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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on July 5, 2024
World Chocolate Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in some of the finest chocolate treats Mumbai has to offer. From hidden speakeasies to trendy cafes, the city is transforming into a chocolate wonderland. Here's a guide to some of the best chocolate dishes you can enjoy to celebrate this special day.
Charlee
Charlee is a hidden gem offering unique chocolate creations. Try the "Hangover Chocolate," a blend of chocolate crème cheese, poached cherries, and cherry ice cream, topped with cocoa feuille. Another must-try is the "Humpty Dumpty," featuring hazelnut mousse, crunchy praline, and dark chocolate sorbet.
The Nines
Located in Juhu, The Nines offers a delightful "Chocolate & Raspberry" dessert with a coconut base, dark chocolate mousse, raspberries, raspberry sorbet, and white chocolate snow. For a more classic choice, the "Belgian Chocolate Cake" with almonds and sea salt, served with ice cream, is a crowd favorite.
Bayroute
Bayroute's "Forest of Shukulata" features rich chocolate textures like date mousse and mud cake, complemented by honey-glazed wildflowers and raspberry gel. Their Chocolate Fondant, with its molten center, is another luxurious option. Don't miss the Gold Souk, a mix of malai milk, rose vermicelli, and ruby chocolate lotus flower with edible gold.
The Blue Bop Cafe
The Blue Bop Cafe in Khar is your one-stop shop for European-inspired chocolatey goodness. Dive into the rich and decadent Belgian chocolate babka, a twisted pastry bursting with layers of chocolatey dough. Feeling lighter? The Chocolate Supreme Croissant is a delightful choice, filled with a luxurious chocolate spread. Need something to delight your senses? The Belgian chocolate buttercream cake is a must-try with its sweet and creamy texture of buttercream and the rich intense flavour of the Belgian chocolate, perfect for treating yourself after a tiring day. Bonus: they cater to all palates, offering both classic Belgian chocolate and a vegan sugar-free chocolate gelato option!
Si Nonna's
Sometimes, simple is simply the best. Si Nonna's hits the spot with their warm, golden Hazelnut & Chocolate Dough Balls. These fried dough morsels are the perfect comfort food, begging to be dunked into their rich hazelnut chocolate sauce. It's a delightful combination of textures and flavours, offering the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
La Mar
Indulge in pure sophistication this World Chocolate Day at La Mar. Their Chocolate & Hazelnut creation is a masterpiece for any chocolate lover. A decadent dark chocolate hazelnut torte – a rich and dense base that melts in your mouth. This luxurious foundation is then elevated with a layer of smooth milk chocolate, adding a touch of creamy sweetness. The crowning glory? A delightful hazelnut praline, offering a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of nutty flavour. La Mar's Chocolate & Hazelnut is a guaranteed showstopper, perfect for celebrating World Chocolate Day in style.
Sante Spa
Health and chocolate? Yes, please! Sante Spa proves you can have your cake and eat it too with their Forest of Chocolate Truffles. These delectable treats come in a variety of dark, white, and milk chocolate options, all boasting exotic flavours and made entirely gluten-free. It's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your healthy lifestyle goals.
Baliboo
Baliboo keeps things simple yet undeniably delicious with their Matilda Chocolate Cake. This crowd-pleasing dessert promises a return to classic chocolate indulgence. Layers of moist chocolate cake, topped with a rich and creamy frosting, for a truly satisfying end to your meal. Whether you're a chocoholic or just appreciate a timeless treat, the Matilda Chocolate Cake at Baliboo is sure to hit the spot.
Cray Craft
Cray Craft elevates dessert to an entirely new level with their whimsical and nostalgic "Campfire." This inventive dish features roasted marshmallows atop a bed of flame-roasted chocolate pudding. For an unexpected twist, the pudding is finished with a hint of peppery crumble, adding a delightful textural and flavor contrast. It's a fun and unique way to capture the essence of a cozy campfire experience, minus the actual flames!
Gaylord
This World Chocolate Day, Gaylord bakery beckons with a lineup of decadent treats that would make Willy Wonka jealous. Indulge in the classic Chocochip cupcakes for a nostalgic delight, hazelnut chocolate croissants for a touch of sophistication, chocolate danishes for a flaky, buttery bite, and classic chocolate éclairs for pure chocolate indulgence. Ditch the diet and celebrate all things cocoa at Gaylord.
Pa Pa Ya
How about dessert with a touch of drama? Head to Pa Pa Ya and witness their Chocolate Ball on Fire! This decadent sphere is set ablaze before your eyes, revealing a melty chocolate center. Craving something a little less fiery? Try the smooth and creamy Dulce de Leche, featuring a delightful combination of caramel chocolate and sweetened condensed milk.
Koa
Koa caters to both adventurous and classic chocolate lovers. Dare to try their Death by Chocolate, a decadent Belgian chocolate mousse that explodes with flavor and might just be the most chocolatey experience you've ever had. If you prefer something familiar, their Banana Entremet is a delightful choice. This dessert features layers of caramelized banana and custard, all enveloped in a rich chocolate glaze, offering a comforting and timeless flavor combination.
The Pantry
World Chocolate Day doesn't have to be a sugar overload. The Pantry's Guilt-Free Goodness cloud kitchen lets you celebrate with their No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Date Balls. These bite-sized treats are packed with the rich flavor of cocoa, alongside the natural sweetness of dates and the healthy fats of nuts. They're completely dairy-free and high in energy, making them the perfect guilt-free way to indulge on World Chocolate Day.
Amazonia
For World Chocolate Day, Amazonia transforms into a haven for chocoholics! Dive into a decadent Dulce de Leche treat, featuring a luxurious blend of caramel and chocolate made with sweetened condensed milk. This delightful creation is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and make your World Chocolate Day unforgettable.
