Quirky, Stylish, and Delicious. Culinary Gems in Thane

Quirky, Stylish, and Delicious. Culinary Gems in Thane

By Author

Published on January 24, 2024

Thane's culinary scene is exploding with flavors that go beyond the typical vada pav and masala dosa. From hidden gems serving delectable local fare to modern bistros dishing up global delights, Thane's restaurant scene has something to tantalize every taste bud. So, put your foodie hat on and get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Thane's top 4 restaurants:

Copper Chimney: 

Ditch the butter chicken and step into a world of aromatic curries and succulent kebabs at Copper Chimney. This Thane stalwart elevates North Indian cuisine to an art form. Their signature Dal Makhani is a legend, simmered for hours to perfection, while the melt-in-your-mouth Malai Kofta will leave you wanting more. Don't miss the Peshawari Chicken, its smoky flavors transporting you straight to the bustling streets of Peshawar. Pair your meal with freshly baked naan and end on a sweet note with their creamy phirni. Prepare for a royal feast fit for a Maharaja!

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Hitchki: 

Forget run-of-the-mill cafes, Hitchki is a whimsical playground where quirky decor meets lip-smacking food. Dive into their colorful world and indulge in their playful fusion dishes. The Shakshuka in a sourdough bread bowl is a messy but delightful treat, while the Feta Cheese Eggs with pesto and fries are an Instagram-worthy brunch option. Vegetarians, fear not! The Kath N Ghat Vegetable Curry with coconut milk is a creamy delight, and the Spiced Paneer Pizza will leave you wondering why anyone eats regular pizza anymore. Wash it all down with their signature Hitchki Ki Chai, a frothy concoction that's as vibrant as the ambience itself.

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The Backlane Kitchen & Bar: 

Exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and sleek furniture create a stylish and modern atmosphere. The menu here features a diverse selection of dishes, from European and Asian small plates to wood-fired pizzas and hearty pastas. They use seasonal ingredients and prepare everything in-house, ensuring top-notch quality and flavor. Whether you're a vegetarian, a meat lover, or someone who enjoys seafood, there's something on the menu to tantalize your taste buds.

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Salt N Pepper:

Expect elegant decor with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and subtle Indian accents. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. While the ambiance leans towards fine dining, the restaurant welcomes families and offers ample options for children. Indulge in classic European dishes like grilled salmon, pasta pomodoro, and coq au vin, prepared with fresh ingredients and exquisite finesse. Their menu boasts a selection of traditional Mughlai dishes like biryanis, korma, and rogan josh, each layered with rich spices and fragrant aromas.

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The Irish House:

Expect warm lighting, wooden accents, and sports screens showing live matches. It's a casual and upbeat atmosphere, perfect for after-work drinks or a fun night out with friends. Indulge in classic Irish dishes like Shepherd's Pie, Bangers & Mash, and Fish & Chips, all generously portioned and satisfying. The menu also features pizzas, burgers, pastas, and Asian-inspired dishes, catering to diverse palates.Vegetarians and seafood lovers won't be disappointed either, with a good selection of veggie options and seafood dishes.

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Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a historic win for Indian cuisine, Chef Vijay Kumar, hailing from a small village near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has been awarded Best Chef: New York State at the prestigious James Beard Awards 2025. Held on Monday night in Chicago, the awards are regarded as one of the culinary world’s highest honours — and for the first time, an Indian restaurant and chef have claimed this top spot in New York.

Kumar is the Executive Chef of Semma, a restaurant that has revolutionized the Indian fine dining scene in New York. Part of the Unapologetic Foods group led by Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, Semma is unapologetically rooted in South Indian heritage, serving dishes rarely seen outside Tamil homes. From fiery nathai pirattal (snail curry) to eral thokku (spicy prawns) and foxtail millet khichdi, the food is bold, soulful, and deeply personal — served in clay pots and on banana leaves, often without cutlery.

Dressed in a traditional Veshti while accepting the award, Kumar shared an emotional moment:

“When I started cooking, I never thought a kid like me from Tamil Nadu could make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up with — food made with care and fire, with soul — is now taking the main stage. There’s no such thing as poor people’s food or rich people’s food. If it’s true, it’s powerful.”

