Indian Culinary Forum and Youth Chefs Club of Ceylon Sign MoU to Strengthen India-Sri Lanka Culinary Ties

Indian Culinary Forum and Youth Chefs Club of Ceylon Sign MoU to Strengthen India-Sri Lanka Culinary Ties

By Hariharan U

Published on March 17, 2026

Two culinary communities from neighbouring countries have formalised a partnership that could open meaningful doors for the next generation of chefs. The Indian Culinary Forum signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Youth Chefs Club of Ceylon, Sri Lanka, at Culinary Art India 2026, held alongside AAHAR, The International Food and Hospitality Fair 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The MoU was signed by Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum, and Chef Chamodh Peiris, Founder and Chairperson of the Youth Chefs Club of Ceylon, in the presence of chefs, culinary professionals, and participants from across the industry. It's a moment that reflects how culinary diplomacy can work quietly but effectively when the right people are in the same room.

Chef Davinder Kumar, President of the Indian Culinary Forum, spoke about what the partnership is intended to achieve. "This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening international culinary relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for chefs and young culinary professionals. By working together with the Youth Chefs Club of Ceylon, we aim to encourage exchange of skills, culinary traditions and professional knowledge that will benefit the next generation of chefs."

Chef Vivek Saggar added context on why Culinary Art India was the right platform for this. "Culinary Art India has always served as an important platform that brings together chefs and culinary professionals from across the world. This MoU further strengthens that vision by opening new avenues for collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional growth for chefs from both countries."

For the Sri Lankan side, Chef Chamodh Peiris reflected on what the collaboration means for young culinary professionals. "This collaboration with the Indian Culinary Forum is an important step in strengthening culinary ties between Sri Lanka and India. We look forward to working together to promote knowledge exchange, cultural understanding and professional development for young chefs, while creating new opportunities for the next generation of culinary professionals."

In practical terms, the partnership aims to facilitate chef participation in culinary competitions, training programmes, workshops, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. For young chefs on either side, it creates a pathway to learn from diverse gastronomic traditions and build international professional networks at an early stage of their careers.

The Indian Culinary Forum, established in 1987 in New Delhi, is India's premier association of professional chefs and is affiliated with the World Association of Cooks Societies, which represents over nine million professional chefs across 110 countries. The organisation has long championed Indian culinary traditions globally while nurturing emerging talent through competitions, mentorship, and training.


Faasos Introduces Paratha Burger, Blending Desi Flavours with a Global Favourite

Faasos Introduces Paratha Burger, Blending Desi Flavours with a Global Favourite

By Hariharan U

Published on November 13, 2026

Faasos, a food brand from Rebel Foods, has introduced its Paratha Burger range, combining the familiar format of a burger with the flaky, layered texture of lachha paratha. Available across 20 cities in India from November 12, 2026, the launch gives a distinctly Indian interpretation to a globally popular fast-food favourite.

Instead of conventional burger buns, the new range uses lachha paratha as its outer layer, enclosing flavourful patties, generous fillings and indulgent sauces. Described by the brand as having a “flaky outside, freaky inside” format, the product is positioned as a loaded burger experience rather than a wrap, roll or stuffed paratha.

The range features six vegetarian and non-vegetarian options across three flavour profiles: Teriyaki, Chipotle and Hot Garlic.

The non-vegetarian selection includes Teriyaki Chicken Dynamite, Chipotle Chicken Blast and Hot Garlic Chicken. The vegetarian options are Teriyaki Paneer Dynamite, OG Chipotle and Hot Garlic Manchurian.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP – Marketing, Rebel Foods, said, “At Rebel Foods, product innovation is about finding new ways to make familiar food formats exciting for consumers. With the Paratha Burger, we have brought together the flaky, layered goodness of Indian lachha paratha with the bold, globally inspired flavours of a burger. The idea was to create something that feels familiar yet new, combining the comfort of a desi favourite with the indulgence of a loaded burger. The pilot across Mumbai and NCR is helping us understand the consumer response to the flavours that resonate the most with them. Our focus remains on expanding our offerings and bringing exciting food experiences to consumers across India.”

