Bridging borders with bold flavors

Lapsi: A Sweet Memory from the Hills of Uttarakhand

By Author

Published on July 16, 2025

In the world of haute cuisine, where foam, fermentation, and flamboyance often steal the show, it’s rare to find a dish that whispers instead of shouts. Yet sometimes, it is in the whisper that we find our deepest truths. For Chef Himanshu Pandey, that whisper comes in the form of Lapsi—a humble, heartwarming dessert born in the hills of Uttarakhand.

Currently the Executive Chef at RAA NYC, Chef Himanshu has earned global recognition for redefining Indian cuisine with a modern lens while keeping its soul intact. His pre-plated Indian creations and commitment to storytelling through food have placed him among the most respected voices in the culinary industry today. But even as he crafts menus in one of the world’s most sophisticated dining capitals, his creative compass often points back to a quiet pahadi kitchen where it all began.

The Taste of Home, The Soul of the Mountains

“Lapsi is more than just a sweet dish—it’s a bowl of heritage and heart,” says Chef Himanshu.

In the crisp winter air of his childhood village, Lapsi was a dish that warmed both body and soul. Traditionally made with broken wheat (daliya), roasted in ghee, and sweetened with jaggery, it was a dish of celebration, comfort, and community. Spiced gently with cardamom and sometimes flecked with fennel seeds and dry fruits, Lapsi was often served during pujas, festivals, or as a special winter evening treat.

But for Chef Himanshu, it was more than just its flavor. It was a memory—a ritual—etched in scent and sound.

“I remember the firewood crackling, the scent of roasted wheat filling the room, and my mother’s calm, steady hands guiding the process. There were no recipe books, no measurements—just instinct, care, and ancestral wisdom.”

Cooking with Sabr (Patience) and Sanskar (Values)

“Beta, sabr se pakao, khana bhi tabhi ashirwad banega,” his mother would say—"Cook with patience, only then does food become a blessing."

It’s this philosophy that defines Chef Himanshu’s culinary style today. Whether he’s developing fine-dining menus in the U.S. or revisiting forgotten Indian recipes, his food is rooted in feeling, culture, and emotion. His version of Lapsi may now be plated with artistic flair, served in New York’s contemporary dining spaces, but the spirit remains untouched—an ode to his roots.

Even the act of preparing Lapsi has become, for him, a sacred moment of reconnection—with self, with home, and with the women who shaped his life. It’s a dessert that transcends time and geography, carrying with it stories of resilience, love, and inherited grace.

Uttarakhandi Lapsi: The Recipe, The Ritual

Category: Dessert / Sweet Dish
Cuisine: Uttarakhandi Vegetarian
Portion Size: 150g
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

½ cup Whole Wheat Flour (Gehu ka Atta) – the base of the dish
2 tbsp Ghee – for roasting
2 cups Water – to dissolve jaggery
¼ cup Jaggery (grated/powdered) – adjust to taste
½ tsp Crushed Fennel Seeds – optional, for a traditional note
¼ tsp Cardamom Powder – for aroma and warmth
1 tbsp Chopped Dry Fruits (almonds, cashews) – optional garnish

Preparation:

Roast the Flour:
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add flour and roast slowly on a low flame until it turns golden and fragrant.
Make Jaggery Water:
In a separate pot, dissolve jaggery in water. Bring to a gentle boil and strain if needed.
Combine:
Slowly add the jaggery water to the roasted flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Simmer:
Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Add fennel and cardamom.
Garnish:
Stir in the dry fruits and a little extra ghee for richness.
Serve:
Warm in small steel katoris—the way tradition intended.

A Culinary Memoir in the Making

Chef Himanshu’s journey—from village kitchens in Uttarakhand to award-winning culinary innovation in New York—is one of dedication, humility, and rooted reinvention. He’s currently working on his debut culinary memoir and recipe book, where stories like Lapsi will find a permanent home. Set to blend childhood tales, modern techniques, and heirloom recipes, the book promises to be a soul-stirring journey through flavors, memories, and milestones.

A Message to the Culinary World

In Chef Himanshu’s world, food is not just plated—it is passed down, preserved, and presented with purpose. Dishes like Lapsi remind us that the most powerful flavors are the ones that carry stories within them.

“Bridging borders with bold flavors-One heritage plate at a time”

Toscano Brings a Taste of Tuscany to the Heart of Andheri

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 5, 2025

The aromatic allure of authentic Italian cuisine finds a new home in Mumbai's bustling Andheri district as Toscano, India’s fastest-growing Italian restaurant chain, unveils its second outlet in the city. After the success of its Navi Mumbai debut, Toscano is now expanding its culinary footprint to Andheri West—right in the middle of Mumbai’s growing suburban fine dining scene.

