Indri Dru Crowned 'Best Indian Single Malt' at World Whiskies Awards 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 1, 2024

In a landmark moment for the Indian whisky industry, Piccadily Distilleries' Indri Dru has been awarded the prestigious title of 'Best Indian Single Malt' at the World Whiskies Awards 2024. This accolade comes on the heels of the success of Indri-Trini, India's first triple cask single malt, which also received international recognition. Indri Dru's triumph is a testament to India's burgeoning reputation in the global whisky scene, less than a year after its market introduction in 2023.

The name 'Dru' is derived from Sanskrit, meaning wood, and pays homage to the ancient Indian mythological drink “soma”. Matured in the subtropical climate of northern India, Indri Dru is a meticulously crafted whisky, blending the richness of Ex-Bourbon barrels to achieve a unique flavour profile, characterised by its impressive 57.2% alcohol by volume.

image

Indri Dru delights the senses from the first whiff, offering a rich aroma of mixed fruits, underpinned by vanilla, spice, chocolate, and honey notes. The palate is treated to a symphony of sweet fruits, soft spice, and vanilla, with undertones of chocolate and wood lactones, enriched by citrus notes that lend the whisky its depth and complexity. The finish is both full-bodied and intricate, leaving a lingering fruitiness that is both tantalising and satisfying.

"This award for 'Best Indian Single Malt' is a recognition of India's exceptional skill in whisky making and underscores our commitment to excellence," remarked Siddhartha Sharma, Founder of Piccadily Distilleries. "Indri Dru not only brings honour to our distillery but also marks India's rising stature in the global whisky industry."

image

The World Whiskies Awards, known for its rigorous judging process, involves three rounds of scrutiny by an esteemed panel, including international journalists, industry experts, and specialist drink retailers. The competition celebrates the finest in whisky making from around the globe, with participants from the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, Australia, and beyond.

Indri Dru's recognition at the World Whiskies Awards 2024 adds to its growing list of accolades, including high praise from the International Wine and Spirits Competition of 2023. Lauded for its balance and richness in flavour, Indri Dru is celebrated as a standout addition to the whisky world, promising a memorable experience for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.


Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

Haldiram’s, one of India’s most recognised brands in sweets, snacks, and dining, has strengthened its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the opening of its latest outlet in Prayagraj.

Located at WP Arena, Hot Stuff Chauraha, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, the new restaurant was inaugurated by Er. Harshvardhan Bajpayee, MLA, Prayagraj North, in the presence of customers, local dignitaries, and community members.

image

The launch marks another step in Haldiram’s expansion strategy of entering emerging markets beyond major metropolitan cities while bringing its legacy of traditional Indian flavours closer to consumers across the country. The opening is also aligned with the brand’s “Acche Din Aa Rahe Hai!” campaign, highlighting its continued growth journey.

Known as one of India’s most culturally significant cities, Prayagraj holds a special place in the country’s spiritual and intellectual heritage. Home to the iconic Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet, the city attracts millions of visitors during the Kumbh Mela and continues to be a major destination for travellers, pilgrims, and scholars.

Beyond its cultural importance, Prayagraj has emerged as an important educational, administrative, and commercial hub in Uttar Pradesh. With increasing infrastructure development and rising tourism, the city has witnessed growing demand for quality dining experiences.

image

Recognising this evolving consumer landscape, Haldiram’s has introduced its new outlet to offer residents and visitors a trusted destination for traditional Indian cuisine combined with modern dining comfort.

Designed to cater to families, groups, and travellers, the outlet offers Haldiram’s extensive portfolio of Indian sweets, namkeens, regional favourites, chaats, complete meals, and contemporary beverages.

The expansion into Prayagraj reflects Haldiram’s broader vision of reaching new markets while preserving the traditions, flavours, and hospitality that have shaped the brand over decades.

With its growing footprint across India, Haldiram’s continues to focus on delivering authentic Indian culinary experiences while adapting to the changing preferences of today’s consumers.


Diggin Introduces Monsoon Menu with Comforting Seasonal Favourites

Diggin Introduces Monsoon Menu with Comforting Seasonal Favourites

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

As monsoon showers bring a slower and more comforting rhythm to the city, Diggin Café invites guests to enjoy the season with a specially curated selection of monsoon favourites designed for relaxed conversations, indulgent meals, and cosy dining moments.

Known for its garden-inspired ambience and inviting spaces, Diggin offers the perfect setting to unwind during rainy days. With lush surroundings, warm corners, and an atmosphere that blends charm with comfort, the café creates an experience that complements the mood of the season.

The monsoon menu brings together a selection of comforting dishes crafted to celebrate familiar flavours with a contemporary touch. Highlights include the refreshing Diggin Special Salad, indulgent Baked Goat Cheese, rustic Grilled Vegetable & Goat Cheese Pizza, hearty Vegetable and Lamb Lasagnas, earthy Mushroom Skewers, and the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.

image

The seasonal experience is completed with desserts that capture the warmth and nostalgia of monsoon indulgence. Guests can enjoy the comforting Apple Crumble along with Diggin’s signature Biscoff Cheesecake, offering rich caramel notes and a perfect sweet ending to a rainy-day meal.

With its thoughtfully curated menu and cosy garden-inspired setting, Diggin’s Monsoon offerings invite guests to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food during the rainy season.

Monsoon Menu Details:

Locations:
Anand Lok, Connaught Place, Chanakyapuri, and Tagore Garden

Timings:
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Instagram:
@diggincafe


Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on July 18, 2026

Celebrating the seasonal charm of India’s favourite fruit, Rasanai has announced the launch of its ‘Maanga Maanga Festival’, a special culinary experience dedicated to exploring the diverse flavours and regional interpretations of mango across South India.

Running from 15th to 31st July 2026, the festival will be hosted across Rasanai outlets in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Kochi, inviting guests to experience mango beyond traditional desserts through a specially curated menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

From raw and tangy preparations to sweet, spiced, pickled, and slow-cooked creations, the festival highlights the versatility of mango as an ingredient deeply rooted in South Indian food culture.

Inspired by home kitchens, local traditions, and street food flavours, Rasanai’s festival menu presents creative interpretations of classic regional recipes. Guests can explore unique dishes such as Mangai Pachadi Paniyaram and Thengai Mangai Adai Taco, alongside bold regional favourites including Andhra Aavakkai Broccoli, Oorugai Mamsam, and Angamaly Meen Maanga Curry.

image

Each preparation showcases a distinct expression of mango, balancing flavours of sweetness, spice, tanginess, and aroma while celebrating the ingredient’s importance across South Indian cuisines.

The culinary journey concludes with Mango Thengai Pongal, Rasanai’s innovative South Indian take on the popular mango sticky rice. Combining ripe mango, coconut, and the comforting texture of traditional pongal, the dessert offers a nostalgic yet contemporary finale to the festival experience.

Featuring vegetarian, meat, seafood, and dessert creations, the Maanga Maanga Festival brings together the many identities of mango through thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate regional diversity and culinary storytelling.

Speaking through this seasonal celebration, Rasanai continues its commitment to showcasing India’s rich food traditions while presenting familiar ingredients through fresh and imaginative perspectives.

For mango lovers and food enthusiasts looking to discover new regional flavours, Maanga Maanga Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the king of fruits in its most vibrant and unexpected forms.

This is mango like never before.

Event Details:

Event: Maanga Maanga Festival
Dates: 15th July – 31st July 2026

Locations:

Rasanai Chennai
Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090

Rasanai Coimbatore
Pappanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore – 641037

Rasanai Kochi
Ernakulum, Kerala – 682020

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.