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.


Serve Robotics and Little Caesars Introduce Autonomous Pizza Delivery in Los Angeles via Uber Eats

Serve Robotics and Little Caesars Introduce Autonomous Pizza Delivery in Los Angeles via Uber Eats

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 9, 2025

Little Caesars customers in Los Angeles might soon find a robot at their doorstep delivering HOT-N-READY® pizzas, thanks to a new collaboration between Serve Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: SERV), the nation’s third-largest pizza chain, and Uber Eats (NYSE: UBER).

The partnership introduces autonomous sidewalk delivery robots into Little Caesars’ Los Angeles delivery operations via Uber Eats, enhancing service speed, convenience, and sustainability. This move builds on Serve’s existing footprint in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta, with additional U.S. cities expected soon.

Ali Kashani, CEO of Serve Robotics, said: “Delivering for a beloved national chain like Little Caesars is another opportunity for us to show how we help merchants grow and give consumers a better delivery experience. Seeing a Serve robot at your door will soon become as much of a weekly tradition as pizza night.”

Serve’s third-generation robots are designed with pizza delivery in mind, featuring an expanded cargo bin that can hold four 16-inch pizzas plus sides and drinks, all while maintaining optimal temperature and quality en route.

Trish Heusel, Vice President of Innovation at Little Caesars, added: “Little Caesars is always looking for ways to be innovative in the restaurant industry, and we are proud to partner with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to deliver our delicious pizzas to our customers in Los Angeles. Partnering with Serve allows us to deliver a solution that aligns with our commitment to better service and technology-forward solutions while reducing our environmental footprint.”

Megan Jensen, Head of Autonomous Delivery Operations at Uber Eats, noted: “By combining smart technology with everyday convenience, we’re making delivery easier, more reliable, and more sustainable.”

Customers in Serve’s Los Angeles delivery zone can now opt for autonomous delivery when ordering Little Caesars through the Uber Eats app.


McDonald’s Expands in Jharkhand with Two New Restaurants in Ranchi

McDonald’s Expands in Jharkhand with Two New Restaurants in Ranchi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 8, 2025

Ranchi’s food scene just got a global upgrade as McDonald’s India (North & East) unveiled two new restaurants in the city — at Mall of Ranchi and Panache 99, Circular Road. This strategic expansion strengthens the brand’s presence in Jharkhand, following successful outlets in Jamshedpur and Dhanbad.

Ranchi, known for its vibrant youth culture, love for sports, and tight-knit community, now has more reasons to celebrate — with not just one, but two centrally located McDonald’s outlets offering a modern, accessible dining experience.

Two New Destinations for a Global Menu

Each restaurant combines a contemporary aesthetic, globally inspired décor, and a warm ambience. Together, the new locations span 3,034 sq. ft. and offer a combined seating capacity of 197, with both dine-in and takeaway options available.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director of McDonald’s India – North and East, shared:

“It fills us with immense joy to open our doors in Ranchi, a city that beautifully blends rich Jharkhand traditions, youthful energy, and the warmth of 'sab saath mein' spirit. We look forward to becoming a part of Ranchi's everyday moments — whether it's students catching up after college, families celebrating festivals, or friends unwinding after exploring Tagore Hill or Rock Garden.”

An Elevated McDonald’s Experience

Customers at both outlets can expect:

  • Self-ordering digital kiosks

  • Table service

  • Guest experience leaders for personalized assistance

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Menu Highlights

The menu features a delicious mix of global favourites and Indian classics, including:

  • Maharaja Mac, McVeggie, McAloo Tikki

  • McSpicy Burgers, McChicken, McCrispy Chicken, and Chicken McGrill

  • McDonald’s signature French fries, wraps, beverages, and desserts

Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between classes, enjoying a family outing, or celebrating a shopping spree, these outlets aim to be the go-to hangout spot for Ranchiites.

