Neuma Hosts Levantine Pop-Up with Chef Mohib Farooqui

Neuma Hosts Levantine Pop-Up with Chef Mohib Farooqui

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 22, 2024

Neuma, a modern European restaurant in Mumbai, is hosting a special two-day pop-up event, titled “What’s Poppin with Chef Mohib Farooqui.” Scheduled for September 20th and 21st, this event promises to present an exciting twist on Levantine cuisine, with a creative flair that moves beyond the traditional hummus and kebabs.

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Guests will experience bold flavors that blend Levantine culinary traditions from regions like Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan with global cooking techniques. 

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Chef Mohib Farooqui, who will helm the pop-up, brings over 12 years of international experience. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Sydney, Chef Mohib has worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs and led kitchens in countries such as Australia, Denmark, and India. His previous work includes stints at prominent restaurants like Urbane and Restaurant Relae, as well as crafting a Michelin-starred menu for Inddee in Bangkok. With this pop-up, Chef Mohib aims to introduce Mumbai’s diners to a fresh interpretation of Levantine dishes, merging history and innovation on every plate.

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The event, organized in collaboration with the Zomato Dining Experience, will take guests on a culinary journey across the Levant while incorporating unexpected elements. The menu reflects Chef Mohib’s ability to play with classic flavors in unique ways. Guests can expect dishes such as cucumber paired with liquid vegetables, pumpkin infused with habanero, and Australian lamb enhanced with traditional Levantine baharat spices.

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Vegetarians are also in for a treat, with options like soybeans served with sesame and pomegranate, and a vibrant bell pepper and feta salad. To round off the meal, a dessert of Medjool dates and key lime is set to provide a sweet finish.

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“This pop-up is my way of sharing the soul of Levantine cuisine with Mumbai’s vibrant food scene,” says Chef Mohib Farooqui. “Each dish tells a story—of history, culture, and flavor—and I can’t wait for guests to experience our innovation through every bite.”

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Neuma, located in a beautifully restored colonial-era bungalow in Colaba, is co-founded by filmmaker Karan Johar, Bunty Sajdeh, and True Palate Café Pvt. Ltd. The restaurant has become a landmark in South Mumbai, offering a blend of stylish yet relaxed fine dining. With Chef Mohib’s Levantine pop-up, Neuma continues to push boundaries in the city’s culinary scene.

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Loya Bar Blends Music and Mixology Through Its Unique S.P.I.C.E Cocktail Philosophy

Loya Bar Blends Music and Mixology Through Its Unique S.P.I.C.E Cocktail Philosophy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 3, 2026

Loya Bar is bringing together music, flavour, and creativity through its distinctive S.P.I.C.E cocktail philosophy. Designed to create a multi-sensory experience, the concept connects food, beverages, and music, transforming cocktails into stories that guests can explore through taste.

The philosophy is built around five musical elements: Scale, Pitch, Instrumentation, Chords, and Expression. Each cocktail on the menu reflects one of these elements, resulting in a collection of drinks that celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and flavour in equal measure.

One of the standout creations under this philosophy is the Malwa Highball, inspired by the concept of Scale. In music, an octave is formed by eight notes that work together in harmony. Reflecting this idea, the cocktail is crafted using eight carefully selected ingredients that complement one another.

The Malwa Highball combines aged rum, Campari, kinnow cordial, banana-mint seltzer, and fresh mint to create a refreshing and layered drink. Each sip reveals different notes and flavours, offering an experience similar to listening to a carefully composed musical piece.

Another notable cocktail is Kafuli, which draws inspiration from the musical element of Pitch. Just as pitch defines whether a note sounds high and bright or low and deep, this cocktail explores flavour through contrast and depth.

Kafuli is crafted using ghee-washed rum, spinach cordial, and brine, resulting in a savoury and distinctive drink. The cocktail highlights Loya Bar's ingredient-focused approach while delivering a rich and unexpected flavour profile.

Through creations such as the Malwa Highball and Kafuli, Loya Bar continues to push the boundaries of mixology by translating musical concepts into memorable drinking experiences. The S.P.I.C.E philosophy offers guests a fresh perspective on cocktails, where every drink tells a story through flavour, creativity, and craftsmanship.


Belmarose Debuts as Mumbai’s New Fine Dining and Nightlife Destination

Belmarose Debuts as Mumbai’s New Fine Dining and Nightlife Destination

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

Mumbai’s hospitality and nightlife landscape has welcomed a new entrant with the launch of Belmarose, an upscale dining and entertainment destination located within Sahara Star. Designed as a venue that seamlessly transitions from refined dining to energetic nightlife, Belmarose combines elevated cuisine, signature cocktails, and immersive experiences under one roof.

