Gauri Khan Dazzles Mumbai with Her New Restaurant Venture, Torii

Gauri Khan Dazzles Mumbai with Her New Restaurant Venture, Torii

By Author

Published on February 12, 2024

Gauri Khan, renowned interior designer and wife of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has expanded her illustrious portfolio with the launch of her latest venture, Torii, a restaurant that promises to add a new dimension to Mumbai's dining scene. With her exceptional design skills, Gauri Khan has already made significant strides in the design world through her firm, Gauri Khan Designs, transforming numerous celebrity homes and hospitality spaces into marvels of interior decor. Despite the challenges of balancing her professional identity with the celebrity status associated with her husband, Gauri continues to carve her niche, recently stepping into the literary world with her debut book, "My Life In Design."

About Gauri Khan

Gauri Khan's multifaceted career spans interior decorating, film production, and now, hospitality. Her design firm, Gauri Khan Designs, is known for its elegant and sophisticated makeovers of suburban Mumbai restaurants and celebrity homes, including those of Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, and Malaika Arora, to name a few. Her ventures into restaurant design, like Arth and Sanchos, showcase her flair for creating spaces that are both stylish and inviting.

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Torii: A New Culinary Destination

Torii, set in the vibrant locale of Bandra, Mumbai, stands out with its unique offering of Latin-Asian fusion cuisine, a concept brought to life by the combined vision of Gauri Khan and the culinary expertise of expat Chef Thomas Catley, alongside entrepreneur Abhayraj Singh Kohli of Grandmama’s Cafe fame. The restaurant is poised to be a game-changer in Mumbai's dining landscape, particularly with its al fresco dining setup, a rarity in the city, providing a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle.

The restaurant's decor is a testament to Gauri Khan's design

 philosophy—minimal yet impactful, with murals of Japanese geishas and Latin American textiles blending to create an inviting atmosphere. Torii's menu is adventurous, aiming to meld the bold flavors of progressive Asian cuisine into innovative dishes that challenge and delight the palate. Highlights include the Watermelon Carpaccio, Tuna or Red Snapper Ceviche, and the vegetarian-friendly Beer Battered Snapper Tacos, showcasing fresh produce and strong, memorable flavors.

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With its dynamic ambience, knowledgeable service, and a drinks menu that features collaborations with Bombay Duck Brewing, Torii offers an immersive dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to innovation is evident in every aspect, from the food to the decor, making it a must-visit for those seeking new culinary adventures in Mumbai.

Torii is more than just a restaurant; it's a reflection of Gauri Khan's diverse talents and her ability to create spaces that tell a story. As Torii opens its doors, it invites diners to experience a fusion of cultures and flavors, set against the backdrop of Gauri's impeccable design. This new venture is a testament to her continuing impact on India's design and culinary landscapes, promising an unforgettable experience for all who visit.


Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Bengaluru’s favourite urban hangout just got tastier:

Monkey Bar on Museum Road has introduced a new menu — staying true to its spirit while dishing out bold flavours, comfort bites, and international flair. From bar snacks to hearty mains, this refreshed menu adds new favourites to an already vibrant food scene.

Still housed in its signature high-ceilinged space with warm lighting and a buzz of familiar playlists, Monkey Bar remains a go-to for casual lunches, spontaneous dinners, and those long evenings that stretch into the night.

New on the Menu

The update brings a mix of old-school comfort and fresh global flavours. Whether you're into small plates or classic mains, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Some of the new highlights include:

  • Tuna Cutlet and Classic Paneer Tikka – starters with nostalgic appeal.

  • Chicken Tsukune – Japanese-style skewers that bring izakaya charm.

  • Cheese Burger – a timeless favourite done right.

  • Hariyali Fish Tikka – herb-marinated, perfectly grilled and fresh.

  • Hummus & Pita – a Mediterranean must-have.

  • Loaded Keema Wedges – a spiced Indian take on cheesy indulgence.

  • Military Mutton Biryani – aromatic, slow-cooked and flavour-packed.

  • Mutton Kofta & Appam – a fusion of South Indian and Mughlai richness.

These additions join Monkey Bar’s well-loved staples like comfort bowls, flatbreads, street food-inspired snacks, and its fun mix of cocktails and craft drinks.

Bengaluru’s Living Room, Now More Delicious

Monkey Bar isn’t just a gastropub, it’s a slice of Bengaluru life. It’s where old friends reunite, new plans are born, and spontaneous evenings unfold. The updated menu strengthens its status as a neighbourhood favourite that evolves with the city while keeping its soul intact.

With the right mix of nostalgia, innovation, and good food, Monkey Bar invites you to come hungry  and stay a little longer.

Fact Sheet

  • Address: First Floor, The Museum, No.1, Museum Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 56000.
  • Timings: Open Daily – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

India’s largest and fastest-growing specialty coffee brand, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, is making its way to the Gulf. In a strategic move, Blue Tokai has partnered with Ambrosia Gulf, which will serve as its master franchisee for the GCC, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the brand’s first official foray into the Middle East.

With over 175 cafés across India and an international footprint in Tokyo, this partnership is a key milestone for Blue Tokai as it looks to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new audience.

Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by mid-market investment firm Pulsar Capital, will lead the expansion. The firm is already known for operating Papa Johns in India (with its first outlet set for September 2025) and managing Biryani By Kilo in the GCC, underlining its strong cross-border brand management capabilities.

“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies.”

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Echoing this sentiment, Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community. Ambrosia Gulf’s operational expertise and deep local insights make them the perfect partners for this journey.”

Adding to this, Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai, shared, “Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally. This isn’t just expansion — it’s about building a regionally aligned presence while staying true to our values.”

Beyond launching cafés, the partnership also aims to introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG offerings to the GCC, tapping into HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and direct-to-consumer channels, thereby significantly broadening the brand’s reach.

The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is expected to open by Q4 2025. Coffee lovers can look forward to experiencing Blue Tokai’s celebrated single-estate coffees, manual brewing styles, and a transparent, craftsmanship-driven café environment.


Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a beloved culinary spot in Greenville for soulful Indian fare, has launched an exciting new menu curated by Sous Chef Kishor Singh. The refreshed menu is a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending traditional flavours with a touch of modern sophistication.

Chef Kishor Singh, renowned for his deep respect for regional Indian cuisine and innovative approach, has thoughtfully reimagined both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ‘Veg Entrées’ now spotlight regional nuances with creations like Sagg Paneer Pasanda, tandoor-charred Tandoori Paneer Makhni, and the comforting Dum Aloo Banarasi. Popular classics such as Dal Makhni, Raw Mango Curry, and Malai Kofta return with subtle, refined updates, staying true to their authentic roots.

For non-vegetarian lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. From the universally adored Butter Chicken to the fiery Laal Maas, each dish is a testament to India’s diverse flavour profiles. Highlights include Old Delhi Mutton Nihari, Prawn Mango Curry, and the coastal-inspired Fish Moilee in a delicate coconut gravy.

“This menu is not just about food, but about storytelling—each dish reflects a part of India’s culinary journey,” shares Chef Singh, whose expertise brings together age-old techniques and contemporary tastes.

Crafted using premium ingredients and traditional spice blends, Namak’s new menu encapsulates the warmth of Indian hospitality while inviting diners to embark on a journey of culinary discovery.

With its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and now an even more enticing menu, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to solidify its place as a must-visit dining destination in Greenville.

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