Papaya Unveils “The Yin & Yang Menu” Inspired by Asia’s Timeless Philosophy

Papaya Unveils “The Yin & Yang Menu” Inspired by Asia’s Timeless Philosophy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 7, 2025

Papaya, India’s pioneer in modern Asian dining, has launched The Yin & Yang Menu, a unique culinary experience inspired by one of Asia’s oldest philosophies, the harmony created when opposites come together. Rooted in the belief that contrast completes rather than divides, the menu brings the essence of balance to the plate through taste, texture and emotion.

For generations, the concept of Yin and Yang has symbolised the universe’s natural rhythm, light and shadow, calm and energy, softness and strength. Not opposites in conflict, but partners in balance. Papaya brings this timeless idea to life by blending fire with flow, depth with delicacy, and spice with serenity.

“The Yin & Yang Menu is our homage to the philosophy that defines Asia itself,” says Zorawar Kalra, Founder & Managing Director, Massive Restaurants. “Papaya has always led from the front in redefining how India experiences Asian cuisine, by blending innovation with integrity. With this menu, we explore how contrast doesn’t divide; it completes. It’s a dialogue between opposites, a reminder that flavour, like life, finds meaning only in balance.”

True to Papaya’s style, the experience goes beyond food. The two curated menus are crafted as emotional journeys that reflect each other, with one finding strength in what the other releases.

The Yin Menu celebrates calm, subtlety and restraint. Dishes like Smoked Avocado Nigiri and Avocado Carpaccio with Yuzu Soy bring gentle brightness, while Crystal Truffle Cream Cheese Dim Sum and Cantonese Dumpling Broth offer soothing depth. Highlights such as Rainbow Roll and Salmon Uzukuri with Jalapeño Relish pair coolness with a hint of heat. The experience concludes with Thai Green Curry with Stir-Fried Asian Greens and a serene Vanilla Panacotta with Citrus Glaze, echoing the quiet charm of dusk.

The Yang Menu brings energy, boldness and expression. The journey begins with spirited dishes like Spicy Tuna Maki, Som Tam Seafood Salad, and Shaomai Chicken & Chestnuts. The flavours intensify with Tom Yum Soup, Spicy Red Dragon Roll, and Papaya’s signature Layered Sushi Pizza with Salmon Carpaccio. Power-packed plates such as Wok-Fried Tofu & Mushrooms in Crispy Chilli and Thai Red Curry keep the momentum strong, ending with the dramatic Chocolate Ball on Fire, a blend of dessert and theatre.

Across both menus, every element is designed to create balance, colours, aromas, ingredients and textures come together to bring harmony to each plate. Calm meets chaos, heat meets coolness, and structure blends with flow. Diners are invited to experience both sides and discover how each enriches the other.

With The Yin & Yang Menu, Papaya continues to lead India’s modern Asian dining scene by blending philosophy, creativity and cuisine into an experience that feels deeply rooted yet refreshingly contemporary.


Olivia Creamery Expands to Delhi NCR, Bringing Its Artisanal Ice Creams Beyond Kolkata

Olivia Creamery Expands to Delhi NCR, Bringing Its Artisanal Ice Creams Beyond Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 6, 2026

Olivia Creamery, the Kolkata-based artisanal ice cream brand founded by Malika Chawla Batra and Srishti Chawla, has entered the Delhi NCR market, marking its first expansion beyond Kolkata. Known for its handcrafted small-batch ice creams, the brand is now serving customers across Delhi NCR through direct ordering and its website.

Since its launch in 2021, Olivia Creamery has built a strong presence in Kolkata’s premium dessert segment by focusing on quality ingredients, thoughtful craftsmanship and distinctive flavour profiles. The brand’s ice creams are prepared in limited batches using seasonal fruits, premium chocolate, fine cocoa, carefully sourced dairy products and natural ingredients.

Its menu features a mix of classic favourites and innovative creations inspired by travel experiences, personal memories and culinary influences. Alongside its signature offerings, the brand also provides sugar-free and vegan options, as well as luxury ice cream gifting hampers designed to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Over the years, Olivia Creamery has developed a loyal customer base in Kolkata by positioning itself within the premium artisanal category rather than the mass-market dessert segment. The brand’s #LoveAtFirstBite philosophy reflects its focus on creating memorable flavour experiences that leave a lasting impression from the very first spoonful.

Speaking about the expansion, Co-Founder and Head Chef Malika Chawla Batra said, “Olivia Creamery started with a simple intent: to create ice creams that people remember not just for taste, but for feeling. Many of our flavours come from lived experiences, whether something we tasted while travelling, a childhood favourite, or a moment tied to a place or memory. Kolkata gave us the space to build that language slowly and honestly.”

Co-Founder Srishti Chawla said the move into Delhi NCR represents a natural progression for the brand. “We’ve always believed that ice cream is not just a product, it’s an emotion-led category. Delhi NCR has a mature and evolving sweet treats culture, where consumers are actively seeking authenticity, craftsmanship, and brands with a point of view. We see strong alignment with that mindset,” she said.

