BORN Restaurants has expanded its growing portfolio with the launch of FU FU, a bold new Pan-Asian restaurant in Alwarpet, Chennai. Marking the group’s seventh launch in the past year, FU FU positions itself as a fearless response to the way Asian cuisine has often been softened for mainstream palates.

Born out of the idea that Asian food is loud, layered, emotional, and unapologetic, FU FU embraces intensity rather than toning it down. Garlic doesn’t apologise, chillies don’t whisper, and broths are given time. From sushi and a cured-and-cut raw bar to okonomiyaki, robata grill, dim sum, bao, cheng fun, sizzling stone bowls, and stir-fries, the menu is expansive yet sharply curated.

The name itself carries cultural resonance. “Fu” (福) in Chinese symbolises happiness, good fortune, and prosperity, often displayed upside down during Lunar New Year to signify that fortune has arrived. FU FU embodies that irreverent joy while staying deeply rooted in Asian culinary traditions.

Manoj Padmanaban, Co-Founder of BORN Restaurants, explains the philosophy behind the beverage programme: “Across Asia, palate cleansers and small rituals have always been part of dining. At FU FU, we play with that idea boldly. ‘Mouthwash’ was created from a joke everyone knows, that you can’t kiss after an Asian meal. It’s a tall, sweet blue drink served over ice that resets the palate between flavour-packed dishes heavy on onion, ginger, and garlic. They say you can’t kiss after an Asian meal. Now, you can.”

Japtej Ahluwalia, Co-Founder of BORN Restaurants and Double Roti, adds, “FU FU draws strongly from the spirit of the tiger — intensity, confidence, and presence, balanced with joy. It’s powerful yet welcoming, designed for families and large gatherings to truly experience that vibrant energy together.”

The 94-seater space, including a 12-seater private dining room, unfolds dramatically. Guests enter through a deliberately minimal lift lobby before stepping into a moody open-plan dining room layered with mirrors, rust tones, and subtle red accents. A striking cat-inspired light installation above the bar shifts colour through the evening, transforming the energy of the space. The aesthetic blends the polish of a downtown Singapore cocktail bar with the high-energy chaos of a late night on Bangkok’s Soi 11.

Leading the kitchen is Chef Gopalsami Mani, whose culinary journey spans Tamil Nadu, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. His cooking balances global finesse with homegrown depth, delivering flavours that are bold, joyful, and unapologetically Asian.

FU FU joins BORN Restaurants’ award-winning portfolio that includes concepts such as Jolly Indian, Sortd, Double Dashi, and Cherry Pond. While each brand carries a distinct identity, FU FU stands out as the group’s flagship — a riot of flavour, design, and cultural attitude unlike anything Chennai has seen before.

Restaurant Details

• Address: 3rd Floor, Born Restaurants LLP, CP Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018

• Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Lunch) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Dinner)

• Reservations: +91 96000 37124

CaratLane – A TATA Product and one of India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brands – marked a major global milestone with its first-ever international runway showcase at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), held at Chelsea Piers.

The debut positioned CaratLane on one of the world’s most influential fine jewellery platforms, underscoring its growing global ambition and ability to blend Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design aesthetics. Backed by the trust of the Tata Group, the showcase also highlighted the brand’s expanding international footprint, including its retail presence in New Jersey.

The runway featured eight curated looks from CaratLane’s celebrated collections Polki, Sol, Sandook, Eternity, Butterfly, and Peepal, crafted exclusively with natural diamonds. The Polki collection reimagined uncut diamond heritage pieces for modern wear, while Sol celebrated the radiance of sunrise with Citrines symbolising new beginnings. Sandook translated nostalgia into design through motifs inspired by marigolds and jharokhas, and Eternity highlighted timeless silhouettes in brilliant-cut diamonds.

Among the standout presentations were the iconic Butterfly collection, distinguished by its signature blue enamel, and Peepal, which combined diamonds with green alpanites set in yellow gold, inspired by the sacred peepal leaf.

Six of the looks were showcased by international models, while two were presented by Indian fashion influencers Pooja Mundhra and Anahita Bhooshan, adding cross-cultural depth and resonance to the event.

Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director of CaratLane, said, “Our first-ever global runway showcase at New York Fashion Week is a defining milestone for CaratLane, one that affirmed how Indian art, design aesthetics, and craftsmanship can resonate powerfully on the world stage. This showcase reflected our belief that jewellery rooted in tradition yet designed for modern life can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in global fashion.”

With this debut, CaratLane reinforced its commitment to redefining fine jewellery for contemporary lifestyles, merging heritage, innovation, and everyday elegance while setting the stage for deeper global engagement in the years ahead.

About CaratLane

Founded in 2008 as one of India’s earliest online jewellery start-ups, CaratLane evolved into a seamless omni-channel retailer after investment from Titan in 2016. Today, backed by the Tata Group, the brand operates over 350 stores across India and internationally in New Jersey. Known for pioneering services such as CaratLane LIVE, Try at Home, and Solitaire Lounges, the brand continues to blend digital innovation with trusted craftsmanship to serve modern jewellery consumers.

Al Habtoor Palace has retained its prestigious Four-Star rating in the 2026 Star Awards by Forbes Travel Guide, reaffirming its position among the world’s distinguished luxury hospitality destinations. The 68th annual Star Awards span 100 countries and recognise excellence in hotels, restaurants, spas, and cruise experiences.

Overlooking the scenic Dubai Water Canal, Al Habtoor Palace is renowned for its Beaux-Arts-inspired architecture and palatial interiors. The hotel features 182 guest rooms and 52 suites, offering a seamless blend of classical elegance and contemporary comfort. A signature highlight is its bespoke butler service, ensuring personalised attention and a refined guest journey from arrival to departure.

Culinary excellence remains central to the hotel’s identity, with a curated collection of fine dining venues presenting world-class cuisine in sophisticated settings. Guests can also unwind at the award-winning spa, designed to deliver restorative treatments and holistic relaxation experiences.

Located within Al Habtoor City, the property enjoys prime access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai’s cultural and entertainment hubs. With state-of-the-art event spaces and elegant surroundings, the hotel continues to be a sought-after venue for corporate gatherings, weddings, and grand celebrations.

Stefan Radstrom, Complex General Manager of the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, said, “We are truly honoured to be awarded the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating for 2026. This recognition celebrates our continuous dedication to delivering an exceptional experience for every guest. We take pride in offering unmatched service, refined comfort, and world-class amenities with every stay.”

Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, added, “Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality. This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury, with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities and enhanced well-being.”

The continued recognition underscores Al Habtoor Palace’s commitment to meticulous service, elevated experiences, and timeless luxury in the heart of Dubai.