Chinese Wok Partners with Amazon MX Player’s ‘I-POPSTAR’ as Official Food Partner

Chinese Wok Partners with Amazon MX Player’s ‘I-POPSTAR’ as Official Food Partner

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

Chinese Wok, India’s leading homegrown Desi Chinese quick-service restaurant brand, has announced its debut in the reality TV entertainment space with ‘I-POPSTAR,’ Amazon MX Player’s latest music reality series celebrating India’s independent music talent. As the Official Food Partner, Chinese Wok brings its bold, youthful flavour into the heart of music, culture, and creativity, strengthening its connection with the country’s vibrant Gen Z and millennial audience.

Produced by Rusk Media, I-POPSTAR features 25 emerging musicians competing across auditions, gala rounds, and the grand finale, mentored by King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari, and Parmish Verma. The show embraces diverse genres including Pop, Rap, R&B, Rock, EDM, and regional fusion, spotlighting originality and fresh voices from across India.

The collaboration reflects a shared spirit between the show and the brand. Today’s young India is ambitious, expressive, and constantly evolving, qualities that align with Chinese Wok’s “Wok Your Way” ethos, which celebrates individuality and hustle. The partnership takes shape through on-air integrations, backstage interactions, playful exchanges with mentors and contestants, and a unique challenge segment that blends flavour, creativity, and performance in true Chinese Wok style.

As part of the association, the brand will co-create an exclusive jingle with one of the I-POPSTAR contestants, infusing music and flavour into a vibrant brand experience. Beyond the screen, Chinese Wok will have a presence at key events such as the Mumbai premiere, Delhi finale festival, and youth showcases across major cities.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, shared,

“Chinese Wok has always resonated with the ambition, pace and individuality of young India. Our partnership with I-POPSTAR is a strategic step in expanding our cultural footprint and engaging deeply with the country’s most dynamic, creative audiences. With 250+ outlets across 45+ cities, this collaboration signals the next phase of our brand evolution, where food, culture and creative energy meet.”

Adding to this, Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, said,

“I-POPSTAR is raw, expressive and unapologetically fresh and that’s exactly the spirit of Chinese Wok. We’re excited to join India’s next popstars on-screen, share fun flavour moments, and even co-create a jingle with one of the artists. It’s food, culture, music, and youth energy coming together and when cravings hit the stage, Chinese bole toh Chinese Wok!”

This marks Chinese Wok’s first-ever entry into the reality TV and talent ecosystem, a bold and strategic move that builds deeper cultural relevance with India’s young audience through music, humour, sport, and digital storytelling.


Soy Soi Brings ‘Embers of Grills’ to Chennai with Asian Charcoal-Grilled Specialties

Soy Soi Brings ‘Embers of Grills’ to Chennai with Asian Charcoal-Grilled Specialties

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

Soy Soi, one of Chennai's leading destinations for Pan Asian cuisine, is celebrating the rich traditions of Asian charcoal grilling with its limited-time food promotion, 'Embers of Grills', available at its Kotturpuram outlet until July 19, 2026.

Inspired by the bustling satay stalls of Kuala Lumpur, Japan's robata grills, and the charcoal street food culture of Bangkok, Hanoi and Chengdu, the promotion brings together authentic open-fire cooking techniques from across Southeast and East Asia.

The specially curated menu highlights Soy Soi's signature grilled dishes alongside regional favourites, offering guests an opportunity to experience the bold, smoky flavours that have become synonymous with Asian charcoal grilling.

Among the featured dishes are Moo Ping with Spicy Peanut Sauce, featuring Thai-style marinated pork skewers; Ga Nuong – Grilled Chicken Leg, prepared with fragrant lemongrass and charcoal-grilled to perfection; Spiced Tofu Kin, made with Burmese spices and chilli paste; and Xinjiang Lamb Skewers, seasoned with cumin and served alongside a numbing Sichuan chilli sauce.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant street food culture of Asia, Embers of Grills recreates the experience of live charcoal cooking in a restaurant setting through bold marinades, authentic flavours and a menu designed to cater to a variety of preferences.

With this special promotion, Soy Soi invites guests to savour the distinctive taste of charcoal-grilled cuisine and explore the diverse grilling traditions that continue to define some of Asia's most loved culinary destinations.

Event Details:

  • Venue: Soy Soi, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Chitra Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai – 600085

  • Dates: Till July 19, 2026

  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM


Maize & Malt Introduces Rose Jalebi Tres Leches in Bengaluru

Maize & Malt Introduces Rose Jalebi Tres Leches in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

Riding the wave of one of the internet's most popular dessert trends, Maize & Malt has introduced its latest creation, Rose Jalebi Tres Leches, offering a fresh take on the classic milk-soaked cake with flavours inspired by Indian sweets.

Tres Leches has become a favourite among dessert lovers worldwide, with creative variations appearing across cafés and restaurants. Adding its own signature touch, Maize & Malt has combined the richness of the classic dessert with the familiar flavours of crispy jalebi and fragrant rose.

The dessert features a soft and airy sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, topped with crunchy jalebi and finished with delicate rose notes. The combination brings together traditional Indian flavours and the creamy texture of Tres Leches, creating a dessert that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

Designed for those who enjoy discovering new food trends as well as lovers of Indian-inspired desserts, the Rose Jalebi Tres Leches adds a distinctive option to Bengaluru's growing dessert scene.

The dessert is now available at Maize & Malt, located at 3, 4th Cross Road, near Whitefield, Vigneshwar Nagar, Kaveri Nagar, Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560048.


Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

Haldiram’s, one of India’s most recognised brands in sweets, snacks, and dining, has strengthened its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the opening of its latest outlet in Prayagraj.

Located at WP Arena, Hot Stuff Chauraha, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, the new restaurant was inaugurated by Er. Harshvardhan Bajpayee, MLA, Prayagraj North, in the presence of customers, local dignitaries, and community members.

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The launch marks another step in Haldiram’s expansion strategy of entering emerging markets beyond major metropolitan cities while bringing its legacy of traditional Indian flavours closer to consumers across the country. The opening is also aligned with the brand’s “Acche Din Aa Rahe Hai!” campaign, highlighting its continued growth journey.

Known as one of India’s most culturally significant cities, Prayagraj holds a special place in the country’s spiritual and intellectual heritage. Home to the iconic Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet, the city attracts millions of visitors during the Kumbh Mela and continues to be a major destination for travellers, pilgrims, and scholars.

Beyond its cultural importance, Prayagraj has emerged as an important educational, administrative, and commercial hub in Uttar Pradesh. With increasing infrastructure development and rising tourism, the city has witnessed growing demand for quality dining experiences.

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Recognising this evolving consumer landscape, Haldiram’s has introduced its new outlet to offer residents and visitors a trusted destination for traditional Indian cuisine combined with modern dining comfort.

Designed to cater to families, groups, and travellers, the outlet offers Haldiram’s extensive portfolio of Indian sweets, namkeens, regional favourites, chaats, complete meals, and contemporary beverages.

The expansion into Prayagraj reflects Haldiram’s broader vision of reaching new markets while preserving the traditions, flavours, and hospitality that have shaped the brand over decades.

With its growing footprint across India, Haldiram’s continues to focus on delivering authentic Indian culinary experiences while adapting to the changing preferences of today’s consumers.

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