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.


Pangeo Bengaluru Unveils New Menu Celebrating Global Flavours

Pangeo Bengaluru Unveils New Menu Celebrating Global Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 12, 2026

Pangeo, Bengaluru, has unveiled its all-new menu, bringing together global flavours, premium ingredients and contemporary dishes designed for different dining occasions.

The refreshed menu follows Pangeo's idea of bringing the world together through food. It combines influences from different cuisines with a mix of textures and flavours, offering guests dishes that feel familiar while also giving them something new to explore.

The menu starts with a selection of small plates, including Roasted Butternut Pumpkin & Crisp Pakwan, Smoked Oyster Mushroom Taco, Asparagus Paprika Puff, and Roasted Broccoli Ema Datshi.

For non-vegetarian diners, the new offerings include Chicken Galouti Kebab, Spicy Cafreal Chicken, Chicken Shish Taouk, Butter Chicken Kulcha, Tandoori Chicken Roulade, Parcha Fish, and Herb-Crusted Grilled Fish.

Guests can also explore handcrafted sourdough pizzas, flavourful bowls, artisanal burgers, signature grills, comforting mains and a selection of desserts. The dishes have been created with a focus on bold flavours and quality ingredients, while also encouraging guests to share and discover different tastes.

The menu refresh is part of Pangeo's wider vision of creating a dining destination where every visit brings something different. Thoughtfully crafted cocktails, warm hospitality and an inviting setting add to the experience, making it suitable for leisurely lunches, after-work gatherings, intimate dinners and weekend celebrations.

With creativity, quality and culinary exploration at its core, Pangeo's new menu brings together global flavours while maintaining the restaurant's vibrant and contemporary identity.

  • Address: 4th Floor, 171–172, Forum Rex Walk, Brigade Road, Bengaluru – 560001
  • Timings: 12:00 PM onwards.


DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square Brings India’s Street Food to Chaat Junction

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square Brings India’s Street Food to Chaat Junction

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 12, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square is bringing the flavours of India’s street food culture to the table with Chaat Junction at GlassHouse. The food festival takes inspiration from the lively food streets found across the country, creating an evening filled with regional flavours, live cooking and colourful surroundings.

The festival focuses on authentic Indian chaats, with expert chefs preparing dishes live using traditional recipes and regional flavours. Guests can enjoy a selection of signature chaats from Agra, featuring a mix of tangy, spicy and crunchy favourites served with a variety of accompaniments.

Adding to the experience, the venue will feature themed décor, vibrant food carts and regional music. The setting is designed for families, friends and food lovers to enjoy an evening of Indian street food in a relaxed and interactive atmosphere. One of the highlights of the festival is the live regional chaat stations representing six iconic Indian cities, giving guests an opportunity to explore different street food flavours under one roof.

The experience also includes freshly prepared street food, traditional Chaat Gali-themed décor, interactive cooking stations and a family-friendly dining setting.

Event Details

  • Venue: GlassHouse, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Dining Options:

  • Grand Buffet (Dinner + Chaat Festival)

  • Unlimited Chaat

  • For à la carte

Highlights

  • Live regional chaat stations representing six iconic Indian cities

  • Freshly prepared authentic street food by expert chefs

  • Traditional Chaat Gali-themed décor and vibrant ambience

  • Interactive live cooking experience

  • Family-friendly dining atmosphere

  • A dining option for food lovers, gatherings and evening outings. 


PizzaExpress Opens 38th India Restaurant at 5 Worldmark Aerocity

PizzaExpress Opens 38th India Restaurant at 5 Worldmark Aerocity

By Hariharan U

Published on August 11, 2026

PizzaExpress, the UK-based pizza and casual dining brand, has opened its newest restaurant at World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi, marking its 38th outlet in India.

Located within one of Delhi's prominent business, hospitality and lifestyle destinations, the new restaurant brings PizzaExpress' signature handcrafted pizzas, relaxed dining experience and warm hospitality to a growing community of professionals, travellers and diners in Aerocity.

Designed as a contemporary and relaxed dining space, the restaurant offers a selection of PizzaExpress classics alongside seasonal offerings. The menu includes the brand's popular Dough Balls, gourmet pizzas starting at INR 495 for two, summer specials, salads, appetisers, pastas and desserts, including Tiramisu and Baked Vanilla Cheesecake.

The restaurant also features PizzaExpress' Romana pizzas, known for their larger, thinner and crispier bases inspired by the pizzas of Rome.

Reflecting the brand's "Only For Everyone" philosophy, the menu caters to a variety of preferences and occasions. Options include the Piccolo menu for children, Leggera range for lighter choices and Soho Bowls for wholesome meals. Guests can also choose from a selection of mocktails and signature desserts.

Speaking on the launch, Ramit Bharti Mittal, Founder & Director, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said, “5 Worldmark at Aerocity is one of Delhi's most exciting and relaxed dining spaces, bringing together travellers, young professionals and consumers who actively seek quality dining experiences. PizzaExpress fits naturally into this environment because the brand has always stood for great food served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.”

Rohan Pewekar, CEO, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), added, “The launch of our 38th PizzaExpress restaurant in India is in line with our steady growth and long-term commitment in India. 5 Worldmark at Aerocity continues to evolve as a premium lifestyle and food destination, making it an important location for us strategically.”

SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, “We're delighted to welcome PizzaExpress to World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity. Good food has a unique way of bringing people together, and that's exactly the kind of experience we want to create at World St.”

The culinary offering is built around PizzaExpress' focus on fresh ingredients and handcrafted preparation. Each pizza is made with freshly prepared dough and the brand's signature tomato passata, produced using San Marzano tomatoes sourced from Parma, Italy.

Among the menu highlights is the Calabrese pizza, created by Michelin-starred chef Francesco Mazzei and inspired by the bold flavours of Southern Italy.

The new outlet also features contemporary interiors, comfortable seating and PizzaExpress' signature open kitchen, allowing diners to watch pizzaiolos prepare and bake pizzas in real time. The space is designed for business lunches, casual meals, family dining and evening gatherings.

PizzaExpress opened its first restaurant on London's Wardour Street in 1965 and has since grown to more than 330 restaurants in the UK, with a presence across 13 countries. In India, the brand currently operates 38 restaurants across markets including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Punjab, Lucknow and Hyderabad.

Restaurant Details

Address: Unit No. W11, Ground Floor, World St. 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, Near Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi – 110037

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