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


Nepal's Jimbu Thakali Makes India Debut with First Restaurant in Gurugram

Nepal's Jimbu Thakali Makes India Debut with First Restaurant in Gurugram

By Hariharan U

Published on August 1, 2026

Nepal's popular restaurant brand Jimbu Thakali has made its India debut with the opening of its first outlet in Gurugram, introducing authentic Thakali cuisine from Nepal's Himalayan Mustang region to Indian diners.

Following the success of four outlets across Kathmandu, the restaurant has opened at M3M 65th Avenue, Sector 65, offering a dining experience centred around the culinary traditions of the Thakali community.

The highlight of the menu is the Thakali Thali, a traditional platter featuring lentils infused with the Himalayan herb Jimbu, fragrant rice, seasonal vegetables, crispy potatoes, fermented gundruk, tangy radish pickle, tomato chutney, and a choice of chicken or mutton. The dishes are prepared using traditional family recipes that celebrate the balance of flavours and ingredients characteristic of Thakali cuisine.

Beyond the signature thali, guests can explore a selection of Himalayan specialities, including Buckwheat Fries, Mutton Momos, Chicken Choila Wings, Sukuti Sandheko, Timur Chicken, and Baked Buckwheat Nachos, showcasing the bold and comforting flavours of Nepal.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on authentic Himalayan ingredients, including Timur, Nepal's distinctive pepper known for its citrus aroma and tingling finish, and Jimbu, a rare high-altitude herb valued for both its flavour and traditional medicinal properties.

Inspired by the historic salt trade routes connecting Nepal, Tibet, and India, Thakali cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange while preserving its Himalayan roots. This heritage is also reflected in the restaurant's interiors, which feature handcrafted Newari-style wooden windows inspired by the traditional homes of Mustang.

Alongside its signature Nepalese offerings, Jimbu Thakali also serves a curated selection of continental dishes, catering to a wider range of dining preferences.

Spread across 2,500 square feet with an 80-cover dining space, the restaurant aims to offer guests an immersive Himalayan dining experience complemented by warm Nepalese hospitality.

Restaurant Details

  • Venue: Jimbu Thakali, M3M 65th Avenue, Sector 65, Gurugram
  • Price for Two: ₹1,500 + GST

Celebrate Friendship Day with Craft Beer and Bold Flavours at Tropika Brewing Co.

Celebrate Friendship Day with Craft Beer and Bold Flavours at Tropika Brewing Co.

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2026

Friendship Day is the perfect occasion to catch up with your favourite people over great food and freshly brewed craft beer, and Tropika Brewing Co. is making the celebration even more memorable with its newly launched Tropikal Treats menu.

Located in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, the brewery offers a lively setting where friends can come together for long conversations, shared plates and refreshing brews.

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The limited-edition menu features a variety of dishes that cater to every palate. Guests can begin with appetisers such as Peri Peri Corn Cob Ribs and Shawarma in Pita Pockets, before moving on to hearty specialities including Andhra Naatu Kodi Vepudu, Smoked Tandoori Chicken, Telangana Lamb Chops, and Ghee Roast Pomfret.

Seafood enthusiasts can also enjoy dishes like Hot & Spicy Prawns, Crab Cakes & Crackers, and the Kerala-inspired Meen Pollichathu Fillet, all paired with Tropika's freshly brewed craft beers.

Designed to bring people together over flavourful food and refreshing drinks, the Tropikal Treats menu offers the perfect setting for reunions, weekend catch-ups or spontaneous Friendship Day celebrations.

This Friendship Day, gather your gang, enjoy seasonal flavours and raise a toast to friendships that deserve to be celebrated.

  • Venue: Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli, Bengaluru.


Celebrate Friendship Day with Craft Beer and Great Company at Bengaluru's Favourite Breweries

Celebrate Friendship Day with Craft Beer and Great Company at Bengaluru's Favourite Breweries

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2026

Friendship Day is the perfect excuse to gather your favourite people, enjoy great food and raise a toast to friendships that have stood the test of time. This year, two of Bengaluru's popular breweries are offering experiences that promise good conversations, handcrafted beers and memorable moments.

Gladia Brewery & Kitchen

Who says dates are only meant for couples? This Friendship Day, Gladia Brewery & Kitchen invites guests to celebrate their closest friendships in a setting inspired by grand Roman architecture.

Located in Sarjapur, Bengaluru, the brewery features elegant stone interiors, warm lighting and spacious seating, creating an inviting atmosphere for everything from casual catch-ups to long conversations over craft beer.

Guests can enjoy Gladia's handcrafted brews alongside an indulgent food menu while celebrating with childhood friends, college companions, work buddies or anyone who has been part of their journey. Whether it's sharing stories or creating new memories, Gladia offers the perfect backdrop for a Friendship Day outing.

  • Location: Gladia, Sarjapur, Bengaluru
  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM

Brooks and Bonds

For beer lovers, Brooks and Bonds is marking Friendship Day with its seasonal Mango Beer, a refreshing craft brew featuring tropical mango flavours and a crisp finish.

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The limited-edition beer pairs perfectly with the brewery's menu of bar bites, hearty mains and comfort food, making it an ideal destination for group gatherings. Whether you're planning a relaxed afternoon or an evening celebration, Brooks and Bonds combines fresh seasonal brews with a lively ambience that's perfect for spending time with friends.

  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Whether you prefer a beautifully designed brewery, seasonal craft beer or simply spending quality time with your favourite people, Gladia Brewery & Kitchen and Brooks and Bonds offer two memorable ways to celebrate Friendship Day in Bengaluru.

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