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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 18, 2025
India's snacking landscape is experiencing a complete overhaul. What was once dominated by deep-fried, maida-laden goodies is now transforming into a space where indulgence meets health led by baked, air-fried, and maida-free snacks.
The growing awareness of lifestyle diseases, particularly among younger consumers, is one of the major drivers of this change. Indian snackers today are more informed, label-conscious, and seek healthier alternatives without compromising on taste. This shift has fueled a wave of new-age snack brands offering millet-based, protein-rich, baked, and air-fried products that resonate with a health-conscious mindset.
One such innovator leading this movement is Manish Sharma, Co-founder of Karigari, who introduced the no-maida chaap concept to the Indian food industry. Known for redefining traditional favourites with a healthy twist, Karigari has become a name associated with clean indulgence.
"We wanted to prove that street-style favourites can be made guilt-free," says Sharma. "Our maida-free chaap is not only a first in the category but also a step towards making protein-rich snacking more accessible and healthier."
"Consumers no longer feel guilty about reaching for a snack," adds another entrepreneur featured in the clip. "Now, it's all about ingredients, not just flavors. No maida, baked not fried, and air-fried foods are no longer just buzzwords—they've become basic expectations."
This transformation is also visible in India's hospitality and food service sectors. Cafés, cloud kitchens, and even high-end dining restaurants are updating their menus to include cleaner snacking options. Healthier chip alternatives, quinoa puffs, ragi cookies, and air-fried chaknas are finding their way onto shelves across both retail and digital platforms.
The pandemic further accelerated this wellness-driven wave. Urban millennials and Gen Z consumers began prioritizing immune health, gut health, and sustainable consumption. As a result, brands are now embracing ancient grains like millet and amaranth, eliminating refined flour, and adopting low-oil cooking methods.
According to market analysts, baked snacks are poised for double-digit growth in the coming years. With government initiatives like the International Year of Millets also promoting these ingredients, India's healthy snacking ecosystem is expanding across sourcing, innovation, and consumer adoption.
Today, Indian snacking is no longer a one-size-fits-all culture. From gluten-free khakhras to air-popped makhanas, consumers now enjoy a wide array of options that are just as nutritious as they are delicious.
About Manish Sharma: With over 17 years of experience in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, Manish Sharma has built a reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking industry leader. As the COO and Managing Director of Futomic Group, Manish has been instrumental in driving the company's success through innovation, operational excellence, and strategic expansion.
Flagship brands under his leadership include Karigari Ek-Ehasas (By Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi), Dutchman Port (Pirate-Themed Café & Bar), and Rasam Foods (Multi-Brand Venture). His customer-first philosophy, commitment to quality, and focus on sustainability have inspired many brands to rethink their approach to food innovation and ethical business practices.
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By Hariharan U
Published on April 6, 2026
Brigade Hospitality has relaunched its flagship bakery brand, The Baking Company (TBC), introducing a refreshed concept tailored for today’s fast-paced, quality-conscious urban consumers.
Currently operating from two key locations - World Trade Center Bengaluru and The Woodrose Club JP Nagar — the brand continues to focus on premium quality and freshly baked offerings within high-end commercial and lifestyle spaces.
Strengthening its footprint further, The Baking Company is set to open its third outlet in late April at Brigade Tech Gardens Whitefield, with plans to launch three additional outlets across Bengaluru within the year. This expansion reflects the brand’s strategic growth approach in one of India’s most dynamic urban markets.
At the core of this growth is a central kitchen model supported by a hub-and-spoke distribution system, ensuring consistency, operational efficiency, and freshness across all outlets. This structured approach enables the brand to scale while maintaining quality standards.
Commenting on the relaunch, Gurmeet Singh said, “The Baking Company holds a special place in our portfolio, and this relaunch reflects our effort to reimagine the brand for today’s fast-paced, quality-conscious consumer. With a strong focus on freshness, convenience, and design, we aim to create a bakery experience that fits seamlessly into everyday urban life.”
The refreshed menu features an extensive range of bite-sized offerings, including sandwiches, sliders, doughnuts, macarons, tartlets, and gourmet cakes, along with a curated selection of beverages. The brand is also expanding its focus on healthier options, incorporating fresh ingredients and select superfoods to align with evolving consumer preferences.
By combining Brigade Hospitality’s industry expertise with a contemporary product approach, the relaunch positions The Baking Company as a scalable and modern bakery concept. The move marks a new phase for the brand as it aims to become a preferred destination for premium bakery experiences in urban India.