These chocolate creations are perfect for celebrating World Chocolate Day. So grab your spoon and indulge in the chocolatey goodness Mumbai has to offer!
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on June 20, 2025
In a historic win for Indian cuisine, Chef Vijay Kumar, hailing from a small village near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has been awarded Best Chef: New York State at the prestigious James Beard Awards 2025. Held on Monday night in Chicago, the awards are regarded as one of the culinary world’s highest honours — and for the first time, an Indian restaurant and chef have claimed this top spot in New York.
Kumar is the Executive Chef of Semma, a restaurant that has revolutionized the Indian fine dining scene in New York. Part of the Unapologetic Foods group led by Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, Semma is unapologetically rooted in South Indian heritage, serving dishes rarely seen outside Tamil homes. From fiery nathai pirattal (snail curry) to eral thokku (spicy prawns) and foxtail millet khichdi, the food is bold, soulful, and deeply personal — served in clay pots and on banana leaves, often without cutlery.
Dressed in a traditional Veshti while accepting the award, Kumar shared an emotional moment:
“When I started cooking, I never thought a kid like me from Tamil Nadu could make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up with — food made with care and fire, with soul — is now taking the main stage. There’s no such thing as poor people’s food or rich people’s food. If it’s true, it’s powerful.”
Semma has consistently earned accolades since its opening in 2021. It holds a Michelin star for three years running and was crowned No. 1 on The New York Times’ 100 Best Restaurants list — a rare feat for an Indian restaurant. But for Kumar, this moment is about more than stars and rankings. It’s about representation, roots, and reclaiming pride in food once hidden in shame.
Growing up in Arasampatti, a village surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees, Kumar recalls how dishes like snail curry were once considered farmer’s food — something to be kept from classmates. It wasn’t until culinary school that he saw escargot on a fine-dining menu and realized: “Maybe the world just hadn’t tasted our food yet.”
Originally dreaming of becoming an engineer, financial limitations led Kumar to pursue catering college — a twist of fate that launched a career celebrating the food of his ancestors. Today, with a James Beard medal and a mission that resonates from New York to Tamil Nadu, Chef Vijay Kumar has not only redefined fine dining but also carved a powerful space for heritage cuisine in global gastronomy.
Semma is no longer just a restaurant — it’s a revolution in flavour, identity, and cultural pride.
Globally celebrated French bakery and café PAUL is set to make its Bengaluru debut this August with its first outlet at Orion Gateway Mall, Rajajinagar. With a rich legacy spanning over 135 years, PAUL brings its signature French charm to the city in a stunning alfresco lakeside setting covering 3,850 square feet.
The menu will feature a refined selection of authentic French delicacies—from quiche lorraine, croque monsieur, savoury crêpes, and French onion soup, to caramelized canelés. Bengaluru’s food lovers can also enjoy sourdough Napoletana pizzas, tartines, pastas, rice bowls, salads, risottos, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages—all made using the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients.
The Parisian-style ambience at PAUL makes it the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or even a quick solo indulgence. Whether it's a casual coffee date or a business meeting, PAUL promises a slice of France in the heart of the city.
Sunil Munshi, Senior Vice President – Retail, Brigade Group, said:
"The upcoming launch of PAUL at Orion Gateway Mall furthers our commitment to delivering globally inspired experiences crafted with innovation and care. We’re excited to bring this iconic French tradition to Bengaluru and confident it will become a favourite among the city's food connoisseurs.”
Vaibhav Kaushish, Chief Operating Officer, PAUL India, added:
“Opening our first outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone. Staying true to our brand's philosophy of Eat Well, Live Well, we bring the finest ingredients—free from palm oil and artificial additives—and French staples like viennoiseries, hot chocolate, and pain au chocolat to this vibrant city.”
PAUL’s commitment to authenticity, wellness, and sustainability, combined with its heritage of artisanal craftsmanship, makes it a much-awaited culinary destination for Bengalureans. With its debut, the city is all set to savour the best of French bakery traditions—one croissant at a time.
Figaro’s Pizza has unveiled a bold new chapter, staying true to its roots while elevating every element of the pizza experience. Known for its dedication to freshness and flavour, Figaro’s reaffirms its core philosophy: honest ingredients, expertly crafted.
At the heart of every Figaro’s offering is fresh dough made daily, 100% real cheese, and never-frozen vegetables—a trio that ensures every bite is not just delicious but crafted with intention and integrity.
1. Mama’s Favorite PizzaA classic with a twist. Perfect for those who love bold, meaty flavours, this pizza combines chicken pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, and capsicum, layered on your choice of red sauce or creamy garlic base. A celebration of richness and balance.
2. Rainbow PizzaVegetarians, rejoice! This colourful and flavour-packed pizza brings together garlic mushrooms, baby corn, black olives, capsicum, and tomatoes. It’s a visual and gastronomic treat, offered with Figaro’s signature red or creamy garlic sauce.
3. Figaro’s Special Garden SaladFresh, light, and full of crunch, this salad brings together capsicum, onions, tomatoes, and olives tossed in Caesar or Italian dressing. A perfect pairing to any main.
4. Santa Fe BBQ SandwichComfort meets bold in this grilled chicken sandwich, layered with sweet onions, red paprika, tomatoes, melted cheese, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce. A hearty choice for those craving depth and flavour.
Whether you’re a loyal Figaro’s fan or a new diner, the menu’s flavour-forward philosophy ensures there’s something to love. These creations are more than meals—they’re crafted experiences, designed to satisfy both the stomach and the soul.
At Figaro’s Pizza, flavour isn’t just served—it’s redefined.
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