Kikkoman Launches the Kikkoman Centre for Chinese Cuisine to Elevate Indo-Chinese Culinary Standards

Kikkoman Launches the Kikkoman Centre for Chinese Cuisine to Elevate Indo-Chinese Culinary Standards

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

Kikkoman Corporation has announced the launch of the Kikkoman Centre for Chinese Cuisine (KCC), an initiative created in collaboration with leading figures from India’s culinary community. The aim is to enhance India’s long-standing love for Chinese cuisine by promoting standardisation, education, and talent development. The KCC will not operate from a physical base but will function through an online platform and a series of events held across India.

Chinese cuisine in India has evolved into a unique Indo-Chinese style that enjoys widespread popularity. However, the absence of standard recipes and consistent techniques has created challenges for quality and chef development. The KCC aims to address these concerns and support the growth of the Indian Chinese culinary landscape.

The founding members of the KCC include respected names from the industry: Manjit Gill, President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations and Kikkoman Industry Advisor; Joel Huang, Executive Chef of Eau Chew in Kolkata; Kabir Advani, Managing Partner of Berco’s in Delhi; and Osamu Mogi, Representative Director and Senior Executive Corporate Officer at Kikkoman Corporation.

The KCC will work on three core missions: offering a platform for information and education, nurturing young culinary talent, and elevating the overall quality of Chinese cuisine through a structured chef evaluation and certification system. The centre will develop an official website and Instagram platform to share specialised knowledge, including history, recipes, techniques, and trends.

Key activities will include the annual KCC Insight Forum, regular workshops for chefs, and competitions designed to identify future culinary stars. A chef certification system will also be introduced, providing qualifications from beginner to advanced levels to support the professional development of chefs and culinary students.

The logo of the KCC takes inspiration from the wok, symbolising Chinese cuisine, with the flame representing the meeting of Indian and Chinese food cultures. The colours reflect the diversity and future of culinary innovation.

Chef Ryosuke Tamura from the Michelin-starred restaurant Itsuka in Japan will serve as a KCC Advisor, offering technical insights and content guidance. The centre will continue to invite experts from India and abroad to support its mission.

Sharing his thoughts, Manjit Gill said the KCC offers a valuable opportunity to organise, preserve, and enhance the knowledge of Chinese cuisine in India. Osamu Mogi added that the KCC represents an important step in supporting education, innovation, and the growth of Indian culinary talent, while honouring India’s unique culinary traditions.

With over 350 years of history, Kikkoman continues to expand globally and is now active in more than 100 countries. Kikkoman India manages the distribution, marketing, and operations for all Kikkoman products across the country.


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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