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.


Faasos Brings Back Pizza Wraps with Bollywood-Inspired Campaign

Faasos Brings Back Pizza Wraps with Bollywood-Inspired Campaign

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

Rebel Foods’s popular brand Faasos has reintroduced its fan-favourite Pizza Wraps, supported by an AI-led digital campaign that draws inspiration from iconic Bollywood films.

Blending food with pop culture, the campaign reimagines memorable scenes from films such as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Om Shanti Om, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Phir Hera Pheri, positioning Pizza Wraps at the centre of these nostalgic narratives.

The campaign leverages AI-generated digital assets to recreate familiar cinematic moments with a playful twist, tapping into India’s deep-rooted connection with Bollywood. This approach aims to create a strong cultural recall while presenting the product in a fresh, engaging format.

Commenting on the relaunch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP Marketing at Rebel Foods, noted that Pizza Wraps had previously received strong consumer response, and the brand saw an opportunity to bring them back in a way that feels relevant to today’s audience.

At the core of the product is a convenience-driven format, addressing changing consumption habits. While pizza remains widely popular, it is often less suited for on-the-go consumption. Pizza Wraps aim to bridge this gap by offering a portable, easy-to-eat alternative that combines familiar flavours with added convenience.

To further amplify reach, the campaign includes collaborations with over 20 influencers, who are creating Bollywood-inspired content across social media platforms. From dramatic dialogues to recreated iconic scenes, the content is designed to drive engagement and spark conversations among younger audiences.

With this relaunch, Faasos continues to tap into the intersection of food, culture, and digital storytelling, positioning Pizza Wraps as a modern, accessible take on a globally loved format.


Coffee Sutra Enters Delhi with NOD Collaboration

Coffee Sutra Enters Delhi with NOD Collaboration

By Hariharan U

Published on April 24, 2026

Marking its entry into the capital, Coffee Sutra has partnered with NOD Punjabi Bagh in a move that redefines how beverages integrate into the dining experience. As part of the collaboration, Coffee Sutra takes over NOD’s entire beverage program as its official partner.

Founded by Dushyant Singh, the Jaipur-based brand brings its specialty coffee expertise to Delhi, marking its first major step beyond its home city. The partnership reflects a shared vision between both brands to create a dining experience where food and beverages complement each other seamlessly rather than exist as separate elements.

At NOD, Coffee Sutra curates a diverse beverage menu that extends beyond coffee. Guests can expect specialty brews made from ethically sourced, single-origin beans, alongside a selection of shakes, smoothies, and handcrafted mocktails. Each offering is designed to pair thoughtfully with the restaurant’s globally inspired cuisine, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Dushyant Singh shared that Delhi’s dynamic food culture makes it an ideal market for the brand’s expansion. He emphasized that every aspect—from sourcing beans to the final pour, is crafted with intent, ensuring a meaningful experience for guests.

Beyond menu creation, Coffee Sutra manages the complete beverage operations at NOD, including barista training, daily execution, and equipment maintenance. This end-to-end involvement highlights the brand’s focus on consistency and quality across all touchpoints.

With over 15 years of industry experience, Coffee Sutra has built strong sourcing networks with farmers in India and globally. The brand operates its own roastery and Coffee Lab in Jaipur, while also offering workshops, brewing masterclasses, and barista training. Its growing footprint includes five cafés in Jaipur and partnerships with over 40 establishments across India, including global hospitality names.

This collaboration signals a significant step in Coffee Sutra’s national expansion, bringing its curated and experience-led approach to Delhi’s evolving café and dining scene.


Rumour Brings Speakeasy-Style Nights to Vasant Vihar

Rumour Brings Speakeasy-Style Nights to Vasant Vihar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 24, 2026

Delhi’s nightlife has a new address with the opening of Rumour, a speakeasy-style lounge in Vasant Vihar that brings together curated drinks, music, and a lively social setting. Designed to offer a fresh take on after-work and late-night outings, the space draws inspiration from New York’s intimate wine and cocktail bars.

Rumour is built around the idea of easy, enjoyable social experiences. Created by founder Rhea Parekh Jain and co-founder Nishchay Jain, the lounge aims to be a go-to spot where guests can simply walk in and unwind. “We wanted to build a place that feels like your go-to spot where you don’t overthink plans, you just show up and know you’ll have a good time,” says Rhea Parekh Jain - founder and Nishchay Jain - co-founder. “Rumour is about energy, great wines, familiar drinks, and nights that never go exactly as planned in the best way. It’s the kind of place where one drink becomes three, and you leave with a few good rumours to take home.”

The interiors, designed by Sussanne Khan’s The Charcoal Project, reflect a mix of quirky luxury and raw New York loft aesthetics. From a hidden entrance to warm lighting and layered textures, every detail adds to the intimate and energetic feel of the space. With seating for around 45 guests, Rumour offers a mix of cosy corners, group seating areas, and a balcony that overlooks the main lounge, making it suitable for both small gatherings and larger groups.

At the heart of the experience is wine, with a strong focus on tastings and curated selections. The cocktail menu complements this approach, with nearly half of the drinks built around wine-based creations. The food menu features shareable plates that are designed to pair well with the beverages, adding to the overall experience.

Rumour is aimed at urban professionals, creatives, and those looking for a well-curated nightlife spot. The speakeasy concept adds a sense of exclusivity, while the overall vibe keeps it social and engaging. Open from Wednesday to Monday, between 6:00 PM and 1:00 AM, the lounge offers a perfect setting for after-work meetups, date nights, and late-evening gatherings.

Located at 12, Basant Lok, 1st Floor, Priya Market, Vasant Vihar, Rumour adds a new dimension to Delhi’s evolving nightlife scene. With plans to introduce more concepts in the future, the brand is focused on creating spaces that bring together design, atmosphere, and memorable social experiences.

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