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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 Hariharan U
Published on December 3, 2025
Bengaluru has a new spot that’s bringing the city’s nights to life. Cavore, now open on Residency Road, arrives with the promise of energetic evenings, upbeat music, and a space where people can unwind in style.
Designed as an experience that blends sound, lights, and flavour, Cavore brings together sharp mixology, rich gourmet plates, and an atmosphere that shifts with the mood of the night. The room, the rhythm, and the floor move in sync, creating a setting that keeps the energy flowing.
The launch turned heads with dynamic performances by Singer King, with Aryan Khan supporting the evening, giving Bengaluru a glimpse of the kind of lively entertainment Cavore aims to deliver every night. From music and movement to the crowd’s buzz, everything came together to set the tone for what’s ahead.
“Cavore isn't just a venue, it's an afterglow,” a Cavore spokesperson said. “Here, every night is designed to leave a mark that lingers long after the last spark of celebration.”
With bold cocktails, elevated food, and a space built for free-spirited evenings, Cavore opens its doors to Bengaluru’s nightlife lovers looking for nights that feel vibrant, indulgent, and full of life.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Malgudi, the South Indian resto-café co-founded by Padma Shri awardee and global music icon Shankar Mahadevan and Eatopia Holdings, has expanded its presence in Mumbai. The café blends authentic South Indian roots with modern global expression, creating a space that feels warm, creative, and inspired by culture.
Step inside Malgudi and the atmosphere immediately shifts into an indigo-blue and terracotta-orange glow. Brass elements catch the light, hand-painted murals reflect coastal lanes, and Chettinad-inspired tilework guides guests toward the open kitchen. The Filter Kaapi counter adds to the experience, where the barista performs the signature davara pour, filling the room with the aroma of fresh kaapi. The soundtrack carries Carnatic motifs woven into contemporary rhythms, making the space feel both familiar and new.
For Shankar Mahadevan, Malgudi is a personal tribute to temple feasts, Sunday breakfasts, and the kitchens that shaped his early years. “Malgudi is not just about food. It’s about stories of family, culture, and creativity,” he says. “Every dosa, every cup of kaapi is a piece of heritage retold for today.”
The café’s interiors reflect this philosophy, bringing together natural materials like cane-backed chairs, polished teak tables, and brass detailing. The open kitchen adds warmth and intimacy, with the sound of dosa batter sizzling and the aroma of ghee welcoming guests. Music also plays a central role, blending tradition and modernity to create an inviting dining atmosphere.
Malgudi’s menu celebrates the depth of South Indian cuisine with a creative edge. At the centre is the Mulbagal Legacy Dosa, a 100-year-old recipe available exclusively at Malgudi. The Ven Pongal Arancini brings a playful twist with molten cheese at its core. Small plates such as Podi Cheese Balls, Anna-Style Crispy Lotus Root, and Butter Pepper Garlic Water Chestnuts offer innovative takes on familiar ingredients.
The café also highlights regional dishes through large plates like Bisi Bele Bibimbap, Paneer Ghee Roast with Neer Dosa, Sri Lankan Tamil Curry with Idiyappam, and Sanchi’s Vegetable Stew with Appam. Even classics such as Uthappam, Curd Rice, and Rasam Mini Idli are presented with thoughtful modern touches. Desserts like Elaneer Payasam, Filter Kaapi Panna Cotta, and the dramatic Chocolate Pull-Up Cake bring a playful finish to the meal.
The drinks menu showcases Malgudi’s creative approach to kaapi. Beans from Chikmagalur are brewed traditionally or reimagined for today’s tastes. Choices include the Kappuccino, the Indiano, and the indulgent Filter Kaapi with Ghee & Jaggery. For non-coffee drinkers, the Malgudi Picante, made with guava, pomegranate, Guntur chilli, and charcoal, adds a bold and refreshing option.
“At Malgudi, authenticity isn’t nostalgia, it's our foundation,” says CEO Chandrashekar. “We’ve reimagined South Indian cuisine for today, without losing the soul that makes it timeless. That balance of heritage and innovation is what defines us.”
“Our vision is to make Malgudi the global benchmark for modern South Indian dining culture,” adds K. S. Ramakrishnan, Founder, Eatopia Holdings; and CEO & MD, DEI. “With Malgudi, we’re combining scale with soul, and authenticity with innovation.”
Malgudi continues to bring its philosophy of “Authentic Inspiration. Creative Expression.” to a wider audience, redefining how South Indian cuisine is experienced in a contemporary café setting.
About Malgudi:
Malgudi – The South Indian Resto-Café is co-founded by Shankar Mahadevan and Eatopia Holdings, founded by K. S. Ramakrishnan. The café celebrates authentic recipes, creative reinterpretations, and a warm, modern café setting.
Note: Malgudi is an original brand with no association to the literary or television series Malgudi Days.
Factsheet:
● Open Now: SV Road, Borivali West, Mumbai, Lower Parel & Chembur
● Timings: Mon–Sun, 9:00 am – 11:30 pm
Accessibility & hospitality: Step-free access; child-friendly seating; Jain options available; reservations recommended at peak hours.
Published on December 2, 2025
Anardana continues its flavorful journey across India with the launch of its 11th outlet at Netaji Subhash Place, New Delhi. This new space strengthens the brand’s presence in North Delhi and reflects its vision of blending traditional Indian flavours with contemporary sensibilities.
Coming soon after the recent opening at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, this outlet highlights Anardana’s ongoing commitment to creativity, thoughtful design, and soulful dining. The brand’s story remains rooted in nostalgia while being reimagined through a modern lens for today’s diners.
Speaking about the new launch, Dr Ritesh Malik, Founder of Anardana, said, “At Anardana, every space is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience designed to evoke memories and create new ones. Opening our 11th outlet at Netaji Subhash Place is a proud moment for our team. With each location, we strive to bring Anardana’s signature warmth, creativity, and authenticity to new audiences across India.”
The outlet at Netaji Subhash Place features a modern design narrative that reinterprets classic Indian charm with an urban touch. Warm terracotta walls, soft geometric lighting, and elegant glass-block lattice structures create a vibrant yet soothing setting. A dramatic canopy of metal bells adds an immersive visual experience, while contemporary Indian artworks and a sculptural peacock installation bring a playful and culturally rooted character to the space.
The menu continues to celebrate Anardana’s most-loved dishes, offering a mix of traditional favourites and inventive creations. Signature plates such as Anardana Butter Chicken Bombs, Palak Patta Chaat, and Dilli Kulcha Tacos remain at the heart of the experience. Seasonal chef specials crafted exclusively for the NSP outlet add to the culinary excitement, aligning with the neighbourhood’s youthful and lively spirit.
Anardana’s 11th outlet is a reflection of the brand’s passion for redefining modern Indian dining. From nostalgic art walls to contemporary architectural elements, every detail has been designed to offer warmth, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. With every new opening, Anardana continues to offer more than flavour, it offers a story, a memory, and a moment to cherish.
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