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.


403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.


Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Lyla Bombay continues to strengthen its position as a neighbourhood favourite with its weekend brunch experience, designed as a relaxed and social affair in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex.

Known for its easy, unhurried format, the brunch brings together a generous grazing table, an interactive DIY burger station, and live performances, creating an atmosphere that is both indulgent and laid-back. The experience is crafted to encourage guests to linger, making it ideal for casual catch-ups as well as longer, leisurely gatherings.

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Over the past two years, Lyla has built a strong following, driven by its globally inspired menu and warm, inviting space. The restaurant strikes a balance between comfort and refinement, offering a setting that feels approachable yet thoughtfully curated.

The brunch format reflects the growing demand for experiential dining, where food, ambience, and social interaction come together seamlessly. By combining interactive elements with live entertainment, Lyla continues to create a weekend offering that resonates with Mumbai’s evolving dining preferences.

With its consistent focus on quality and atmosphere, Lyla’s weekend brunch remains a go-to destination for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging dining experience in the city.

Details:

  • What: Weekend Brunch
  • Where: Bandra Kurla Complex
  • When: Every Saturday & Sunday

Third Wave Coffee Unveils ‘Third Rush’ for Dessert Lovers

Third Wave Coffee Unveils ‘Third Rush’ for Dessert Lovers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 26, 2026

Third Wave Coffee is stepping into a new space with the launch of ‘Third Rush’, a dessert-focused concept that is all about giving in to cravings without waiting for a reason. Built around the idea of being “Made for the Mood”, the brand brings a fresh take on how desserts are enjoyed today, more spontaneous, more social, and driven by the moment.

With café culture evolving, especially among younger consumers who now prefer cafés as places to relax and connect, Third Rush positions itself as a go-to spot after 7 PM. It is designed as a space where plans take a backseat, and conversations, sharing, and repeat orders take over naturally.

Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “With Third Rush, we’re building something that goes beyond dessert as a category and instead focuses on dessert as an experience. Third Wave Coffee has always been envisioned as a young, fun brand, one that understands how our consumers like to spend time, connect, and unwind. With Third Rush, we’re extending that philosophy into a new space, continuing to build concepts that feel relevant to their evolving lifestyles and social habits. The way consumers engage with cafés today is changing; it’s more social, more spontaneous, and deeply rooted in emotion. Third Rush is our response to that shift. It’s designed to be high-energy, welcoming, and a little indulgent, a space where people can come together, unwind, and fully lean into the moment, whatever that mood may be.”

At the centre of Third Rush is a menu that blends familiar favourites with fresh twists. One of the highlights is the Tres Leches range, including a fun, nostalgia-inspired Jim Jam version and the Third Wave Tres Leches infused with the brand’s signature cold brew. The idea is simple, come for one, and you’ll likely end up trying more.

The menu also features layered cakes where classics like Chocolate Cake and Pineapple Cake are reimagined in log-style formats, making them more visual and easy to share. Alongside these are options like Chocolate Pistachio, Carrot & Cream Cheese, and Passionfruit Vanilla, offering a mix of comfort and new flavours.

Adding more variety are the ‘Stacks’, layered desserts that bring together textures and flavours in one bite. Options like Banana Custard, Strawberry Hazelnut, and Biscoff sit alongside nostalgic picks such as the Parle-G Stack and Bombay Cassata. For coffee lovers, the Third Wave Stack adds a strong coffee touch to the mix.

The dessert spread continues with tarts and pies like Banoffee, Lemon, Raspberry Pistachio, Matcha White Chocolate, and Chocolate Caramel. There is also a range of mousses and cheesecakes, including Triple Chocolate Mousse, Basque Cheesecake, Blueberry Lemon, and Biscoff Basque Cheesecake. For those who enjoy warm desserts, options like molten skillet cookies, brownies, including a Pistachio Kunafa Brownie, and freshly baked cookies complete the experience.

Third Rush is launching first in Bangalore and will gradually expand to Third Wave Coffee cafés across the country. It adds a new layer to the brand’s community-driven approach, turning cafés into spaces where people can come together, unwind, and enjoy simple moments.

Details:

Address: Third Wave Coffee outlets: Koramangala 4th Block, Sadashivnagar, Indiranagar (CMH Road) & Vijaya Bank Layout

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