FES Cafe Raises $1 Million to Expand Its Eggless Dessert Chain Across Delhi NCR

FES Cafe Raises $1 Million to Expand Its Eggless Dessert Chain Across Delhi NCR

By Hariharan U

Published on November 13, 2025

FES Cafe, India’s first 100% eggless dessert-led cafe chain, has raised close to $1 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by 12 Flags, a global consumer fund founded by Rakesh Kapoor, former Global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser. Existing investor Wolfpack Labs, the venture studio co-founded by Aakash Anand and Prerna Gupta, has also increased its investment in this round.

The fresh capital will support FES Cafe’s expansion across Delhi NCR, enhance its central kitchen and delivery operations, and help the brand bring in key leadership talent for its next growth phase.

Since its launch, FES Cafe has become a cult-favourite destination for desserts, best known for its New York-style chunky cookies, rotating dessert drops, and lively community-driven formats. The brand has captured the imagination of Gen Z and millennial audiences who see FES not just as a cafe, but as a vibrant hangout spot that blends indulgence with connection.

FES Cafe started with a simple belief: desserts deserve to be celebrated,” said Vidur Mayor, Founder & CEO, FES Cafe. “With 12 Flags' and Wolfpack's support, we're ready to take that vision to more neighborhoods, creating dessert-first cafes that double as community spaces. This next phase is about scaling with intention, expanding footprints while retaining the craft, culture, and consistency that make FES special.”

Rajat Agarwal, Partner and MD at 12 Flags, shared, “We’re excited to partner with FES, a distinctive neighborhood dessert cafe that brings together indulgent combinations like cookies and ice cream. With a sharp focus on consistency, quality, and execution, we’re confident this proposition will scale successfully across the country.”

Adding to that, Aakash Anand, Co-founder and Partner, Wolfpack Labs, said, “FES is building what India’s been waiting for: a true community cafe brand with the buzz of a Central Perk and the business rigour to back it up. From coffee raves to cult desserts, FES has all the right ingredients, a relatable brand, loyal following, solid unit economics, and a founder with the hustle to scale nationwide.”

Prerna Gupta, Founder, Wolfpack Labs, added, “We’re backing FES because it understands what the next generation wants: a space that’s inclusive, indulgent, and social. This is a brand that can grow fast and still feel personal, a rare and powerful combination.”

In addition, FES Cafe has onboarded Amit Nagpal, former CFO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, as Strategic and Financial Advisor to guide its expansion and financial strategy.

“FES has demonstrated strong early-stage store economics backed by a highly effective brand marketing strategy,” said Nagpal.

Founded by Vidur Mayor, FES Cafe is redefining the cafe experience for young India. Built around the idea of “desserts, connection, and community,” its cafes serve freshly baked cookies, puddings, alternative-ingredient cakes, and seasonal desserts, alongside savoury bites and unique events like Coffee Raves. Each outlet is designed as a “modern third space”—a spot to relax, connect, and indulge.

FES Cafe is India’s first 100% eggless dessert cafe chain, blending indulgence with innovation. The brand has created a unique dessert culture through its handcrafted offerings and community-driven cafe experience.

12 Flags is a global consumer investment firm founded by Rakesh Kapoor, former Global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser—the company behind household brands like Dettol, Harpic, and Durex. The fund partners with early-growth consumer businesses, offering capital along with strategic and operational expertise to help founders build category-leading, sustainable brands.

Wolfpack Labs is a venture studio and startup lab co-founded by Aakash Anand and Prerna Gupta, focused on supporting India’s next generation of founders. With deep involvement across product, design, and brand strategy, Wolfpack Labs helps early-stage startups build culturally relevant and enduring companies from the ground up.


NoBa Opens in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar with a Cocktail-First Dining Experience

NoBa Opens in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar with a Cocktail-First Dining Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 26, 2026

NoBa has officially opened its doors in Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, bringing a fresh cocktail-led dining experience to North Bangalore. Designed as a destination where food, beverages and hospitality come together, the 120-seater venue offers guests a vibrant yet relaxed setting to explore thoughtfully crafted flavours.

At the centre of NoBa's concept is its cocktail programme, which has been curated by industry veteran Bala, who brings more than 19 years of experience in the beverage industry. The bar menu focuses on creativity, technique and storytelling, with every cocktail carefully developed to deliver a memorable drinking experience.

Using house-made syrups, infusions and unique flavour combinations, the team has created a range of original cocktails that balance sophistication with accessibility. Rather than being an addition to the dining experience, cocktails form the core of NoBa's identity, encouraging guests to discover new flavours while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere.

The food menu has been designed to complement the beverage programme, featuring globally inspired dishes that naturally pair with the cocktails. The close collaboration between the kitchen and bar ensures a seamless experience where both elements work together to enhance the guest journey.

The restaurant's interiors draw inspiration from modern Mediterranean design, featuring high ceilings, natural light, earthy tones and contemporary details. The space effortlessly transforms from a relaxed dining destination during the day to an energetic social venue in the evening, centred around its vibrant bar experience.