Punjab Grill has unveiled its refreshed avatar in the city with a relaunch at Phoenix Marketcity Chennai, marking a new chapter in its culinary journey.
Previously located on the ground floor, the restaurant now reopens on the first floor with a renewed concept designed to offer a more immersive and contemporary dining experience. The relaunch reflects a strategic move by Lite Bite Foods to strengthen its presence in Chennai while aligning with evolving consumer expectations.
The new space brings together timeless elegance and modern design sensibilities, creating an ambience that feels both familiar and refreshed. With enhanced interiors, a reimagined layout, and a sharper focus on guest experience, the restaurant aims to elevate indulgent North Indian dining in the city.
Staying true to its roots, Punjab Grill continues to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of undivided Punjab. The menu retains its focus on robust flavours, time-honoured recipes, and signature dishes, while introducing a renewed emphasis on presentation, innovation, and storytelling.
Commenting on the relaunch, Rohit Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director, Lite Bite Foods, said, “Chennai has always been a significant market for us, and Phoenix Mall holds a special place in our journey. With this relaunch, we wanted to go beyond just a new location within the mall. We've reimagined the entire dining experience. From the ambiance to the menu curation, every element has been thoughtfully elevated to resonate with today’s diners while staying true to our rich culinary legacy.”
The reopening signals more than just a change in location within the mall—it reflects the brand’s intent to offer a more refined and memorable dining journey. With its updated identity, Punjab Grill invites Chennai’s diners to rediscover its iconic offerings in a setting that blends tradition with contemporary appeal.
Published on April 5, 2026
Sanjay Dutt has introduced Alta Stella, a new rooftop restro-bar in Andheri West that brings a fresh perspective to Mumbai’s nightlife scene. Located 30 floors above the city, the space offers a setting where the pace slows down, allowing guests to ease into the evening rather than rush through it.
Meaning “closest to the star,” Alta Stella is built around an idea that goes beyond just being a rooftop destination. The experience here changes with time. Afternoons are calm and relaxed, perfect for long conversations, while evenings gradually build in energy with warmer lighting and music that evolves naturally with the mood.
Spread across 12,000 sq. ft. and designed to host up to 250 guests, the space balances openness with a sense of comfort. The design features layered textures, sculpted lighting, and subtle celestial elements that tie the theme together. One of its most striking features is the mirrored rooftop, which reflects the night sky and creates a unique visual effect where the stars seem to surround you.
Sharing his thoughts, Sanjay Dutt said, "Being a celebrity comes with a lot of noise and chaos around you, so I've learned to appreciate spaces that feel calm and real. Alta Stella has that feeling. You're up close to the sky, you see the stars above, and somehow everything slows down - aur phir bas dil karta hai thoda aur ruk jaayein. There's a quiet strength here, and that's what makes the place special for me."
The concept is led by founder Abhimanyu Jakhar, who envisioned the space as more than just a nightlife spot. "Alta Stella was born from a very personal belief that when you place yourself under the stars, you naturally begin to look inward. The idea of being 'closest to the star' isn't about height or grandeur for us; it's about creating a space where people feel aligned with themselves. We wanted to design an experience guided by the universe, through constellations, light, and atmosphere, where the sky becomes part of the journey. The space is meant to move with you, slowly and intuitively, allowing moments of reflection before the energy builds. Every night feels different, because every mood and every person brings something new. Alta Stella isn't about spectacle; it's about presence, and the quiet connection you feel when you look up and feel exactly where you're meant to be."
In the kitchen, Chef Manoranjan presents a menu that blends global influences with Indian flavours. The dishes are familiar yet creatively reworked, offering a balance between comfort and newness. Highlights include Beetroot & Whipped Feta Croquettes, Tangra Chicken Pops, and Podi Butter Prawns, along with options like Chicken Thecha Kulcha and Chicken Parmesan Milanese. Desserts such as the Chenna Pod Cheesecake round off the experience with a unique twist.
Behind the bar, Mixologist Sidharth has curated a cocktail menu inspired by zodiac signs and celestial themes. Each drink is crafted to reflect a mood or personality, with options like Enki (Aquarius), Jasper (Aries), Chimera (Leo), Themis (Libra), and Ebisu (Pisces), making the bar experience both personal and expressive.
Blending thoughtful design, curated food and drinks, and a setting that evolves through the evening, Alta Stella positions itself as a distinctive addition to Mumbai’s hospitality landscape. It’s a space that encourages guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy moments that unfold naturally.
Alta Stella is located at 30th Floor, Parinee I, Shah Industrial Estate, Veera Desai Area, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053, and is open from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
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