Harajuku Tokyo Café Is Going National - Bengaluru, Gujarat and Beyond Are Next

Harajuku Tokyo Café Is Going National - Bengaluru, Gujarat and Beyond Are Next

By Hariharan U

Published on March 9, 2026

If you've been to a Harajuku Tokyo Café in Delhi or Mumbai, you already know what the fuss is about, jiggly pancakes, Kaiten conveyor belt sushi, manga-inspired interiors, and an energy that feels genuinely unlike anything else in India's dining scene. And now, a lot more people are about to find out what they've been missing.

Harajuku Tokyo Café & Bakehouse has announced a serious multi-city expansion, and it's not a small step, it's a full-on leap. The brand is deepening its presence in Delhi with a specialised Bakehouse, rolling out a sprawling flagship Tokyo Café and Bakehouse in Mumbai, making its long-awaited debut in Bengaluru, and launching its very first all-vegetarian outlet in Gujarat. For a brand that started as a boutique cult favourite, this is a whole new chapter.

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The man behind all of it is founder Gaurav Kanwar. Armed with an analytical background from the London School of Economics and the University of Warwick, Kanwar spotted something that most people in the industry had missed, Japanese cuisine in India was almost entirely locked inside five-star hotels, formal and untouchable. After spending time researching in Tokyo and Osaka, he came back with a very different vision, one that put soul and experience first, and left the stuffiness at the door.

"There's something incredibly special about watching people truly connect with what you've built," says Kanwar. "The response we received in Delhi was overwhelming, and Mumbai took that love to another level. It reassured us that this vision resonates. As we now expand into Bangalore and other cities, it feels like the right time to share this experience with an even wider audience, while staying true to the care, energy, and authenticity that define us."

What makes Harajuku stand out isn't just the food, though the food is very much a reason to show up. Each outlet draws from a different district of Japan, translating its character into the look, feel, and energy of the space. The Mumbai outlet channels the vibrant buzz of Shibuya. The M3M IFC Gurugram outlet reflects the neon-lit nightlife of Kabukicho. The Ambience Mall Gurugram outlet takes its cues from the cultural warmth of Ueno. Every location feels like its own world, which is a big part of why people keep coming back.

The menu carries its own loyal following. The viral jiggly pancakes and Japanese cotton cheesecake have taken on a life of their own on social media, while the Kaiten conveyor belt sushi keeps the experience playful and interactive. Inventive beverages round things out, it's a menu that's as fun to order from as it is to eat.

The Gujarat launch is particularly significant, a first-ever all-vegetarian Harajuku, reimagining the brand's entire experience for an audience that doesn't compromise on that front. It's a bold move that shows just how seriously the brand is thinking about who it wants to welcome through its doors.

Bengaluru, meanwhile, marks Harajuku's first step into the South Indian market, a city with a strong appetite for quality dining and an equally strong sense of what's worth the hype. If the Delhi and Mumbai responses are anything to go by, the southern debut is going to make some noise.

This expansion isn't just about more locations, it's about Harajuku planting its flag as the go-to name for Japanese dining in India, city by city, one unforgettable experience at a time.


India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2026

India's food and beverage landscape is welcoming three distinctive dining experiences this August, each bringing its own culinary identity to Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad. From authentic Chinese regional cuisine and a thoughtfully curated Japanese-inspired cocktail programme to a rooftop destination celebrating India's diverse regional flavours, these new launches showcase the evolving tastes of modern diners.

Spice Traders Brings China's Eight Great Cuisines to Goa

Perched above Vagator with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Spice Traders draws inspiration from China's Eight Great Cuisines, presenting regional flavours under one roof. The menu reflects the culinary traditions of Sichuan, Cantonese, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Anhui, and Shandong, offering a journey through China's diverse food culture.

The restaurant's interiors are inspired by the ancient spice routes, featuring warm lighting, handcrafted elements, rich red accents, an open staircase, and a mix of communal and intimate seating that complements the dining experience.

