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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 Author
Published on March 27, 2026
Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is hosting a special Sri Lankan food festival, bringing the flavours of the island nation to diners in a warm and familiar setting. Titled The Spirit of Sri Lanka, the experience offers a week-long celebration of comforting and flavourful dishes.
The menu has been carefully curated to showcase a mix of traditional home-style recipes and popular street food favourites. Guests can explore dishes like Polos Ambula, Kiri Kaju Maluwa, and Annasi Maluwa, along with well-loved bites such as Elawalu Kottu, Batu Moju, Amba Anama, Sinhala Achcharu, and Ala Beduma. For those looking for something light and crunchy, Parippu Wade adds a familiar touch to the spread.
Sharing his thoughts, Chef Luxman said, “Sri Lankan cuisine is a celebration of bold spices and subtle balance, deeply rooted in simplicity yet rich in flavour and character. Each dish on this menu reflects traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations, bringing authentic, home-style flavours to the table. We’ve focused on maintaining this authenticity while ensuring the dishes feel enjoyable for our guests.”
Designed as an easy and relaxed dining experience, the festival is ideal for casual meals, family outings, or catching up with friends. The menu focuses on flavours that are both distinctive and approachable, making it a great introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine.
The festival is available for dinner service at the hotel, starting from 7:30 PM onwards.
With this initiative, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore continues to bring global culinary experiences to the city, offering guests a chance to explore new flavours in a comfortable setting
By Hariharan U
KICO is quickly becoming a go-to morning spot in Bengaluru, offering an all-day breakfast experience that blends comfort food, café classics, and a strong sense of community. Backed by Yazu Hospitality, the space has been designed as a relaxed social hub where guests can drop in for coffee and stay through the day.
Serving breakfast from morning until evening, KICO’s menu is simple yet thoughtfully put together, with a focus on reinterpreting familiar dishes rather than reinventing them. The offerings move between global influences and local favourites, catering to both leisurely brunches and quick weekday meals.
Popular dishes include the Parsi-style Akuri Soft Scramble, a rich and spiced take on eggs, along with options like Forest Mushroom Soft Scramble and Smoked Salmon Scramble that bring in lighter, balanced flavours. The menu also nods to Bengaluru’s breakfast culture with Benne Dosa, served in both classic and contemporary styles.
Café staples form a big part of the experience, with sandwiches, croissants, and bagels such as the Caprese Croissan’wich, Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Bagel, and Juliette’s Club Sando offering familiar yet indulgent choices. For those looking at something sweet, the Japanese Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes and French Toast made with Japanese milk bread add a dessert-like touch to the menu. Health-focused options like smoothie bowls and Quinoa Upma ensure there’s something for everyone.
The beverage programme is equally diverse, featuring wellness drinks like Green Glow and Beet Boost, alongside matcha-based options and kombucha. The café’s coffee programme, created in association with Nandan Coffee, anchors the experience with offerings like Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Cascara Lemonade.
“KICO was always imagined as a place where people would want to spend time, not just drop in and leave,” said Ranbir Nagpal, Founder, Yazu Hospitality. “Breakfast naturally became a big part of that because mornings in Bangalore are social. People meet, work, catch up and ease into the day.”
Adding to this, Atul Chopra, Partner at Yazu Hospitality, said, “We wanted KICO to feel like a space that evolves with the guest through the day. Breakfast is just the starting point, it’s about creating an environment where good food, coffee, and conversations come together effortlessly.”
While evenings at KICO shift towards cocktails and music, mornings remain its most relaxed and inviting side. With its easygoing vibe and thoughtfully curated menu, KICO is shaping up to be a favourite for café regulars, remote workers, and brunch lovers across the city.
Farro is celebrating Chaitra Navratri with a specially curated menu that brings together tradition and modern flavours. Known for its ingredient-led approach, the restaurant has created a festive dining experience that is both mindful and flavourful.
The menu features a range of sattvic-inspired dishes made using seasonal ingredients, keeping in line with the spirit of the occasion. Designed to suit both those observing the fast and guests simply looking for lighter, wholesome meals, the offerings focus on balance and taste.
Guests can enjoy favourites like Aloo Chaat, Raw Banana Kofta, and Tender Coconut Payasam, along with refreshing beverages that complement the festive mood. The dishes reflect a clean and thoughtful approach while still delivering on flavour.
Set in a warm and inviting space, Farro offers the perfect setting for family outings, intimate gatherings, or a relaxed festive meal.
The Chaitra Navratri menu is currently available at the Pune outlet, Evening service begins at 7:00 PM onwards.
With this seasonal offering, Farro continues to bring together tradition and contemporary dining, creating a festive experience that feels both familiar and refreshing.
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