Ola Joins ONDC for Food Delivery Services and Eyes New CEO for Cab Business

Ola Joins ONDC for Food Delivery Services and Eyes New CEO for Cab Business

By Author

Published on September 3, 2023

Ola, the mobility giant, is venturing into the food delivery arena once again by partnering with the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This move places Ola in competition with the likes of Swiggy and others in the food delivery space. The feature has been under testing for over a month within the Ola app, initially for employees and a select group of users, under the name 'Ola ONDC food.'

While this venture marks Ola's fourth attempt at food delivery, it appears to have promising potential. The ONDC platform connects online buyers and sellers, and Ola's integration with it simplifies the process of bringing multiple restaurants and food brands to Ola's app for food delivery. This strategic move eliminates the complexities associated with integrating restaurant partners and consumers.

Moreover, there's buzz about Ola appointing a CEO for its cab business. This shift is aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. The new CEO, possibly an ex-Unilever executive, is expected to join the company soon, according to reports.

These moves come on the heels of Ola reporting losses amounting to INR 3,082 crore in the fiscal year 2021-22. However, Ola's foray into food delivery and the appointment of a new CEO signal the company's determination to diversify and expand its services, potentially leading to a more competitive and dynamic future in the mobility and food delivery sectors.

As ONDC continues to make waves in the e-commerce landscape, this partnership could redefine the food delivery industry by offering restaurants and food chains more competitive pricing options due to lower or non-existent commissions, depending on buyer-seller agreements. This strategic integration positions Ola for growth and innovation, while the appointment of a new CEO reflects the company's commitment to strategic leadership and operational excellence.


OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s ‘Royal RESERVE’ Named Maldives’ Leading Luxury Villa for Third Year

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s ‘Royal RESERVE’ Named Maldives’ Leading Luxury Villa for Third Year

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2025

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, part of THE OZEN COLLECTION, has once again claimed the spotlight at the 2025 World Travel Awards, winning the coveted title of ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ for the third consecutive year. The accolade celebrates the resort’s standout offering, the Royal RESERVE, as the epitome of luxury and bespoke hospitality in the Indian Ocean.

Spanning an expansive 3,000 square metres, the Royal RESERVE villa is a sanctuary of opulence, complete with a private beach, panoramic ocean views, and direct lagoon access. Guests enjoy full privacy and an all-encompassing luxury experience, from a dedicated spa treatment room with in-house therapists to a private chef and 24-hour butler service. The villa also features an in-house bar, private restaurant, and handcrafted design details that blend traditional Maldivian aesthetics with modern elegance.

This third straight win reaffirms the villa’s status as one of the world’s most desirable luxury accommodations. It follows a string of previous honours, including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI a consistent leader in premium hospitality.

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“It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year,” said Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. “This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity.”

In addition to this prestigious win, the resort has also been nominated in the 2025 World Spa Awards as ‘Maldives' Best Wellness Retreat’ for its signature ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa. This wellness sanctuary combines nature-inspired therapies and modern techniques to deliver a truly rejuvenating experience.

At the heart of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s offering is its RESERVE Plan™ — a benchmark in luxury all-inclusive travel. Guests enjoy catamaran transfers, unlimited spa treatments, and gourmet dining across seven venues, along with premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and exclusive water sports with Best Dives.

From honeymooners to high-profile travellers seeking an escape into indulgent solitude, the Royal RESERVE is more than just a villa — it’s a celebration of abundant luxury, where every wish is anticipated and fulfilled with graceful precision.

With its growing list of accolades and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of hospitality, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI continues to set the gold standard for meaningful, immersive luxury in the Maldives.


Yuyuan Lantern Festival Lights Up ICONSIAM to Celebrate 50 Years of Thai–Chinese Friendship

Yuyuan Lantern Festival Lights Up ICONSIAM to Celebrate 50 Years of Thai–Chinese Friendship

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2025

Bangkok’s ICONSIAM, in a groundbreaking cultural collaboration with Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart Group, has brought China’s most iconic lantern festival to Thailand for the very first time. The “Spirit of Mountains and Seas · Yuyuan Lantern Festival and 2025 China–Thailand Culture Month” is lighting up the Chao Phraya River until 15 August 2025, offering visitors a magical, light-filled experience that blends ancient Chinese folklore with modern artistic innovation.

Running daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM, the event is open to the public free of charge, welcoming all to enjoy a visual and cultural spectacle unlike any other.

This historic debut in Thailand marks a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. More than just a festival, this event underscores the growing bond between the two nations, using art and culture as a universal language to foster friendship and unity.

