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By Author
Published on December 13, 2023
As the festive season of Christmas and New Year approaches, Godrej's Food Trends Report has highlighted a significant culinary shift in India. Once considered occasional treats, cakes and pastries are now integral to the nation's festive traditions, reflecting the evolving palate of Indian consumers. This transformation is attributed to the innovative efforts of skilled bakers across the country.
The report points out a notable trend: the growing passion among Indian home cooks to experiment with baking pastries and cakes. This enthusiasm for hands-on baking experiences shows an eagerness to blend global tastes with traditional flavors, leading to an expansive variety of homemade bakes.
Key Trends in Indian Pastry and Cake Making
Southeast Asian Bakes:
The report notes that about 88% of culinary experts see bakeries as vital to local food ecosystems. India's diverse baking communities, from the kandurs in Kashmir to the paowallas in Mumbai, are contributing to a rich tapestry of local and international baked goods.
Turkish / Middle Eastern Delights:
Another 88% of experts agree on the growing popularity of Middle Eastern-inspired pastries like Baklava and Kunefe. These intricate flavors that mix sweet, spicy, and umami notes are becoming favorites among Indian consumers.
European Influences:
About 75% of the panelists believe that European and American baking traditions are influencing the Indian baking industry, leading to innovation and the evolution of classic offerings.
The Godrej Foods Perspective: Embracing Global Influences
Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, managing director of the Godrej Foods Trends Report, remarks on this culinary evolution. "In India, festivals and special occasions have always been marked with sweet delicacies. With Christmas around the corner, we're seeing a delightful blend of traditional and global influences in pastries and cakes. Post-COVID, home chefs are particularly innovative, introducing a range of flavors into their baked creations," she says. This trend indicates a stronger tradition of enjoying cakes and pastries during festive times than ever before.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 13, 2026
Taj Club House, Chennai has introduced LAVA, Grill at the Roof, a contemporary rooftop dining venue designed for relaxed alfresco evenings. Positioned as a sundowner destination, the new space brings together open-air charm, sweeping city views and a menu that celebrates bold global flavours.
Perched at the top of the hotel, LAVA, Grill at the Roof offers both an intimate air-conditioned indoor section and a breezy rooftop area. Soft mood lighting and panoramic views of the Chennai skyline set the tone for easy conversations and laid-back dining under the open sky. The alfresco section forms the heart of the venue, making it an inviting spot for after-hours gatherings and special evenings.
The menu focuses on global grilling traditions with a noticeable Asian accent. Guests can explore a range of Asian tapas, sushi, dim sum, sliders and signature grill dishes. Small bites include Edamame with Sea Salt or Pepperoncino and Marinated Gordal Olives with Beetroot Tzatziki. The selection also features Chicken Katsu Bao with Tonkatsu Sauce, Duck Rillette Sliders with Jalapeño and Mint Chutney, and sushi options such as California Roll, Spicy Tofu Roll and Crispy Prawn Uramaki.
Vegetarian diners can choose from Water Chestnut & Mushroom Dumplings and Corn & Spinach Dumplings, while grill highlights include Persian Lamb Skewers and Harissa-spiked Prawns served with Roasted Grape Salsa. The dishes are complemented by a curated list of wines, craft cocktails and premium beverages, carefully paired to enhance the grill-focused menu.
With its blend of indoor comfort and alfresco elegance, LAVA, Grill at the Roof is set to become a preferred choice for sundowners, intimate dinners and celebratory evenings in the city. At Taj Club House, Chennai, the new rooftop address promises evenings where fire-led flavours, fresh air and city lights come together effortlessly.
This Valentine’s season, SOCIAL is inviting guests to take love offline with its nationwide campaign, लव like the OGs, running from 10th to 28th February across all SOCIAL outlets. Inspired by the simplicity of old-school romance, the campaign encourages people to slow down, have real conversations, and reconnect without screens in the way.
At a time when love often plays out over DMs and dating apps, SOCIAL is tapping into a growing desire among Gen Z for something more intentional and personal. The idea behind लव like the OGs is not about going back in time, but about bringing back what truly matters, showing up, speaking honestly, and giving someone your full attention.
Speaking about the campaign, Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “Love today is fast, filtered, and often fleeting. With लव like the OGs theme, we wanted to slow things down and bring back the charm of old-school romance, where effort mattered and conversations weren’t rushed. SOCIAL has always been about belonging and real connections, and this Valentine’s, we’re inviting people to step away from screens and rediscover what love feels like offline.”
As part of the experience, guests can write handwritten postcards while waiting for their food and exchange notes the old-fashioned way. The idea is simple, whether you’re on a first date, with your partner, or just out with friends, sit across the table and share a moment that feels real.
A major highlight of the campaign is the limited-edition Valentine’s menu titled Do Dishon Ka Mel. Celebrating cross-cultural love stories through bold food pairings, the menu blends flavours from different regions with SOCIAL’s signature twist. Dishes include Sev Puri Toastada, bringing Puraani Dilli and Mexico together; Bhuna Ghost Cheese Tart; Chicken Biryani Burrito; and Andhra Chilli Paneer & Chicken Chopsuey.
Other special creations include Krapow Aglio Olio in plant-based, chicken, and lamb options, Kebab Paella, Cheeseburst Smash Burgers, and desserts like Snicker Samosa and Gajar Halwa Sizzler. The Valentine’s special menu will be available across SOCIAL outlets from 10th to 28th February. Select dishes will also be offered for delivery through Swiggy and Zomato for those celebrating at home.
Staying true to its community-first approach, SOCIAL will also host curated in-outlet experiences and events at select locations. Designed to be inclusive and warm, the celebration welcomes everyone: single, taken, or somewhere in between.
With लव like the OGs, SOCIAL reinforces its space as more than just a café-bar. This Valentine’s, the brand reminds guests that love doesn’t need an algorithm, just a table, a postcard, and a little effort.
By Hariharan U
Published on February 12, 2026
Third Wave Coffee is marking Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition beverage lineup crafted to celebrate connection and everyday indulgence. Launched nationwide on February 11, 2026, the seasonal range features four themed creations - La Vie en Rose Frappe, La Vie en Rose Latte, Red Velvet Milkshake, and Red Velvet Mocha Frappe - each designed to bring a playful yet comforting touch to coffee breaks.
The rose-inspired offerings lead with floral, creamy notes, where the La Vie en Rose Frappe blends delicate rose flavours with whipped cream and dehydrated rose petals, while the La Vie en Rose Latte offers a smoother, mellow sip with subtle sweetness. Complementing the floral profiles are dessert-style red velvet creations: the Red Velvet Milkshake delivers a rich, thick indulgence topped with whipped cream and velvet crumbs, and the Red Velvet Mocha Frappe combines bold coffee and cocoa with a decadent finish.
Priced from ₹305 onwards, the collection is positioned as an accessible festive treat. Available across all outlets till February 22, the range reflects the brand’s structured, insight-led approach to seasonal innovation, aligning menu development with cultural moments and evolving consumer preferences. Founded in 2016 by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma and Ayush Bathwal, Third Wave Coffee has grown to over 200 cafés nationwide and continues to focus on a coffee-first experience driven by quality beans, accessible locations and technology-enabled engagement.
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