Raise Your Glass: Haku Vodka from Japan Hits India's Shores

Raise Your Glass: Haku Vodka from Japan Hits India's Shores

By Author

Published on September 29, 2023

India, brace yourself for a taste of Japan like never before, as Beam Suntory, the global leader in premium spirits, unveils the latest gem from the House of Suntory. Following the resounding success of The House of Suntory portfolio's launch in December 2019, the spotlight now shines on India with the introduction of Haku® Vodka.

Derived from the finest Japanese ingredients, Haku® Vodka is a testament to the nature and spirit of Japan. It embodies the core principles of Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii's Monozukuri craftsmanship—a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

In a country where vodka's versatility has captured the hearts of consumers, the arrival of Haku® Vodka is set to make waves in the vodka market. Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Beam Suntory India, expresses their excitement, stating, "Vodka continues to gain prominence as a sought-after spirit amongst Indian consumers due to its versatility. Delivering a distinctive experience and establishing a unique presence in the vodka market, we bring yet another addition from our esteemed House of Suntory portfolio in India with the launch of Haku® Vodka."

The name "Haku," meaning 'white and brilliant' in Japanese, pays homage to the key ingredient, "Hakumai," a pure, white Japanese rice symbolising Japan's essence. This rice is meticulously milled, polished, and distilled, resulting in a "junpaku," a clear, clean, and luminous vodka. What makes Haku® Vodka truly exceptional is its filtration process through bamboo charcoal, adding a touch of sophistication and complexity to the vodka's natural flavour.

Haku® Vodka's design blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern sensibilities, creating a minimalist and artisanal product that beautifully celebrates Japanese craftsmanship.

India is not the sole destination for Haku® Vodka. This premium spirit is set to take flight across multiple markets, including Maharashtra, Goa, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. With prices ranging from INR 3,950 to INR 6,140, it promises to set an unprecedented benchmark in the vodka category.

Haku® Vodka, an embodiment of quality, tradition, and innovation, marks a significant step in Beam Suntory's mission to elevate its premium portfolio in India, further enriching the vibrant landscape of Indian spirits.

As The House of Suntory celebrates a century of whisky innovation, the introduction of Haku® Vodka reaffirms Suntory's commitment to heritage and a relentless pursuit of crafting exceptional spirits. Beam Suntory invites India to savour the essence of Japanese craftsmanship with each sip of Haku® Vodka.

Image Source: The Whiskey Exchange


India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2026

India's food and beverage landscape is welcoming three distinctive dining experiences this August, each bringing its own culinary identity to Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad. From authentic Chinese regional cuisine and a thoughtfully curated Japanese-inspired cocktail programme to a rooftop destination celebrating India's diverse regional flavours, these new launches showcase the evolving tastes of modern diners.

Spice Traders Brings China's Eight Great Cuisines to Goa

Perched above Vagator with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Spice Traders draws inspiration from China's Eight Great Cuisines, presenting regional flavours under one roof. The menu reflects the culinary traditions of Sichuan, Cantonese, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Anhui, and Shandong, offering a journey through China's diverse food culture.

The restaurant's interiors are inspired by the ancient spice routes, featuring warm lighting, handcrafted elements, rich red accents, an open staircase, and a mix of communal and intimate seating that complements the dining experience.

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The menu highlights locally sourced seafood alongside regional Chinese favourites such as Mala Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Hunan Sea Bass, Mongolian Lamb Fire, and Lamb Open Bao. Adding another dimension is the introduction of Chifa cuisine, the Chinese-Peruvian culinary tradition that emerged through Cantonese migration to Peru. Dishes including Chifa Sea Bass, Black Cod with Amazonica sauce, Pork Belly and Eggplant with vinegar miso, Lamb Ribs with Sichuan spice and aji amarillo, and Chaufa Fried Rice reflect this cross-cultural influence.

Guests can also enjoy signature experiences such as a gong service for celebrations, private dining at The House of Red, and Spiced Up Sunsets overlooking the Arabian Sea.