A Culinary Love Letter to Tuscany

Toscano was born from the creative collaboration between renowned Chef Jean Michel and Chef Goutham Balasubramanian. Since its inception, the brand has been committed to capturing the essence of Tuscan cuisine—an effort that has resonated with diners in Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Navi Mumbai, and now, Andheri.

“Mumbai has always been our dream destination,” shares Chef Goutham. “The overwhelming response from Navi Mumbai showed us how much this city craves authentic Italian food. Opening in Andheri isn’t just about location—it’s about bringing the soul of Italy into one of India’s most vibrant culinary communities.”

Beyond Pizza: A Journey Through Tuscan Flavours

While Italian food in Mumbai has typically leaned toward the familiar, Toscano’s menu is a celebration of nuanced flavors and fine techniques from the Tuscan countryside. Highlights include:

Signature Salads: Like the Insalata di formaggio di capra e pere—a refined blend of goat cheese and roasted pear
Artisanal Sourdough Pizzas: Made with traditional fermentation methods for an unmatched bite
Premium Entrées: Such as Salmone Grigliato (Norwegian salmon) and their much-loved Chicken di Toscano, a ricotta and spinach-filled chicken breast that’s pure comfort
Decadent Desserts: The house-special Tiramisu and Kahlua Mousse are already fan favorites across all outlets

A Wine Destination Like No Other

Setting Toscano apart is its trailblazing status as India’s first wine bar concept. The new Andheri outlet will soon unveil a wine collection of over 160 global labels, spanning Italy, France, Chile, South Africa, and India.

With 36 wines served by the glass, Toscano brings a world of wine to both first-timers and seasoned drinkers. The flagship Toscano Wine Connection program takes things even further, offering curated wine training, community gatherings, and immersive tasting sessions for wine lovers and professionals alike. The wine program is set to launch at Toscano Andheri by mid-August.

Alfresco Dining & Elegant Design

Toscano Andheri continues the brand’s design philosophy with deep burgundy tones, lush greenery, and cozy yet refined interiors. The alfresco dining area adds a breath of fresh air—literally—offering a rare chance to enjoy Italian cuisine in an elegant outdoor setting amidst the city’s vibrant energy.

Experience More Than a Meal

Toscano goes beyond just food. Weekend live music (Friday to Sunday) transforms dinners into lively Italian soirées, while the Chef College experience allows guests to cook, taste, and learn directly from Toscano’s culinary team.

This dedication to immersive dining positions Toscano as more than just a restaurant. It’s a cultural destination—where food, wine, music, and learning come together to create a slice of Italy right in the heart of Mumbai.

Fact Sheet:

Location: Morya Landmark-1, Lokhandwala Complex, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Daily)
Reservations: +91 788 815 006

About Toscano Mumbai

With over 16 years of legacy, Toscano has established itself as one of India’s most trusted names in Italian fine dining. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and classic desserts, the brand blends rustic Italian warmth with modern sophistication.

Toscano’s Wine Connection Program enhances its culinary offerings, with a wine list that includes rare labels and approachable pours. With warm, welcoming interiors and a focus on hospitality, Toscano is a space for everything from date nights to family dinners and celebrations—bringing Italy’s hospitality and craftsmanship to Indian diners.

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Celebrate Sibling Love with Banaraswala’s Rakhi Hampers & Giveaway

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2025

As the festival of Rakhi nears, Banaraswala, Ghat Se Ghar Tak is set to spread sweetness and sibling love through its specially curated festive hampers and a heartwarming giveaway campaign. Whether you’re gifting your sibling or planning a family celebration, Banaraswala’s hampers, make for the perfect festive treat.

What makes it more special is that you can also courier your Rakhi along with these special sweets and hampers to your loved ones. The beautifully packed boxes include a premium selection of mithai that brings together tradition and celebration.

“Rakhi is about bonding and belonging. We wanted to celebrate this festival by bringing a taste of Banaras to every table and every heart,” shares Vibhanshu Mishra, Founder of Banaraswala. The brand is known for its warm vibe and authentic Banarasi flavours, from Tamatar Chaat and Kachoris to Chena Dahi Vada, Jalebi, Rabdi, Lassi, and the iconic Banarasi Paan, offering a true food journey from the ghats of Varanasi.

Rakhi Giveaway Campaign

To double the festive joy, Banaraswala is also launching a giveaway titled “Tyohaar Rishton Ka Hai, Mithaas Banaraswala Ki,” inviting followers to share their sweetest sibling memories.

How to Participate

Follow @banaraswala.in on Instagram
Like the giveaway post
Comment your favourite sibling memory and tag your sibling
Share the post to your story

Prizes:

1st Prize: ₹1500 dine-in voucher
2nd Prize: ₹1000 dine-in voucher
3rd Prize: ₹500 dine-in voucher

Winners will be announced on 12th August 2025. With this Banaraswala continues to be a go-to festive destination where taste meets tradition, making your Rakshabandhan truly special this year.