Hotel Café Royal Unveils Barbounia: A Culinary Marvel in the Heart of London

Hotel Café Royal Unveils Barbounia: A Culinary Marvel in the Heart of London

By Author

Published on February 1, 2024

Hotel Café Royal proudly introduces its newest dining jewel, Barbounia, situated in the heart of London's Regent Street. Overlooking the mesmerizing 700-pound Murano glass chandelier and reception designed by Piero Lissoni, Barbounia brings an authentic blend of Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to the luxury hotel.

Crafted by Chef Alessandro Verdenelli, the menu seamlessly combines traditional cooking techniques with a modern touch, emphasizing top-tier ingredients locally and seasonally sourced. Barbounia, translating to red mullet in Greek, presents a comprehensive all-day dining menu with classic Mediterranean flavors, featuring fresh seafood, meat dishes, handmade pasta, and delightful pizzettas. Whether for a casual dinner with loved ones or a formal business lunch, guests can choose from an array of small plates, sharing platters, main dishes, salads, sides, and desserts.

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The appetizers and small plates include the Raw Counter, offering the Royal Platter for two, oysters, beef carpaccio, caviar, red tuna tartare with avocado and rocket, grilled octopus, and black truffle arancini with Parmesan cream. Main courses feature artisanal pasta creations like Lobster Tortelli with cherry tomatoes, bisque, and micro parsley, as well as Veal Milanese and fresh fish options such as Red Mullet with lemon and Provençal sauce.

Barbounia introduces its unique twist on the traditional ‘Aperitivo Hour’ with the ‘House Selection’—a shared platter of oysters, red prawns, langoustines with olives, Parmigiano, and truffle arancini, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine or wine for £40 per person. This special offering is available from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Additionally, in line with the hotel’s family-friendly ethos, children under 12 years old are invited to dine on a complimentary basis.

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Barbounia is a delightful addition to the diverse culinary offerings at Hotel Café Royal, joining the likes of the two-Michelin starred restaurant Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal, Cakes & Bubbles by Albert Adrià, the renowned Afternoon Tea at The Grill Room, and the Green Bar with its recently introduced menu centered around absinthe. Experience culinary excellence in the heart of London with Barbounia at Hotel Café Royal.


Mabruk at Sahara Star Unveils New Avatar with Refreshed Lebanese Menu and Immersive Dining Experience

Mabruk at Sahara Star Unveils New Avatar with Refreshed Lebanese Menu and Immersive Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on June 14, 2026

Mabruk at Sahara Star, long regarded as the “Soul of Lebanese Dining,” has unveiled its new avatar, introducing a refreshed identity that combines elevated interiors with a reimagined culinary experience. The transformation aims to offer guests a more immersive journey into Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern culture through design, food, and hospitality.

The redesigned 70-cover restaurant now features a richly detailed Arabic-inspired aesthetic, including grand archways, mosaic patterns, handcrafted motifs, lantern-style lighting, and layered textures. Overlooking Sahara Star’s signature tropical lagoon, the space has been curated to reflect warmth, opulence, and traditional Middle Eastern storytelling through design.

Alongside the new look, Mabruk has introduced a refreshed menu that balances authentic Lebanese classics with contemporary culinary interpretations. The menu includes vibrant dishes such as Jarjeer Salad and Root Harra, alongside reimagined favourites like Maqaneq. Innovative creations such as Asparagus Baklava add a modern twist, while traditional desserts like Umm Ali continue to anchor the experience in heritage flavours.

The culinary direction is led by Chef Jihad El Chami, who brings over three decades of experience across Lebanon and the Gulf region. Known for his long-standing association with Mabruk, Chef Jihad continues to focus on preserving authenticity while adapting select offerings for evolving guest preferences, including inclusive dietary variations.

The menu highlights a wide selection of signature Lebanese preparations, including Hummus Platters with multiple variations, Hummus Bil Laham, Pumpkin Kibbeh, Meshwi Mishakkal mixed grills, D’Jaj Meshwi with Avocado Salad, Jawaneh D’Jaj Bil Kozbara, Laham Khashkhash, and Spiced Squids. Each dish reflects a balance of traditional techniques and contemporary presentation.

Complementing the food offering is a curated beverage programme designed by mixologist Swapnil Shinde. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients, featuring creations such as Saffron Negroni, Ice Spice, Tropical Heat, Nuts & Cheese, and Green Mirage, each crafted with a narrative-led approach.

Speaking about the relaunch, Romie Dutt, Executive Director of Hotel Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City, said that the new avatar of Mabruk enhances its Lebanese culinary foundation with a more immersive and experiential ambience while retaining its core identity.

Chef Jihad El Chami added that the refreshed menu continues to celebrate Lebanese cuisine’s essence of simplicity, generosity, and soulful flavours, while adapting its presentation for modern diners.

With its renewed design language, curated menu, and immersive storytelling approach, Mabruk at Sahara Star reintroduces itself as a contemporary destination for Lebanese dining in Mumbai.


Soy Soi Brings the Traditional Indonesian ‘Rijstaffel’ Experience to Chennai

Soy Soi Brings the Traditional Indonesian ‘Rijstaffel’ Experience to Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on June 14, 2026

Soy Soi in Kotturpuram, Chennai has launched a special Rijstaffel Lunch Experience, introducing diners to one of Indonesia’s most celebrated communal dining traditions.

The term “Rijstaffel,” meaning “rice table,” refers to a multi-dish meal where an assortment of curries, sambals, satays, vegetables, proteins, and rice are served together, allowing guests to enjoy a broad spectrum of flavours in a single sitting. The concept originated during the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia and has since become a distinctive representation of Indonesian hospitality and shared dining.

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At Soy Soi, the experience is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menus, with the option to combine both for a more expansive tasting journey. The restaurant has positioned the offering as an ideal choice for family gatherings, corporate lunches, and relaxed weekday dining.

The menu features several regional Indonesian specialties, including Jackfruit Rendang, where young jackfruit is slow-cooked in coconut and spices; Rendang Kambing, a rich lamb rendang; Kari Sayur, a fragrant vegetable curry; Ayam Kalio, a Sumatran-style chicken curry; Terong Balado, crispy aubergine tossed in chilli sambal; and Ikan Goreng Nyat Nyat, fried fish finished with bold Indonesian spices.

The lunch experience has been designed around sharing and exploration, encouraging diners to discover the depth and diversity of Indonesian cuisine through multiple small-format dishes served together.

With this addition, Soy Soi continues to strengthen its focus on authentic Southeast Asian flavours and culinary storytelling, bringing lesser-known regional traditions to Chennai’s dining scene.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings India’s Culinary Heritage to the Table with A Taste of Tales

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings India’s Culinary Heritage to the Table with A Taste of Tales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 13, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting guests to explore the rich flavours and traditions of Indian cuisine with A Taste of Tales, a specially curated dining experience that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage.

Hosted at Food Exchange, the experience draws inspiration from royal kitchens, treasured family recipes, and regional cooking traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Friday evening feast brings together a selection of iconic dishes from across India, offering guests an opportunity to discover the stories and cultural influences behind each preparation.

The menu features a variety of favourites, including succulent kebabs, aromatic kormas, flavourful dum biryani, and classic rasgullas. Each dish reflects the craftsmanship, traditions, and regional influences that continue to shape India’s diverse food culture.

Designed to offer more than just a meal, A Taste of Tales combines authentic flavours with the narratives that have made these dishes a lasting part of India’s gastronomic legacy.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport
  • Dates: Every Friday in June 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

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