Lapsi: A Sweet Memory from the Hills of Uttarakhand

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.

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Make Jaggery Water:
    In a separate pot, dissolve jaggery in water. Bring to a gentle boil and strain if needed.
  3. Combine:
    Slowly add the jaggery water to the roasted flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  4. Simmer:
    Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Add fennel and cardamom.
  5. Garnish:
    Stir in the dry fruits and a little extra ghee for richness.
  6. 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.

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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”


McDonald’s India (North & East) Spreads Festive Cheer with Special Meal Offers

By Manu VArdhan Kannan

Published on October 5, 2025

McDonald’s India – North and East has announced the launch of its Festive-Meals, available at a special price with up to 51% off, adding more flavour and joy to the celebrations this festive season. The limited-time offer aims to make moments of Durga Puja and Diwali even more special by bringing families and friends together over affordable and delicious McDonald’s favourites.

As part of the campaign, McDonald’s has also released a festive anthem film celebrating togetherness, joy, and inclusivity. The film showcases how Festive-Meals bring communities closer, allowing people to share laughter, music, and happy moments over their much-loved burgers and fries.

Speaking about the initiative, Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “For more than 25 years, McDonald’s has been woven into the fabric of India’s festive spirit. Each festival gives us the chance to connect with our customers through cherished moments of celebration. This year, the Festive Meal offers continue that tradition by making every festive gathering more delightful, with the familiar taste and everyday value that bring families and friends together at McDonald’s.”

To ensure inclusivity, McDonald’s is also offering No Onion, No Garlic (NONG) versions of favourites like the McAloo Tikki Burger and Happy Meals®, catering to festive food preferences. The brand continues to uphold one of the strictest vegetarian and non-vegetarian segregation practices in the industry, maintaining separate kitchens, storage, and equipment to ensure 100% purity for vegetarian food.

Notably, McDonald’s India stands out as the only market globally with fully vegetarian restaurants, located in Jammu (New Track-Tarakote Marg and Ardhkuwari) and Amritsar (near the Golden Temple). These outlets reflect the brand’s respect for local traditions while offering the familiar McDonald’s experience.

The Festive Meal brings exceptional value , the McAloo Tikki Value Meal (Burger + Fries + Beverage) is priced at just ₹99 instead of ₹203, while a wholesome 4-course meal available at a special price. Exciting offers are also available across McDonald’s premium burger range, making the season even more delightful.

Customers can enjoy these Festive-Meals via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, or through delivery on the McDonald’s app, Swiggy, and Zomato.


KFC and Snickers Team Up for India’s First-Ever Brand Collaboration

KFC and Snickers Team Up for India’s First-Ever Brand Collaboration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 5, 2025

KFC India and Snickers India have announced their first-ever brand collaboration with a limited-edition dessert,  the KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake. This unique creation combines layers of chocolate-soaked sponge, creamy chocolate mousse, and finely chopped Snickers pieces, making it a dessert that’s indulgent, fun, and unforgettable.

This partnership marks a milestone moment, bringing together KFC’s 30-year legacy of delivering innovative food experiences in India with Snickers’ reputation as the ultimate hunger-satisfying chocolate bar.

Speaking on the collaboration, Aparna Bhawal, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC India & Partner Countries, said, “Who would’ve imagined KFC & Snickers in the same sentence, let alone the same plate. That’s the fun of this collaboration, two iconic brands coming together to create something unexpected and delicious! The KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake is our first co-created dessert and the ultimate finger lickin’ good finale to a KFC meal.”

Adding to this, Nikhil Rao, Chief Marketing Officer, MW India, shared, “Today’s Gen Z audience seeks not just great taste but also share-worthy experiences. Our collaboration with KFC India brings the iconic taste of SNICKERS® into a dessert experience that is indulgent, fun, and crafted for a new generation of food explorers. This partnership celebrates two beloved brands coming together to offer something bold and exciting that consumers didn’t even know they wanted but will now crave.”

The KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake is available for a limited time across 1,300+ KFC restaurants in India, for dine-in and takeaway, as well as via the KFC app, website (online.kfc.co.in), and leading food delivery apps. Fans can also pre-order via the KFC app to skip queues and enjoy this finger lickin’ good dessert right away.


Celebrate Diwali with Quro: India’s Artisanal Liqueur

Celebrate Diwali with Quro: India’s Artisanal Liqueur

By Hariharan U

Published on October 4, 2025

This Diwali, make your celebrations memorable with Quro, India’s first liqueur of its kind. More than a drink, Quro is an artisanal expression of heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality perfect for gifting during the festival of lights.

Crafted from 36 carefully selected ingredients sourced from across India including vibrant fruits, fragrant flowers, and traditional herbs and spices, Quro balances smoothness with complexity. Its flavour is at once familiar and intriguingly new, making it ideal for festive toasts, sharing special moments, or gifting to loved ones.

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Quro’s elegant packaging, inscribed with the name in multiple Indian scripts, celebrates the country’s diversity and adds a distinctive touch to any Diwali gift. The liqueur is versatile: sip it neat, enjoy it as a spritz, or try signature serves like the Quro Qrisp.

“Gifting Quro isn’t just about celebration; it’s about honouring tradition, togetherness, and the spirit of Diwali with something thoughtfully crafted and truly original,” says the team at Inspired Spirits.

About Inspired Spirits

Founded in 2023 by Anmoll Alok Bansal, Inspired Spirits was born out of a vision to bring innovation and creativity to India’s spirits category. Recognising a gap for bold experimentation in flavours and ingredients, Anmoll set out to reimagine what premium homegrown spirits could be.

Quro is the first creation from Inspired Spirits, a contemporary liqueur that celebrates curiosity, craftsmanship, and bold ideas. It marks the beginning of a journey to redefine how India experiences and engages with artisanal spirits.

  • Available at: Select premium wine stores across Goa

  • Follow on: Instagram and LinkedIn

This festive season, let Quro light up your celebrations with a gift that is bold, timeless, and unmistakably Indian.

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