LB Brewers Partners with Taiwan's Jim and Dad's Brewing to Launch India's First Bottled Tea Beer

LB Brewers Partners with Taiwan's Jim and Dad's Brewing to Launch India's First Bottled Tea Beer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 13, 2024

In a groundbreaking partnership, Goa’s Latambarcem Brewers (LB Brewers) and Taiwan’s Jim and Dad’s Brewing Company have joined hands to introduce India’s first bottled tea beer—MAKA di Oo-Long Blanche. This limited-edition fusion brew blends the authentic flavors of Xiangzhuang Red Oolong tea from Taiwan with LB Brewers' Belgian Blanche brewing expertise, creating a unique cross-cultural craft beer experience.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the global craft beer industry, showcasing the harmonious fusion of Taiwanese tea traditions and Indian brewing artistry. Available exclusively in Goa and Taipei, this bold creation is designed to cater to global travelers and beer enthusiasts.

Speaking about the collaboration, Aditya Ishan Varshnei, co-founder and CEO of LB Brewers, shared, “This partnership with Jim and Dad's Brewing Company celebrates the coming together of two diverse cultures. MAKA di Oo-Long Blanche represents a landmark in global brewing, blending the ancient Taiwanese tea traditions with our craft beer expertise.”

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Jim Sung, co-founder of Jim and Dad's Brewing Company, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce the unique flavor of Taiwanese Oolong tea to India while bringing a touch of Indian culture to Taiwan. This collaboration has been an enriching exchange of brewing techniques and traditions.”

MAKA di Oo-Long Blanche offers a refreshing and adventurous experience, featuring the smooth, light notes of wheat beer paired with the delicate aromas of Red Oolong tea sourced from the famous Zhengfu Tea Garden. Its meticulous brewing process, which involves adding the tea leaves at the final stage, preserves the tea’s subtle flavors. With a balanced 4-5% ABV and a crisp finish, the beer is priced at just INR 150 and crafted to delight beer lovers on any occasion.

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This innovative launch follows LB Brewers’ success with the MAKA di Rocket Rice Lager, which gained popularity for its easy-drinking appeal. LB Brewers continues to expand its craft beer portfolio under the Maka Di brand, offering bespoke options loved not only across India but also in international markets like the US, Canada, and UAE.

About LB Brewers

Founded by siblings Aditya Ishan and Anish Varshnei, LB Brewers has transformed Goa’s hinterlands into a hub of world-class brewing. The company’s flagship Maka Di craft beer range and Borecha Kombucha brand cater to diverse tastes with a vision of individuality. Committed to fostering the local community, LB Brewers creates employment opportunities in the village of Latambarcem, reinforcing its mission of brewing excellence with a purpose.


ibis India Partners with Chef Sanjyot Keer to Elevate Dining at Spice It

ibis India Partners with Chef Sanjyot Keer to Elevate Dining at Spice It

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 29, 2025

ibis India has announced an exciting new collaboration with renowned chef and culinary creator Sanjyot Keer, aimed at transforming the guest dining experience across its Spice It restaurants nationwide. This strategic partnership is part of ibis India’s broader initiative to refresh its food and beverage offerings and resonate more deeply with the evolving tastes of today’s travellers.

Founder of Your Food Lab, Chef Sanjyot Keer is celebrated for his unique storytelling and modern interpretations of Indian cuisine. With over two million followers on Instagram and collaborations with global and Indian icons like Ed Sheeran, Ajay Devgn, and Sourav Ganguly, Keer’s dynamic culinary sensibility makes him the perfect partner to infuse ibis India’s dining with fresh energy and creativity.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Chef Sanjyot Keer in this bold step forward for our dining experiences. His creative approach and cultural relevance perfectly reflect the ibis brand ethos. This partnership redefines what guests can expect from food and beverage at an economy hotel – approachable yet innovative cuisine served with heart,” said Tejus Jose, Director of Operations, ibis & ibis Styles India.

