Earthling Launches Centre of Culinary Excellence in Gurugram

Earthling Launches Centre of Culinary Excellence in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 21, 2026

Earthling, India’s fast-growing foodservice solutions company, has opened the Earthling Centre of Culinary Excellence in Gurugram. The new Centre has been created as a focused platform to support culinary learning, innovation, and deeper engagement across India’s evolving foodservice and hospitality space.

The inauguration brought together chefs, culinary professionals, educators, and students for a curated industry interaction. Designed as a collaborative environment, the Centre connects culinary education with ingredient innovation and hands-on industry learning, addressing the changing needs of commercial kitchens.

With India’s foodservice sector growing rapidly and expectations rising around consistency, speed, and operational efficiency, the Centre aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real kitchen operations. It will spotlight international culinary practices, menu development, and modern kitchen solutions, offering participants practical exposure aligned with industry realities. Chefs, food technologists, and industry experts will regularly engage at the Centre to encourage skill building, experimentation, and knowledge sharing.

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Commenting on the launch, Shippy Sharma, Managing Director, Earthling, said, “Through Earthling Centre of Culinary Excellence we plan to develop a collaborative ecosystem which involves industry chefs, products companies, food scientists, tasting experts, culinary academia and aspiring students together. It is aimed to foster greater understanding of new trends, commercial kitchen requirements and practices.”

The inauguration also featured a masterclass on Asian Culinary Innovation led by Chef Vaibhav Bhargava. He shared insights into modern Asian techniques, flavour development, and the changing expectations of today’s foodservice consumer. The session included live demonstrations using ingredients from Earthling’s in-house brands Royal Grove and Wonderfills, along with Asian sauces and condiments from Namjai and Lee Kum Kee. The interactive format encouraged hands-on learning and open discussion.

The opening of the Centre adds value to Gurugram’s growing foodservice and hospitality ecosystem. As the city continues to emerge as a hub for restaurants, cloud kitchens, and institutional dining, the Centre is well placed to support skill development and industry-ready learning for modern kitchens.

Earthling sees the Centre as a long-term initiative that will host ongoing masterclasses, workshops, and industry-led programmes. By offering a structured space for continuous learning and collaboration, the Centre is expected to play a meaningful role in supporting the sustainable growth of India’s foodservice and hospitality industry.


Soyarich Redefines Plant-Based Eating with Innovative Vegan Alternatives

Soyarich Redefines Plant-Based Eating with Innovative Vegan Alternatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 21, 2026

In today’s evolving culinary world, growing concerns around food adulteration and an increasing shift towards vegan lifestyles have created a strong demand for reliable alternatives to paneer. Among the many options explored, tofu has emerged as a preferred choice for health-conscious and vegan consumers. Made from soya, tofu offers a nutritious, clean, and versatile option, and Soyarich has played a key role in bringing this alternative into Indian kitchens.

Soyarich has earned the trust of millions across India through its thoughtfully crafted range of plant-based products. Its portfolio includes tofu, soya chaap, Yofu, a plant-based yogurt, plant-based cheese spreads, and the country’s first tofu pickle. Each product reflects the brand’s focus on offering wholesome food that aligns with modern dietary needs.

Tofu, known for its rich nutritional profile, has become a popular choice among those beginning their vegan journey. Soyarich took innovation a step further by introducing India’s first tofu pickle, blending tofu with Indian herbs and spices to create a flavourful and health-friendly option. The brand’s plant-based yogurt products stand out for being cholesterol-free and enriched with Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin D, and Magnesium.

Soyarich’s lactose-free and cholesterol-free cheese spreads are designed for everyday consumption and are especially suitable for people with lactose intolerance or milk and nut allergies. These spreads offer a convenient way to enjoy a dairy-free lifestyle without compromising on taste.

Another highlight from the brand is soya chaap, a popular choice for tandoor-style cravings. With no added preservatives or colours and being completely cholesterol-free, it supports a protein-rich, meat-free diet while delivering satisfying flavours.

Guided by its philosophy of “Eat healthy, stay happy,” Soyarich has been serving customers since 2012. The brand continues to focus on customer satisfaction through 24x7 customer support and prompt assistance with returns and exchanges. Trusted by restaurants and consumers across India, Soya Rich has built a strong presence in the Indian market and continues to envision the launch of more healthy, plant-based products in the future.

Info@soyarichfoods.com  www.soyarichfoods.com 


Gourmet Investments Brings Olive Garden’s American Italian Experience to India

Gourmet Investments Brings Olive Garden’s American Italian Experience to India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2026

Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd., known for bringing globally recognised restaurant brands to India, is set to introduce Olive Garden, the world’s most loved American Italian restaurant chain, to the Indian market. The brand will make its debut with its first-ever restaurant at Aerocity, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in India’s evolving dining landscape.

With this launch, Indian diners who have experienced Olive Garden abroad will now be able to enjoy the brand’s signature American Italian flavours closer to home. Following the opening at 4 Worldmark, Aerocity, Gourmet Investments plans to expand Olive Garden’s presence across Delhi NCR in phases, bringing its family-friendly dining experience to a wider audience in the region.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Ramit Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman & Director, Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd., said:

“ Olive Garden is more than a restaurant- it’s a feeling. It’s the comfort of familiar flavors, the joy of gathering around the table, and the kind of generous hospitality that makes you feel like family. This launch marks a proud milestone in our continued commitment in making world-class flavors and hospitality accessible right here at home. With Olive Garden, we are not just launching a restaurant, but we are humbly contributing to the rich tapestry of this already wonderful hospitality industry. Our hope is simple: to make iconic names like P.F. Chang’s, PizzaExpress, and Olive Garden more accessible to Indian diners, while quietly playing our part in shaping the culinary landscape in India.”

