself as an ideal choice for corporate meetings, power lunches, and structured midday breaks that don’t compromise on taste or experience.

With this offering, Pa Pa Ya continues to align with evolving urban dining preferences, bringing together speed, structure, and sophistication in a single, well-crafted meal.

Event Details:

What: 4-Course Express Lunch Menu
Where: Pa Pa Ya (BKC, Palladium, Malad)


AER at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Elevates Weekends with Saturday Lunch and Sunday Drunch

AER at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Elevates Weekends with Saturday Lunch and Sunday Drunch

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

AER Rooftop Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is redefining weekend indulgence in the city with its signature Saturday Lunch and Sunday Drunch, offering a seamless blend of food, drinks, and elevated ambience.

Perched on the 34th floor, AER continues to be a go-to destination for those looking to unwind in style. With its state-of-the-art retractable roof, the space effortlessly adapts to the time of day—letting guests soak in golden-hour views or relax in a shaded, breezy setting while enjoying uninterrupted skyline vistas.

At the heart of the experience are two thoughtfully curated offerings. The Saturday Lunch presents a relaxed yet refined afternoon affair, while the Sunday Drunch reimagines the traditional brunch into a more vibrant and social format. Designed as a free-flowing experience, the drunch pairs crafted cocktails with a globally inspired menu, encouraging guests to settle in and savour the moment at their own pace.

The cocktail programme draws inspiration from oceanic elements, featuring creations such as Tranquil Tides with cucumber, screw pine, and cacao, and the bold #AER Picante layered with orange, jalapeño, coriander, and cucumber, perfect for sunlit afternoons.

Complementing the beverages is a menu that reflects Mumbai’s dynamic culinary spirit while exploring global flavours. Highlights include Bombay Guac, Bhoot Jolokia Chicken, Salmon Ceviche, and banana leaf–wrapped Konkani fish. Guests can also indulge in hearty offerings like Mediterranean-style lamb chops and Mangalorean Lobster Curry Bowl, alongside flatbreads and sliders that bring in a cross-continental touch.

For those seeking mindful dining, the Balance by Four Seasons selection offers nutritionist-guided dishes that prioritise both flavour and wellness. The experience concludes with signature desserts such as the whisky-infused Brûlée Gulab Jamun and Guava Chilli Sorbet.

Commenting on the concept, Executive Chef Aditya Kulkarni said, “Weekends at AER are designed to feel both indulgent and effortless. From bold flavours to shareable menus, every element is curated to complement the vibrant energy of the space while offering something memorable with every visit.”

With its effortless mix of music, cuisine, and panoramic views, AER continues to shape Mumbai’s evolving weekend culture, positioning Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai as a preferred destination for elevated leisure experiences.


Celebrate Tamil New Year with a Traditional Feast at The Filter Coffee

Celebrate Tamil New Year with a Traditional Feast at The Filter Coffee

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 9, 2026

Marking Tamil New Year, The Filter Coffee is bringing a festive dining experience that feels close to home. The restaurant has curated a traditional Tamil-style feast, inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu and the spirit of shared celebrations.

The meal reflects the essence of festive rituals, with a comforting spread that brings together familiar flavours and time-honoured recipes. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes including Murunga Elai Soup Rasam, Vellai Appam, Chettinad Kurma, Potato Ghee Roast, Drumstick & Onion Sambar, Vathal Kuzhambu, Aviyal and more, all prepared in an authentic style.

To complete the experience, the feast also includes classic festive desserts like Channa Dal Pradhaman and Boondi Laddoo, adding a sweet touch to the celebration. The offering is designed to capture the warmth and joy of Tamil New Year through food that feels both traditional and comforting.

The special meal will be available on April 14, 2025, with time slots at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. Guests can choose to dine in, opt for takeaway, or place orders online through Swiggy and Zomato. The experience will be available across The Filter Coffee outlets in Kalyan Nagar, Indiranagar, Brookfield, and Koramangala.

With this festive spread, The Filter Coffee brings together tradition, flavour, and the joy of celebrating new beginnings in a simple and heartfelt way.

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