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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.
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."
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.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 13, 2026
Cream Centre has expanded its footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of its second outlet at Forum Mall. The new opening marks another important milestone for the iconic vegetarian restaurant brand as it continues to strengthen its presence in South India following the positive response received from customers in the city.
Founded in Mumbai in 1958, Cream Centre has built a strong legacy over the past 65 years with its well-known vegetarian dishes, warm hospitality, and family-friendly dining experience. The brand is widely recognized for introducing Mumbai to its first plate of Nachos and for creating signature favourites such as The Original Channa Bhatura™, World’s Best Nachos™, and the popular Sizzling Brownie Fundae™.
The newly launched Forum Mall outlet brings the brand’s signature dining experience to one of Bengaluru’s busiest and most loved lifestyle destinations. Designed with Cream Centre’s familiar blend of contemporary style and nostalgic warmth, the space aims to offer guests a welcoming atmosphere suited for families and casual dining alike.
The outlet will serve the brand’s complete menu featuring classic favourites including Chole Bhature, World’s Best Nachos™, and Sizzling Brownie Fundae™, along with several other signature dishes that have remained popular across generations.
Adding to the launch celebrations, the new outlet will also host Cream Centre’s much-loved Aamras Festival, a seasonal offering featuring a specially curated selection of Aamras-inspired dishes and desserts available for a limited period.
Under the leadership of Sanjiv Chona, Cream Centre has grown into one of India’s most recognized vegetarian restaurant brands. Rishi Chona continues to drive the brand forward by introducing modern innovations while preserving the flavours and values that have defined Cream Centre for decades.
Expressing his thoughts on the launch, Rishi Chona, CEO, Cream Centre, shared, “Bengaluru welcomed us with so much love at our first outlet, that coming back felt like a natural next step. Forum Mall is home to so many memories for this city, and we are truly delighted to now be a part of that story. This second outlet is a reflection of the warmth Bengaluru has shown us, and our commitment to bring the very best of Cream Centre to every corner of this wonderful city.”
Over the years, Cream Centre has evolved into a leading vegetarian dining destination known for balancing classic comfort food with innovative menu creations. The brand continues to focus on high-quality food, inviting ambience, and memorable dining experiences for guests across all age groups.
By Hariharan U
Amrut Distilleries has officially unveiled Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expanding global travel retail journey. Crafted exclusively for duty-free and travel retail markets, the new single malt expression celebrates the spirit of travel, discovery, and Indian craftsmanship on an international stage.
The launch reinforces Amrut’s position as one of India’s pioneering single malt whisky brands, continuing a legacy that transformed global perceptions of Indian whisky since its international debut in 2004. Over the years, the Bengaluru-based distillery has earned worldwide recognition for its tropical maturation techniques and award-winning expressions, including the globally acclaimed Amrut Fusion.
Amrut Pravas has been designed specifically for the modern global traveller, a whisky intended to be discovered in transit and experienced across borders. Inspired by India’s cultural diversity and evolving identity, the expression reflects themes of movement, exploration, and connection through flavour and craftsmanship.
Handcrafted by Ashok Chokalingam, COO and Master Distiller at Amrut Distilleries, Pravas is matured under India’s tropical climate using carefully selected casks that contribute to its depth, richness, and layered complexity. The whisky combines traditional Indian whisky-making with a contemporary global outlook, resulting in an expression that is both refined and distinctly Indian.
Available exclusively through global duty-free and travel retail channels, Pravas has been intentionally positioned as a rare travel-exclusive offering, creating a sense of discovery for international whisky enthusiasts.
The unveiling at the TFWA Singapore follows Amrut’s growing presence across major travel retail hubs, including exclusive launches at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kochi airports. The company continues to expand its footprint across airports, seaports, and international duty-free destinations as demand for premium Indian single malts continues to rise globally.
Speaking on the launch, Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries, described Pravas as a celebration of India’s evolving identity and craftsmanship. He noted that the expression was created to reflect the spirit of travel and exploration while remaining deeply rooted in Indian whisky-making traditions.
Amrut Pravas opens with bright citrus and lemon zest notes layered with subtle nuttiness, evolving into dried fruits, dark chocolate, almond brittle, and vanilla cream on the nose. The palate delivers a luxurious combination of honeyed syrup, vanilla custard, almond-infused chocolate, dried fruits, and sweet lemon tart, while the finish remains long, elegant, and clean with lingering sweetness.
With Pravas, Amrut Distilleries continues its ambition of positioning Indian single malt whisky as a globally respected category, offering travellers a distinctive expression that captures the richness, warmth, and character of India through every sip.
For more information, visit Amrut Distilleries
P.F. Chang's has expanded its footprint in Delhi NCR with the launch of its newest restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity, strengthening the brand’s presence in one of the capital’s most premium hospitality and lifestyle destinations.
Known globally for its signature high-heat wok cooking, bold Asian flavours, and elevated dining experiences, the new restaurant brings P.F. Chang’s celebrated American Pan-Asian culinary identity to a dynamic audience of corporate professionals, international travellers, residents, and lifestyle-driven consumers.
The launch marks another milestone for Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), the hospitality and dining arm of the Bharti Enterprises family, which continues to introduce globally recognised restaurant brands to Indian diners. Positioned within the vibrant World St. district at Worldmark Aerocity, the new outlet aligns with evolving consumer demand for globally benchmarked dining experiences paired with immersive hospitality environments.
Founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s has spent more than three decades building its culinary identity around the traditional art of wok cooking, blending high-temperature cooking techniques, scratch-made preparations, and layered Asian flavours across more than 300 restaurants globally.
Speaking on the expansion, Rohan Pewekar, CEO – Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said the launch reflects the group’s larger vision of bringing globally celebrated dining cultures to India’s increasingly discerning consumers. He added that Aerocity’s evolving culinary landscape makes it a strategic location for the brand’s continued growth.
Taylor Viersen, VP, Global Brand Development at P.F. Chang’s, described the Aerocity opening as an important step in the brand’s India growth journey, while reinforcing the restaurant’s long-standing focus on mastering traditional wok cooking techniques that define its global identity.
At the heart of the dining experience is P.F. Chang’s signature 700-degree wok cooking method, designed to preserve flavour intensity, texture, and ingredient integrity. Guests can enjoy internationally popular dishes such as Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, Dynamite Shrimp, Orange Chicken, and Lo Mein, alongside vegetarian offerings curated for Indian preferences. The menu also includes sushi, salads, gelatos, signature desserts like the Great Wall of Chocolate, and seasonal beverages.
The culinary programme has been carefully adapted to suit local palates while remaining true to the brand’s international identity. Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head – Restaurants at Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, highlighted that the focus remains on achieving a balanced combination of sweet, savoury, spicy, and umami flavours through traditional wok-based cooking techniques.
Welcoming the brand to World St., S.K. Sayal, MD & CEO of Bharti Real Estate, noted that globally recognised dining concepts such as P.F. Chang’s play a significant role in shaping vibrant social and culinary destinations. He added that the restaurant further strengthens World St.’s positioning as a preferred destination for Asian fusion dining in Delhi.
Beyond its menu, the restaurant has been designed to offer a refined yet approachable atmosphere featuring contemporary interiors, versatile seating arrangements, and warm hospitality. The space caters to business lunches, social gatherings, family occasions, and evening dining experiences, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on creating memorable moments beyond food.
As P.F. Chang’s continues its measured expansion across India, the brand remains focused on combining culinary tradition with contemporary dining experiences while delivering globally loved Asian flavours tailored to evolving local preferences.
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