Inspired by the Italian word “Bella,” meaning beautiful, the name Belmarose embodies elegance, romance, and memorable experiences. The concept has been carefully crafted to create a destination where guests can enjoy sophisticated dining before immersing themselves in a vibrant after-hours atmosphere.

Spread across approximately 5,000 square feet with a seating capacity of around 120 guests, the venue features interiors influenced by European and Roman aesthetics. Maroon velvet seating, premium leather finishes, artistic accents, and warm ambient lighting come together to create a luxurious yet intimate setting that complements the venue’s evolving day-to-night experience.

The culinary programme is led by Chef Sunil Pandey, who has curated a menu that blends European and Asian inspirations while focusing on contemporary techniques, balanced flavours, and refined presentation. According to Chef Pandey, the menu has been designed to create memorable dining experiences through dishes that combine indulgence with culinary craftsmanship.

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Signature offerings include Smoked Chicken Caesar Croquettes, Enoki Mushroom Roll, Stuffed Zucchini Flower, Rosette Ravioli, and Lobster in XO Sauce. Each dish showcases a combination of global influences and thoughtful execution, reflecting the restaurant’s modern culinary approach.

Complementing the food experience is an innovative cocktail programme curated by in-house mixologists Roshan and Hardik. The cocktail menu features signature creations such as Pandan Bloom, Flora Blanca, Mango Inferno, Palantine Fig, and Ignis Roma, each crafted to balance creativity, presentation, and layered flavour profiles.

As the evening progresses, Belmarose transforms into a lively nightlife destination featuring curated music experiences, performances by international artists, and a dynamic social atmosphere designed to extend the guest experience beyond dinner service.

Sharing his vision for the venture, entrepreneur Rajjeet Chandra said that the most rewarding aspect of building a business is transforming a vision into something meaningful that resonates with people. He added that creating opportunities, evolving continuously, and building a lasting legacy remain key motivations behind the project.

With its combination of design-led interiors, globally inspired cuisine, innovative beverages, and nightlife programming, Belmarose aims to establish itself as a premier destination for dining, socialising, and entertainment in Mumbai.


The Hari Hong Kong Unveils Curated Father’s Day Dining Experiences Across Its Signature Venues

The Hari Hong Kong Unveils Curated Father’s Day Dining Experiences Across Its Signature Venues

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

The Hari Hong Kong is set to celebrate Father’s Day with an array of specially curated culinary experiences across its signature dining venues, offering guests a weekend of indulgent brunches, refined set dinners, and elegant afternoon tea experiences.

Taking place across June 20 and June 21, the celebrations will span the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants and social spaces, providing diners with diverse culinary options inspired by Italian and Japanese cuisines.

At Lucciola, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, guests can enjoy a Father’s Day Brunch featuring an authentic Italian spread, including homemade porchetta roast and a selection of traditional specialties. Signature dishes include braised veal ossobuco served with saffron risotto, while dessert offerings are presented from a dedicated trolley featuring favorites such as the restaurant’s signature tiramisu.

For dinner, Lucciola will offer a specially curated Father’s Day set menu featuring premium selections including USDA prime rib eye steak and roasted barramundi fillet. The experience concludes with desserts such as Bonet, prepared with gianduja chocolate, amaretti, whipped cream, and rum caramel.

Meanwhile, Zoku, The Hari Hong Kong’s contemporary Japanese dining destination, will present a Father’s Day Brunch showcasing a premium seasonal sashimi platter, assorted skewers and rolls, alongside signature main courses including Spanish mackerel with sake lees sauce. Guests seeking a more elevated experience can also opt for an A-4 Miyazaki Wagyu upgrade.

Zoku’s ‘Discovering Zoku’ Father’s Day set dinner will feature a selection of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including salmon tataki with smoked herring caviar and coconut ponzu, wagyu rolls, prawn gyoza, and chargrilled lamb chop accompanied by black garlic sauce.

Both Lucciola and Zoku will offer brunch experiences starting from HKD 628 per person and HKD 488 per child. The brunch packages include 90 minutes of free-flow red, white, and sparkling wines, along with sparkling and still water, juices, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Additional upgrades featuring Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne and premium sake selections will also be available.

Completing the celebrations, The Lounge and The Terrace will host The Hari Afternoon Tea between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Guests can also enjoy a specially crafted Father’s Day Chocolate Stout dessert, combining dark chocolate, stout beer, and whipped cream to create a rich and indulgent finish to the occasion.

Through these thoughtfully designed dining experiences, The Hari Hong Kong aims to offer families and guests memorable moments while celebrating Father’s Day in an atmosphere that combines culinary excellence with warm hospitality.

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