Mumbai's Masque Wins Big in Run-Up to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Mumbai's Masque Wins Big in Run-Up to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 12, 2026

Masque, one of India’s most recognised names in modern Indian gastronomy, has won the Art of Hospitality Award 2026. The honour was pre-announced in the run-up to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. The award is given to an establishment that the 350-plus members of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy believe has delivered the finest hospitality experience in Asia over the past 18 months.

Founded in 2016 by Aditi Dugar, Masque has grown into a global name in innovative Indian dining. Located in an industrial-chic former textile mill in Mumbai, the restaurant is known for its 10-course tasting menus that combine tradition with modern ideas. The focus remains on seasonal, locally sourced and foraged ingredients, presented through an engaging and interactive dining format.

A spokesperson for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants says: “Masque's win recognises more than exceptional service – it celebrates how the restaurant has built a complete ecosystem of hospitality around modern Indian gastronomy. The team's dedication to sourcing across India, their experimental approach to both food and cocktails and their ability to create intimate, interactive dining moments all demonstrate that at Masque, hospitality is inseparable from innovation.”

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Reacting to the recognition, Aditi Dugar says, “It feels incredible to bring home this award in our tenth year. It’s been a dream for as long as we can remember. It only reaffirms what we’ve been trying to achieve since Masque opened its doors, to treat every guest with care, generosity and the utmost humility. And of course, it goes without saying that this recognition belongs to the brilliant team at Masque, who shows up every day with unwavering commitment and the rigour to be the best. I’m deeply grateful to them, to everyone who has believed in our journey and to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for recognising hospitality as something soulful and deeply human.”

Under the leadership of head chef Varun Totlani, the kitchen team travels across India, from the forests of Kashmir to the shores of Goa, to source hyperlocal produce. At the core of its creativity is the Masque Lab, an R&D kitchen that blends traditional Indian cooking with global techniques. The Lab also doubles as a private dining space for just 14 guests, offering an intimate and immersive experience.

Masque offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, presenting contemporary Indian cuisine in a distinctive style. Dishes range from prickly pear with nagphani and coconut malai to a refined take on the Gujarati winter favourite ponkh bhel with Goan seaweed. Its cocktail programme follows the same experimental spirit, with seasonal ingredients and flavour combinations carefully designed to complement the tasting menus.

The Art of Hospitality Award celebrates restaurants where personalised, knowledgeable and seamless service enhances the overall dining journey. Masque now joins past winners such as Toyo Eatery in Manila, Nusara in Bangkok by chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn and Zén in Singapore by chef Bjorn Frantzen.

This recognition comes ahead of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, which will be held for the first time in Hong Kong at the Kerry Hotel on 25 March 2026. Deloitte continues to serve as the official independent adjudication partner, ensuring the integrity of the voting process and the final list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026.


Where Mumbai Goes for Its Chocolate Fix This Chocolate Day

Where Mumbai Goes for Its Chocolate Fix This Chocolate Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 3, 2026

Chocolate Day, celebrated on 7th July, is all about indulging in rich, comforting desserts, and Mumbai's dining scene has no shortage of irresistible options. From classic chocolate mousse to creative chocolate-forward desserts, the city's restaurants are serving indulgent treats that promise to satisfy every chocolate lover.

Here's where to head for some of Mumbai's best chocolate desserts this Chocolate Day.

Papi, Bandra

Papi's Dark Chocolate Mousse is a refined take on a timeless classic. Rich without being overly sweet, the dessert delivers an intense chocolate flavour with a smooth, airy texture, making it a fitting finale to the restaurant's European-inspired menu.

Torii, Khar

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Torii's Vegan Ganache Chocolate Cake combines 55% dark chocolate with coconut milk to create a silky vegan ganache, finished with a generous drizzle of Nutella sauce. The result is a rich dessert that offers deep chocolate flavours while remaining completely dairy-free.

Harajuku Bakehouse

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Inspired by Tokyo's café culture, Harajuku Bakehouse serves its signature Jiggly Pancake topped with Nutella, vanilla ice cream, and dark chocolate sticks. Soft, fluffy, and playful, the dessert balances visual appeal with comforting flavours.

Amelia

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Chocolate lovers looking for something indulgent can opt for Amelia's Chocolate Bomb. Built on a fudgy brownie base, the dessert layers dark chocolate hazelnut mousse with bright orange purée and mixed berries, creating a balance of richness and freshness.

Lyla

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Lyla's Chocolate Coma offers an interactive dessert experience. A white chocolate dome melts under warm chocolate sauce to reveal a dark chocolate mousse layered with roasted peanuts, combining creamy textures with a satisfying crunch.

Amaru

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For those looking for something unconventional, Amaru presents the JD Matcha Cake. The dessert pairs matcha and chocolate with a shot of Jack Daniel's and chocolate bitters, bringing together earthy tea notes, rich cocoa, and subtle whiskey flavours for a distinctive finish.

