Italian Wines Shine Bright in Mumbai: Gambero Rosso's Roadshow Draws Over 323 Industry Experts

Italian Wines Shine Bright in Mumbai: Gambero Rosso's Roadshow Draws Over 323 Industry Experts

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 28, 2025

Mumbai recently hosted an extraordinary celebration of Italian winemaking as the Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines Roadshow made its much-anticipated return to India. Held at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre, the event brought together over 323 wine professionals, hoteliers, restaurateurs, importers, and educators, offering them a taste of Italy’s finest wines.

The one-day event featured more than 50 top-tier Italian wine producers who showcased over 100 premium labels. It wasn’t just a tasting—it was a cultural exchange that celebrated both the heritage and the future of Italy’s winemaking, while reinforcing India’s rapidly growing interest in wine.

The day began with a grand inauguration attended by notable dignitaries including Luigi Salerno, Director & Head-International Operations at Gambero Rosso, Marco Sabellico, Editor-in-Chief of the Vini d’Italia Guide, and Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai. Their presence added gravitas to the occasion and set the tone for the day.

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A major highlight was the Top Italian Restaurants Awards Ceremony, where Mumbai's celebrated Italian dining spots such as Celini, CinCin, and Cecconi’s were honoured for their culinary excellence. These recognitions underscored the growing love and respect for authentic Italian food in India.

In-depth masterclasses conducted throughout the event offered guests a deep dive into Italy’s regional varietals. From the fresh bubbles of Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2024 to bold Southern Italian reds like Primitivo, the sessions brought alive the diverse terroirs of Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. Marco Sabellico led the discussions, blending expertise with storytelling to engage and educate attendees.

"This return to India is more than symbolic—it marks the evolution of wine culture in the country," said Marco Sabellico. “We witnessed a level of interest and appreciation that reflects India’s growing appetite for quality wine and international collaborations.”

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The event also served as a dynamic business hub, allowing Italian producers to build connections with Indian importers and distributors. Many exhibitors expressed optimism about future collaborations, pointing to India’s expanding wine retail and hospitality sectors as promising avenues for growth.

Gambero Rosso, a globally recognised name in Italian food and wine media, continues to strengthen the global reach of Italian wines with roadshows like this. Through their trusted guides such as Vini d’Italia 2025—which reviews over 25,000 wines and ranks them using the iconic Tre Bicchieri rating—they’ve helped wine lovers and professionals alike navigate Italy’s evolving wine map.

With this successful edition in Mumbai, the Top Italian Wines Roadshow has reaffirmed its position as a catalyst for international wine diplomacy. As Italy and India raise a glass to stronger ties, the future certainly looks rich, refined, and full of flavour.


Nandhini Opens New Flagship Outlet on St. Marks Road, Bengaluru

Nandhini Opens New Flagship Outlet on St. Marks Road, Bengaluru

By Author

Published on September 8, 2025

Nandhini is set to open its newest and most ambitious outlet on St. Marks Road, Bengaluru, on September 10, 2025. Spread across 6,000 sq. ft. with a capacity of 250 covers, the outlet combines authentic Andhra flavours with a modern fine-dining ambience.

 Designed by Reshma Raju and Nishant Raju of Abstract Design Studio, the interiors pay homage to Bengaluru’s identity as the “Garden City” while drawing inspiration from the city’s T2 Airport, blending sustainability with contemporary elegance. Guests can expect signature touches such as a biryani bell ritual, Polaroid giveaways, and exclusive private dining rooms, Sambhavam (40–50 covers) and Sannidhi (15 covers).

The outlet also debuts a refreshed beverage program with beer on tap and seven signature cocktails curated to complement Andhra cuisine. With 18 outlets in Bengaluru and one in Mysuru, Nandhini continues to be synonymous with Andhra dining. The St. Marks Road launch forms a cornerstone in its ambitious expansion plan of 50 outlets across India, targeting cities like Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi, before going global with destinations including Dubai, Sydney, Singapore, Malaysia, and London.


