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.


Carvel - The Brand That Invented Soft Serve, Just Opened at DLF Promenade

Carvel - The Brand That Invented Soft Serve, Just Opened at DLF Promenade

By Hariharan U

Published on March 7, 2026

If you've ever had soft serve ice cream and let's be honest, who hasn't , you have Carvel to thank for it. The American brand that literally invented soft serve is now in Delhi, and it just got a lot more accessible with a brand new outlet at DLF Promenade.

This is Carvel's third location in the capital, joining its existing stores at Connaught Place and Elan Miracle Mall in Gurugram. The new spot spans 200 sq. ft. and sits right inside one of Delhi's busiest and most loved shopping destinations, making it a natural pitstop for anyone in the mood for something indulgent.

90 Years of Soft Serve, Now in India

Founded in 1934 by Tom Carvel in New York, the brand has spent over nine decades perfecting the art of soft serve. It's the kind of ice cream that's rich, thick, and unapologetically indulgent — no watered-down versions here. Carvel entered India in August 2025 in partnership with Unify Foodworks, a food and beverage franchising company focused on bringing global brands to India in a way that actually makes sense for the local market.

Global Favourites Meet Indian Flavours

What makes Carvel's India menu interesting is that it doesn't just transplant its global offerings, it builds on them. You'll find the classics like Flying Saucers®, Shakes, Carvelanches®, and Dashers® alongside India-first creations that have been thoughtfully put together. Think Banoffee Pie Dasher, Indian Filter Coffee Dasher, Caramel Bliss Carvelanche, Matcha Dip Soft Serve, and a Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae, flavours that feel familiar and exciting at the same time.

Steven Yang, Senior Vice President, APAC at GoTo Foods, said, "Seeing the response to Carvel in India has been incredibly encouraging. With the opening at DLF Promenade, we are deepening our presence in one of Delhi's most vibrant retail destinations and bringing our signature soft serve experience closer to consumers who are looking for indulgent yet familiar dessert moments."

Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks, added, "Our expansion into DLF Promenade marks an important step in Carvel's India journey. Delhi has embraced the brand's mix of nostalgia and innovation, and this new location allows us to engage with a wider, experience-driven audience while continuing to introduce flavours that feel both global and distinctly local."

The Bigger Picture - 100 Stores and Counting

The DLF Promenade launch isn't just another store opening,  it's part of a much larger plan. Carvel is eyeing 100 stores across India over the next few years, steadily building its presence city by city. For a brand with 390 locations across 16 countries, India clearly represents a serious growth opportunity  and the early response from Delhi consumers seems to be backing that confidence up.

If you're around DLF Promenade and haven't tried Carvel yet, now's a pretty good time to fix that.


Keen Mustard Ventures Unveils ‘Golden Embrace’ Dessert for a Cause This Women’s Day

Keen Mustard Ventures Unveils ‘Golden Embrace’ Dessert for a Cause This Women’s Day

By Hariharan U

Published on March 5, 2026

This Women’s Day, Keen Mustard Ventures is blending indulgence with impact. The Bengaluru-based hospitality collective has introduced ‘Golden Embrace – Hazelnut Toffee Pudding,’ a limited-edition dessert available exclusively on March 8 across its brands Daysie, Serious Slice and Quarter House.

More than just a celebratory sweet, the initiative carries a deeper purpose. A percentage of proceeds from every portion sold will be donated to Shri Balabyraweshwara Educational & Charitable Trust, a Bengaluru-based organisation focused on strengthening educational access and infrastructure in rural Karnataka.

Golden Embrace is designed as a layered, flavour-forward creation. The dessert features a warm hazelnut toffee pudding with a molten chocolate centre, lightly dusted with icing sugar and finished with a dark chocolate drizzle. It is paired with banana caramel ice cream and praline crumble, bringing together richness and texture in every bite.

At Keen Mustard Ventures, we see hospitality as more than just dining - it's about building experiences that feel alive and connected to the communities around us. With Golden Embrace, we wanted to mark Women’s Day in a way that goes beyond symbolism. By supporting Shri Balabyraweshwara Educational & Charitable Trust and its work in strengthening rural education infrastructure, we’re contributing to an initiative that creates tangible, long-term impact,” said Anirudh Kheny, Founder of Keen Mustard Ventures.

Established in 2010, the Trust works closely with government and rural schools across Karnataka to improve basic facilities and create better learning environments for students from underserved communities. Through this partnership, Keen Mustard Ventures hopes to support sustained educational development while encouraging guests to participate in meaningful change through a simple dining choice.

The Golden Embrace – Hazelnut Toffee Pudding will be available only on Women’s Day across all participating outlets in Bengaluru, turning a festive indulgence into a shared contribution towards a larger cause.


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Unveils GDV 2.0 at Gadda Da Vida

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Unveils GDV 2.0 at Gadda Da Vida

By Hariharan U

Published on March 5, 2026

The beachfront landmark Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has unveiled GDV 2.0 at its iconic outlet Gadda Da Vida, marking a refreshed culinary direction rooted in bold coastal flavours and refined cocktail craftsmanship.

More than just a menu update, GDV 2.0 leans confidently into a seafood-forward narrative. Signature highlights include Lobster Tail with Mustard Butter, Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter, Caribbean Blackened Snapper with Plantain Purée and Miso Glazed Seabass. From Charcoal-Grilled Prawns in Jerk Marinade to Fish Cafreal with Smoked Potato Mash, the dishes focus on fresh ingredients, layered seasoning and contemporary presentation.

The menu also introduces interactive shareable plates designed for social dining. Fennel-Smoked Fried Prawns, Jerk Chicken Skewers and Crispy Calamari Rings sit alongside inventive vegetarian options such as Malvani Soy ‘Tacos’ and Truffle Mushroom Xacuti Tartlets. The coastal story continues into desserts with Tropical Fruit Pavlova, Coconut Mango Panna Cotta and Espresso Tiramisu.

Complementing the cuisine is a curated cocktail programme crafted to enhance the seafood-led menu. Signature drinks including Angel's Delight, Synapse Sour, Temple Smoke, Gadda's Secret and Plumnori feature progressive infusions, layered aromatics and vibrant flavour profiles. Contemporary plating and mixology theatre add visual drama, transforming sunset dining into a multisensory beachfront experience.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, said, “With GDV 2.0, our vision was to go beyond a menu refresh and reimagine the entire beachfront experience at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Gadda Da Vida has always been synonymous with sundowners, and this change allows us to align the culinary narrative more closely with our seaside setting. With this menu revamp, we aim to elevate the value proposition of our F&B portfolio while reinforcing our standing as one of Mumbai's most dynamic beachfront hospitality destinations.”

With GDV 2.0, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach strengthens its position as a vibrant seaside hotspot, blending curated cuisine, cocktail innovation and high-energy social ambience into a refreshed sundowner destination.

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