Pongal, the cherished Tamil harvest festival, is a celebration of gratitude to nature and the divine, marking abundance, renewal, and togetherness. Deeply rooted in tradition and ritual, the festival holds special significance as a culinary celebration that brings families and communities together. Honouring this timeless legacy, Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel, Chennai presents a specially curated Pongal Virundhu from 14th - 18th of January, 2026, that captures the essence of the festival through authentic flavours and classic preparations.

Recognised among India’s top 50 restaurants by Condé Nast Traveller India, Southern Spice is renowned for its dedication to South Indian culinary heritage. The restaurant offers delicacies from across the four southern states, served in an ambience inspired by the grandeur of Chola, Pallava, and Pandya temple architecture, with ornate columns, artefacts, and murals enhancing the dining experience.

The Pongal Virundhu is crafted by the culinary team at Southern Spice under the leadership of Executive Chef Vikas Milhoutra. The menu brings traditional harvest-time flavours to the table, featuring comforting favourites such as Kalkandu Pongal, a gently sweet rice and lentil dish that reflects the warmth of festive cooking. Classic treats like Athirasam, prepared with jaggery, rice flour, and ghee, and the beloved Kai Murukku, made from rice flour and urad dal, add a nostalgic touch to the feast.

Adding regional character to the spread is the Vadu Mangai Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram, where soft rice and lentil dumplings are filled with tender mango pickle, offering bursts of tangy flavour. Savoury accompaniments include Nattu Kai Sambar made with lentils, country vegetables, and Madras onion spices, along with Padaipu Kozhambu, a rustic lentil curry enriched with seasonal produce. The menu is further complemented by Beans and Carrot Paruppu Usili, where steamed lentils are tossed with vegetables to create a hearty and satisfying dish.

To complete the festive experience, traditional beverages such as a tender coconut mocktail, cooling Nannari Sherbet, and spiced buttermilk are served alongside the meal. Together, these elements come together to create a soulful culinary journey that reflects the spirit of Pongal, celebrating abundance, tradition, and the joy of shared meals.

Dining Details

Venue: Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
Pongal Virundhu, Lunch and Dinner, À la carte options are available. 

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, in collaboration with Amrut Distilleries, has unveiled an exclusive single malt whisky crafted solely for Zarf, the hotel’s signature Indian fine-dining restaurant. The launch marks a significant milestone for Amrut, representing its 50th single malt release and the first time the distillery has created a whisky exclusively for a restaurant.

The bespoke expression has been distilled using Indian six-row barley and matured for over six years in a carefully selected refill virgin American oak cask. Designed specifically to complement Zarf’s culinary philosophy, the whisky mirrors the restaurant’s approach of drawing inspiration from the flavours of “forgotten India” while presenting them through a modern, refined lens.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sanjay Gupta, Multi Property General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, said the partnership reflects the hotel’s focus on creating experience-led food and beverage destinations. He noted that collaborations like this allow cuisine, craft and culture to intersect, positioning Zarf as a space where Indian heritage is expressed in a contemporary and globally relevant way.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director, Amrut Distilleries, said the release of the 50th single malt in partnership with Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield and Zarf was particularly meaningful. He added that this marks Amrut’s first private label collaboration in India, making the association with the hotel and its bespoke restaurant especially significant.

The launch was accompanied by a specially curated menu at Zarf, designed to echo the whisky’s layered character and depth. The pairing featured dishes such as Mushroom ki Galouti with Lucknow potli spices and saffron warqi, Peshawari Namak Mandi lamb chops, lamb galouti kebab finished with saffron warqi, and Dal-e-Zarf, slow-cooked in stoneware with yellow moong lentils and desi ghee. Together, the menu and the whisky created a cohesive dialogue between spirit and cuisine.

Adding a visual dimension to the evening, the launch also featured a fashion walk curated by Prasad Bidapa, showcasing designs by Hemant Trevedi inspired by the colours and flow of the whisky. The presentation complemented the evening’s emphasis on craftsmanship, heritage and contemporary expression.

Through this collaboration, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield reinforces its positioning as a leading culinary and lifestyle destination, while Amrut Distilleries continues to strengthen its reputation as one of India’s most respected and globally recognised single malt producers, setting a new benchmark for experiential luxury in the country.

Daryaganj, the restaurant brand credited with the invention of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, is extending its celebrated culinary legacy with the launch of Rolls and Kebabs by Daryaganj. The new offering brings the brand’s familiar flavours, rooted in recipes perfected since 1947, into a more accessible and everyday format designed for quick meals and on-the-go moments.

Drawing directly from Daryaganj’s signature tandoor and kebab repertoire, the rolls are crafted to deliver the same comforting taste that regular guests associate with the brand. Each roll is wrapped in soft rumali roti and finished with classic accompaniments such as mint chutney, onions, and a light touch of chaat masala, keeping the flavours authentic and familiar.

The menu features a balanced mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Vegetarian choices include Paneer Tikka, Soya Malai Chaap, and Aloo Tikka, while non-vegetarian favourites span Chicken Tikka, Chicken Malai Tikka, Chicken Seekh, Bhatti Chicken, Mutton Seekh, and Sole Fish Tikka. The selection reflects dishes that have long been part of the Daryaganj dining experience, now reimagined as easy-to-enjoy rolls.

Sharing the thought behind the extension, Amit Bagga, Co-founder & CEO, Daryaganj, said, “Our food has always been about comfort, familiarity and honest flavours. The rolls allow us to take the same recipes and techniques we’ve followed for decades and present them in a way that fits into everyday routines, without changing what people love about our food.”

Designed for quick lunches, light snacks, or relaxed meals on busy days, Rolls and Kebabs by Daryaganj stays anchored to the brand’s heritage while adapting to modern eating habits. The initiative reinforces Daryaganj’s focus on making its legacy flavours more accessible, without compromising on taste, technique, or authenticity.

The offering is currently available across Daryaganj locations, excluding Aerocity and the CP outlet, and can also be ordered online through Zomato, further extending the brand’s reach beyond its dining rooms.