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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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."

image

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.

image

“ 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.


Al Habtoor City Unveils Refined Ramadan Dining Experiences for 2026

Al Habtoor City Unveils Refined Ramadan Dining Experiences for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on February 7, 2026

As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, Al Habtoor City is set to offer a season of mindful gatherings and indulgent dining through a series of curated Iftar and Suhoor experiences across its landmark hotels. Located between Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Water Canal, the destination brings together serene settings, thoughtful hospitality and diverse culinary offerings that reflect the spirit of togetherness and reflection central to Ramadan.

At Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, the Ramadan Garden at the Winter Garden returns as an elegant open-air venue designed to host up to 800 guests. Enhanced with Islamic-inspired décor, soft lighting and comfortable seating, the space creates a welcoming ambience for breaking the fast. The Iftar buffet features a wide spread of Arabic and international favourites, including hot and cold mezze, lamb ouzi, live cooking stations and traditional Ramadan beverages such as Jallab, Tamer Hindi and Kamer El Dine. Desserts like baklava, knafeh and Um Ali complete the experience. As the evening transitions into Suhoor, guests can enjoy lighter fare, interactive food stations, gentle oud music and classic board games, creating a relaxed late-night setting. Guests staying across the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection can also enjoy a special Stay & Dine offer with savings at the Ramadan Garden.

image

For those seeking a vibrant family-friendly setting, The Market at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City presents an expansive Iftar buffet from mid-February to mid-March. Featuring live kitchens and a rotating menu, the spread includes Middle Eastern Ramadan staples such as Madfoon, Harees, Machboos and Luqaimat alongside international selections, making it suitable for both small and large gatherings. Special group pricing further enhances its appeal for corporate and social bookings.

Complementing the dining experiences, Silk Spa at Al Habtoor City offers restorative spa rituals designed to rejuvenate the body and mind during the fasting period. Together, these experiences position Al Habtoor City as a refined destination for meaningful Ramadan moments in 2026.


ZYLO by Kakapo Unveils a New Global-Inspired Menu in Mehrauli

ZYLO by Kakapo Unveils a New Global-Inspired Menu in Mehrauli

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 7, 2026

ZYLO by Kakapo, the rooftop dining destination located atop Ambawatta One in Mehrauli, has unveiled its newly curated menu, further strengthening its position as one of Delhi’s most immersive dining experiences. With sweeping views of the city and the Qutub Minar forming a striking backdrop, ZYLO continues to redefine rooftop dining through a blend of mystical design, elevated cuisine, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.

The refreshed menu represents a natural evolution of ZYLO’s culinary approach, bringing together global inspirations, modern cooking techniques, and chef-led creativity. Curated to appeal to both adventurous diners and seasoned food lovers, the menu offers a vibrant mix of flavours and textures drawn from international cuisines.

Signature highlights include Vietnamese Tacos with a playful twist, the bold and indulgent Spicy Crunchy Sushi, succulent New Zealand Lamb Chops, and the comforting yet flavour-forward Kra Pao. These dishes sit alongside a wider selection of thoughtfully crafted plates that showcase global flavours with a contemporary edge.

Desserts continue the same attention to detail, with standout offerings such as Kakapo’s Nest designed to provide a rich and memorable end to the meal, balancing indulgence with visual appeal.

Beyond the menu, ZYLO’s experience is defined by its ability to shift seamlessly from day to night. As the sun sets and the city lights begin to glow, the mood transitions from relaxed and reflective to energetic and vibrant. Curated music, dynamic lighting, and the open-air rooftop setting come together to create an atmosphere that complements both dining and social experiences.

With the launch of its new menu, ZYLO by Kakapo invites guests to rediscover its evolving culinary story, where food, music, energy, and panoramic views come together under the stars, offering a complete sensorial experience above the city.


Chinese Wok Redefines Valentine’s Week for Gen Z with ‘Crush Hour’

Chinese Wok Redefines Valentine’s Week for Gen Z with ‘Crush Hour’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 7, 2026

Chinese Wok, India’s leading Desi Chinese QSR brand from Lenexis Foodworks, is reshaping Valentine’s Week with the launch of ‘Crush Hour’, a youth-first campaign that moves away from romance-led celebrations and taps into craving-led moments. Designed around Gen Z’s evolving relationship with food, love, and social culture, the campaign positions Valentine’s as a shared experience not just for couples, but also for crushes, best friends, situationships, solo diners, and late-night food cravings.

At the core of ‘Crush Hour’ is a relatable insight: cravings behave much like crushes, sudden, emotional, personal, and worth sharing. With this idea, Chinese Wok turns food into a modern love language, transforming its outlets into casual hangout spaces where young consumers can come with their crush or simply satisfy their cravings. The campaign consciously avoids candlelight clichés, choosing instead to reflect a more fluid, expressive, and food-driven youth culture.

image

Commenting on the brand’s broader vision, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “At Chinese Wok, we have always believed that QSR brands need to reflect how young India actually lives, eats, and socialises today. Occasions like Valentine’s are evolving, and so are consumer expectations from brands. ‘Crush Hour’ is an extension of our larger philosophy of building a culture-forward brand that stays relevant by celebrating real moments, everyday indulgence, and shared experiences, not just traditional calendar marketing.”

As part of the Valentine’s Week rollout, Chinese Wok has introduced limited-edition Valentine-themed packaging across its stores and delivery platforms. The in-store experience is supported through DMB screens, standees, tent cards, and tray liners. Adding an entertainment layer, the brand has also launched Crush Hour at Wok, the latest album on its owned music platform Wok FM. The album is available across in-store channels as well as YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other leading streaming platforms, reinforcing the brand’s focus on building long-term cultural IPs rather than one-off campaigns.

Explaining the creative thinking behind the campaign, Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “Crush Hour was built on the insight that Valentine’s today is less about grand romantic gestures and more about who you choose to hang out with and what you choose to eat. By tapping into crush culture instead of clichés, we wanted to create a campaign that feels playful, inclusive, and instinctively relatable to Gen Z. Food becomes the anchor, but the communication is driven by emotion, humour, and high recall.”

The campaign is being amplified through a high-energy digital rollout across social platforms, featuring reels, static content, and influencer collaborations with micro, nano, and select macro creators. The communication maintains a youthful, flirty, and slightly mischievous tone, deliberately steering clear of overt romance in favour of craving-led storytelling.

From an offer standpoint, Chinese Wok is presenting indulgence as a treat rather than a discount, with a Buy One Get One (BOGO) offer on starters available from 8th to 15th February across its 260+ stores. With ‘Crush Hour’, Chinese Wok continues to strengthen its position as a youth-first, culture-driven QSR brand, turning seasonal moments into relevant, high-engagement experiences that reflect how young India eats today.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.