Dakshin Yatra: Flavors of South at Edesia and Viva

Dakshin Yatra: Flavors of South at Edesia and Viva

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 22, 2024

Edesia at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla and Viva at Holiday Inn Aerocity are thrilled to present “Dakshin Yatra: Flavors of South,” an exclusive South Indian food festival. Running from June 22 to June 30, 2024, this event invites guests to savor the rich and diverse culinary traditions of South India, with dining experiences available each evening from 7 PM to 11 PM.

“Dakshin Yatra” promises a genuine South Indian culinary journey, curated by the esteemed Chef Reghunath from Kochi. The festival will feature iconic dishes such as Chettinad Chicken, Kerala Prawn & Mango Curry, Dindigul Biryani, Thalassery Biryani, Bisi Bele Bath, and Malabar Parotta, among others. Chef Reghunath's expertise ensures an authentic taste in every bite.

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Shuvendu Banerjee, General Manager at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, expressed his excitement, stating, “The Dakshin Yatra festival is an opportunity for our guests to experience the rich and diverse flavors of South India right here in New Delhi.” Amit Rana, General Manager at Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, added, “We are thrilled to bring this unique experience to our guests, with Chef Reghunath's exceptional expertise adding an authentic touch to every dish.”

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Complementing the delectable food, the festival will offer unique cocktails and mocktails inspired by South Indian flavors, such as Madras Magic, Kerala Coconut Cooler, Andhra Mango Mojito, Udupi Uplifter, Ambuli Juice, Neer Majjige, Panakam, Panna, and Nimbu Pani.

Edesia and Viva will transform into vibrant spaces reflecting the cultural richness of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Traditional decor, colorful displays, and installations will enhance the dining experience, celebrating the heritage of South India. A dedicated vendor will further enrich the ambiance, creating a visual feast for guests.

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Event Details

Venue: Edesia, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla

Dates: June 22 – June 30, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Price: INR 2,999 plus taxes

Venue: Viva, Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport

Dates: June 27 – June 30, 2024

Time: June 27 – 29 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM, June 30 | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Price: INR 2,499 plus taxes

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About Edesia 

Edesia is the global cuisine all-day dining restaurant at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, offering diverse cuisines from around the world. It operates daily with breakfast from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and dinner from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Reservations can be made by calling +91 95829 44897. Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is a premium IHG-branded hotel located in South Delhi, offering integrated hospitality for both business and leisure travelers. It is approximately 21 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport and easily accessible to major business complexes and tourist attractions in Delhi.

About Viva – All Day Dining

Discover culinary excellence at Viva, the dynamic dining venue at Holiday Inn Aerocity. Viva presents a delightful blend of global flavors and local specialties, all crafted by skilled chefs. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet for lunch and dinner or choose from an array of à la carte options, all while experiencing impeccable service in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Every Sunday, the themed brunch "Dip and Dine" offers an extra special dining experience. For reservations, please call +91 8130496074.


Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Bengaluru’s favourite urban hangout just got tastier:

Monkey Bar on Museum Road has introduced a new menu — staying true to its spirit while dishing out bold flavours, comfort bites, and international flair. From bar snacks to hearty mains, this refreshed menu adds new favourites to an already vibrant food scene.

Still housed in its signature high-ceilinged space with warm lighting and a buzz of familiar playlists, Monkey Bar remains a go-to for casual lunches, spontaneous dinners, and those long evenings that stretch into the night.

New on the Menu

The update brings a mix of old-school comfort and fresh global flavours. Whether you're into small plates or classic mains, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Some of the new highlights include:

  • Tuna Cutlet and Classic Paneer Tikka – starters with nostalgic appeal.

  • Chicken Tsukune – Japanese-style skewers that bring izakaya charm.

  • Cheese Burger – a timeless favourite done right.

  • Hariyali Fish Tikka – herb-marinated, perfectly grilled and fresh.

  • Hummus & Pita – a Mediterranean must-have.

  • Loaded Keema Wedges – a spiced Indian take on cheesy indulgence.

  • Military Mutton Biryani – aromatic, slow-cooked and flavour-packed.

  • Mutton Kofta & Appam – a fusion of South Indian and Mughlai richness.

These additions join Monkey Bar’s well-loved staples like comfort bowls, flatbreads, street food-inspired snacks, and its fun mix of cocktails and craft drinks.

Bengaluru’s Living Room, Now More Delicious

Monkey Bar isn’t just a gastropub, it’s a slice of Bengaluru life. It’s where old friends reunite, new plans are born, and spontaneous evenings unfold. The updated menu strengthens its status as a neighbourhood favourite that evolves with the city while keeping its soul intact.

With the right mix of nostalgia, innovation, and good food, Monkey Bar invites you to come hungry  and stay a little longer.

Fact Sheet

  • Address: First Floor, The Museum, No.1, Museum Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 56000.
  • Timings: Open Daily – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

India’s largest and fastest-growing specialty coffee brand, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, is making its way to the Gulf. In a strategic move, Blue Tokai has partnered with Ambrosia Gulf, which will serve as its master franchisee for the GCC, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the brand’s first official foray into the Middle East.

With over 175 cafés across India and an international footprint in Tokyo, this partnership is a key milestone for Blue Tokai as it looks to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new audience.

Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by mid-market investment firm Pulsar Capital, will lead the expansion. The firm is already known for operating Papa Johns in India (with its first outlet set for September 2025) and managing Biryani By Kilo in the GCC, underlining its strong cross-border brand management capabilities.

“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies.”

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Echoing this sentiment, Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community. Ambrosia Gulf’s operational expertise and deep local insights make them the perfect partners for this journey.”

Adding to this, Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai, shared, “Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally. This isn’t just expansion — it’s about building a regionally aligned presence while staying true to our values.”

Beyond launching cafés, the partnership also aims to introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG offerings to the GCC, tapping into HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and direct-to-consumer channels, thereby significantly broadening the brand’s reach.

The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is expected to open by Q4 2025. Coffee lovers can look forward to experiencing Blue Tokai’s celebrated single-estate coffees, manual brewing styles, and a transparent, craftsmanship-driven café environment.


Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a beloved culinary spot in Greenville for soulful Indian fare, has launched an exciting new menu curated by Sous Chef Kishor Singh. The refreshed menu is a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending traditional flavours with a touch of modern sophistication.

Chef Kishor Singh, renowned for his deep respect for regional Indian cuisine and innovative approach, has thoughtfully reimagined both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ‘Veg Entrées’ now spotlight regional nuances with creations like Sagg Paneer Pasanda, tandoor-charred Tandoori Paneer Makhni, and the comforting Dum Aloo Banarasi. Popular classics such as Dal Makhni, Raw Mango Curry, and Malai Kofta return with subtle, refined updates, staying true to their authentic roots.

For non-vegetarian lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. From the universally adored Butter Chicken to the fiery Laal Maas, each dish is a testament to India’s diverse flavour profiles. Highlights include Old Delhi Mutton Nihari, Prawn Mango Curry, and the coastal-inspired Fish Moilee in a delicate coconut gravy.

“This menu is not just about food, but about storytelling—each dish reflects a part of India’s culinary journey,” shares Chef Singh, whose expertise brings together age-old techniques and contemporary tastes.

Crafted using premium ingredients and traditional spice blends, Namak’s new menu encapsulates the warmth of Indian hospitality while inviting diners to embark on a journey of culinary discovery.

With its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and now an even more enticing menu, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to solidify its place as a must-visit dining destination in Greenville.

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