McDonald’s India Recreates Iconic Ad with Sara Arjun for Buddy Meal

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 12, 2026

McDonald’s India – North and East has announced actor Sara Arjun as its Brand Ambassador, bringing back a familiar face many viewers remember from one of the brand’s popular television commercials. Years after appearing in the ad as a child, Sara now returns in a new role, marking a nostalgic moment for both the brand and its audience.

The collaboration coincides with the launch of McDonald’s new Buddy Meal, a value offering created for friends who enjoy sharing food and spending time together. The campaign is introduced through a fresh television commercial that also revisits the playful tone of the earlier advertisement.

The Buddy Meal includes two burgers,  customers can choose between the McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise, along with two Coke and one medium fries. The meal brings together some of McDonald’s familiar favourites in a simple combo designed for two people.

The new film recreates the well-known “girlfriend–boyfriend” banter from the earlier campaign, adding a humorous and relatable twist. In the ad, Sara jokingly talks about how relationships today can feel “too demanding,” with her buddy expecting big gestures and even a bit of “princess treatment.” The moment takes a lighter turn when he admits that all he really wants is a McAloo Tikki, reminding viewers that sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy.

The playful exchange ends with the voiceover saying, “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just ₹119.” The film concludes with the two sharing the meal together, reinforcing the campaign message “Khao Meal, Baat Ke,” which celebrates sharing food, laughter, and easy moments with friends.

Commenting on the announcement, Anant Agarwal, Vice Chairman, MMG Group and CPRL, said,

“At McDonald’s India – North and East, we have always believed in creating moments that bring people together. Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”

Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, Actor Sara Arjun said,

“McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends, and it’s wonderful to be part of a story that brings back such fond memories while creating new ones.”

By bringing back a familiar face from one of its memorable campaigns, McDonald’s India – North and East taps into the nostalgia many customers associate with the brand, while also inviting a new generation to create their own moments at McDonald’s.

The Buddy Meal is available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, and can be ordered through dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App, and leading food delivery platforms.


Copenhagen Sparkling Tea and Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Introduce Non-Alcoholic Fine Dining

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea and Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Introduce Non-Alcoholic Fine Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2026

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center has partnered with Copenhagen Sparkling Tea to introduce India's first five-course, 100% non-alcoholic pairing menu at its Nikkei restaurant, Tomo Kei. The collaboration also marks the launch of India's first co-branded Copenhagen Sparkling Tea bottle, offering guests a new way to enjoy fine dining without alcohol.

The menu has been designed by Head Chef Bobby T. Recto, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options created around Copenhagen Sparkling Tea rather than adapting a traditional wine-pairing experience. The tasting begins with three signature zero-proof cocktails: Whitefield Sky, which combines BLÅ with agave, citrus, jasmine tea and grapefruit foam; Lalbagh Botanisk, made with LYSEGRØN, cranberry, lemon and matcha tea; and Tivoli Kempu, blending LYSERØD with lychee, cranberry and citrus.

The food menu continues the pairing experience with LYSERØD served alongside appetizers such as compressed watermelon and mushrooms. LYSEGRØN accompanies main courses, including young jackfruit and zucchini roulade or smoked maíz and wild mushroom, while BLÅ is paired with the Foragers Phoenix dessert. Together, these combinations showcase how sparkling tea can add depth and complexity to a fine-dining experience without alcohol.

Launched at Tomo Kei on 15 October 2026, the collaboration also introduces Copenhagen Sparkling Tea zero-proof cocktails as a permanent addition to the restaurant's beverage menu. Guests can request the food-and-tea pairing menu with at least one day's advance notice.

Speaking about the partnership, Elton Hurtis, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, said, "A guest who isn't drinking should not be the guest we serve least well, at a tasting menu or at a wedding of six hundred. Putting our name on this bottle is a commitment, not a gesture,"

Jacob Kocemba, Founder, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, added, "We set out to create an entirely new beverage category using tea, one of the world's oldest, most complex and refined beverages. We believed sparkling tea could offer the same depth, complexity and sophistication as Champagne or fine wine. Chef Bobby's thoughtfully crafted menu, built around our sparkling teas, is a beautiful expression of that vision and proof that tea can be just as integral to the fine-dining experience,"

The collaboration has been brought together by Bebida Hospitality, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea's India market-entry partner. The company works with leading hotel brands, including Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Taj, ITC and The Leela, along with restaurants such as Masque, Naar and Papa's. Beyond introducing global luxury brands to India, Bebida Hospitality focuses on building partnerships that create distinctive experiences for guests.

