If you've been to a Harajuku Tokyo Café in Delhi or Mumbai, you already know what the fuss is about, jiggly pancakes, Kaiten conveyor belt sushi, manga-inspired interiors, and an energy that feels genuinely unlike anything else in India's dining scene. And now, a lot more people are about to find out what they've been missing.

Harajuku Tokyo Café & Bakehouse has announced a serious multi-city expansion, and it's not a small step, it's a full-on leap. The brand is deepening its presence in Delhi with a specialised Bakehouse, rolling out a sprawling flagship Tokyo Café and Bakehouse in Mumbai, making its long-awaited debut in Bengaluru, and launching its very first all-vegetarian outlet in Gujarat. For a brand that started as a boutique cult favourite, this is a whole new chapter.

The man behind all of it is founder Gaurav Kanwar. Armed with an analytical background from the London School of Economics and the University of Warwick, Kanwar spotted something that most people in the industry had missed, Japanese cuisine in India was almost entirely locked inside five-star hotels, formal and untouchable. After spending time researching in Tokyo and Osaka, he came back with a very different vision, one that put soul and experience first, and left the stuffiness at the door.

"There's something incredibly special about watching people truly connect with what you've built," says Kanwar. "The response we received in Delhi was overwhelming, and Mumbai took that love to another level. It reassured us that this vision resonates. As we now expand into Bangalore and other cities, it feels like the right time to share this experience with an even wider audience, while staying true to the care, energy, and authenticity that define us."

What makes Harajuku stand out isn't just the food, though the food is very much a reason to show up. Each outlet draws from a different district of Japan, translating its character into the look, feel, and energy of the space. The Mumbai outlet channels the vibrant buzz of Shibuya. The M3M IFC Gurugram outlet reflects the neon-lit nightlife of Kabukicho. The Ambience Mall Gurugram outlet takes its cues from the cultural warmth of Ueno. Every location feels like its own world, which is a big part of why people keep coming back.

The menu carries its own loyal following. The viral jiggly pancakes and Japanese cotton cheesecake have taken on a life of their own on social media, while the Kaiten conveyor belt sushi keeps the experience playful and interactive. Inventive beverages round things out, it's a menu that's as fun to order from as it is to eat.

The Gujarat launch is particularly significant, a first-ever all-vegetarian Harajuku, reimagining the brand's entire experience for an audience that doesn't compromise on that front. It's a bold move that shows just how seriously the brand is thinking about who it wants to welcome through its doors.

Bengaluru, meanwhile, marks Harajuku's first step into the South Indian market, a city with a strong appetite for quality dining and an equally strong sense of what's worth the hype. If the Delhi and Mumbai responses are anything to go by, the southern debut is going to make some noise.

This expansion isn't just about more locations, it's about Harajuku planting its flag as the go-to name for Japanese dining in India, city by city, one unforgettable experience at a time.

Barista Coffee Company is marking International Women’s Day with a special campaign titled ‘She Inspires. We Upgrade.’ The initiative celebrates the strength, creativity, and everyday influence of women by offering them a complimentary coffee upgrade across Barista cafés.

The campaign is designed as a simple yet meaningful gesture to appreciate the many ways women inspire those around them. By upgrading every woman’s coffee order, the brand aims to add a small moment of celebration to their day.

On 08th March, women visiting any Barista café can enjoy this special upgrade as part of the Women’s Day celebration. Whether they are stopping by for a quick break from work, meeting friends for a catch-up, or simply taking some time to relax, the offer is meant to make the coffee experience a little more memorable.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said, “Women inspire change, creativity, and strength in everyday life. Through our campaign, we wanted to celebrate and acknowledge their contribution in a simple yet meaningful way. At Barista, coffee has always been about creating experiences and moments of connection, and this Women’s Day we invite women to come celebrate themselves over a cup of coffee.”

With this campaign, Barista continues to focus on creating meaningful café experiences that celebrate people and everyday moments. The ‘She Inspires. We Upgrade.’ Women’s Day offer will be available exclusively on 08th March across Barista cafés, inviting women to enjoy an upgraded coffee experience and celebrate the occasion dedicated to them.

Ramadan is as much about the table as it is about reflection and The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is making sure the Iftar spread this year is one worth gathering around.

The Chennai-based cloud kitchen has launched a limited-edition Iftar Special Menu for Ramadan 2026, thoughtfully put together to capture the warmth and generosity that define this holy month. Rooted in North Indian culinary traditions particularly the bold, comforting flavours of Amritsari cooking, the menu is designed for families and friends coming together at sundown.

What's on the Menu

The spread reads like a celebration of everything good about Indian street food and home cooking, brought together for one special occasion.

It opens with Amritsari Samosa Chaat - crispy samosas layered with spicy chana, yoghurt, chutneys, and sev. Classic, comforting, and exactly the kind of thing you want to break a fast with.

Then there's the Multani Paneer Tikka - juicy paneer marinated in yoghurt, pomegranate juice, and house spices, grilled to tender perfection. The pomegranate marinade is a lovely touch that sets it apart from the usual tikka.

The Lawrance Road Wali Aloo Tikki brings serious Amritsari street food energy - potato tikkis stuffed with lentils, served with chole, yoghurt, and tangy chutneys. It's hearty, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.

For something a little different, the Afgani Broccoli & Cauliflower is a standout - broccoli in a creamy cashew paste and cauliflower in Kashmiri chilli yoghurt, grilled together for a dish that's both delicate and bold.

The Wraps keep things easy and filling - soft parathas wrapped around hearty fillings that are flavourful and fuss-free, perfect for a relaxed Iftar table.

And to round things off, Dry Fruit Panjiri - traditional roasted semolina in ghee, loaded with almonds, pistachios, and lotus seeds. It's the kind of sweet ending that feels like a hug.

Chef Deepa shared that the menu was created to reflect the warmth, generosity, and joy of sharing meals during Iftar — values that sit at the heart of both the festival and her own cooking philosophy.

The Woman Behind the Kitchen

Chef Deepa Arora's story is one worth knowing. A homemaker-turned-chef, she turned her love for traditional Punjabi cooking into an award-winning cloud kitchen based in Chennai. Her food is built around three things purity, authenticity, and the kind of care that goes into cooking for family. That same spirit comes through clearly in this Ramadan menu.

For orders and collaborations, reach out at +91 9363544123 or follow along on Instagram at @thekitchenbychefdeepa.