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.


Masala Library, BKC Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Complimentary Signature Dessert Experience

Masala Library, BKC Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Complimentary Signature Dessert Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra is inviting guests to celebrate Mother’s Day with a thoughtfully curated dining experience that blends modern Indian gastronomy with refined culinary artistry.

Known for its innovative approach to post-colonial Indian cuisine, Masala Library offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional flavours, where technique, presentation, and storytelling come together to create a distinctive fine dining journey.

This Mother’s Day, the restaurant is honouring mothers with a special gesture, a complimentary signature dessert for every mother dining at the restaurant. The experience is designed as a tribute to the women who shape our lives, offering a sweet and memorable ending to a carefully crafted meal.

Guests can expect an elevated dining experience that reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine while preserving its cultural essence. From thoughtfully plated dishes to immersive flavours, the celebration is positioned as both intimate and experiential.

Reservations for the experience can be made at +91 84549 00900. Located in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex, Masala Library continues to stand as one of Mumbai’s most recognised destinations for progressive Indian fine dining.

This Mother’s Day offering brings together culinary innovation and emotional warmth, making it a fitting tribute to the most important woman in every guest’s life.


Harajuku Tokyo Cafe Celebrates Mother’s Day with “Okāsan Special” Brunch

Harajuku Tokyo Cafe Celebrates Mother’s Day with “Okāsan Special” Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 10, 2026

This Mother’s Day, Harajuku Tokyo Cafe is bringing together flavour, comfort, and celebration with its specially curated “Okāsan Special” brunch experience.

Inspired by the warmth and spirit of Mother’s Day, the brunch offers guests a thoughtfully planned menu that balances Japanese-inspired flavours with comforting favourites. Designed to feel relaxed and cheerful, the experience promises an afternoon filled with good food, conversations, and memorable moments with loved ones.

The menu begins with flavourful starters such as Spicy Avocado Cream Cheese, Dynamite Shroom, and Spicy Salmon Cream Cheese, followed by comforting mains including Kara Miso Ramen, Katsu Curry Rice Bowl, and Yaki Udon (Mazemen). Each dish has been crafted with attention to detail while reflecting the café’s signature Tokyo-inspired style.

Adding to the celebration are free-flowing cocktails and mocktails, creating a lively and easy-going atmosphere throughout the brunch. To make the occasion extra special, every table dining with their mothers will receive a complimentary cupcake, adding a sweet and heartfelt touch to the experience.

Blending charm, comfort, and contemporary Japanese-inspired dining, the “Okāsan Special” brunch is designed as a warm tribute to mothers and the moments shared around the table.

  • What: Okāsan Special Mother’s Day Brunch
  • Where: Harajuku Tokyo Cafe
  • When: 12:00–2:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM


Magnolia Bakery Opens First Delhi Outlet at World St. in Aerocity

Magnolia Bakery Opens First Delhi Outlet at World St. in Aerocity

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 10, 2026

Magnolia Bakery has officially opened its first outlet in New Delhi at World St. in Worldmark, Aerocity, bringing the globally recognised New York dessert brand to the capital city.

The launch further strengthens World St.’s growing identity as a curated culinary and social destination within Aerocity. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” the destination has been designed as a lively, walkable space that blends food, lifestyle, and social experiences within one of the country’s leading business districts.

Founded in New York City in 1996, Magnolia Bakery has gained a loyal global following for its classic American desserts and nostalgic charm. The brand is especially known for favourites such as banana pudding, tres leches, cheesecakes, brownies, layered desserts, and pastel-frosted cupcakes, many of which have become social media favourites over the years.

Speaking about the addition of the brand to World St., S. K. Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said,

“World St. is envisioned as the social and cultural heart of Worldmark, a vibrant, walkable destination that brings together some of the world’s most loved brands and experiences. Our focus has been on curating a dynamic mix that resonates with professionals, travellers, and the city’s evolving lifestyle aspirations. The addition of Magnolia Bakery adds to the mix at World St., making it a go-to destination for dining and social experiences across Delhi.”

Adding to this, Zonu Reddy, Co-Founder of Spago Foods, shared,

“Delhi has been an important part of our journey, and World St. at Worldmark, Aerocity gives us an opportunity to bring the brand closer to a wider set of customers. This launch allows us to reach more people while staying true to the quality and familiarity that define Magnolia Bakery.”

Spread across nearly half a kilometre connecting 4, 5 and 6 Worldmark, World St. covers around 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area. The pedestrian-friendly promenade features global dining concepts, alfresco spaces, green courtyards, art installations, and lifestyle experiences designed to create a vibrant urban social hub.

With a mix of cafés, patisseries, restaurants, and bars, World St. continues to position itself as one of the city’s most dynamic dining and lifestyle destinations.

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