Royal China Brings Authentic Cantonese Fine Dining to Bengaluru

Royal China Brings Authentic Cantonese Fine Dining to Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 8, 2025

Royal China, a name synonymous with Cantonese fine dining in India for over two decades, has officially opened its doors in Bengaluru, marking its debut in South India. The brand, which first came to India from London in 2003, has expanded over the years across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Pune, establishing itself as the definitive destination for authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Faiz Rezwan, Executive Director of Prestige Group and Head of Royal China Bengaluru, says, "Royal China arrives in a city that already understands and celebrates fine dining. Bengaluru’s diners are adventurous, well-travelled, and deeply appreciative of tradition. These qualities align perfectly with Royal China’s ethos,” the official statement read.

Fajr Qureshi, Co-Founder of F and F Hospitality, added, “Our goal is to deliver an experience that feels international in standard yet rooted in heritage.”

Founders Neville and Michelle Vazifdar emphasized that the Bengaluru launch is a personal milestone. “Royal China has always stood for excellence and consistency,” said Neville. Michelle noted, “Expanding to Bengaluru allows us to share our legacy of Cantonese cuisine with a discerning new audience. Over two decades after bringing Royal China from London to India, we are humbled to see it grow into a brand loved across cities. Bengaluru, with its cosmopolitan spirit, feels like the perfect new home for Royal China.”

The interiors, designed by Ganesh Madasamy of Aston Design, draw inspiration from the myth of the phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and ascension, woven seamlessly with Bengaluru’s identity as the Garden City. Bamboo-inspired chandeliers, soaring private dining walls, flowing ceiling details, and a palette of gold, amber, and deep blue create a mood of quiet opulence.

Seating 160 guests across intimate booths, elegant private rooms, a main dining hall, and a semi-al fresco section, Royal China Bengaluru caters to both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings, offering versatility for a wide range of dining occasions. With its unwavering commitment to authentic Cantonese cuisine executed with precision and excellence, Royal China Bengaluru promises to redefine the fine dining landscape in the city.


Burma Burma Unveils ‘From Burma, With Tea’ Menu Celebrating Tea Shop Culture

Burma Burma Unveils ‘From Burma, With Tea’ Menu Celebrating Tea Shop Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 7, 2025

Burma Burma, India’s much-loved Burmese dining destination, is bringing the spirit of Burma’s tea shops to diners with its new limited-edition menu, From Burma, With Tea. Available from September 1 to 30, 2025, across all Burma Burma restaurants pan-India, the promotion is a tribute to the country’s vibrant tea shop culture where steaming cups of milk tea and hearty snacks form the centre of daily life.

At the heart of the menu is the Burmese Milk Tea, a timeless blend of black tea, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, served both hot and iced. Variations include the indulgent Yangon Royal Tea topped with cream, the Creamy Bagan Tea inspired by bustling markets, the Iced Milk Tea crowned with a milk foam cloud, and the refreshing Coconut Iced Tea blended with coconut milk and custard.

To accompany the teas, Burma Burma has crafted an array of flavourful bites and shared plates that echo the energy of Burmese tea shops. Guests can enjoy Chin State Potato Croquettes filled with five-spice mock meat, spicy Corner Cart Skewers, and Cracklin’ Burmese Dumplings stuffed with shiitake and edamame. Fresh options like the Seared Tofu and Avocado Salad add zest, while the Tea Shop Noodle Bowl offers comforting warmth. For dessert, the Tea Shop Toast, honey-glazed bread soaked in custard apple milk with clotted cream, delivers a sweet finale.

Ankit Gupta, Founder of Burma Burma, shared, “Burmese Tea Shops are living, breathing spaces of culture, community, and culinary richness, where friendships brew and stories simmer. This menu is particularly close to my heart, as it recreates those experiences for our diners in a Burma Burma way.”

Curated by Chef Ansab Khan and his team after extensive research and collaboration with tea masters in Burma, the menu captures the layered traditions of Burmese tea culture while offering a contemporary flair.

Rooted in nostalgia yet designed for today’s diners, From Burma, With Tea is more than just a menu, it is an experience of connection, flavour, and the warm hospitality that defines Burma. Guests in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad can enjoy the promotion throughout September.

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