Javaphile Cafe has marked a new milestone with the launch of its flagship outlet in Worli, Mumbai, expanding into one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. The new location reflects the brand’s thoughtful approach to growth, entering an area known for its early mornings, long workdays and appreciation for quality coffee breaks.

Designed to balance comfort with understated elegance, the Worli outlet carries Javaphile’s signature warmth through cozy, unfussy interiors and welcoming spaces. The café is suited for a range of occasions, from quick solo visits and informal meetings to relaxed brunches and extended work sessions that carry through the day.

Founder Suren Joshi said the Worli opening felt like a natural progression for the brand. He shared that Javaphile has always focused on creating spaces where people can slow down, even briefly, over a cup of coffee. According to him, Worli is a neighbourhood that values quality, routine and good food, making it an ideal fit for the brand’s philosophy of familiarity and dependability.

Coffee craftsmanship remains central to the Javaphile experience at the new outlet. The café serves its full range of beverages, including classic espressos, cappuccinos and flat whites, along with its signature brews. The food menu has been curated to complement the coffee while also standing strong on its own, catering to guests throughout the day.

Blending seamlessly into its surroundings, the Worli café aims to feel familiar from the very first visit. With friendly service and an approachable yet premium menu, the space offers a refined experience without formality, positioning itself as an everyday luxury within the neighbourhood’s daily routine.

With the launch of its Worli flagship, Javaphile Cafe continues to strengthen its footprint across Mumbai, staying true to its core values of good coffee, honest food and inviting spaces, while becoming an integral part of the city’s evolving café culture.

Pongal, the cherished Tamil harvest festival, is a celebration of gratitude to nature and the divine, marking abundance, renewal, and togetherness. Deeply rooted in tradition and ritual, the festival holds special significance as a culinary celebration that brings families and communities together. Honouring this timeless legacy, Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel, Chennai presents a specially curated Pongal Virundhu from 14th - 18th of January, 2026, that captures the essence of the festival through authentic flavours and classic preparations.

Recognised among India’s top 50 restaurants by Condé Nast Traveller India, Southern Spice is renowned for its dedication to South Indian culinary heritage. The restaurant offers delicacies from across the four southern states, served in an ambience inspired by the grandeur of Chola, Pallava, and Pandya temple architecture, with ornate columns, artefacts, and murals enhancing the dining experience.

The Pongal Virundhu is crafted by the culinary team at Southern Spice under the leadership of Executive Chef Vikas Milhoutra. The menu brings traditional harvest-time flavours to the table, featuring comforting favourites such as Kalkandu Pongal, a gently sweet rice and lentil dish that reflects the warmth of festive cooking. Classic treats like Athirasam, prepared with jaggery, rice flour, and ghee, and the beloved Kai Murukku, made from rice flour and urad dal, add a nostalgic touch to the feast.

Adding regional character to the spread is the Vadu Mangai Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram, where soft rice and lentil dumplings are filled with tender mango pickle, offering bursts of tangy flavour. Savoury accompaniments include Nattu Kai Sambar made with lentils, country vegetables, and Madras onion spices, along with Padaipu Kozhambu, a rustic lentil curry enriched with seasonal produce. The menu is further complemented by Beans and Carrot Paruppu Usili, where steamed lentils are tossed with vegetables to create a hearty and satisfying dish.

To complete the festive experience, traditional beverages such as a tender coconut mocktail, cooling Nannari Sherbet, and spiced buttermilk are served alongside the meal. Together, these elements come together to create a soulful culinary journey that reflects the spirit of Pongal, celebrating abundance, tradition, and the joy of shared meals.

Dining Details

Venue: Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
Pongal Virundhu, Lunch and Dinner, À la carte options are available. 

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, in collaboration with Amrut Distilleries, has unveiled an exclusive single malt whisky crafted solely for Zarf, the hotel’s signature Indian fine-dining restaurant. The launch marks a significant milestone for Amrut, representing its 50th single malt release and the first time the distillery has created a whisky exclusively for a restaurant.

The bespoke expression has been distilled using Indian six-row barley and matured for over six years in a carefully selected refill virgin American oak cask. Designed specifically to complement Zarf’s culinary philosophy, the whisky mirrors the restaurant’s approach of drawing inspiration from the flavours of “forgotten India” while presenting them through a modern, refined lens.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sanjay Gupta, Multi Property General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, said the partnership reflects the hotel’s focus on creating experience-led food and beverage destinations. He noted that collaborations like this allow cuisine, craft and culture to intersect, positioning Zarf as a space where Indian heritage is expressed in a contemporary and globally relevant way.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director, Amrut Distilleries, said the release of the 50th single malt in partnership with Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield and Zarf was particularly meaningful. He added that this marks Amrut’s first private label collaboration in India, making the association with the hotel and its bespoke restaurant especially significant.

The launch was accompanied by a specially curated menu at Zarf, designed to echo the whisky’s layered character and depth. The pairing featured dishes such as Mushroom ki Galouti with Lucknow potli spices and saffron warqi, Peshawari Namak Mandi lamb chops, lamb galouti kebab finished with saffron warqi, and Dal-e-Zarf, slow-cooked in stoneware with yellow moong lentils and desi ghee. Together, the menu and the whisky created a cohesive dialogue between spirit and cuisine.

Adding a visual dimension to the evening, the launch also featured a fashion walk curated by Prasad Bidapa, showcasing designs by Hemant Trevedi inspired by the colours and flow of the whisky. The presentation complemented the evening’s emphasis on craftsmanship, heritage and contemporary expression.

Through this collaboration, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield reinforces its positioning as a leading culinary and lifestyle destination, while Amrut Distilleries continues to strengthen its reputation as one of India’s most respected and globally recognised single malt producers, setting a new benchmark for experiential luxury in the country.