While positioned as a premium offering, NoBa has been created with an inclusive approach. The venue aims to provide a comfortable environment where guests can enjoy innovative food and drinks, meaningful conversations and genuine hospitality.

With its focus on exceptional cocktails, quality cuisine and a thoughtfully designed setting, NoBa marks a new addition to Bengaluru's growing dining and nightlife landscape, offering a destination where guests can connect, explore and enjoy memorable experiences.

  • Venue: NoBa, 5th Floor, 714, HRBR Layout 1st Block, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
  • Timings: 12 Noon to 12 AM


Katana Introduces Baiu Menu to Celebrate Bengaluru’s Monsoon Season

Katana Introduces Baiu Menu to Celebrate Bengaluru’s Monsoon Season

By Hariharan U

Published on June 26, 2026

Katana has introduced its special Baiu menu, a seasonal culinary experience inspired by Japan's traditional plum rain season and designed to complement Bengaluru's monsoon months.

Available from 1st July onwards, the curated menu brings together comforting Japanese flavours, warm bowls, crispy bites, and signature beverages crafted for cosy rainy-day dining. The concept draws inspiration from Baiu, the rainy season in Japan, offering guests an experience that reflects the warmth and comfort associated with the period.

Among the highlights are dishes such as Crispy Enoki, Teba No Yaki, spicy and creamy chicken wings, and Salmon Tartar served on potato cakes. Each dish has been thoughtfully selected to suit the cooler weather while showcasing Katana's contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine.

A standout feature of the menu is the Quick Ramen, a customizable ramen experience that allows diners to select their preferred broth and protein combination, creating a personalised bowl tailored to individual tastes.

For sushi enthusiasts, Katana is offering a premium 20-piece Assorted Sushi Platter featuring salmon sashimi, gunkan maki, sake maki, spicy tuna uramaki, salmon nigiri, and tuna nigiri. The platter brings together a variety of textures and flavours, making it ideal for sharing.

Guests looking for classic Japanese-inspired appetisers can also enjoy favourites such as Prawn Gyoza, Beef Gyoza, and Prawn Corn Fritters, adding a mix of comforting and indulgent options to the seasonal offering.

To complement the food menu, Katana has introduced a selection of specialty sake-based cocktails. The Tiramisu No Yoru combines sake with fresh cream and homemade tiramisu syrup, while the Katana Counsel blends sake, vermouth, and merlot for a richer flavour profile.

Another signature creation, Pearl Blossom, features sake, guava juice, mint, homemade strawberry syrup, and soda, delivering a refreshing balance suited to Bengaluru's monsoon evenings.

With the launch of Baiu, Katana aims to create a seasonal dining experience that combines Japanese culinary traditions with contemporary flavours, offering guests a destination for comforting food, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable monsoon gatherings.


Encalm Launches Encalm Eats, Debuts IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport

Encalm Launches Encalm Eats, Debuts IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Encalm has announced the launch of Encalm Eats, a dedicated food and beverage vertical that marks the company's entry into the creation and management of hospitality-led dining concepts. The new venture aims to develop distinctive culinary brands while expanding Encalm's integrated hospitality ecosystem across airports and other high-footfall destinations.

As its first in-house brand concept, Encalm Eats has introduced IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport. Designed around the idea of bringing India's flavours to travellers one sip at a time, the café celebrates the country's rich beverage heritage while offering a contemporary café experience.

The launch represents a natural extension of Encalm's hospitality portfolio, which already spans airport lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, and in-flight catering. Through Encalm Eats, the company plans to build a portfolio of original food and beverage concepts alongside select partner brands, focusing on authentic flavours, operational excellence, and evolving consumer preferences.

At IndiSip Café, guests can choose from a wide selection of beverages inspired by India's tea culture, including Ginger Cardamom Chai, Kesar Chai, Gulab Chai, and Kashmiri Kahwa. The menu also features handcrafted coffees, iced lattes, espressos, and indulgent shakes designed to cater to both traditional and modern tastes.

Complementing the beverage selection is a food menu that blends regional favourites with café classics. Offerings include Masala Samosa, Khopara Patties, Irani Bun Maska, Achari Paneer Tikka Wraps, and Achari Chicken Tikka Wraps, alongside croissants, muffins, cookies, and other grab-and-go options suited to today's travellers.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer, Encalm, said the introduction of Encalm Eats marks the next phase of the company's vision to create a comprehensive hospitality ecosystem. He noted that food and beverage experiences remain one of hospitality's most important touchpoints and that IndiSip reflects the company's commitment to enhancing every stage of the guest journey.

Deepak Bhatia, Business Head, Encalm Eats, added that the company intends to build a portfolio of concepts rooted in authentic flavours, consumer insight, and consistent quality. He described IndiSip as the first step in a larger strategy to create memorable dining experiences through thoughtfully designed food and beverage brands.

The launch of IndiSip Café signals the beginning of Encalm Eats' broader expansion plans, with the company aiming to introduce innovative dining concepts across multiple formats and locations. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, Encalm Eats plans to focus on creating culinary experiences that combine authenticity, convenience, and quality.

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