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


Zaya Indian & Persian Kitchen Unveils Bold New Fusion Dinner Menu

Zaya Indian & Persian Kitchen Unveils Bold New Fusion Dinner Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on May 28, 2026

Zaya Indian & Persian Kitchen has introduced a new dinner menu that brings together bold Indian flavours and Persian-inspired culinary traditions, curated under the leadership of Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami.

The refreshed menu reflects the restaurant’s focus on modern fusion dining, combining regional Indian tastes with Middle Eastern influences and a global presentation style. Known for its contemporary approach in McAllen’s dining scene, Zaya continues to position itself as a destination for creative and experience-led cuisine.

The new offerings feature a wide mix of dishes across categories, including street-food inspired starters, charcoal-grilled specials, Persian mezze, handcrafted breads, and innovative fusion handhelds designed to enhance the overall dining experience.

Highlights from the grill section include Chipotle Chicken Tikka, Burrah Lamb Chops, Tandoori Octopus, and Kesari Paneer Tikka. The street-style selection brings a modern twist to familiar flavours with dishes such as Delhi-style Paani Puri, Tuna Passionfruit Paani Puri, Samosa Chaat, and Beetroot Chaat.

The menu also introduces creative fusion handhelds like Chapli Kebab Smash Burger, Roganjosh Birria Tacos, and Persian-inspired shawarma wraps, offering a cross-cultural dining experience.

Main course dishes include a mix of traditional Indian recipes and modern plating styles, featuring Ruby Chicken, Chicken Chettinad, Goat Korma, Moilee Salmon, Palak Saag Paneer, and Pistachio Malai Kofta. Classic biryanis such as Hyderabadi Goat Dum Biryani and Kolkata Vegetable Biryani further highlight India’s regional diversity.

Speaking about the launch, Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami shared that the menu is designed as a storytelling experience through food, combining authentic flavours with modern culinary techniques to create a memorable dining journey for guests.

With this launch, Zaya Indian & Persian Kitchen strengthens its position as one of McAllen’s most innovative dining destinations, offering a menu rooted in tradition while embracing contemporary creativity.


Courtyard by Marriott Madurai Launches ‘The Southern Treasures’ Food Festival

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai Launches ‘The Southern Treasures’ Food Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on May 28, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai is set to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of South India with the launch of The Southern Treasures, a specially curated food festival at Madurai Kitchen this June.

Designed as a month-long gastronomic experience, the festival will take guests on a flavourful journey across four South Indian states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu through a series of weekend showcases led by master chefs.

Each weekend will focus on one state’s cuisine, highlighting traditional recipes, authentic ingredients, and regional cooking styles deeply rooted in local culture and heritage. Guests can expect a diverse spread of signature dishes that reflect the unique culinary identity of each region.

The festival aims to bring together the bold spices of Andhra cuisine, the comforting flavours of Karnataka, the coastal richness of Kerala, and the timeless classics of Tamil Nadu under one roof, offering diners an immersive regional dining experience.

Hosted at Madurai Kitchen inside Courtyard by Marriott Madurai, the event will run across all weekends in June 2026. Dining experiences will be available during Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, along with Sunday brunch.

With The Southern Treasures, the hotel continues to strengthen its focus on celebrating regional Indian cuisine while offering guests authentic and thoughtfully curated dining experiences


POIZ Gurgaon Redefines Dining with Design, Food and Experiences

POIZ Gurgaon Redefines Dining with Design, Food and Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2026

Nearly two years after its launch, POIZ Gurgaon continues to stand out in the city’s dining landscape by offering more than just a place to eat. Spread across a 10,000-square-foot space, the restaurant has built a loyal following by focusing on thoughtful experiences rather than short-lived trends.

Founded by entrepreneur Ansh Gupta, POIZ was created around the idea that food, entertainment, and design should work together rather than compete with one another. The result is a space that brings together striking interiors and a carefully planned atmosphere.

The restaurant features statuario marble walls, rich textures, fine veneers, and layered tapestries that create a visually distinctive setting. Complementing the interiors is a sunlit terrace with palm trees and a French-inspired patio, while the lounge offers a more intimate setting suited for relaxed conversations and after-dinner drinks.

Speaking about the vision behind the concept, Ansh Gupta, Founder, said:

"We didn't want Poiz to feel like it was chasing a moment. The intention was always to build a place that feels considered, where the design, the food, and the energy of the room work together rather than compete. A place you come back to."

Alongside the setting, the culinary experience remains a key focus. The menu takes inspiration from global flavours with a contemporary approach, offering dishes that appeal both to adventurous diners and those who prefer familiar favourites. The cocktail programme follows a similar direction, featuring classics and signature creations designed to complement the overall experience.

POIZ also keeps its calendar active beyond regular dining hours. Live music performances add energy to Friday and Saturday evenings, while Sunday family brunches have become a favourite for guests looking for a more relaxed way to spend time together.

Whether it is a quick business lunch, an evening with friends, or an extended dining experience, POIZ Gurgaon continues to create a space that balances food, ambience, and hospitality without compromise.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.