"The Eight Great Chinese Cuisines gave Spice Traders its grammar," says Chef Avinash. "Once you begin thinking about heat, fermentation, texture and balance through those regional traditions, following that journey eventually led us to Lima and Chifa. I would never describe our menu as fusion. The influences are flavour-driven, but they remain integral to the restaurant's culinary language."

Adrift Kaya Introduces a Chapter-Led Cocktail Experience in Delhi

Adrift Kaya has unveiled a new cocktail programme inspired by Edo-period Japanese bar discipline and Indian terroir. Led by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, the contemporary Japanese restaurant continues its focus on precision, craftsmanship, and global influences through a menu that traces flavours from Japan to India along the Silk Route.

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The cocktail menu is presented as a structured narrative, progressing from light and delicate profiles to richer, more layered creations. Using techniques such as fat-washing, broth clarification, and fermentation, the programme combines Japanese methods with Indian ingredients including jaggery, buransh, pickle, kahwa, saffron, and regional herbs.

The first chapter, Edo | Origins of Discipline, features drinks like Broth of Edo and Grain of the Rising Sun, centred on purity and umami. The Silk Route | Controlled Opulence introduces Sunstone Negroni and Silk Root, balancing spices and preserved flavours with refined structure. The Himalayas | Altitude and Reduction highlights Garhwal Snow and Valley of Gold, focusing on herbal freshness and restoration. The final chapter, Delhi | Arrival and Density, reimagines familiar Indian flavours through cocktails such as The Red Fort Old Fashioned and Dilli 6 Spritz.

The programme reflects how geography, trade, and cultural exchange continue to influence flavour while presenting Indian ingredients through globally recognised cocktail techniques.

Vayu Brings Regional Indian Cuisine to Hyderabad's Rooftops

Hyderabad has welcomed Vayu, a new rooftop resto-bar designed as a social destination where food, cocktails, music, and conversation come together. Inspired by the Sanskrit word for wind, Vayu celebrates India's culinary diversity by exploring regional ingredients and traditional flavours from across the country.

The rooftop space combines contemporary architecture with thoughtfully designed interiors, offering intimate seating, communal tables, and a lively bar area suited for after-work gatherings, weekend outings, and evening celebrations.

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The food menu showcases specialties from multiple regions, including Andhra's Gongura Mamsaam, Kundapur Ghee Roast from coastal Karnataka, Kerala's Meen Pollichattu, Kolhapuri Mutton Sukka, Butter Chicken from Old Delhi, Shrimp Pickle with Masala Brioche, Chicken Wings Vepudu, Steamed Kalimpong Momos, and Jeedipappu Pakoda.

Its cocktail programme, The Paper Plane's Logbook, follows a journey across India, with each drink inspired by regional ingredients and memories. Signature cocktails include Crimson Wind with gongura and tequila, Kokum Cloud featuring gin, kokum, and passionfruit, and Firestorm Ember made with ginger-infused tequila and fermented chilli agave.

"Vayu has been envisioned as a social destination that reflects the energy of Hyderabad today," says Mr. Amardeep Singh, Multi Property General Manager, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. "The focus has been on building a strong cocktail programme alongside a menu that celebrates regional Indian flavours, creating a space where guests can spend an entire evening embracing the cosmopolitan spirit of Hyderabad."

With these three launches, Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad continue to expand India's vibrant dining landscape, offering experiences that blend regional traditions, global influences, and contemporary hospitality under one roof.


The Hood by Olive Launches Bear Claw Window with Fresh Ice Cream Swirls

The Hood by Olive Launches Bear Claw Window with Fresh Ice Cream Swirls

By Hariharan U

Published on July 29, 2026

The Hood by Olive has introduced Bear Claw Window, a new walk-up ice cream swirl experience at its Bengaluru outlet, bringing the spontaneous charm of Japan’s Bear Paw cafes to the city’s dessert scene.