The flavour combinations range from the sweet and savoury notes of Teriyaki to the smoky profile of Chipotle and the sharper, more pronounced flavours of Hot Garlic. The concept builds on the appeal of familiar food formats while introducing new textures and internationally inspired flavour combinations.

Customers can order the Faasos Paratha Burger at a promotional price of ₹169. The launch also includes Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers and specially curated combos.

The introduction of the Paratha Burger adds another format to Faasos' menu innovation efforts, bringing together an Indian flatbread and the structure of a burger. The range also reflects the brand's approach of adapting familiar food experiences through new combinations of ingredients, textures and flavours.


Tropika Brewing Co. Brings Mexican Flavours to Bengaluru with Mexican Fiesta

Tropika Brewing Co. Brings Mexican Flavours to Bengaluru with Mexican Fiesta

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2026

Tropika Brewing Co. is bringing Mexican-inspired flavours to Bengaluru with Mexican Fiesta, a special culinary showcase featuring a selection of dishes, charcoal-grilled specialities, desserts and tequila-led cocktails. The experience celebrates bold flavours and fresh ingredients through a specially curated menu.

The menu features a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including Asado Corn Cob, crispy empanadas, Goat Nihari Birria Tacos, Chipotle Bowls, Quesadillas and Chimichangas. Guests can also explore a dedicated live grill serving Chipotle Honey BBQ Wings, Mexican Chorizo Grill and Serrano Paneer Skewers.

For dessert, the spread includes Flan Napolitano and Churros Sundae, offering a sweet finish to the meal. The beverage selection adds to the experience with tequila-led cocktails such as Mexican Sour, Paloma Cerveza, El Picante and Sol de Jalisco.

Bringing together Mexican-inspired dishes, smoky grilled preparations and refreshing cocktails, Mexican Fiesta offers guests a lively dining experience at Tropika Brewing Co. in Marathahalli, Bengaluru. The menu is available from 12:00 PM onwards, inviting guests to explore a range of flavours inspired by Mexican cuisine.

Event Details:

  • Event: Mexican Fiesta

  • Venue: Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli, Bengaluru

  • Timings: 12:00 PM onwards.


Katha Coffee Brings Childhood Nostalgia to Its New Bachpan Menu

Katha Coffee Brings Childhood Nostalgia to Its New Bachpan Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2026

Katha Coffee is bringing childhood memories to the table with its special Bachpan Menu, a playful selection of café creations inspired by familiar treats and flavours. Available at its Gachibowli and Banjara Hills outlets in Hyderabad, the menu celebrates the little joys of growing up through a range of nostalgic food and beverage options.

The menu features a mix of sweet treats and beverages, including the Oh So Ferroo Diner Pancake, Jim Jm Cinnamon Roll and Jim Jm Frappe. Guests can also enjoy the Oh So Alpenli*be Latte, Oh So Ferroo Latte and the uniquely named Rasna Espresso, each adding a playful touch to the café experience.

With familiar flavours presented in a café-style format, the Bachpan Menu aims to bring back memories of carefree childhood days while offering guests something different to enjoy during their visit.

The menu is available at Katha Coffee & Bakehouse in Gachibowli, located on DLF Road, and its Banjara Hills outlet on Road Number 3, Hyderabad. Through this special offering, the café invites guests to revisit their favourite childhood flavours and enjoy them in a new way.

Event Details:

  • Offering: Bachpan Menu at Katha Coffee

  • Venue 1: Katha Coffee & Bakehouse, Gachibowli, Sy. No. 111, 1-47/2, Door No. A/1, DLF Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500032

  • Venue 2: Katha Coffee & Bakehouse, Banjara Hills, 8-2-351, Road Number 3, Green Valley, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500082

  • Availability: Ongoing.

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