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.


Hyatt Regency Delhi Unveils The Art of Intimacy for Valentine’s Day

Hyatt Regency Delhi Unveils The Art of Intimacy for Valentine’s Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 8, 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Hyatt Regency Delhi reimagines romance with The Art of Intimacy, a thoughtfully curated celebration where heritage blends seamlessly with modern expressions of love. Designed to honour connection and togetherness, the hotel transforms into a romantic sanctuary filled with immersive dining experiences, personalised mixology, and carefully crafted ambience.

Going beyond a single dining experience, each restaurant at Hyatt Regency Delhi presents its own interpretation of romance. Every space is styled to feel intimate and immersive, drawing inspiration from global culinary traditions. From the comforting warmth of Italian flavours to the soulful tastes of the Levant and the lively energy of Teppanyaki, each venue tells a distinct love story through food and atmosphere.

On 14th February 2026, guests can explore exclusive Valentine’s menus across the hotel’s signature restaurants. La Piazza offers authentic Italian multi-course set menus, featuring wood-fired heart-shaped pizzas and artisanal pastas. Syrah sets a relaxed yet romantic tone with a Levantine dining experience of mezze and smoky grills under the stars. The China Kitchen hosts an intimate Dining in the Kitchen experience with signature Peking Duck and celebratory dumplings, while TK’S Oriental Grill brings high-energy Teppanyaki dining with live grills, personalised chef interactions, and a special Flambé of Love moment. Café completes the celebration with a lavish global buffet for couples who enjoy discovering flavours from around the world.

The celebration continues at the bar, where love is served in a glass. Hyatt Regency Delhi’s mixologists introduce Valentine’s-themed cocktails and mocktails, blending craft pours with guest mixology experiences. The evenings are elevated with live band performances and curated deep-house romantic sets, creating a chic and inviting mood.

Dessert lovers can indulge in a special Valentine’s collection at Sidewalk, the hotel’s gourmet delicatessen, available from 9th to 15th February 2026. The selection includes rich chocolate mousses, layered cakes, and handcrafted sweet and savoury treats, all prepared with premium ingredients and designed to be as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Throughout the hotel, the focus remains on atmosphere and emotion. Soft candlelight, curated soundscapes, soulful acoustic performances, and intimate cabana moments near Aangan come together to create a romantic escape. Every detail, from table settings to lighting and music, is carefully planned to enhance the overall experience.

For couples wishing to extend the celebration, Hyatt Regency Delhi also offers a Valentine’s Staycation package, a private cabana dinner by the pool, and a 90-minute couples’ massage at Club Olympus Spa. Together, these experiences form a refined and intimate celebration of love, flavour, and finesse.

Dining Restaurants & Culinary Venues:
Café
TK’S Oriental Grill
La Piazza
The China Kitchen
Syrah
Sidewalk

Details & Timing:
Date: 14th February 2026
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM.


k-o-j-i at Conrad Pune Brings Elements of Kin Khao With an Authentic Thai Dining Experience

k-o-j-i at Conrad Pune Brings Elements of Kin Khao With an Authentic Thai Dining Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 8, 2026

Starting 2026 on a note of reconnection, k-o-j-i, Conrad Pune’s award-winning modern Asian dining restaurant, invites guests to slow down and rediscover meaningful moments with loved ones through Elements of Kin Khao. This thoughtfully curated Thai dining experience will be available for dinner from 13th to 22nd February, offering a soulful journey into the heart of Thai food traditions.

In Thailand, the phrase Kin Khao means much more than simply “to eat rice.” It is a gentle expression of care, a way of checking in, sharing time, and building connection. Deeply rooted in warmth and togetherness, this philosophy reflects the essence of Thai culture, where food is meant to be shared and flavours are carefully balanced. Elements of Kin Khao brings this spirit to life through an experience that celebrates authentic Thai cooking and the joy of eating together.

Curated by Chef Gopal Subba, Chef De Cuisine, the menu takes diners through a rich journey of Thai flavours, from delicate herbs and fragrant curries to bold umami notes. Each dish reflects harmony and tradition, staying true to the roots of Thai cuisine while offering a refined dining experience.

Guests can begin with soups and salads, followed by a selection of appetisers such as Tod Khao Pod – Thai ground sweet corn cake with lime leaf & lemongrass, Tung Tong – deep fried money bag stuffed with vegetables, Tod Mun Pla – ground fish cake with herbs & red curry, Kratong Tong – coconut based spicy ground prawns served in a crispy basket, and Gae Phad Prik Gaeng – curry based, stir fried lamb.

The main course continues the journey with traditional favourites including Gaeng Phanaeng, Pad Krapow Kai, Pla Neung Manao, and Gaeng Phanaeng Lamb, highlighting classic Thai techniques and regional influences. The experience ends on a comforting note with the iconic Mango sticky rice – Khao Niaow Muang, offering a sweet and satisfying finish.

Set within the contemporary elegance of k-o-j-i, Elements of Kin Khao encourages diners to share plates, slow down, and reconnect. It is an experience where food becomes a conversation and every meal feels warm, familiar, and welcoming.

Event Details:

What: Elements of Kin Khao

When: 13th - 22nd February

Where: k-o-j-i, Conrad Pune


Al Habtoor City Unveils Refined Ramadan Dining Experiences for 2026

Al Habtoor City Unveils Refined Ramadan Dining Experiences for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on February 7, 2026

As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, Al Habtoor City is set to offer a season of mindful gatherings and indulgent dining through a series of curated Iftar and Suhoor experiences across its landmark hotels. Located between Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Water Canal, the destination brings together serene settings, thoughtful hospitality and diverse culinary offerings that reflect the spirit of togetherness and reflection central to Ramadan.

At Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, the Ramadan Garden at the Winter Garden returns as an elegant open-air venue designed to host up to 800 guests. Enhanced with Islamic-inspired décor, soft lighting and comfortable seating, the space creates a welcoming ambience for breaking the fast. The Iftar buffet features a wide spread of Arabic and international favourites, including hot and cold mezze, lamb ouzi, live cooking stations and traditional Ramadan beverages such as Jallab, Tamer Hindi and Kamer El Dine. Desserts like baklava, knafeh and Um Ali complete the experience. As the evening transitions into Suhoor, guests can enjoy lighter fare, interactive food stations, gentle oud music and classic board games, creating a relaxed late-night setting. Guests staying across the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection can also enjoy a special Stay & Dine offer with savings at the Ramadan Garden.

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For those seeking a vibrant family-friendly setting, The Market at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City presents an expansive Iftar buffet from mid-February to mid-March. Featuring live kitchens and a rotating menu, the spread includes Middle Eastern Ramadan staples such as Madfoon, Harees, Machboos and Luqaimat alongside international selections, making it suitable for both small and large gatherings. Special group pricing further enhances its appeal for corporate and social bookings.

Complementing the dining experiences, Silk Spa at Al Habtoor City offers restorative spa rituals designed to rejuvenate the body and mind during the fasting period. Together, these experiences position Al Habtoor City as a refined destination for meaningful Ramadan moments in 2026.

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