MasalDani Opens in Noida, Celebrating India Through Its Spices

MasalDani Opens in Noida, Celebrating India Through Its Spices

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

In Indian homes, the masaldani, a traditional spice box, has long been the quiet foundation of everyday cooking. Drawing inspiration from this enduring symbol, MasalDani introduces its flagship outpost in Noida, bringing with it a refined, ingredient-led approach to Indian dining.

Built on a philosophy that places spices at the centre of every dish, MasalDani presents a menu that travels across India’s diverse culinary landscapes. From the curry leaf and kokum-laced flavours of coastal regions to the slow-simmered spice blends of the northern plains, the mustard-forward traditions of the east, and the bold aromatics of desert cuisines, each plate is guided by carefully sourced heirloom spices that define its character.

At its core, MasalDani is not about fusion but about reverence. The kitchen follows a product-led approach where spices are not simply supporting elements but the defining soul of the dish. Familiar Indian flavours are reintroduced with contemporary finesse, while remaining deeply rooted in their origins.

Complementing the cuisine is a thoughtfully curated beverage programme inspired by the Indian pantry. Aromatic botanicals and subtle spice infusions, from cardamom and saffron to smoked cumin, shape a drinks menu that mirrors the layered complexity of the food.

The menu comes alive through a selection of signature dishes that pay homage to regional spice traditions. The Dal Pakwaan brings together crisp pakwaans and slow-cooked chana dal, elevated with asafoetida, Mathania chilli, and pipli. The Jackfruit Kakori Kebab draws from the refinement of Lucknow, where raw jackfruit is transformed into delicate, aromatic kebabs using rare ingredients like stone flower and sandalwood.

Further highlighting the diversity of Indian flavours, the Tandoori Hari Machi offers a contemporary take with Indo-Chinese influences, while the Tandoori Gobi Musallam reflects the richness of Awadhi cuisine through saffron, kabab chini, and meetha attar. The Badami Bhatti Dum Murgh, inspired by Hyderabad, delivers a slow-cooked, aromatic experience layered with almonds, pomegranate seed, and warming spices.

The space itself mirrors the brand’s philosophy, premium yet approachable, designed to create an environment that feels both rooted in tradition and aligned with contemporary dining sensibilities.

Sharing his vision, Founder Priykant Gautam said, “In most Indian homes, the masaldani is the first thing opened when cooking begins. It may appear simple, but within it lives the essence of our culinary heritage, recipes passed down, flavours shaped by geography, and memories created around shared meals. MasalDani was born from the desire to honour that humble spice box and present its stories with contemporary elegance. Every dish here begins with a spice, and every spice carries a story of India.”

With its ingredient-driven philosophy and immersive dining approach, MasalDani invites diners to rediscover India through the flavours that have shaped its kitchens for generations, one spice-led story at a time.


World Pasta Day 2026: Where to Find Mumbai’s Most Indulgent Pasta Dishes

World Pasta Day 2026: Where to Find Mumbai’s Most Indulgent Pasta Dishes

By Hariharan U

Published on October 22, 2026

World Pasta Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a comforting bowl of pasta, whether that means a classic Italian preparation, a rich and creamy creation or something a little more adventurous. On October 25, 2026, Mumbai's dining scene offers pasta lovers several options, from signature restaurant dishes to an interactive workshop that takes the experience beyond the plate.

Here are six places to explore this World Pasta Day.

1. Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner, Airport Road

Dish: Blush Hour Rigatoni | Price: ₹630 + taxes

For those who enjoy pasta with a rich, indulgent sauce, Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner offers its Blush Hour Rigatoni. The dish features rigatoni coated in a creamy vodka sauce, complemented by homemade ricotta and finished with fragrant basil oil. The combination of comforting flavours and a refined finish makes it a tempting choice for a leisurely pasta meal.

2. Berlin Brew, Multiple Outlets

Prices: ₹599 onwards

Berlin Brew celebrates Italian-inspired comfort food with a selection of hearty pasta dishes. Options include Vegetable Lasagne, Chicken Cannelloni with red pepper coulis, Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs in pomodoro sauce, and Fettuccine in carbonara sauce.

With vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, the menu offers a variety of flavours for diners looking to settle in for a satisfying pasta meal.

3. Luuma House, Juhu

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Experience: Hands-on pasta-making workshop

For those who prefer getting involved in the cooking, Luuma House is hosting a pasta-making workshop on Sunday, October 25, from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Guests will get the opportunity to roll, shape and prepare pasta from scratch before cooking and enjoying their own creations. The interactive experience offers a different way to mark World Pasta Day, particularly for food enthusiasts keen to explore the craft behind a favourite Italian dish.

4. Tora, Versova

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Dish: Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine | Price: ₹475 + taxes

Tora's Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine brings together silky ribbons of pasta and a rich mushroom sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan. Crisp fried greens and delicate potato crisps add contrasting textures to the creamy preparation, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy earthy flavours and comforting sauces.

5. Trapdoor, Versova

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Dish: Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus | Price: ₹899 + taxes

For a more adventurous pasta experience, Trapdoor offers Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus. The dish combines squid ink pasta with tender baby octopus and delicate aromatics, delivering briny seafood flavours and a striking presentation. It is a distinctive option for diners who want to move beyond traditional pasta preparations.