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With a legacy of over a century, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival is one of China’s most cherished intangible cultural heritages. This year’s theme, “Spirit of Mountains and Seas”, draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese text Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), creating a fantastical realm called “Chao Phraya Island.” This imaginary floating island is brought to life through immersive lantern installations that combine light, shadow, and interactive technologies, portraying mythical creatures and landscapes that enchant visitors of all ages.

Guests can expect more than just mesmerising visuals. The festival also features:

  • Traditional performances

  • Local products market

  • Themed cultural weeks

  • An art exhibition

These activities aim to deepen cross-cultural exchange in art, food, and commerce, strengthening the bridge of collaboration between Thailand and China.

ICONSIAM, already a global destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, further cements its position as a hub for international arts and cultural exchange with this iconic event.

“This festival isn’t just about lanterns; it’s about lighting up connections,” remarked organisers from ICONSIAM. “It symbolises the warmth and depth of Thai–Chinese relations, and welcomes all communities to partake in this extraordinary celebration of friendship.”

Visitors are encouraged to explore the luminous wonders of Yuyuan Lantern Festival 2025, soaking in a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience right in the heart of Bangkok.


Mammom in Hanoi Unveils Soulful Menu Honouring Vietnam’s Home-Cooked Classics

Mammom in Hanoi Unveils Soulful Menu Honouring Vietnam’s Home-Cooked Classics

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2025

Hanoi’s Mammom restaurant has launched a heartfelt culinary journey with a newly introduced menu that celebrates home-cooked Vietnamese classics from across the country’s North, Central, and South regions. Located on the picturesque Phan Dinh Phung Street, Mammom offers diners a comforting slice of nostalgia that honours the essence of “Mom’s cooking.”

A part of the acclaimed Viet Deli restaurant group, Mammom is open daily for lunch and dinner, and has quickly become a favourite among food lovers since opening last year. The restaurant’s name, Mammom is inspired by a child’s first words and sets the tone for its warm, homey ambiance and emotionally rooted cuisine.

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Curated by Chef Truong Minh Triet, the expansive menu is a tribute to Vietnamese culinary heritage and showcases an array of carefully crafted dishes. Diners can explore a rich selection that includes:

  • Mon rau (vegetables)

  • Mon man (fish paste dishes)

  • Mon cuon (rolls)

  • Nom goi (Vietnamese salads)

  • Lau (hotpots)

  • Ga, vit, heo, bo, ca, cua, tom, muc (chicken, duck, pork, beef, fish, crab, prawns, squid)

  • Mon phu, canh, com (side dishes, broths, rice)

  • Mon thuan thuc vat (vegetarian dishes)

  • Trang mieng (desserts)

Signature highlights include:

  • Bo nuong la lot – Grilled beef in piper lolot leaves

  • Banh goi Ha Noi – Pillow-shaped dumplings from Hanoi

  • Goi ngo sen tom thit – Lotus stem salad with shrimp and pork

  • Vit tap vung – Roasted duck with galangal and sesame

  • Ca loc kho tieu – Stewed snakehead fish in black pepper

  • Cua rang me – Tamarind-glazed crab

“This menu is a culinary embrace,” said Nguyen Quoc Hoa, Viet Deli’s country general manager.

“Each dish is designed to evoke the warmth of a Vietnamese home. For lovers of Vietnamese cuisine, it’s a taste of tradition, crafted with fresh, sustainable ingredients and a perfect harmony of flavour and texture.”

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The restaurant’s elegant interior is equally inviting, featuring parquet flooring, hand-carved wooden furniture, fluted booths, and original Vietnamese artworks, offering a welcoming setting for both locals and tourists. Notably, Mammom has been named a finalist in the 2025 Asia Hospitality Awards in the category of Asia’s Finest Local Restaurant (Vietnam).

Affordability meets authenticity, with prices ranging from 35,000 VND (USD 1.35) for appetisers like dua cai be (pickled mustard greens) to 895,000 VND (USD 34.50) for the indulgent lau cua Ca Mau (Ca Mau crab hotpot).

Mammom’s addition further strengthens Viet Deli’s portfolio, which includes HOME Hanoi, HOME Hoi An, HOME Saigon, and Ngon Gallery among others—restaurants that have consistently elevated the experience of Vietnamese cuisine for locals and global travellers alike.

Whether you're a native reminiscing about your mother’s kitchen or a visitor eager to explore the soul of Vietnam through food, Mammom's new menu promises a delicious, heartwarming experience that’s steeped in authenticity.

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