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


Seoul Dak Opens in Oshiwara Andheri and Mumbai's Korean Food Scene Just Got Crispier

Seoul Dak Opens in Oshiwara Andheri and Mumbai's Korean Food Scene Just Got Crispier

By Hariharan U

Published on March 16, 2026

Mumbai's love for Korean food isn't slowing down, and Seoul Dak is making sure Andheri doesn't miss out. The Korean-founded QSR brand has opened its newest outlet in Oshiwara, bringing its cult-favourite Korean Fried Chicken and Seoul-style street food to one of the city's busiest hubs.

The star of the menu is Seoul Dak's signature Korean Fried Chicken, and it earns every bit of attention it gets. Deeply marinated for flavour and double-fried for that ultra-light, shatteringly crispy coating, it's the kind of fried chicken that makes you understand immediately why South Korea turned it into a cultural institution. The sauce lineup runs from smoky K-BBQ and garlicky Ganjang (soy garlic) to Sweet and Spicy and the aptly named Volcano, which does exactly what it promises.

Beyond the chicken, the menu covers the kind of Korean street food favourites that have been building loyal followings far beyond Seoul. Tteokbokki, the chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce, are a comfort food staple. Soupy K-Ramen brings warm, satisfying bowl energy to the spread. Cheese corn dogs round things out with the indulgent, crowd-pleasing energy that's made them a street food phenomenon.

What keeps Seoul Dak honest is its approach to authenticity. Most key ingredients are sourced directly from South Korea, and the recipes follow traditional Korean flavour profiles. The only concession made for local diners is spice level adjustment. The core flavours stay exactly as they should be.

Recent menu additions including Potato Cheese Corn Dog, Seoul Cheese Bombs, Onion Rings, and Matcha-based beverages show the brand evolving in a measured, consumer-led way without drifting from what makes it special.

The Oshiwara opening is also part of a bigger plan. Seoul Dak is working towards 10 outlets by early 2026 and 50 locations over the following three years, operating across Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru as it builds towards its goal of becoming the largest and most loved Korean QSR brand in the region.

Mumbai's Korean food movement keeps growing, and Seoul Dak is here to keep it crispy


Nestlé India Expands Nespresso Presence with New Boutique in Gurugram

Nestlé India Expands Nespresso Presence with New Boutique in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 16, 2026

Nestlé India has expanded the footprint of its premium coffee brand Nespresso with the launch of a new boutique at Ambience Mall in Gurugram. The opening marks another step in the brand’s growing presence in India and aims to bring its signature coffee experience closer to consumers.

The new boutique has been designed as an immersive experiential space where visitors can explore Nespresso’s range of coffee machines and exclusive blends across its Original and Professional systems. The store allows coffee enthusiasts to discover different flavour profiles, receive personalised consultations, and participate in curated tasting experiences that enhance both at-home and workplace coffee rituals.

The launch builds on the successful debut of Nespresso’s first boutique in India at Select City Walk in Saket, which opened in 2025. With the addition of the Gurugram location, Nestlé India continues to strengthen Nespresso’s retail presence and expand access to its premium coffee offerings.

Gurugram has emerged as a significant market for the brand due to the growing demand for high-quality coffee experiences among urban consumers. The city’s expanding base of coffee connoisseurs and professionals seeking premium in-home coffee solutions makes it an important destination for Nespresso’s next phase of growth in India.

The new boutique at Ambience Mall provides a dedicated space for customers to experience the brand’s craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability-focused approach to coffee. By offering hands-on engagement with its machines and blends, Nespresso aims to create a deeper connection between consumers and its coffee culture.

Commenting on the launch, Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, said, “Indian consumers have long appreciated premium coffee experiences, and that affinity continues to grow. When we launched our flagship store in Saket, we recognised the potential of this evolving relationship. With Nespresso’s presence in Gurugram now, we are one step closer to extending that experience further, whether it is through an everyday household ritual or part of a larger cultural narrative.”

M/s Thakral Innovations Pvt. Ltd serves as the official distribution partner for Nespresso and Nestlé India in the country, managing the full range of Nespresso coffee products across various channels.

With this expansion, Nestlé India continues to bring Nespresso’s globally recognised coffee culture to Indian consumers while strengthening the brand’s retail footprint in key metropolitan markets.


Roots Café Has Become Anahata Café and the Transformation Goes Much Deeper Than a Name Change

Roots Café Has Become Anahata Café and the Transformation Goes Much Deeper Than a Name Change

By Hariharan U

Published on March 16, 2026

Some rebrands are just a fresh coat of paint. The transformation of Roots Café into Anahata Café is something else entirely.

The New Delhi dining space that built a loyal community around honest, farm-to-table food has officially stepped into a new chapter, with a new name, a new location, and a genuinely evolved sense of purpose. Anahata, the Sanskrit name for the heart chakra, carries with it the qualities of love, compassion, balance, and emotional well-being. Choosing it as the café's new identity says a lot about the direction Chef and Founder Meenakshi Kumarr is taking things.

Meenakshi was candid about what this shift means. "Roots Café was where we learned to nourish people. Anahata Café is where we learned to hold space for them. This transition is not just a rebrand; it is a reflection of inner growth, deeper intention, and our commitment to creating food and spaces that truly come from the heart. Anahata is not a goodbye to Roots; it is Roots growing deeper and blooming wider. The warmth, honesty, and care you experienced with us will only become stronger."

The menu at Anahata Café moves in a more wellness-forward direction, leaning towards sattvic principles and cleaner ingredients while bringing in seasonal farm-linked specials and chakra-inspired offerings. Functional beverages, fresh juices, and herbal infusions have been expanded, and there's a greater emphasis on storytelling around each dish, making the dining experience feel more intentional from start to finish.

The new location in Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar IV has been designed to match this evolved vision. Biophilic elements, natural materials, and a calmer sensory environment encourage guests to slow down rather than rush through a meal. The space feels like it was built with presence in mind.

For the community that loved Roots Café, this is an invitation to walk through a familiar door and find something that has grown quietly but meaningfully. The warmth is the same. The intention is deeper.

Find Anahata Café at: E 140, Ground Floor, Block E, Amar Colony, Opposite Tagore International School, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi 110024.

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