Flavor Tales from The Chettinad Stories at hotel Aadithya

Flavor Tales from The Chettinad Stories at hotel Aadithya

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 4, 2025

Chennai, known for its rich culinary heritage, stands proudly as a hub for food lovers across India. With its vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, the city offers a diverse choice  of flavors that beautifully reflect its unique culture. Among these culinary gems is Hotel Aadithya, nestled in the busy neighborhood of Vadapalani. 

Within its welcoming ambiance lies The Chettinad Stories, a restaurant that promises to take you on an extraordinary journey through the flavors of authentic Chettinad cuisine while infusing it with a creative, contemporary twist.

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At The Chettinad Stories, dining is not just about savoring food; it’s about experiencing a celebration of Chettinad’s bold and aromatic heritage, reimagined for today’s preferences. Perfect for those who value traditional tastes with a touch of innovation, every dish on the menu is crafted with care, ensuring an authentic yet refreshing culinary experience.

"Here Chettinad food fused with Anbu and Suvai" ( “Anbu” means love and “Suvai” means Taste in tamil)

The journey begins with the starters, which are nothing short of a treat for the senses. Take the Vazhaipoo Kola Urundai Jalapeno Cheese Fondue, for example. This creative dish transforms the beloved banana flower dumpling by pairing it with a tangy and creamy jalapeno cheese sauce, resulting in a harmonious blend of tradition and modern flavors. Another standout is the Mushroom Three-Way, a playful creation that redefines the humble mushroom with three distinct styles—pancake, crispy, and saucy—elevated by the aromatic spices of Chettinad.

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As you move on to the mains, the innovation continues to shine. The Chettis Khow Suey is a delightful fusion that combines the comforting essence of Burmese cuisine with the bold flavors of Chettinad, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and adventurous. Equally impressive is the Italian Vadacurry Pasta, a true cross-cultural masterpiece that brings together the hearty Chettinad lentil dumpling curry and the creamy indulgence of Italian pasta, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and unique.

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The desserts at The Chettinad Stories are a celebration of richness and creativity. The Elaneer Payasam Panna Cotta beautifully marries the tropical freshness of tender coconut payasam with the silky elegance of Italian panna cotta, offering a dessert that is as refreshing as it is indulgent. For those seeking a touch of South Indian flair, the Cardamom Tres Leches reimagines the classic tres leches cake with the warm, aromatic notes of cardamom and the gentle sweetness of injimarappa.

Executive Chef, Mr. Bhaskar shared that: "Our contemporary menu perfectly blends cultural heritage with global flavors, creating a truly immersive dining experience."

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General Manager of Hotel Aadithya, Mr. Joshva Christopher shared that: "The demand for authentic regional flavors is growing, with Chettinad cuisine standing out for its rich spices and traditional techniques. Fusion takes on Chettinad are also making waves in modern dining."

Even the snacks at The Chettinad Stories carry a global touch, making them a delight for food enthusiasts of all kinds. The Chettiyar Club Sandwich layers chicken, turkey ham, and a masala omelette into a hearty creation that’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying bite. On the other hand, the Kozhi Kothu Parotta Gratin takes the traditional shredded parotta with chicken curry and elevates it to new heights with the addition of rich, melted scamorza cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

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“ The Chettinad Stories team is grateful to our guests for their valuable reviews, helping us achieve and maintain a proud 4.9 rating on Google."

The Chettinad Stories has quickly earned a reputation as a must-visit dining destination in Chennai. With a stellar 4.9 rating on Google and recognition from NDTV Food as one of the city’s top restaurants, it’s clear that this culinary gem at Hotel Aadithya is leaving a lasting impression on diners. Whether you’re a lover of authentic flavors or someone eager to explore bold fusion creations, The Chettinad Stories offers an unforgettable experience that blends heritage and innovation to captivate your senses and leave you craving more.


The Hazelnut Factory Opens THF Lakehouse in Nainital

The Hazelnut Factory Opens THF Lakehouse in Nainital

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2026

The Hazelnut Factory (THF) has marked its entry into Uttarakhand with the opening of THF Lakehouse on the iconic Mall Road in Nainital. Inaugurated on 10th August 2026, the new destination is the brand’s 23rd edition, bringing together its signature artisanal mithai, handcrafted desserts, specialty coffee, fresh bakery and all-day dining.

Set against the scenic beauty of Nainital Lake, THF Lakehouse has been designed to blend with the character of the hill destination. The space combines contemporary touches with the old-world charm of Nainital, creating a warm setting for travellers, families and locals to spend time over food and coffee.

The launch was celebrated in the presence of Smt. Sarita Arya, MLA of the Nainital Assembly Constituency.

For Ankit Sahni, Founder & CEO of The Hazelnut Factory, the opening also carries a personal connection, as he spent his school years in Nainital.

“Nainital has always held a very special place in my heart. I spent my school years here, and to return to the city with something we have built from the ground up is an incredibly meaningful feeling. With THF Lakehouse, we wanted to create a space that feels connected to Nainital - warm, welcoming and rooted in its character, while bringing the quality, craftsmanship and hospitality that define The Hazelnut Factory. It is wonderful to see locals and travellers come together over good food, coffee and the simple joy of being in a beautiful place.”