Opened on 27 June 2026, the dedicated counter offers freshly assembled soft swirls prepared to order, allowing guests to enjoy handcrafted desserts without reservations or minimum spends. Available from 12 PM to 12 AM, the concept is designed as an accessible neighbourhood dessert stop with each swirl priced at ₹100.

Inspired by the three Hoods of Gion in Kyoto, San Lorenzo in Florence, and Mar Mikhael in Beirut, the Bear Claw Window brings together global flavour influences through a simple and interactive dessert format.

The opening menu features four handcrafted swirls. The Just Vanilla Swirl combines double vanilla bean ice cream with biscuit and mango, while the Japanese Caramel Swirl pairs smooth vanilla ice cream with salted Japanese caramel. The Italian Affogato Swirl blends Arabica coffee ice cream with espresso and hot chocolate, and the Lebanese Coffee Swirl combines Arabica coffee ice cream with cardamom-spiced white chocolate.

Each swirl is prepared fresh at the counter, offering guests a quick yet crafted dessert experience with distinct flavour profiles inspired by different culinary cultures.

With the launch of Bear Claw Window, The Hood by Olive continues to explore new formats that combine global influences with approachable dining experiences for the neighbourhood.

Experience Details

Venue: The Hood by Olive, Krishna Manaera, 14/1, Wood St, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
Timings: 12 PM – 12 AM


Addoni's Introduces Immersive Cabaret Evenings with Reimagined Global Menu

Addoni's Introduces Immersive Cabaret Evenings with Reimagined Global Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on July 28, 2026

Addoni's has unveiled a new immersive cabaret dining experience alongside a reimagined menu, further strengthening its position as a destination that blends culinary experiences with live entertainment. Designed to offer guests an evening where dining and performance come together, the new concept combines theatrical cabaret acts with a menu inspired by flavours from around the world.

Hosted every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 PM onwards, the cabaret experience unfolds through four live acts featuring singing, dance and storytelling. The performances are carefully timed with intervals between courses, allowing guests to enjoy their meals without interruption while creating a seamless blend of hospitality and entertainment.

Complementing the experience is an all-new menu built on contemporary European techniques while incorporating influences from regional Indian cuisines and international culinary traditions. The offering reflects Addoni's approach to creating globally inspired dishes without being confined to a single regional identity.

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Among the starters are dishes such as Chermoula Sole with Harissa Tomato & Rice Crisp, Canadian Scallops with Tobiko Orange Butter Emulsion, and Mushroom Duxelles & Brie Phyllo Pouches served with Mushroom Parmesan Velouté. The grill selection features Wazwan Mutton Seekh with Saffron Butter, Hempseed Chutney and Bakarkhani, alongside Henry IV Roast Chicken glazed with chilli and mustard and served with mushroom gravy.

The main course menu includes Saikyo Miso Glazed Alaskan Black Cod with Broccoli Lemongrass Salsa, Pepper Duck Curry, and a Chicken Ghee Roast Bowl that brings together South Indian flavours in a contemporary presentation. The menu also introduces ingredients such as tempeh, lotus stem and scallops, alongside influences from Peru, Kashmir and coastal India.

Guests seeking plant-based or dietary-conscious options can choose dishes such as Tempeh & Muhammara, which is vegan and dairy-free, and Crispy Summer Rolls, which are gluten-free and dairy-free.

Desserts include the Russian Honey Cake with Caramelised Honey, Cream Cheese Mousse and Yoghurt Sorbet, as well as a vegan-friendly Matcha Popsicle.

Speaking about the new concept, the restaurant stated that the cabaret evenings have been designed as more than live entertainment, creating an experience where performance becomes a natural extension of the dining journey. The restaurant noted that the reimagined menu reflects its philosophy of bringing together global flavours while ensuring each visit offers guests a memorable culinary experience.

With the introduction of its cabaret programme and refreshed menu, Addoni's continues to expand its experiential dining offerings, combining food, performance and hospitality to create a distinctive evening for guests.

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