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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Chowman Strengthens Mumbai Presence, Sets Sights on Chennai Expansion

Chowman Strengthens Mumbai Presence, Sets Sights on Chennai Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2025

Kolkata-based Chinese restaurant chain Chowman has added another feather to its cap with the launch of its new dine-in outlet at Mira Road (East), Mumbai. This marks the brand’s third outlet in the city, following its Powai (cloud kitchen) and Andheri West locations.

With this new opening, Chowman continues its vision of bringing the “Democratisation of Neighbourhood Fine Dining” to food lovers across India. The Mira Road outlet is designed to deliver a warm, intimate dining experience, staying true to Chowman’s signature charm. The décor blends red-and-black tones, soft lighting, and oriental music, creating an inviting ambience that reflects traditional Chinese aesthetics.

The restaurant can accommodate 36 guests, offering a cosy yet elegant setting for authentic Chinese fare that has become synonymous with the Chowman name.

Speaking about the brand’s journey, Debaditya Choudhury, Managing Director of Chowman, Oudh 1590, Chapter 2, and Chaudhury & Company, said, “Opening 3 outlets in Mumbai in a short interval feels nothing short of a dream. The way Mumbaikars have welcomed Chowman, with open hearts and hungry souls has truly moved me. It’s this warmth that keeps us going, as we now gear up to open 68 more outlets across Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai in the next two months carrying the same love and flavours wherever we go.”

Looking ahead, Choudhury revealed that the brand has already set its sights on Chennai as the next destination. Chowman plans to debut there with two large outlets, likely in Anna Nagar and Neelankarai, with operations expected to begin in early 2026. “We see huge potential in the Chennai market for Chowman. Initially we plan to launch our Chennai operations with two outlets in very prominent locations like Anna Nagar and Neelankarai. Post that if sales picks up we plan to open at least three more outlets in different strategic locations around the city,” Choudhury added.

As Chowman continues to expand its footprint across India, its commitment remains the same — offering an affordable yet refined Chinese dining experience that feels close to home.


Conan Debuts in India to Redefine the Nation’s Beer Culture

Conan Debuts in India to Redefine the Nation’s Beer Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 10, 2025

India’s beer scene gets a bold upgrade with the arrival of Conan, a new entrant redefining what a strong beer can be. The brand launches with its first variant, an 8% ABV Premium Strong Lager, crafted for those who enjoy power with finesse.

Brewed from robust German malt and premium American hops, Conan delivers a refreshing smoothness that challenges the harshness often associated with traditional strong beers in India. This launch sets a new benchmark for balance and quality, blending strength with sophistication.

The brand is the brainchild of Arvind Bajaj, a seasoned entrepreneur with ventures spanning exports, lifestyle, hospitality, and real estate. Inspired by his travels through Germany and Belgium, Bajaj envisioned a beer that merges international craftsmanship with Indian taste preferences.

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“In India, strong beers have traditionally been harsh, bitter, and unappealing to many, especially women. With Conan, our mission is to craft a beer that is bold yet approachable, strong yet smooth, and one that redefines the perception of strong beer in India,” said Arvind Bajaj, Founder of Conan.

Carrying the tagline “Unleash the Warrior Within,” Conan celebrates individuality and confidence, inviting beer enthusiasts to embrace their bold side. Whether enjoyed at a party or after a long day, the brand promises an experience rooted in authenticity and attitude.

Conan made its debut in Delhi this October with 500ml cans. Expansion is set to follow in Uttar Pradesh this December, with a pan-India rollout in the pipeline. Future releases will include a Super Premium Strong, a Light Lager, and a Belgian Wheat, expanding the brand’s portfolio for diverse tastes.

With this launch, Conan aims to build a new culture of beer appreciation in India, one that combines strength, style, and sophistication in every sip.


Chinese Wok Partners with Amazon MX Player’s ‘I-POPSTAR’ as Official Food Partner

Chinese Wok Partners with Amazon MX Player’s ‘I-POPSTAR’ as Official Food Partner

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

Chinese Wok, India’s leading homegrown Desi Chinese quick-service restaurant brand, has announced its debut in the reality TV entertainment space with ‘I-POPSTAR,’ Amazon MX Player’s latest music reality series celebrating India’s independent music talent. As the Official Food Partner, Chinese Wok brings its bold, youthful flavour into the heart of music, culture, and creativity, strengthening its connection with the country’s vibrant Gen Z and millennial audience.

Produced by Rusk Media, I-POPSTAR features 25 emerging musicians competing across auditions, gala rounds, and the grand finale, mentored by King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari, and Parmish Verma. The show embraces diverse genres including Pop, Rap, R&B, Rock, EDM, and regional fusion, spotlighting originality and fresh voices from across India.

The collaboration reflects a shared spirit between the show and the brand. Today’s young India is ambitious, expressive, and constantly evolving, qualities that align with Chinese Wok’s “Wok Your Way” ethos, which celebrates individuality and hustle. The partnership takes shape through on-air integrations, backstage interactions, playful exchanges with mentors and contestants, and a unique challenge segment that blends flavour, creativity, and performance in true Chinese Wok style.

As part of the association, the brand will co-create an exclusive jingle with one of the I-POPSTAR contestants, infusing music and flavour into a vibrant brand experience. Beyond the screen, Chinese Wok will have a presence at key events such as the Mumbai premiere, Delhi finale festival, and youth showcases across major cities.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, shared,

“Chinese Wok has always resonated with the ambition, pace and individuality of young India. Our partnership with I-POPSTAR is a strategic step in expanding our cultural footprint and engaging deeply with the country’s most dynamic, creative audiences. With 250+ outlets across 45+ cities, this collaboration signals the next phase of our brand evolution, where food, culture and creative energy meet.”

Adding to this, Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, said,

“I-POPSTAR is raw, expressive and unapologetically fresh and that’s exactly the spirit of Chinese Wok. We’re excited to join India’s next popstars on-screen, share fun flavour moments, and even co-create a jingle with one of the artists. It’s food, culture, music, and youth energy coming together and when cravings hit the stage, Chinese bole toh Chinese Wok!”

This marks Chinese Wok’s first-ever entry into the reality TV and talent ecosystem, a bold and strategic move that builds deeper cultural relevance with India’s young audience through music, humour, sport, and digital storytelling.

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