GVQ Time Cafe: Where Time Takes Center Stage

GVQ Time Cafe: Where Time Takes Center Stage

By Author

Published on December 11, 2023

In the heart of Kerala, a unique cafe is rewriting the rules of traditional dining. Welcome to GVQ Time Cafe in Kalamassery, Kochi, where time becomes your currency, and the culinary experience knows no bounds.

Inspired by the anti-cafe movement in Europe, GVQ Time Cafe brings a fresh perspective to the cafe scene. Founded by Aathira Mohan and Allen K Kurian, this cafe introduces the innovative concept of paying for the time spent rather than a traditional food bill.

For just ₹150 per person in the first hour, patrons can enjoy unlimited beverages, freshly baked cookies, and an exclusive GVQ Crepe. The unique twist? After the initial hour, customers pay only ₹1 per minute, allowing them to relish the relaxed ambiance, engage in conversations, and indulge in endless coffees and cookies.

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GVQ Time Cafe boasts a thoughtfully curated menu featuring sandwiches, omelettes, and short eats like French fries, potato wedges, and chicken nuggets. The dessert menu includes tempting treats like chocolate cookies and chocolate brownies, with the most expensive item priced at just ₹199.

What sets GVQ apart is its commitment to simplicity. Aathira emphasizes that the focus is on the space itself, providing a welcoming environment. One standout feature is the flexibility for customers to bring their own food or order from outside, allowing for a personalized dining experience.

Aathira's dream cafe, GVQ (Jeevikku, meaning to live), has been three years in the making. The location, once described as a 'dump yard,' now stands as a testament to thoughtful transformation. The cafe is surrounded by ample space, featuring a herb and vegetable garden whose produce is used in the kitchen. The property preserves existing trees, enhancing the cafe's eco-friendly ethos.

Choosing Kalamassery as the location may seem unconventional, but Aathira notes the changing dynamics and connectivity, with the Metro station in close proximity.

GVQ Time Cafe has garnered a positive response since its recent opening. The founders envision taking this unique concept to major cities, with plans for an app to seamlessly book tables across multiple locations. Step into GVQ Time Cafe, where time becomes a cherished commodity, and the dining experience transcends the ordinary. It's not just a cafe; it's a celebration of time, freedom, and a new way to savor every moment.


The Leela Gandhinagar Brings Royal Indian Flavours to Life with Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya

The Leela Gandhinagar Brings Royal Indian Flavours to Life with Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya

By Hariharan U

Published on July 16, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating India’s rich royal culinary traditions with the launch of its Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya, the hotel’s signature Indian specialty restaurant. Running from 16th July to 31st July 2026, the festival invites guests to experience the timeless flavours, aromas, and craftsmanship of India’s royal kitchens through an exclusive selection of biryanis and kebabs.

Inspired by culinary traditions once enjoyed by royal households across the country, the festival brings together fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, slow-cooking techniques, and expertly grilled preparations that have made biryanis and kebabs iconic expressions of Indian fine dining.

As guests enter Diya, they are welcomed by the rich aromas of saffron-infused rice, roasted spices, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and traditional preparations crafted with precision. The festival celebrates the artistry behind these dishes, highlighting regional influences and generations of culinary knowledge passed down through India’s royal kitchens.

The specially curated menu features an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, including signature biryanis such as Hyderabadi Kathal Dum Biryani, Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani, and Murgh Dum Biryani. Each preparation showcases layers of fragrant rice, carefully balanced spices, and slow-cooked ingredients designed to create a rich and authentic dining experience.

The kebab selection reflects the diversity and sophistication of Indian grilling traditions with creations including Shahi Subz Akhrot Ki Seekh, Ulta Tawa Subz Galouti, Murgh Angar Bedgi, and Gosht Aur Hare Pyaaz Ki Seekh. Prepared by the hotel’s Master Chef, every dish combines traditional techniques with refined presentation, capturing the elegance associated with royal Indian cuisine.

The culinary experience is further enhanced by Diya’s luxurious interiors, featuring silver-adorned ceilings, handcrafted chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, and contemporary Indian design elements. The restaurant’s elegant ambience creates a setting inspired by royal dining chambers, allowing guests to enjoy the festival as an immersive gastronomic journey.

