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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 DishCuisine: Uttarakhandi VegetarianPortion Size: 150gPreparation Time: 10 minutesCooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Preparation:
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”
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By Hariharan U
Published on August 26, 2025
Ganesh Chaturthi is that time of year when homes are filled with joy, devotion, and the aroma of festive offerings. And nothing captures the spirit of welcoming Lord Ganesha better than sweets that carry tradition and taste in every bite. This season, India Sweet House has unveiled an exclusive range of handcrafted Modaks and Laddus, made with care and the finest ingredients, to make celebrations truly unforgettable.
The collection brings together both timeless and innovative flavors. From the much-loved Motichoor Modak and Coconut Modak to delightful twists like Chocolate Hazelnut Modak and Khova Butterscotch Modak, there’s something to please every palate. For those who cherish classic richness, the Jaggery Kaju Modak, Pista Modak, and the indulgent Maharaja Laddu offer a perfect balance of taste and tradition.
Each sweet is more than just a treat, it’s a symbol of devotion. Whether offered at the feet of Bappa or shared among family and friends, these creations carry warmth, joy, and festive spirit.
India Sweet House ensures that every Modak and Laddu is freshly prepared each day, blending tradition with modern taste, while staying rooted in quality and authenticity. The aim is simple: to make Ganesh Chaturthi sweeter, more memorable, and filled with togetherness.
Devotees can visit any India Sweet House outlet to explore this festive collection, crafted with love and reverence. After all, what better way to welcome Lord Ganesha than with the sweetest offerings?
To discover the full range, visit: https://indiasweethouse.in/
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Founded in 1957, JK Masale has built a legacy of purity, trust, and authenticity for over six decades. The journey began with the late Shri Dhannalal Jain, fondly called the “Jeera King,” and has grown into one of India’s most respected spice brands, known for its uncompromising commitment to quality.
Today, JK Masale proudly announced Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan as its brand ambassador. The partnership is rooted in shared values and legacy. Saif, a member of one of India’s celebrated royal families and a highly respected actor, brings the perfect balance of heritage and modern appeal. His credibility, charm, and sophistication reflect the journey of JK Masale, where tradition meets evolving tastes.
“In Saif Ali Khan, we see a reflection of our own journey,” said Ashok Jain, Managing Director of JK Masale. “His royal lineage, refined persona, and the trust he commands make him a natural fit for a brand like ours. This partnership goes beyond endorsement, it is a union of legacies, where tradition and modern taste come together.”
The campaign featuring Saif Ali Khan will centre around three key themes:
Royalty & Heritage – JK Masale’s six-decade presence in Indian kitchens mirrors Saif’s cultural and cinematic lineage.
Authenticity & Trust – The brand’s reputation for purity and consistency across generations aligns with Saif’s trusted public presence.
Modern Sophistication – Both the brand and Saif embody a refined sensibility that appeals to the new-age consumer.
This partnership comes at a transformative moment for JK Masale. With a major investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jaipur, the brand is embracing cutting-edge technology. The upcoming plant will house advanced grinding units, cold storage, and precision packaging systems, enhancing production capacity by 1480 tonnes per month to meet rising domestic and international demand.
With a strong presence across India, JK Masale also exports to countries including the UK, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Bhutan. The association with Saif Ali Khan underlines the brand’s vision to honour its legacy while stepping confidently into the future through innovation and expansion.
Published on August 24, 2025
As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, sweet offerings inspired by Lord Ganesha’s favourite treat take centre stage. This festive season, SMOOR and HOCCO Ice Cream have introduced limited-edition modaks that blend tradition with indulgence.
SMOOR’s Artisanal Modaks
Luxury chocolate brand SMOOR has curated a special Ganesh Chaturthi collection, presenting modaks with a gourmet twist. The line-up includes:
Mango Cashew Modak – a fusion of Alphonso mango and crunchy cashews, crafted into an elegant artisanal modak.
Choco Modak (Mango + Cashew) – a rich chocolate-layered version with nutty notes, designed for those seeking decadence.
With premium packaging crafted for gifting and festive offerings, SMOOR’s modaks are ideal as prasad, celebratory indulgences, or thoughtful gifts.Availability: SMOOR lounges, signature outlets, and online at www.smoor.in
HOCCO’s Modak Ice Creams
Known for its playful innovations, HOCCO Ice Cream gives the traditional sweet a refreshing twist with modak-shaped ice creams. The festive collection features:
White Chocolate Modak – coconut ice cream encased in a glossy white chocolate shell
Milk Chocolate Modak – coconut cream–infused ice cream wrapped in smooth milk chocolate
Each bite captures the joy of the season while offering a modern take on the classic.Availability: Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto (Mumbai & Pune), and select trade outlets across Maharashtra.
From SMOOR’s artisanal creations to HOCCO’s ice cream innovation, these festive delights highlight two different interpretations of the iconic modak. Whether for devotion, gifting, or indulgence, both brands offer something special to elevate Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
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