The expansion comes at a time when India’s premium ice cream segment is witnessing growing demand for artisanal products, clean-label offerings and experience-driven indulgence. Olivia Creamery aims to cater to this evolving market with its emphasis on small-batch production, ingredient integrity and carefully curated flavours.

Founded in Kolkata in 2021, the brand is recognised for its artisanal ice creams, luxury gifting hampers and inclusive offerings such as vegan and sugar-free options. Customers across Delhi NCR can now access the brand’s products with delivery available in approximately four hours.


Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a Revitalised North-West Frontier Culinary Experience

Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a Revitalised North-West Frontier Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on June 5, 2026

Jyran, the signature Tandoor Dining & Lounge at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, has unveiled a refreshed culinary experience that celebrates the rich heritage of North-West Frontier cuisine while introducing modern elements of storytelling, presentation, and mixology.

Inspired by the tale of a young boy and his bond with an elephant, symbolising love, hope, and belonging, Jyran continues to build its identity around warmth, connection, and authentic frontier-inspired flavours. The latest menu enhancement offers guests greater flexibility through both set-menu and à la carte dining options while introducing thoughtfully curated small plates, signature mains, and inventive desserts.

Leading the culinary transformation is Master Chef Waris Qureshi, whose expertise draws from the royal culinary traditions of Awadhi, Peshawari, and Hyderabadi cuisines. Known for preserving heritage recipes while presenting them with contemporary flair, Chef Qureshi has crafted a menu that blends time-honoured techniques with refined modern execution.

The new menu showcases robust tandoor-led preparations that reflect the depth and character of frontier cuisine. Signature dishes include Namak Mandi Gosht Ki Chaap, featuring succulent lamb chops marinated in malt vinegar and aromatic spices, and Murgh Al Qureshi, a delicately flavoured chicken preparation enriched with saffron, cashews, and traditional Lucknowi influences.

Guests can also savour the Raan-E-Khushk Pardah, a slow-cooked leg of lamb encased in a delicate pastry crust, alongside the restaurant’s signature Dal-E-Qureshi, which is simmered for 48 hours to achieve its distinctive richness and depth of flavour.

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The dessert menu introduces contemporary interpretations of beloved classics. Highlights include the Gulab Jamun Kunafa Nest, which combines traditional Indian sweetness with Middle Eastern textures, and the indulgent Jyran Signature Kulfi Falooda, offering a refined take on a nostalgic favourite.

Complementing the culinary offerings is a reimagined cocktail programme featuring eight signature creations. Designed as chapters within an unfolding story, each cocktail is paired with a theatrical presentation that transforms the drinking experience into an immersive narrative. From colour-changing concoctions and fire-and-smoke reveals to interactive “Lost Letter” moments, the beverages are crafted to evoke themes of longing, memory, discovery, and reunion.

Together, the refreshed food and beverage programme transforms dining at Jyran into a multi-sensory journey that celebrates both culinary heritage and creative innovation. Through its combination of authentic flavours, storytelling elements, and experiential hospitality, Jyran continues to strengthen its position as one of Mumbai’s distinctive luxury dining destinations.

Located within Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the restaurant reflects the hotel’s broader philosophy of combining French sophistication with warm Indian hospitality, offering guests memorable experiences rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.

Restaurant Details:

Venue: Jyran, Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Dining Options: Set Menu and À la Carte Available
Reservations: +91 91673 91130


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Introduces Mediterranean Nights at The Square

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Introduces Mediterranean Nights at The Square

By Hariharan U

Published on June 4, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has introduced a new dining experience titled “Mediterranean Nights” at its signature restaurant, The Square, bringing together the vibrant culinary traditions of the Mediterranean coastline and Middle Eastern regions.

Designed as an immersive and elegant evening experience, Mediterranean Nights focuses on fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, handcrafted mezze, and interactive live cooking stations that highlight the richness and diversity of Mediterranean cuisine.

The ambience at The Square has been thoughtfully curated to reflect coastal European charm, featuring soft lighting, Mediterranean-inspired décor elements, and soothing background music. The setting aims to create a relaxed yet premium atmosphere ideal for an elevated dining experience by the sea.

Guests can explore an elaborate buffet spread featuring a wide selection of mezze, artisan breads and dips, seafood preparations, roasted meats, and signature Mediterranean desserts. The live cooking stations further enhance the experience by offering freshly prepared dishes that bring an interactive and engaging dimension to the evening.

Mediterranean Nights is designed as a social dining experience suitable for gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues. The concept focuses on offering guests a flavourful escape that captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality, known for its warmth, simplicity, and celebration of shared meals.

Through this initiative, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach continues to expand its culinary programming, offering curated dining experiences that blend global flavours with immersive hospitality settings.

Event Details:

Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahni Road, Juhu, Mumbai – 400049
Days: Every Friday & Sunday
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

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