India’s Halwai Heritage Gets a Modern Twist as Amara Debuts in Bengaluru

India’s Halwai Heritage Gets a Modern Twist as Amara Debuts in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 26, 2026

India’s deep-rooted halwai traditions meet contemporary dessert craft with the launch of Amara, a new-age dessert brand that brings regional Indian flavours to the forefront in a modern format. The brand makes its debut with a flagship store in Indiranagar, along with 10 satellite stores across Bengaluru, marking a first-of-its-kind approach to premium frozen desserts in India.

Amara introduces a concept built around collaboration with generational halwais, reworking recipes that have been passed down over decades into refined, contemporary dessert formats. The idea is not to fuse traditions, but to respectfully reinterpret them, creating flavours that feel elevated and fresh while remaining deeply familiar and nostalgic.

For years, some of India’s most loved cold desserts have stayed tied to specific regions and memories. Meetha paan was closely associated with Banaras, Gudbud belonged to Udupi, and chikki was inseparable from Lonavala. While these flavours lived on through tradition, the premium dessert space largely moved in a different direction, leaning towards Western styles or mass-produced sweets with little cultural connection.

Amara steps in to bridge this gap by bringing together regional desserts from across the country on a single menu. The brand works directly with traditional halwais whose families have preserved these recipes for generations. Every dessert is made using 100% real milk and natural ingredients, with zero preservatives, and prepared using time-honoured techniques that remain true to their origins.

Sharing the vision behind the brand, Edwin Daniel, Co-founder of Amara, said, “We realised there was a clear gap in the premium dessert space. India has extraordinary regional dessert traditions, but they were either hyper-local or not presented in a contemporary format. We wanted to bring these flavours together on one platform - not as fusion, but as respectful reinterpretations that make them accessible year-round, without losing their authenticity.”

The debut menu reflects a journey through India’s dessert memories. Highlights include the Meetha Paan Sundae inspired by Banaras, Gadibadi, a modern take on the Mangalore classic Gudbud, and the Lonavala Salted Caramel Chikki Sundae. The menu also features a dessert inspired by the nostalgic flavour of masala chai-soaked Parle-G biscuits, along with offerings such as Filter Kaapi ice cream, Gulkhand Rose Sundae, and Desi Tres Leches.

Speaking about the brand’s expansion approach, Jeff Jose, Co-founder of Amara, said, "With the launch of a flagship store and 10 satellite stores, our focus is on reach and accessibility from day one. We wanted Amara to feel premium but approachable - a brand that can scale while staying rooted in authenticity. Bengaluru is the right city to begin this journey; it embraces craft and innovation. This is just the start of building a nationally relevant dessert brand."

The flagship store in Indiranagar is designed to echo traditional Indian homes, featuring red oxide flooring and rattan furniture. The space reflects warmth, familiarity, and pride in Indian dessert-making, creating an atmosphere that feels nostalgic yet current, much like the brand’s offerings.

Amara enters the market at a time when Indian consumers are increasingly moving away from mass-produced sweets and towards artisanal, heritage-driven indulgences made in small batches with clean ingredients. With its focus on regional authenticity, craftsmanship, and modern presentation, the brand fills a clear gap in the premium dessert segment.

The flagship store is located at 472, HAL 3rd Stage, 80 Feet Road, Thippasandra, Bangalore. The Indiranagar outlet is open from 12 noon to 1 AM, with Amara also available on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ownly across Bengaluru.


Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Lyla Bombay marks its second anniversary with the launch of Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays, a weekly experience designed to transform midweek evenings into something more intimate and engaging.

Set in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex, the concept reimagines the traditional dining experience by blending live music, shared moments, and ambient dining. As the evening unfolds, the space transitions into a candlelit setting where guests become part of the experience, blurring the lines between performer and audience.

Rather than a structured concert or karaoke format, the evening is designed to feel effortless and organic. Familiar songs, a relaxed atmosphere, and a sense of collective participation create an experience that is both lively and personal.

Complementing the ambiance is a curated menu featuring signature dishes such as Prawns Moilee, truffle mushroom risotto, and stuffed ravioli, offering a balance of comfort and indulgence. The culinary offering aligns with the overall experience—refined yet approachable.

