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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The Biere Club Unveils Vibrant New Brew Hub in HSR Layout, Bengaluru

The Biere Club Unveils Vibrant New Brew Hub in HSR Layout, Bengaluru

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 11, 2025

Bengaluru’s beloved The Biere Club has opened its latest outlet in the energetic neighbourhood of HSR Layout, continuing its journey as one of India’s most iconic names in craft brewing.

Established in 2011 as India’s first craft brewery, The Biere Club has carved out a reputation for fresh, small-batch brews and a food menu tailored to match its unique beers. With over 14 years of experience, the brand continues to resonate with beer lovers across the city.

“The Biere Club has always been about creating a space where people connect over great brews,” said Meenakshi Raju and Aravind Raju, co-founders of The Biere Club. “Our new space in HSR Layout represents an exciting evolution of our vision. We’re eager to share this next chapter with Bengaluru and continue the journey we started together.”

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The new outlet mirrors the Lavelle Road flagship with its three-floor layout, 220-seat capacity, and open-sided design that floods the space with natural light. A signature art wall adds to the aesthetic appeal, while large screens on two floors cater to live sports fans.

Future plans include live music gigs with local bands, aiming to make the venue a cultural hotspot. The menu remains unchanged, sticking to familiar, beer-friendly dishes that regulars know and love.

The HSR brewery will continue to serve Bengaluru’s favourite brews, maintaining the high standards and inventive spirit that have defined The Biere Club since its inception.


Chinese Wok Adds Sizzle with New ‘Kurkure Momos’ Launch

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 11, 2025

Chinese Wok, India’s largest Chinese QSR brand, has spiced up the snacking scene with the launch of its latest menu innovation — Kurkure Momos. With a crisp exterior and bold, spicy flavours, this dish offers a crunchy new twist on one of India’s favourite street foods.

Deep-fried to golden perfection and served with Chinese Wok’s signature fiery sauces, the Kurkure Momos are designed to hit the sweet spot between indulgence and innovation. This launch is the latest in Chinese Wok’s mission to excite Gen Z and millennial palates with a desi-Chinese fusion flair.

“We are thrilled to introduce Kurkure Momos as the newest star on our menu,” said Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director of Lenexis Foodworks. “At the intersection of comfort and crunch, Kurkure Momos are a delicious desi twist to the country’s rising love for bold, flavourful snacking.”

The brand is going all out to promote the launch with a digital campaign powered by 80 influencers. From teaser drops to ASMR videos, the campaign is already creating buzz on Instagram — just in time for the grand weekend debut. Chinese Wok’s Superrr Bowl is also getting a boost in visibility alongside this launch.

Adding to the fun, the campaign is synced with the ongoing cricket season — with limited-edition cricket-themed packaging, ad spots during matches, and Instagram contests bringing the flavour to fans both online and offline.

Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok is the flagship brand of Lenexis Foodworks, which also operates The Momo Co. and Big Bowl. With more than 230 outlets across 35+ cities, the brand continues to redefine Desi-Chinese cuisine with accessible, hygienic, and flavour-forward options.


Cellar 33 and Sonarys Host Exclusive Pre-Launch Dinner to Introduce Grower Champagne in India

Cellar 33 and Sonarys Host Exclusive Pre-Launch Dinner to Introduce Grower Champagne in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 11, 2025

Domaine du Chalet in Chigny-les-Roses, France, set the stage for a meaningful celebration as Cellar 33, in collaboration with Sonarys, hosted an exclusive pre-launch dinner to introduce eight grower Champagne houses to the Indian market. This initiative marks a significant step in connecting India's evolving wine scene with some of France's most authentic, small-batch Champagne producers.

Founded by Amrita Singh DipWSET and Mattia Antonio Cianca DipWSET, Cellar 33 is a Bordeaux-based export and marketing agency focused on Champagne, wine, and spirits, with India as a priority market. Their work includes building long-term partnerships, selecting ideal importers for producers, and offering end-to-end branding and market integration support.

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The event highlighted India's growing appetite for craft-driven, authentic wines. With curated Champagne pairings and a gourmet menu crafted by Chef Nikhil Nagpal of Avartana (ITC Grand Chola)—one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants—the dinner showcased how the nuanced flavours of artisanal Champagne pair beautifully with the spice and depth of Southern Indian cuisine.

“For Amrita, India represents origin and vision, while for Mattia, it signifies inspiration and opportunity,” noted the hosts. They emphasized that the evening was not just about a product launch but about creating meaningful, long-term collaborations.

The participating Champagne houses were:

  • Champagne Gounel-Lassalle (Montagne de Reims)

  • Champagne Lafalise-Froissart (Montagne de Reims)

  • Champagne François Secondé (Montagne de Reims)

  • Champagne R. Faivre (Vallée de la Marne)

  • Champagne Gaston Révolte (Vallée de la Marne)

  • Champagne André Robert (Côte des Blancs)

  • Champagne Daniel Leclerc et Fils (Côte des Bar)

  • Champagne Lacroix-Triaulaire (Côte des Bar)

Sanjay Menon, CEO of Sonarys, added, “It was a seminal discovery… of both the artistry of Champagne and its perfect pairing with Indian ‘Nouvelle’ cuisine.”

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India's wine and spirits market is complex, regulated, yet brimming with opportunity, is seeing a shift towards authenticity, provenance, and craftsmanship. The dinner was attended by Champagne producers, trade professionals, and French and international press, symbolising a pivotal moment in India’s premium beverage journey.

"Introducing these eight producers to India is a momentous occasion," said Mattia Cianca. "Each house represents the soul of its terroir, and we are excited to introduce their artistry to a discerning Indian audience."

With support from Sonarys and growing interest among top restaurants and sommeliers, Cellar 33’s pre-launch celebration lays the foundation for a strong artisanal Champagne presence in India, one rooted in quality, connection, and vision.

About Cellar 33:

Cellar 33, founded in 2023 by Amrita Singh and Mattia Antonio Cianca, is an international marketing and export agency based in Bordeaux. With a sharp focus on Champagne, wine, and spirits, the agency offers branding, market strategy, and representation for select producers. Active participants in Vinexpo and Prowine India, Cellar 33 combines decades of industry expertise to help global brands grow in emerging markets like India.

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