Sharing his excitement, Chef Keer added, “Partnering with ibis India is a wonderful opportunity to bring my culinary vision to life on a national scale. The menu we’ve created blends familiar Indian flavours with a global perspective, resulting in a collection of dishes that are comforting, imaginative, and made to spark conversation. I look forward to guests across the country enjoying this new dining experience.”

This collaboration reinforces ibis India’s commitment to delivering multi-sensory, memorable guest experiences that go beyond the usual expectations of economy hotels. Whether travelling for work or leisure, guests at Spice It can now look forward to a menu that’s thoughtfully crafted to connect people through great food, bold flavours, and a sense of shared enjoyment.


Tino’s Brings Authentic Italian Flavours to Gurugram with New Café at Sapphire Mall

Tino’s Brings Authentic Italian Flavours to Gurugram with New Café at Sapphire Mall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 29, 2025

Gurugram’s culinary scene just got a delightful Italian upgrade with the launch of Tino’s, a charming café that promises the heart of Italy right at Sapphire Mall. Designed to blend the authenticity of a traditional Italian eatery with a modern, laid-back vibe, Tino’s invites guests to slow down and savour life’s simple joys.

Rooted in the values of simplicity, authenticity, and warmth, the concept at Tino’s celebrates classic Italian flavours prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honoured techniques. Guests can indulge in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, handcrafted pastas, creamy burrata, and rich Italian coffee, all served in a cozy space that feels both rustic and contemporary.

“The story of Tino’s is built on our belief that creating meaningful bonds over good food and shared moments can truly enrich our lives. We take pride in using time-honoured techniques and respecting Italian culinary traditions, while carefully sourcing the finest ingredients to bring every dish to life,” shared Atik Gill, owner at Tino’s.

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“Tino’s is our humble neighbourhood pizzeria, where the simple act of breaking bread becomes memorable. We hope it becomes a space for magical everyday moments shared with friends, family, and even strangers.”

The interiors of Tino’s reflect this philosophy with a rustic-modern aesthetic, soft wood tones, natural textures, and an understated elegance that invites guests to linger—whether it’s over brunch with friends, a solo work afternoon, or a cozy evening meal.

More than just a new restaurant, Tino’s aims to become a community-centric café, a go-to spot for those seeking a perfect balance of good food, good vibes, and heartfelt hospitality.


Residency Group of Hotels Clinches Gold at SICA Incredible Chef Challenge 2025

Residency Group of Hotels Clinches Gold at SICA Incredible Chef Challenge 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 28, 2025

The Residency Group of Hotels has emerged victorious at the Incredible Chef Challenge 2025, organized by the South India Culinary Association (SICA) in association with World of Hospitality (WOH), securing the coveted title of Best Hotel Team Overall. Held from June 12–14, this celebrated culinary showdown brought together top talent from hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and hospitality institutions across South India.

The group clinched 1 gold, 3 silver, 4 bronze medals, and 3 merit awards in Pastry and Plated Appetizers, demonstrating both breadth and finesse across the culinary spectrum.

Expressing his pride, Mr. Ajeeth Janardhanan, Culinary Director at The Residency Group of Hotels, shared,

“It is a moment of utmost pride and joy for the talent in-house. The team has poured their hearts into every dish, every detail and to see it all come together – it's overwhelming… My team is like my family and this win is a testament to the countless hours of hard work and the passion we all share for great food.”

The three-day event featured a diverse lineup of categories including wedding cake artistry, pastry and bakery showpieces, pre-plated Karnataka cuisine, live cooking, fruit and vegetable carving, and more—each crafted to spotlight the innovation and skill of culinary professionals.

With judging panels comprising SICA chefs and industry stalwarts, the challenge aimed to promote culinary excellence, foster professional growth, and provide a platform for India’s finest chefs to display their artistry.

About Residency Group:

With a strong presence in South India, The Residency Group of Hotels is known for its world-class boutique properties that celebrate regional heritage and culture. Located across Chennai, Coimbatore, Karur, Puducherry, and Rameswaram, each property offers elegant hospitality with thoughtfully curated experiences and homely comfort for today’s discerning traveler.

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