Whether for an intimate dinner, family gathering, or special celebration, the Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail offers guests an opportunity to explore India’s culinary heritage while experiencing the signature hospitality of The Leela.

Speaking about the festival, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Biryanis and kebabs carry a remarkable legacy of royal kitchens, regional craftsmanship, and generations of culinary artistry. Through this festival, we wanted to recreate the warmth and grandeur of those timeless traditions while offering our guests an experience that reflects the elegance and authenticity associated with Diya and The Leela.”

Through this celebration, The Leela Gandhinagar continues its commitment to showcasing India’s diverse culinary heritage through thoughtfully curated dining experiences. The Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail brings together tradition, craftsmanship, and luxury hospitality, offering guests a memorable journey through flavours that have adorned India’s royal tables for centuries.


B Natural Launches 'Coconut Cola', Creating a New Beverage Category

B Natural Launches 'Coconut Cola', Creating a New Beverage Category

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2026

ITC Foods has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of B Natural Coconut Cola, introducing what it describes as a first-of-its-kind drink in India. Combining the familiar taste and fizz of cola with the goodness of coconut water, the new beverage is designed for consumers looking for lighter, everyday refreshment without compromising on taste.

Built around the brand proposition 'Refreshingly Simple', B Natural Coconut Cola contains Zero Caffeine, Zero Added Sugar, and just 9 kcal per serve. The launch reflects the growing demand for beverages that offer both enjoyment and better-for-you choices.

According to ITC Foods, changing consumer preferences have created a need for drinks that feel lighter while still delivering a satisfying experience. With Coconut Cola, the company aims to address this gap by creating a new beverage category, a hydrating cola that blends indulgence with wellness.

The launch also highlights B Natural's continued focus on innovation, with the brand introducing products that align with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Coconut Cola marks the latest addition to its portfolio of differentiated beverage offerings.

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Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vivek Kookkal, Vice President and Business Head - Dairy and Beverages, Foods Division, ITC Ltd, said:

"Coconut Cola is rooted in a simple consumer insight that indulgence does not need to be over engineered to be enjoyable. With this unique launch, we aim to encourage consumers to rediscover the value of simplicity through a thoughtfully crafted beverage experience - combining the familiar taste of cola with coconut water, we are offering an alternative that is both enjoyable and refreshingly simple"

The product has been developed in collaboration with ITC's Product Development and Life Sciences & Technology Centre (LSTC) teams. Their combined efforts have ensured that the beverage delivers the familiar cola experience while maintaining its wellness-focused proposition.

B Natural Coconut Cola is now available in a 250 ml can priced at INR 60. The product will be rolled out across leading retail outlets and quick commerce platforms in key metro cities, including Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.


Ironhill Bengaluru Launches 'The Monsoon Affair' Seasonal Dining Experience

Ironhill Bengaluru Launches 'The Monsoon Affair' Seasonal Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Ironhill Marathahalli has announced the launch of The Monsoon Affair, a seasonal culinary celebration that brings together comforting flavours, nostalgic recipes, and immersive dining experiences to mark the arrival of the monsoon in Bengaluru.

Running from July 15 to August 31, the limited-period menu has been curated to capture India's enduring love for monsoon comfort food through a selection of hearty dishes inspired by regional flavours and seasonal indulgences.

Among the highlights are the Smoky Sigdiwala Bhutta, Madras Curry, Lamb Fry, and Haleem Bun with Mutton Marag, each offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional comfort food while celebrating the warmth and richness associated with the rainy season.

Complementing the food is a selection of refreshing beverages designed for the season, alongside a monsoon-inspired ambience and interactive experiences that enhance the overall dining experience.

With The Monsoon Affair, Ironhill aims to transform the rainy season into an occasion for guests to gather, unwind, and enjoy flavourful dishes in a vibrant setting. The seasonal promotion reflects the restaurant's focus on creating themed culinary experiences that combine comfort, hospitality, and memorable moments.

The Monsoon Affair will be available at Ironhill Marathahalli until August 31, offering diners an opportunity to savour specially curated seasonal dishes throughout the monsoon.

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