Job Creation & Community Growth

In line with McDonald’s commitment to community development, the Ranchi outlets will also generate employment opportunities for youth, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, under the McDonald’s for Youth initiative. Aspiring candidates can apply by emailing hiring.ngo@del.in.mcd.com.

About McDonald’s India – North & East

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s has a footprint of close to 245 restaurants and 100 McCafés across the North and East of India. The brand focuses on affordability, high-quality local sourcing, and customer-centric service, making it a preferred food destination for millions.

For more information, visit www.mcdindia.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.


A Taste of Singapore Lands in Chennai at SKY Curated Asian Dining

A Taste of Singapore Lands in Chennai at SKY Curated Asian Dining

By Author

Published on August 7, 2025

Singapore’s rich culinary heritage lands in Chennai this month, as SKY Curated Asian Dining at The Residency Towers unveils a vibrant showcase — “A Taste of Singapore”, a thoughtfully curated menu celebrating the island nation's cultural mosaic. The event is on until August 17th, this experience offers Chennai’s diners a unique opportunity to savour Singapore’s most iconic flavors, all under one roof.

At the heart of this experience is Chef Sowmiya Venkatesan, a Singapore-based culinary artist and finalist of MasterChef Singapore Season 1. She is also the visionary behind Kechil Kitchen, a digital food enterprise that champions sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural storytelling through cuisine. With Kechil Kitchen, Chef Sowmiya invites diners and viewers alike on a journey where every bite reflects a step toward a more balanced and conscious food future.

Commenting on the collaboration, Chef Sowmiya shared:
“I have always championed Indian cuisine in Singapore – celebrating biodiversity and sustainability through local produce. It feels incredibly fulfilling and is an honor to come full circle by representing Singapore and showcasing its Indian, Malay, Chinese, Peranakan and Eurasian cuisines in India. ‘A Taste of Singapore’ is a celebration of migration, adaptation and community – culinarily expressed, where diversity is our main ingredient.”

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A Celebration of Cultures – The Menu

Inspired by Singapore’s unique blend of communities and traditions, the menu is a journey through Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Eurasian/Peranakan culinary influences:

THE INDIAN

  • Tauhu Sambal (V) – Spicy tofu with traditional sambal

  • Rojak (V) – Tangy fruit and vegetable salad

  • Mee Goreng – Stir-fried noodles with bold spices

  • Mee Siam – Sweet, sour, and tangy rice vermicelli

THE CHINESE

  • Chwee Kueh with Mushrooms (V) – Steamed rice cakes with savory mushroom topping

  • Sweet Chilli Crab – A sweet and fiery Singaporean classic

THE MALAY

  • Otak Otak – Grilled fish cake in banana leaf

  • Epok Epok / Curry Puff (V) – Flaky pastry filled with savory goodness

  • Rendang – Deeply spiced, slow-cooked meat curry

  • Rendang (V) – Vegetarian version of the classic

  • Sayur Lodeh (V) – Coconut milk vegetable stew

THE EURASIAN / PERANAKAN

  • Prawn Bastador – Tangy tomato-based prawn curry

  • Pang Susie – Soft, sweet-savoury buns with spiced fillings

DESSERTS

  • Kueh Talam Ubi (V) – Steamed tapioca and coconut layered cake

  • Bubur Cha Cha (V) – Coconut milk dessert with yam and sago

  • Putu Mayam (V) – Delicate rice noodles served with coconut and jaggery

  • Mango Sago (V) – Mango-infused sago dessert

Chennai’s Culinary Passport to Singapore

SKY’s commitment to curating world-class Asian experiences finds perfect expression in this immersive menu. More than a meal, “A Taste of Singapore” is a celebration of culture, identity, and sustainability — captured beautifully in Chef Sowmiya’s mindful and masterful creations.

Available till August 17th at SKY Curated Asian Dining, The Residency Towers, Chennai, this is a rare opportunity to explore the spirit of Singapore through its food — a true feast of migration, adaptation, and community on every plate.

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