The introduction of Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays is part of Lyla’s broader anniversary celebrations, which also include a refreshed globally inspired all-day menu and an expanded lineup of weekend experiences. Together, these initiatives reflect the brand’s evolving approach to experiential dining.

By combining music, mood, and cuisine, Lyla Bombay continues to position itself as a destination for immersive social experiences, where dining goes beyond the plate to create memorable, shared moments


Soraia Introduces New Summer Menu in Mumbai

Soraia Introduces New Summer Menu in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Soraia in Mumbai is welcoming the summer season with a new menu that brings together bold flavours and a thoughtfully designed dining experience. Alongside the menu, the restaurant’s signature glasshouse has been refreshed with a floral installation, creating a bright and relaxed setting for slow, easy afternoons.

Blending European finesse with Indian flavours, the menu focuses on dishes that feel both familiar and fresh. Some of the key highlights include Butter Chicken Neapolitana, Soraia Fire Chicken, Truffle Chicken Tikka, and the Tandoori Lamb Rack with Shiraz jus, each bringing a mix of comfort and creativity.

Adding a playful touch, the menu introduces a range of fusion crepes and tacos that are light yet indulgent. Dishes like the Dal Makhani & Truffle Naan Zinger and Chicken Tikka Masala Crepe stand out for their rich and layered flavours. The Mutton Sukka Taco brings in coastal spice, while the Tandoori Paneer & Pine Nut Crepe offers a balanced bite. Other options include Pao Bhaji Naan Zinger, Paneer Khurchan Kulcha Taco, Makhni Chicken Kulcha Taco, and Chicken Seekh Kebab Kulcha Taco.

For those looking for something lighter, the menu features refreshing salads and cold plates such as Shakarkandi Chaat, Avocado Chaat with Tamarind Glaze, and the Soraia Classic Caesar, keeping the flavours seasonal and easy.

The small plates section continues to focus on bold and shareable bites. Options like Crispy Thecha Potatoes, Chaat Bombs, Fire Roasted Corn Riblets, Konkani Kokum Prawns, and Ah’sam Paratha Ghee Roast Chicken are designed for casual, flavour-packed dining.

The mains bring together comfort and technique, with dishes like Prawn Balchao Linguine offering a strong Goan touch. The Soraia BBQ Grilled Chicken and Grilled Salmon with beurre blanc add a refined element, while the Soraia Lobster Roll with togarashi mayo in a housemade brioche brings in a touch of indulgence. Vegetarian dishes such as Nadru Makhni Pappardelle, Tofu Ghee Roast, and Veg Dhansak round out the selection.

Desserts continue the mix of nostalgia and indulgence, featuring Soraia Trifle, Skillet Crack Pie, Kulfi Baked Alaska, Rasmalai Tres Leches, and Tiramisu Bomboloni, offering something for every kind of sweet craving.

The new summer menu is now available at Soraia, bringing together food, design, and seasonal elements into one seamless experience.

  • What: Soraia’s New Summer Menu & Floral Glasshouse Experience
  • When: Throughout the Summer Season
  • Where: Soraia, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai

Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Lyla Bombay continues to strengthen its position as a neighbourhood favourite with its weekend brunch experience, designed as a relaxed and social affair in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex.

Known for its easy, unhurried format, the brunch brings together a generous grazing table, an interactive DIY burger station, and live performances, creating an atmosphere that is both indulgent and laid-back. The experience is crafted to encourage guests to linger, making it ideal for casual catch-ups as well as longer, leisurely gatherings.

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Over the past two years, Lyla has built a strong following, driven by its globally inspired menu and warm, inviting space. The restaurant strikes a balance between comfort and refinement, offering a setting that feels approachable yet thoughtfully curated.

The brunch format reflects the growing demand for experiential dining, where food, ambience, and social interaction come together seamlessly. By combining interactive elements with live entertainment, Lyla continues to create a weekend offering that resonates with Mumbai’s evolving dining preferences.

With its consistent focus on quality and atmosphere, Lyla’s weekend brunch remains a go-to destination for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging dining experience in the city.

Details:

  • What: Weekend Brunch
  • Where: Bandra Kurla Complex
  • When: Every Saturday & Sunday

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