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Expressing excitement about the brand’s entry into India, Brad Smith, President of Darden International & Franchising, said:

“We are very excited to continue expanding Olive Garden globally and, together with our franchisee Gourmet Investments, open our first Olive Garden in India. We know Gourmet Investments’ deep restaurant experience will help us deliver Olive Garden’s signature never-ending American Italian generosity to our Indian guests.”

The Aerocity restaurant has been designed to reflect Olive Garden’s Tuscan roots, featuring sun-washed walls, rustic textures, and warm lighting that capture the charm of an Italian villa. The space offers both indoor and alfresco seating, making it suitable for casual meals as well as special celebrations.

Olive Garden’s menu in India will remain true to its American Italian heritage while being thoughtfully adapted to local preferences. Diners can expect a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes made with real ingredients, along with the brand’s much-loved never-ending soup or salad and warm breadsticks served with every entrée.

Globally recognised for its comforting classics and generous hospitality, Olive Garden has built its reputation on freshly grated Parmesan, homestyle pastas, hearty bowls of Fettuccine Alfredo, and its iconic never-ending offerings. Rooted in the belief that food tastes better when shared, the brand continues to be a favourite gathering place for families worldwide. With its arrival in India, Olive Garden aims to bring that same warmth, familiarity, and togetherness to the Indian dining table.


Neighbourhoods of the World, One HOOD: Olive Group Opens a Global Bar-Dining Address in Bengaluru

Neighbourhoods of the World, One HOOD: Olive Group Opens a Global Bar-Dining Address in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on January 20, 2026

Bengaluru’s Wood Street has a new address that feels instantly familiar yet quietly global. The Olive Group has opened The Hood, an all-day bar and dining space that brings together the spirit of the world’s most iconic neighbourhoods under one roof. Located in the former home of Toast & Tonic, The Hood is conceived by AD Singh, MD & Founder of the Olive Group of Restaurants, along with his core team, as a place where global cultures meet local comfort.

At its heart, The Hood is not about geography but about feeling. It draws inspiration from how neighbourhoods across the world eat, drink and gather, whether it’s the easy hum of a Parisian café, the quiet ritual of a Kyoto teahouse, or the familiar rhythm of an Indian street corner at dusk. These moments are distilled into a space that feels worldly in character but rooted in belonging.

The opening menu takes its first cues from three neighbourhoods: Gion in Kyoto, San Lorenzo in Florence, and Mar Mikhael in Beirut. Led by Chef Dhruv Oberoi, Culinary Director for The Hood, The Olive Bar & Kitchen (Delhi & Goa), and The Grammar Room, the food focuses on classics interpreted through flavour, ritual and restraint rather than imitation.

From Japan, dishes lean into hand-held rituals and quiet comfort, with highlights such as Karaage of Enoki Mushrooms and Sea Asparagus, Toro Temaki wrapped in crisp spiced nori, and minced pork gyoza with a delicate hanetsuke, paired with rayu chilli oil. Beirut brings depth and warmth through dishes like Black Lime Hummus, rich Bone Marrow, and Laban Immo, slow-cooked goat served with pearl cous cous and crispy okra. Italian influences anchor the menu with Burrata topped with mango mostarda, plancha plates of squid and sunchoke, ricotta gnocchi with vincotto grapes, pappardelle with beef bolognese, and a Hot Tiramisu finished with Amaretto coffee caramel.

Even the crockery quietly tells a story. Deep lacquered browns reflect Kyoto’s restraint, sage and sun-warmed greens echo Florence’s everyday palette, while beige and blue tones channel Beirut’s coastal ease. The intent, as the team explains, is for design to support the food without demanding attention.

The bar extends this neighbourhood narrative through drinks that reflect daily rhythms rather than trend-led theatrics. Cocktails are shaped around ingredients, glassware and ritual, moving from bright daytime serves to slower evening expressions. From Lebanon’s warmth in The Olive Thief to Italy’s familiar ease in Lemon Grove Sunset Hour, the drinks are recognisable, deliberate and designed to belong.

Coffee and slow rituals round off the experience, drawing from global traditions. Guests can pause over an espresso with dark chocolate, whisked matcha with mochi, Lebanese qahwa with dates, Parisian café au lait with madeleine, Fort Kochi filter coffee with banana chips, or Mexican cacao finished with chilli-kissed chocolate.

Designed by Sabina Singh, Design Director at the Olive Group, the space reflects the comfort of a neighbourhood bar found anywhere in the world. A central bar anchors the room, while curtained nooks, an indoor courtyard, books, records and a piano create a sense of a place shaped over time. Crafted with the help of local artisans, the interiors blend global memory with Bengaluru’s easy openness.

With The Hood, the Olive Group continues its craft-led approach to hospitality, bringing global neighbourhoods to Bengaluru without losing the authenticity that defines its work. Because wherever you go, every great story begins in a hood.

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