Whether you prefer classic chocolate desserts or contemporary interpretations, these restaurants offer some of Mumbai's most memorable sweet experiences, making them ideal destinations to celebrate Chocolate Day.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Launches Friday Weekend Pizza Party

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Launches Friday Weekend Pizza Party

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 3, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting pizza lovers to kick off their weekends with its Weekend Pizza Party, a special Friday dining experience that celebrates the art of handcrafted pizzas. Available every Friday in July at Food Exchange, the limited-period offering combines freshly made pizzas, interactive live cooking, and gourmet sides.

A highlight of the experience is the Live Pizza Station, where chefs prepare every pizza from scratch using freshly made dough, premium cheeses, and carefully selected toppings. Guests can watch their pizzas being crafted to order, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.

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The menu features a wide selection of classic and gourmet pizzas. Diners can enjoy favourites such as the Margherita with Buffalo Mozzarella & Basil and Quattro Formaggi, along with signature creations including Truffle Wild Mushroom Pizza, Roasted Vegetable & Feta Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Lamb Kofta Pizza, Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza, and Garlic Prawn Pizza. The selection draws inspiration from Italian, Mediterranean, and global flavours.

Adding to the spread is a Root Vegetable Fries Bar, offering a variety of crispy options such as Sweet Potato Fries, Cassava Fries, Beetroot Fries, Carrot Fries, Lotus Stem Chips, and classic potato fries. Guests can pair them with a range of gourmet dips, including Truffle Aioli, Garlic Herb Mayo, Chipotle Dip, Basil Pesto, Roasted Tomato Dip, and Cheese Sauce.

Designed for families, friends, and colleagues, the Weekend Pizza Party offers a relaxed way to enjoy handcrafted pizzas and flavourful accompaniments while welcoming the weekend.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport.
  • Dates: Every Friday in July.
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

Top Mumbai Restaurants to Explore Exclusive Monsoon Menus This Season

Top Mumbai Restaurants to Explore Exclusive Monsoon Menus This Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 3, 2026

As the rains return to Mumbai, several restaurants have introduced exclusive monsoon menus designed to match the season's craving for warm, comforting food. Whether it's Mediterranean classics, Japanese hot pots, or sizzling Indian favourites, these limited-time menus promise memorable dining experiences throughout the monsoon.

Luuma House (Juhu)

Starting 6th July, Luuma House in Juhu is serving its specially curated Mezze Monsoon Menu, inspired by comforting Mediterranean flavours and seasonal ingredients.

The menu begins with the Turkish Lentil Soup, followed by the signature Lyali Beirut Mezze, which includes hummus, labneh, falafel, batata hara, muhammara, and freshly baked pita. Guests can also enjoy the Moroccan Dijaj, topped with lemon-marinated chicken, pistachio pesto, and creamy burrata.

For the main course, highlights include the Turkish Moussaka served with herb apricot sauce and the Chelo Chicken with garlic chilli sauce. The meal ends on a sweet note with the Steamed Date Pudding, served with tahini date caramel and ice cream. With its warm ambience and Mediterranean-inspired menu, Luuma House offers the perfect setting to enjoy the rainy season with family and friends.

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  • Address: Plot No. 47, Gulmohar Road, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai
  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Tokki & Tora (Andheri & Powai)

This monsoon, Tokki & Tora is inviting guests to enjoy comforting Japanese and Korean flavours through a seasonal menu featuring hot pots and ramen.

The menu includes favourites such as the Vegetable Hot Pot, Tori Nabe, Seafood Hot Pot, and the popular Korean Kimchi Jjigae, prepared with fermented kimchi, tofu, and fresh vegetables.

Guests can also choose from a variety of ramen bowls, including Miso Ramen (available in spicy and non-spicy versions), Korean Ramen, and Shoyu Ramen, all served with rich broths and authentic flavours. Whether it's a cosy lunch or dinner on a rainy day, Tokki & Tora offers the perfect comfort meal for the season.

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  • Locations: Tokki & Tora, Andheri | Powai
  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Epitome (Lower Parel)

From 5th July to 30th August, Epitome in Lower Parel is presenting its Sizzling Monsoon Menu, packed with comforting starters, hearty sizzlers, and indulgent desserts.

Guests can begin with seasonal favourites including Pahadi Dal Wada Popcorn, Bhajiya Basket, Charred Corn Ribs, and Sweet Aloo Tikki Chaat.

For the main course, the menu features Tofu in Black Bean Sizzler and Red Pepper Chilli Paneer Sizzler, served piping hot with flavourful accompaniments. To finish, diners can indulge in the Sizzling Brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and nuts. Combined with its lively ambience and handcrafted cocktails, Epitome offers a complete monsoon dining experience.

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  • Address: Mathuradas Mill Compound, Plot 242, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel West, Mumbai
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 1:30 AM

This monsoon, these restaurants offer a variety of seasonal menus that celebrate comfort, flavour, and the joy of dining during the rains. Whether you're in the mood for Mediterranean delicacies, Japanese comfort food, or sizzling Indian favourites, these limited-time experiences are worth exploring.

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