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.


Elevate Your Tastebuds: Month-Long Dining Specials at ITC Maratha

Elevate Your Tastebuds: Month-Long Dining Specials at ITC Maratha

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 8, 2025

ITC Maratha, Mumbai, sets the tone for a month-long celebration of food and flavour, offering thoughtfully curated dining experiences across its signature restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for handcrafted dim sums, luxurious kebabs, corporate-friendly feasts, or soulful cups of chai, there’s something special lined up every day.

Here’s what to expect across the month:

1. Yi Jing

imageDiscover a flavourful union of elegant dim sums paired with artisanal pours. This curated experience is crafted to bring harmony to the palate and elevate your dining journey. Available all month.

2. Avartana

imageFor those looking to host a business lunch or dinner, Avartana offers an exclusive Southern culinary experience 
Bonus: The “First Come, Finer Served” offer upgrades your meal if you dine early — Sundays lunch (12:00 pm – 1:30 pm) and dinner daily (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm).

3. Dum Pukht

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Savour royalty with a Table d’Hôte menu featuring luxurious biryanis and kebabs. Don’t miss their signature Haleem, available à la carte. This regal spread is available throughout the month.

4. Corporate Rewards

Show your corporate ID and enjoy à la carte and set menus at Yi Jing, Dum Pukht, and Peshawri from Monday to Saturday. Also, tuck into the lunch buffet at Peshwa Pavilion (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm) with the same benefit.

5. Bombay High

imageUnwind with a 1+1 offer on select premium beverages, daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Also, from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, indulge in a soulful chai session with snacks like Vada Pav, Pakodas, or explore herbal teas with wellness benefits.

Whether you’re planning a business meal, looking for a mid-week indulgence, or simply want to unwind with a fine pour and savoury bites, ITC Maratha’s dining specials promise a flavourful and fulfilling experience — every single day of the month.

Venue: ITC Maratha, Sahar, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099
Reservations: +91 22 40341800 | Restaurantreservation.Itcmaratha@itchotels.in


Red Rhino and Samsaric Brewing Launch Kamasutra Passionfruit WitBier with Simultaneous Global Release

Red Rhino and Samsaric Brewing Launch Kamasutra Passionfruit WitBier with Simultaneous Global Release

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 7, 2025

In a first-of-its-kind moment for the craft beer world, Red Rhino Craft Brewery (India) and Samsaric Brewing (USA) have announced a simultaneous global release of their collaborative brew — Kamasutra Passionfruit WitBier — launching on tap across both continents on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the exact same hour.

This historic cross-border collaboration merges Indian creativity and American innovation to craft a Belgian-style Witbier that's as meaningful as it is flavourful. Brewed with a 4.95% ABV, Kamasutra Passionfruit WitBier balances classic Belgian wheat beer elements like aromatic spices and European hops with a refreshing burst of tropical passionfruit, inspired by Indian taste profiles.

“We've created something that truly represents the best of both our worlds,” said Nikhil Chavan, Head of Brewing Operations at Red Rhino. “European brewing traditions meet Indian flavor inspiration and sustainable American practices.”

“On June 11, 2011, I dreamed of drinking a beer I made in India. Today, it’s a reality,” shared Bobby Chacko, CEO and Founder of Samsaric Brewing.

Crafted Across Continents

The beer is being brewed in tandem at Red Rhino’s Bangalore and Hyderabad breweries and Samsaric’s facilities in Bensalem, Pennsylvania and Itasca, Illinois, maintaining identical quality and character on both sides of the world.

Using Canadian malts, European hops, and locally inspired passion fruit, the Kamasutra WitBier is also brewed sustainably — minimizing waste, reducing cold-chain dependency, and avoiding artificial preservatives.

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June 8 Launch & Global Toast

To mark the launch, a global toast event will take place on June 8 in Bangalore, streamed live with Samsaric Brewing’s US locations. Craft beer lovers across continents will raise their glasses at the same time — a milestone in international craft beer culture.

“We’ve never seen a release like this,” the Red Rhino and Samsaric teams noted. “It’s a new frontier for collaborative brewing.”

The beer will be available on tap starting June 8 at Red Rhino Bangalore & Hyderabad, and through Samsaric’s distribution in Pennsylvania and Illinois.

About the Breweries

  • Red Rhino Craft Brewery: With outlets in Bangalore and Hyderabad, Red Rhino is known for its innovative, quality-driven brewing while honouring traditional styles.

  • Samsaric Brewing: A US-based craft brewery focused on imaginative takes on classic beer forms with sustainable methods and bold experimentation.

This launch marks not just a new beer — but a new chapter in global craft beer storytelling.


Café Delhi Heights Celebrates 14 Years of Comfort Dining and Announces Bold Expansion Plans

Café Delhi Heights Celebrates 14 Years of Comfort Dining and Announces Bold Expansion Plans

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 7, 2025

Café Delhi Heights, the much-loved homegrown café chain, is proudly celebrating its 14th anniversary — a milestone that highlights its enduring charm, warm hospitality, and comfort-driven culinary philosophy. From its beginnings in 2011 as a cozy café in Delhi, the brand has grown to 46 outlets across 16 cities, becoming a cherished name for casual dining in India.

Over the years, Café Delhi Heights has redefined the idea of comfort dining, offering an eclectic menu and a vibrant ambiance that brings people together. As it steps into its 15th year, the brand is reflecting on its journey while preparing for an ambitious future. By the end of the current fiscal year, it plans to reach the 50-outlet mark, with new cafés opening in Tier 2 cities such as Meerut and Jaipur.

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Looking ahead to 2028, the brand has set its sights on scaling up to 120 outlets and achieving a revenue of ₹500 crore, reinforcing its position in the Indian food and beverage industry. The expansion will include a focus on new markets, continued innovation in menu offerings, and enhanced guest experiences — all while preserving the signature warmth and comfort that define Café Delhi Heights.

Currently present in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Srinagar, Dehradun, Patiala, and Raipur, the brand’s pan-India journey continues to flourish.

As part of its evolution, Café Delhi Heights is also diversifying its portfolio through innovative new ventures:

  • Sarava – a coastal dining experience capturing the diverse flavors of India’s shores.

  • Ikigai, Iki & Gai – an immersive, experience-driven concept rooted in Japanese philosophy and curated by Sarthak Batra.

  • JLB (Juicy Lucy Burgers) – a fast-casual burger brand offering gourmet comfort food.

  • Comfort Bakehouse – a bakery and delivery platform offering premium ready-to-eat treats.

These new concepts are crafted to keep pace with evolving consumer preferences, while staying rooted in the brand’s core values of hospitality, quality, and comfort.

“As we commemorate 14 years of Café Delhi Heights, we reflect on a journey driven by passion, people, and purpose,” said Mr. Vikrant Batra, Founder of Café Delhi Heights. “Our mission has always been to build spaces where food, warmth, and conversation come together effortlessly. The next chapter is about reaching new cities and communities while keeping our spirit intact.”

As it enters a new phase of growth, Café Delhi Heights remains committed to its founding philosophy — hearty, comforting food served in a welcoming space. With a strong focus on sustainable growth and authentic experiences, the brand continues to shape India’s casual dining landscape while delighting millions of guests across the country.

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