The Nainital launch is also an important step in THF’s growth journey. Starting from Lucknow, the brand has grown into one of North India’s fastest-growing premium food and beverage brands, bringing together artisanal mithai, specialty coffee, bakery, patisserie and contemporary hospitality.

With THF Lakehouse, the brand continues its approach of presenting familiar Indian flavours in a contemporary way while creating spaces that connect with their surroundings.

In Nainital, this connection comes together through the setting itself, where mountains, coffee, conversations and memories meet against the backdrop of Nainital Lake.


Oro Specialty Coffee Cafe Opens Flagship Outlet in Gurugram

Oro Specialty Coffee Cafe Opens Flagship Outlet in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2026

Oro, a new specialty coffee café, has opened its flagship outlet in Gurugram, bringing together specialty coffee, an all-day dining menu and a warm neighbourhood café experience.

Founded by Tisha Aggarwal, Oro has been designed as a space that fits into different parts of the day, whether it is a quick morning coffee, a work meeting, a relaxed meal or an evening catch-up with friends.

The name Oro, which means gold in Spanish and Italian, reflects the café’s focus on quality across the guest experience. From its coffee and food to service and interiors, the café aims to create a comfortable space where guests can return through the day to work, meet, eat or simply take a break.

The food menu brings together globally inspired flavours with dishes such as the Italian Job, a burrata sandwich served in crisp schiacciata bread, along with Japanese konbini-inspired Chili Crisp Tamago Sando and Katsu Chicken Sando. The bakery selection includes everyday favourites such as Butter Croissants, Almond Croissants and Miso Chocolate Chunk Cookies. For those looking for something sweet, the dessert menu features Basque Cheesecake, Tiramisu and slow-baked Chocolate Cake.

Coffee remains at the heart of Oro, with a specialty coffee programme featuring beans from North East, Goa and Tamil Nadu. Guests can explore different pour-over options along with classic coffee preparations and signature drinks such as Tiramisu Latte, Chocolate & Berry Cold Brew and Coconut Iced Latte. The beverage menu also includes matcha drinks, teas and coolers.

The café is designed to welcome a mix of guests, including professionals, entrepreneurs, remote workers, families and coffee enthusiasts. The space can accommodate everything from quick coffee visits and informal business meetings to relaxed meals and small celebrations.

Speaking on the launch, Tisha Aggarwal, Founder, Oro, said, "I've always believed cafés have the power to bring people together. With Oro, we wanted to create a neighbourhood café where people feel comfortable walking in at any time of the day, for a morning coffee, a working lunch or an evening catch-up. Our focus has always been on serving good coffee, honest food and creating a place that people look forward to coming back to."

The Gurugram outlet will serve as Oro’s flagship location as the brand focuses on building a strong local community before expanding across Delhi NCR. The café also plans to introduce seasonal food and beverage menus, new coffee offerings, wellness-focused additions and collaborations with artists, creators and lifestyle brands.


Wendy’s India Expands Pune Presence with New Outlet at Elpro City Square Mall

Wendy’s India Expands Pune Presence with New Outlet at Elpro City Square Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 20, 2026

Wendy’s India has strengthened its presence in Pune with the opening of a new outlet at the food court of Elpro City Square Mall in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The outlet has been launched by Rebel Foods, the world’s largest internet restaurant company and master franchise holder for Wendy’s in India.

Located at one of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s prominent retail and entertainment destinations, the new outlet brings Wendy’s signature burgers, fries and desserts to shoppers, families and young consumers visiting the mall.

Speaking about the expansion, Ankush Grover, Co-founder and Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said, “Pune has a strong consumer base that is open to exploring new food experiences, making it an important market for Wendy’s India. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on choosing locations that allow us to be accessible to our consumers while bringing the Wendy’s experience to more parts of the city. With the new outlet at Elpro City Square Mall, we look forward to serving consumers with quality, flavour and an experience that makes every visit memorable.”

The menu offers Wendy’s range of globally inspired flavours, giving Indian consumers an opportunity to explore burgers influenced by different cuisines. The selection includes Argentina’s Chimichurri, Louisiana’s Cajun, Korea’s fiery Buldak, American BBQ, India’s Tandoori and Mexico’s Nachoburg.

The recently introduced Teriyaki Burger range also adds Japanese-inspired sweet and savoury flavours to the menu, further expanding the brand’s international flavour selection in India.

Wendy’s India continues to focus on flavour-led innovation within the gourmet QSR segment, combining global inspirations with contemporary formats and flavours that appeal to Gen Z and Millennial consumers. The new Elpro City Square Mall outlet further expands Wendy’s reach across Pune and its surrounding areas, while giving more consumers access to the brand’s evolving menu and global flavour offerings.

Store Address:

Unit No TF FD-07, Third Floor, "Elpro City Square", Survey No 280, Hissa No 1 to 8, CTS No 4270, Chinchwad, Pune PCMC Ward No-7, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra - 411033.

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