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Semma has consistently earned accolades since its opening in 2021. It holds a Michelin star for three years running and was crowned No. 1 on The New York Times’ 100 Best Restaurants list — a rare feat for an Indian restaurant. But for Kumar, this moment is about more than stars and rankings. It’s about representation, roots, and reclaiming pride in food once hidden in shame.

Growing up in Arasampatti, a village surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees, Kumar recalls how dishes like snail curry were once considered farmer’s food — something to be kept from classmates. It wasn’t until culinary school that he saw escargot on a fine-dining menu and realized: “Maybe the world just hadn’t tasted our food yet.”

Originally dreaming of becoming an engineer, financial limitations led Kumar to pursue catering college — a twist of fate that launched a career celebrating the food of his ancestors. Today, with a James Beard medal and a mission that resonates from New York to Tamil Nadu, Chef Vijay Kumar has not only redefined fine dining but also carved a powerful space for heritage cuisine in global gastronomy.

Semma is no longer just a restaurant — it’s a revolution in flavour, identity, and cultural pride.


PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Globally celebrated French bakery and café PAUL is set to make its Bengaluru debut this August with its first outlet at Orion Gateway Mall, Rajajinagar. With a rich legacy spanning over 135 years, PAUL brings its signature French charm to the city in a stunning alfresco lakeside setting covering 3,850 square feet.

The menu will feature a refined selection of authentic French delicacies—from quiche lorraine, croque monsieur, savoury crêpes, and French onion soup, to caramelized canelés. Bengaluru’s food lovers can also enjoy sourdough Napoletana pizzas, tartines, pastas, rice bowls, salads, risottos, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages—all made using the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients.

The Parisian-style ambience at PAUL makes it the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or even a quick solo indulgence. Whether it's a casual coffee date or a business meeting, PAUL promises a slice of France in the heart of the city.

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Sunil Munshi, Senior Vice President – Retail, Brigade Group, said:

"The upcoming launch of PAUL at Orion Gateway Mall furthers our commitment to delivering globally inspired experiences crafted with innovation and care. We’re excited to bring this iconic French tradition to Bengaluru and confident it will become a favourite among the city's food connoisseurs.”

Vaibhav Kaushish, Chief Operating Officer, PAUL India, added:

“Opening our first outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone. Staying true to our brand's philosophy of Eat Well, Live Well, we bring the finest ingredients—free from palm oil and artificial additives—and French staples like viennoiseries, hot chocolate, and pain au chocolat to this vibrant city.”

PAUL’s commitment to authenticity, wellness, and sustainability, combined with its heritage of artisanal craftsmanship, makes it a much-awaited culinary destination for Bengalureans. With its debut, the city is all set to savour the best of French bakery traditions—one croissant at a time.


Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Figaro’s Pizza has unveiled a bold new chapter, staying true to its roots while elevating every element of the pizza experience. Known for its dedication to freshness and flavour, Figaro’s reaffirms its core philosophy: honest ingredients, expertly crafted.

At the heart of every Figaro’s offering is fresh dough made daily, 100% real cheese, and never-frozen vegetables—a trio that ensures every bite is not just delicious but crafted with intention and integrity.

Spotlight on Signature Flavours

1. Mama’s Favorite Pizza
A classic with a twist. Perfect for those who love bold, meaty flavours, this pizza combines chicken pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, and capsicum, layered on your choice of red sauce or creamy garlic base. A celebration of richness and balance.

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2. Rainbow Pizza
Vegetarians, rejoice! This colourful and flavour-packed pizza brings together garlic mushrooms, baby corn, black olives, capsicum, and tomatoes. It’s a visual and gastronomic treat, offered with Figaro’s signature red or creamy garlic sauce.

3. Figaro’s Special Garden Salad
Fresh, light, and full of crunch, this salad brings together capsicum, onions, tomatoes, and olives tossed in Caesar or Italian dressing. A perfect pairing to any main.

4. Santa Fe BBQ Sandwich
Comfort meets bold in this grilled chicken sandwich, layered with sweet onions, red paprika, tomatoes, melted cheese, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce. A hearty choice for those craving depth and flavour.

Whether you’re a loyal Figaro’s fan or a new diner, the menu’s flavour-forward philosophy ensures there’s something to love. These creations are more than meals—they’re crafted experiences, designed to satisfy both the stomach and the soul.

At Figaro’s Pizza, flavour isn’t just served—it’s redefined.

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