Draavin Canteen, the much-loved South Indian eatery founded by chef patron Ruchira Hoon, has opened its doors in Gurugram, marking a new phase of growth and identity. Formerly known as Dakshin Canteen in South Delhi, the restaurant has been reimagined under the name Draavin—drawn from the Sanskrit root “drav,” meaning to flow and move.

The name symbolises rivers, spice routes, and the abundance of the Dravidian south, while also reflecting the restaurant’s own journey of expansion. Speaking about the new identity, Hoon said, “Draavin is more than just a name, it is a philosophy. It celebrates prosperity, generosity, and the joy of shared meals. Expanding from South Delhi to Gurgaon is about continuing that flow, reaching more people, and sharing the soul of the south with new audiences.”

At its Gurugram location, Draavin Canteen stays true to its roots while expanding its offerings. The menu showcases diverse cuisines from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Malabar, Lakshadweep, and Sri Lanka. Diners can look forward to Chettinad curries, Kerala-style stews, coastal seafood, fiery Andhra specialties, and Sri Lankan flavours. Complementing the food are spice-forward beverages and tropical-inspired drinks.

The interiors also tell a story, designed with earthy tones, natural textures, and cultural motifs that echo the spirit of the south while fitting into a contemporary setting. The space is warm and soulful, inviting guests to experience comfort and abundance through food and atmosphere.

With this opening, Draavin Canteen evolves from a beloved neighbourhood kitchen into a growing brand that celebrates the culinary heritage and cultural richness of the Dravidian south across multiple destinations.

Bengaluru is gearing up for Oktoberfest 2025, and the city’s beer lovers have plenty to look forward to. This year, three venues, Gladia Brewery & Kitchen, Chin Lung, and Amicii are taking the Bavarian spirit and adding their own flavour to it. Expect freshly brewed beers, indulgent menus, and festive settings that recreate the energy of Munich’s world-famous celebration right here at home.

Gladia Brewery & Kitchen: A Taste of Bavaria in the City

From late September to early October, Gladia Brewery & Kitchen is turning into a Bavarian-style beer haven. The highlight is their limited-edition Märzen—a German Lager with a warm copper finish, toasty aroma, and balanced malt profile (6% ABV, 22 IBU). Paired with German sausages, oven-fresh pretzels, and the signature Hummingbird Cake, it’s a menu built for indulgence. Add to that the traditional blue-and-white décor and buzzing atmosphere, and it feels like a slice of Munich in Bengaluru.  Reservations: 063646 51167.

Chin Lung: Brewing Legacy Meets Festive Cheer

One of Bengaluru’s oldest brewing names, Chin Lung is adding Oktoberfest flair across its Indiranagar and Marathahalli outlets. From October onwards, visitors can enjoy specially brewed Oktoberfest pints. With over six decades of brewing heritage, Chin Lung blends Bavarian fest vibes with its signature IPAs and Asian-inspired brews. The beer garden-style setting at Marathahalli promises a lively evening out with friends. Reservations available via website, Zomato, or Swiggy Dineout.

Amicii: A Feast with a Twist

Starting early October, Amicii is joining the celebration with a food-forward spin on Oktoberfest. Their curated menu includes Avocado & Cream Cheese Croquettes, Mini Samosa Sliders, Mutton Sukha, Tandoori Sausages, Sticky Bacon-Wrapped Sausages, and a Coorg-style Pandi Fry. With small-batch Oktoberfest brews to match, it’s a feast designed for sharing. Reservations: 091481 52787.

The Bengaluru Oktoberfest Experience
This year’s Oktoberfest in Bengaluru is about more than just beer—it’s about community, festive cheer, and a blend of global and local flavours. Whether you’re raising a stein of Märzen at Gladia, enjoying Chin Lung’s legacy brews, or digging into Amicii’s fusion menu, each spot brings a unique experience. So call your friends, clink those steins, and enjoy the city’s take on this global celebration.

Leads Brand Connect, a leading advertising and brand marketing company, has introduced Portugal’s ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil brand, Coração do Vale, to the Indian market. The official launch took place at World Food India 2025, marking the entry of one of Portugal’s finest gourmet products into India.

Coração do Vale, sourced from the famed olive groves of Baixo Alentejo, widely regarded as the cradle of Portuguese olive-growing traditions was inaugurated by Shri Chirag Paswan, Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The launch was graced by Eng. João Moura, Secretary of State for Agriculture, Government of Portugal, H.E. João Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal to India, Eng. Altino Álvares, Executive President of PIBhub, and Dr. Diolinda Silva, Executive Director of Portugal Foods.

The introduction of Coração do Vale is more than a product launch, it represents a cultural offering. Olive oil has always held a deep connection with Indian cuisine, symbolizing nourishment, celebration, and heritage. Through an MOU signed with Lagar do Vale, a renowned olive oil producer from Baixo Alentejo, Leads Brand Connect is not only bringing a premium culinary experience to India but also strengthening the historic trade ties between India and Portugal.

Speaking at the launch, Richa Khandelwal, Managing Director of Leads Brand Connect, said: “We are overwhelmed to bring Coração do Vale, one of the finest ultra-premium Portuguese olive oils to India. It embodies luxury, culture, and well-being and is crafted for food connoisseurs, celebrities, and those who appreciate the finer things in life. This olive oil reflects the sophistication and authenticity of Portuguese traditions.”

Adding to this, João Carvalhal, Managing Director of Lagar do Vale, noted: “India is a dynamic market with a young population and great potential. While most olive oils here come from Italy or Spain, Portuguese olive oil from Baixo Alentejo is among the best in the world. Our partnership with Leads Brand Connect is a win-win, and we are excited to bring this premium product to India.”

Coração do Vale will initially be offered in 500 ml bottles through its direct-to-consumer platform, coracaodovale.com, available only via pre-bookings. The limited-edition olive oil will feature an elegant black and gold design housed in a tinted bottle to protect freshness.

Crafted from a blend of native Portuguese olive varieties including Arbequina, Arbosana, Cobrançosa, Picual, Cordovil, Verdeal, and Galega, Coração do Vale stands out for its distinctive fruity and balanced profile, making it a true gourmet indulgence for refined palates.

With its launch, Coração do Vale is set to bring a taste of Portugal’s rich heritage and authenticity to Indian dining tables, redefining luxury in culinary experiences.