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The menu highlights locally sourced seafood alongside regional Chinese favourites such as Mala Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Hunan Sea Bass, Mongolian Lamb Fire, and Lamb Open Bao. Adding another dimension is the introduction of Chifa cuisine, the Chinese-Peruvian culinary tradition that emerged through Cantonese migration to Peru. Dishes including Chifa Sea Bass, Black Cod with Amazonica sauce, Pork Belly and Eggplant with vinegar miso, Lamb Ribs with Sichuan spice and aji amarillo, and Chaufa Fried Rice reflect this cross-cultural influence.

Guests can also enjoy signature experiences such as a gong service for celebrations, private dining at The House of Red, and Spiced Up Sunsets overlooking the Arabian Sea.

"The Eight Great Chinese Cuisines gave Spice Traders its grammar," says Chef Avinash. "Once you begin thinking about heat, fermentation, texture and balance through those regional traditions, following that journey eventually led us to Lima and Chifa. I would never describe our menu as fusion. The influences are flavour-driven, but they remain integral to the restaurant's culinary language."

Adrift Kaya Introduces a Chapter-Led Cocktail Experience in Delhi

Adrift Kaya has unveiled a new cocktail programme inspired by Edo-period Japanese bar discipline and Indian terroir. Led by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, the contemporary Japanese restaurant continues its focus on precision, craftsmanship, and global influences through a menu that traces flavours from Japan to India along the Silk Route.

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The cocktail menu is presented as a structured narrative, progressing from light and delicate profiles to richer, more layered creations. Using techniques such as fat-washing, broth clarification, and fermentation, the programme combines Japanese methods with Indian ingredients including jaggery, buransh, pickle, kahwa, saffron, and regional herbs.

The first chapter, Edo | Origins of Discipline, features drinks like Broth of Edo and Grain of the Rising Sun, centred on purity and umami. The Silk Route | Controlled Opulence introduces Sunstone Negroni and Silk Root, balancing spices and preserved flavours with refined structure. The Himalayas | Altitude and Reduction highlights Garhwal Snow and Valley of Gold, focusing on herbal freshness and restoration. The final chapter, Delhi | Arrival and Density, reimagines familiar Indian flavours through cocktails such as The Red Fort Old Fashioned and Dilli 6 Spritz.

The programme reflects how geography, trade, and cultural exchange continue to influence flavour while presenting Indian ingredients through globally recognised cocktail techniques.

Vayu Brings Regional Indian Cuisine to Hyderabad's Rooftops

Hyderabad has welcomed Vayu, a new rooftop resto-bar designed as a social destination where food, cocktails, music, and conversation come together. Inspired by the Sanskrit word for wind, Vayu celebrates India's culinary diversity by exploring regional ingredients and traditional flavours from across the country.

The rooftop space combines contemporary architecture with thoughtfully designed interiors, offering intimate seating, communal tables, and a lively bar area suited for after-work gatherings, weekend outings, and evening celebrations.

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The food menu showcases specialties from multiple regions, including Andhra's Gongura Mamsaam, Kundapur Ghee Roast from coastal Karnataka, Kerala's Meen Pollichattu, Kolhapuri Mutton Sukka, Butter Chicken from Old Delhi, Shrimp Pickle with Masala Brioche, Chicken Wings Vepudu, Steamed Kalimpong Momos, and Jeedipappu Pakoda.

Its cocktail programme, The Paper Plane's Logbook, follows a journey across India, with each drink inspired by regional ingredients and memories. Signature cocktails include Crimson Wind with gongura and tequila, Kokum Cloud featuring gin, kokum, and passionfruit, and Firestorm Ember made with ginger-infused tequila and fermented chilli agave.

"Vayu has been envisioned as a social destination that reflects the energy of Hyderabad today," says Mr. Amardeep Singh, Multi Property General Manager, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. "The focus has been on building a strong cocktail programme alongside a menu that celebrates regional Indian flavours, creating a space where guests can spend an entire evening embracing the cosmopolitan spirit of Hyderabad."

With these three launches, Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad continue to expand India's vibrant dining landscape, offering experiences that blend regional traditions, global influences, and contemporary hospitality under one roof.


The Hood by Olive Launches Bear Claw Window with Fresh Ice Cream Swirls

The Hood by Olive Launches Bear Claw Window with Fresh Ice Cream Swirls

By Hariharan U

Published on July 29, 2026

The Hood by Olive has introduced Bear Claw Window, a new walk-up ice cream swirl experience at its Bengaluru outlet, bringing the spontaneous charm of Japan’s Bear Paw cafes to the city’s dessert scene.