Nadia Sood, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality, said, "We believe the best experiences happen when great brands meet. We don't just place a product on a list; we find a partner who shares its standards and build something together that guests can't have anywhere else. Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield is that partner for Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, so we brought the two together, shaped the experience and created a distinctive design for the collaboration, wherein every element has been thoughtfully considered to reflect the craftsmanship behind the product and the exclusivity of this partnership,"

The partnership also features a specially designed bottle that combines Copenhagen Sparkling Tea's signature label with an elegant neck band carrying the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield name. Each band is applied by hand, highlighting the care behind the presentation. The design retains the brand's identity while making the bottle exclusive to the hotel.


Susegado Reopens at The St. Regis Goa Resort with Coastal Dining Experience

Susegado Reopens at The St. Regis Goa Resort with Coastal Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on October 19, 2026

Susegado at The St. Regis Goa Resort is reopening this October with a refreshed dining experience that celebrates India's coastal culinary traditions through regional flavours, contemporary preparations, drinks and live music.

Titled The Shore Calls Again, the reopening introduces guests to an à la carte menu inspired by coastal kitchens across India. Set along the shores of South Goa, the restaurant combines regional cuisine with a relaxed seaside setting and live band performances.

A Culinary Journey Along India's Coastline

The refreshed menu draws inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions of India's coastal regions, bringing together the peppery heat of Chettinad, the coconut-rich preparations of Malabar, the grills of the Konkan coast and the distinctive flavours of Goan cuisine.

Rooted in traditional recipes and regional cooking practices, the menu reinterprets familiar coastal dishes through a contemporary approach while retaining the character and warmth associated with seaside dining.

The offering is designed to showcase the variety of India's coastal food culture, giving guests an opportunity to explore different regional influences within a single dining destination.

A Relaxed Seaside Setting with Live Music

Susegado's refreshed interiors complement its coastal culinary identity, combining rustic textures with a refined aesthetic. The setting transitions from a bright, airy atmosphere during the day to a warmly lit space in the evening.

Live band performances add to the experience, bringing together food, drinks and music in a setting suited to relaxed lunches, sunset gatherings and leisurely dinners by the sea.

With its reopening, Susegado begins a new chapter at The St. Regis Goa Resort, focusing on India's coastal culinary heritage while retaining the easygoing spirit associated with Goa.

Restaurant Details

  • Experience: The Shore Calls Again

  • Venue: Susegado, The St. Regis Goa Resort

  • Reopening: October 2026

  • Timings: 12:30 PM–10:30 PM

  • Pricing: À la carte menu and drinks

  • Reservations: +91 9175681087

  • Hotel website: The St. Regis Goa Resort


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Brings Picnic Charm to Sunday Brunch

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Brings Picnic Charm to Sunday Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach is bringing the charm of leisurely outdoor picnics to its Sunday brunch at The Square. Inspired by the joy of relaxed gatherings, the experience combines familiar picnic favourites with interactive culinary stations in a family-friendly setting overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The specially curated spread features picnic baskets filled with sandwich rolls and fresh fruit skewers, alongside barbecue grills, sliders and flatbread stations. A refreshing lemonade station adds to the outdoor-inspired theme, while dessert offerings such as classic brownies, a chocolate fountain and DIY s’mores bring a playful touch to the afternoon.

Interactive live stations allow guests to explore freshly prepared dishes, adding variety to the brunch experience. Beyond the food, live singing and engaging activities for children create an inviting atmosphere for families and friends looking to spend their Sunday together.

Located at The Square, the brunch combines contemporary interiors, natural light and alfresco dining with views of the Arabian Sea. Pool access further complements the experience, offering guests an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the coast.

Designed around the nostalgia of traditional picnics, the Sunday brunch brings together food, entertainment and family activities in one setting.

Brunch Details:

  • Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach

  • When: Every Sunday

  • Timings: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

  • Highlights: Interactive live stations, live singing, children's activities and pool access.

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