Finalists Announced for Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 in India

Finalists Announced for Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 in India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 15, 2024

Callebaut, celebrated for producing the Finest Belgian Chocolate, recently wrapped up the regional qualifying rounds of its flagship event, Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024. Held across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, the competition aims to foster a platform for Indian chefs to exhibit their creativity and craft signature creations. The competition announced two winners from each round, who will vie for the top spot at the grand finale in Mumbai in May 2024.

Representing the West region are Chef Nilesh P Dewulkar of Sofitel BKC and Chef Yash Chhabria of Cacaobleu Haute Chocolaterie, Mumbai. The North region's champions are Chef Anshul Grover of the Indian Habitat Centre and Chef Millan Shoran of JW Marriott Aerocity. From the South region, Chef Sandeep Sharma of JW Marriott Kolkata and Chef Krishanu Dey of Ritz Carlton Bangalore have qualified for the finale.

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Chef Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, praised the exceptional talent displayed during the qualifiers. He expressed anticipation for the finale, where the finalists will showcase their innovative dishes using Callebaut chocolates. The theme for 2024, 'Craft Your Signature,' emphasises originality and creativity.

Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director at Barry Callebaut Cocoa & Chocolate Ingredients India, highlighted Callebaut's commitment to supporting Indian pastry chefs by offering a platform to showcase their talents nationally and globally. He commended the innovative approaches taken by chefs during the qualifiers, particularly in flavour pairings and textures.

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The finale, a 2-day event in Mumbai, will challenge contestants across bakery, pastry, confectionery, and showpiece categories, reflecting their unique journeys. The jury for the final event includes Chef Romain Renard of Chocolate Academy Dubai and Chef Arvind Prasad, founder of Whitecaps International School of Pastry.

Organised in association with The Chocolate Academy as the "Knowledge Partner," and other partners, the Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year event highlights the culinary excellence and innovation within India's chocolate and pastry scene. As the finalists prepare for the grand finale, the culinary community eagerly awaits the unveiling of India's top pâtissier for 2024.


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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