Opened on 27 June 2026, the dedicated counter offers freshly assembled soft swirls prepared to order, allowing guests to enjoy handcrafted desserts without reservations or minimum spends. Available from 12 PM to 12 AM, the concept is designed as an accessible neighbourhood dessert stop with each swirl priced at ₹100.

Inspired by the three Hoods of Gion in Kyoto, San Lorenzo in Florence, and Mar Mikhael in Beirut, the Bear Claw Window brings together global flavour influences through a simple and interactive dessert format.

The opening menu features four handcrafted swirls. The Just Vanilla Swirl combines double vanilla bean ice cream with biscuit and mango, while the Japanese Caramel Swirl pairs smooth vanilla ice cream with salted Japanese caramel. The Italian Affogato Swirl blends Arabica coffee ice cream with espresso and hot chocolate, and the Lebanese Coffee Swirl combines Arabica coffee ice cream with cardamom-spiced white chocolate.

Each swirl is prepared fresh at the counter, offering guests a quick yet crafted dessert experience with distinct flavour profiles inspired by different culinary cultures.

With the launch of Bear Claw Window, The Hood by Olive continues to explore new formats that combine global influences with approachable dining experiences for the neighbourhood.

Experience Details

Venue: The Hood by Olive, Krishna Manaera, 14/1, Wood St, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
Timings: 12 PM – 12 AM


Addoni's Introduces Immersive Cabaret Evenings with Reimagined Global Menu

Addoni's Introduces Immersive Cabaret Evenings with Reimagined Global Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on July 28, 2026

Addoni's has unveiled a new immersive cabaret dining experience alongside a reimagined menu, further strengthening its position as a destination that blends culinary experiences with live entertainment. Designed to offer guests an evening where dining and performance come together, the new concept combines theatrical cabaret acts with a menu inspired by flavours from around the world.

Hosted every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 PM onwards, the cabaret experience unfolds through four live acts featuring singing, dance and storytelling. The performances are carefully timed with intervals between courses, allowing guests to enjoy their meals without interruption while creating a seamless blend of hospitality and entertainment.

Complementing the experience is an all-new menu built on contemporary European techniques while incorporating influences from regional Indian cuisines and international culinary traditions. The offering reflects Addoni's approach to creating globally inspired dishes without being confined to a single regional identity.

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Among the starters are dishes such as Chermoula Sole with Harissa Tomato & Rice Crisp, Canadian Scallops with Tobiko Orange Butter Emulsion, and Mushroom Duxelles & Brie Phyllo Pouches served with Mushroom Parmesan Velouté. The grill selection features Wazwan Mutton Seekh with Saffron Butter, Hempseed Chutney and Bakarkhani, alongside Henry IV Roast Chicken glazed with chilli and mustard and served with mushroom gravy.

The main course menu includes Saikyo Miso Glazed Alaskan Black Cod with Broccoli Lemongrass Salsa, Pepper Duck Curry, and a Chicken Ghee Roast Bowl that brings together South Indian flavours in a contemporary presentation. The menu also introduces ingredients such as tempeh, lotus stem and scallops, alongside influences from Peru, Kashmir and coastal India.

Guests seeking plant-based or dietary-conscious options can choose dishes such as Tempeh & Muhammara, which is vegan and dairy-free, and Crispy Summer Rolls, which are gluten-free and dairy-free.

Desserts include the Russian Honey Cake with Caramelised Honey, Cream Cheese Mousse and Yoghurt Sorbet, as well as a vegan-friendly Matcha Popsicle.

Speaking about the new concept, the restaurant stated that the cabaret evenings have been designed as more than live entertainment, creating an experience where performance becomes a natural extension of the dining journey. The restaurant noted that the reimagined menu reflects its philosophy of bringing together global flavours while ensuring each visit offers guests a memorable culinary experience.

With the introduction of its cabaret programme and refreshed menu, Addoni's continues to expand its experiential dining offerings, combining food, performance and hospitality to create a distinctive evening for guests.

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