6. BaaMee – All Day Eatery & Bar, Andheri

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Dish: Three Cheese Ravioli | Price: ₹595 + taxes

BaaMee's Three Cheese Ravioli brings a comforting combination of pasta and cheese to the table. The delicate pasta parcels are filled with ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella, then served in a rich Sicilian tomato sauce. The creamy filling and vibrant tomato flavours make this a satisfying pick for diners who enjoy classic Italian-inspired comfort food.

Make a Pasta Date This World Pasta Day

From creamy sauces and cheese-filled ravioli to seafood-led creations and pasta made by hand, Mumbai's dining destinations offer different ways to celebrate World Pasta Day. Whether you prefer a familiar favourite or want to experiment with new flavours, these six options provide plenty of inspiration for a pasta-focused outing.

Note: Prices are subject to applicable taxes where specified. Workshop availability and participation details should be confirmed directly with the venue.


Five Regions, Five Cocktails: 403 Forbidden Bar Brings India's Flavours to the Glass

Five Regions, Five Cocktails: 403 Forbidden Bar Brings India's Flavours to the Glass

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 22, 2026

What if a cocktail could tell the story of an Indian region? 403 Forbidden Bar in Bengaluru is bringing this idea to life with Decode India, a new cocktail collection by founder Aman Dua that explores the country's landscapes, ingredients and culinary traditions through contemporary mixology.

Inspired by five distinct regions: Ambarsar, Kathiawar, Narmada, Malabar and Patkai, the collection brings regional flavours into the glass through techniques such as fat washing, distillation, clarification, carbonation, infusion and lacto fermentation.

Each cocktail draws inspiration from different ingredients and flavour combinations. Ambarsar offers a warm and comforting blend of sesame fat washed rum, jaggery shrub, salt lassi foam and sesame jaggery candy. Kathiawar takes a different approach, combining gin, regional herb distillate, salinity and edible sand for a dry and effervescent drink.

Narmada brings together blanco tequila, Mahabaleshwar strawberry, Goan Portuguese vinegar, Jwala chilli and suva khakhra crisp, combining fruity, tangy and spicy notes. Meanwhile, Malabar offers an aromatic mix of clarified blended Scotch whisky, puli karupatti cordial, Tellicherry pepper tincture, Pondi parmesan and white chocolate.

Completing the collection, Patkai features timur and Kolkata paan leaf infused blanco tequila, lacto fermented bamboo shoot, cooked rice and king chilli. Together, the five cocktails highlight how regional ingredients and culinary influences can shape new drinking experiences.

Beyond the cocktail menu, the bar also introduces the Decode Session, a 75-minute guided sensory experience available by reservation. During the session, guests explore all five cocktails while learning about the flavours, textures, preparation techniques and regional inspirations behind each creation. The experience offers a closer look at the creative process behind the collection, allowing guests to understand how familiar Indian ingredients can be used in contemporary cocktails.

With Decode India, 403 Forbidden Bar brings regional Indian flavours and modern cocktail-making techniques together in one collection. The menu invites guests to discover different parts of the country through ingredients and combinations that reflect their culinary traditions and cultural influences.

  • Location: 403 Forbidden Bar, Indiranagar 100 FT Road, Bengaluru
  • Time: 6 PM onwards.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Offers Homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth in Chennai

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Offers Homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth in Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on October 21, 2026

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is bringing a traditional festive favourite to Chennai with its special selection of homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth, prepared with pure ghee and available exclusively on a made-to-order basis.

Matthi holds a special place in Karwa Chauth traditions, particularly during the ritual of breaking the fast after the moon is sighted. Traditionally, a husband offers his wife the first morsel of food and water, with Matthi often forming part of this moment. The festive delicacy represents care, affection and togetherness, making it a meaningful addition to the celebration.

Through its festive offering, The Kitchen by Chef Deepa aims to bring this familiar tradition closer to families in Chennai, offering home-style preparations that can be included in their Karwa Chauth rituals.

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The selection features two varieties. The Sweet Saffron, Almond and Pista Matthi, priced at ₹1,350 per kg, combines aromatic saffron with the richness of almonds and pistachios. For those who prefer a simpler, traditional option, Classic Plain Matthi is available at ₹1,100 per kg.

Prepared with pure ghee and an emphasis on traditional flavours, the Matthi is available on a made-to-order basis. Customers can place orders directly with The Kitchen by Chef Deepa ahead of their celebrations.

The festive offering reflects the kitchen's focus on traditional Punjabi home-style cooking and special preparations for occasions celebrated with family. By bringing a familiar part of the Karwa Chauth ritual to Chennai, the kitchen offers customers a convenient way to include this traditional delicacy in their festivities.

Order Details

  • Brand: The Kitchen by Chef Deepa

  • Location: Perungudi, Chennai

  • Sweet Saffron, Almond and Pista Matthi: ₹1,350 per kg

  • Availability: Made to order

  • Phone: +91 93635 44123

  • Instagram: The Kitchen by Chef Deepa

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