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


Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

Haldiram’s, one of India’s most recognised brands in sweets, snacks, and dining, has strengthened its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the opening of its latest outlet in Prayagraj.

Located at WP Arena, Hot Stuff Chauraha, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, the new restaurant was inaugurated by Er. Harshvardhan Bajpayee, MLA, Prayagraj North, in the presence of customers, local dignitaries, and community members.

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The launch marks another step in Haldiram’s expansion strategy of entering emerging markets beyond major metropolitan cities while bringing its legacy of traditional Indian flavours closer to consumers across the country. The opening is also aligned with the brand’s “Acche Din Aa Rahe Hai!” campaign, highlighting its continued growth journey.

Known as one of India’s most culturally significant cities, Prayagraj holds a special place in the country’s spiritual and intellectual heritage. Home to the iconic Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet, the city attracts millions of visitors during the Kumbh Mela and continues to be a major destination for travellers, pilgrims, and scholars.

Beyond its cultural importance, Prayagraj has emerged as an important educational, administrative, and commercial hub in Uttar Pradesh. With increasing infrastructure development and rising tourism, the city has witnessed growing demand for quality dining experiences.

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Recognising this evolving consumer landscape, Haldiram’s has introduced its new outlet to offer residents and visitors a trusted destination for traditional Indian cuisine combined with modern dining comfort.

Designed to cater to families, groups, and travellers, the outlet offers Haldiram’s extensive portfolio of Indian sweets, namkeens, regional favourites, chaats, complete meals, and contemporary beverages.

The expansion into Prayagraj reflects Haldiram’s broader vision of reaching new markets while preserving the traditions, flavours, and hospitality that have shaped the brand over decades.

With its growing footprint across India, Haldiram’s continues to focus on delivering authentic Indian culinary experiences while adapting to the changing preferences of today’s consumers.


Diggin Introduces Monsoon Menu with Comforting Seasonal Favourites

Diggin Introduces Monsoon Menu with Comforting Seasonal Favourites

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

As monsoon showers bring a slower and more comforting rhythm to the city, Diggin Café invites guests to enjoy the season with a specially curated selection of monsoon favourites designed for relaxed conversations, indulgent meals, and cosy dining moments.

Known for its garden-inspired ambience and inviting spaces, Diggin offers the perfect setting to unwind during rainy days. With lush surroundings, warm corners, and an atmosphere that blends charm with comfort, the café creates an experience that complements the mood of the season.

The monsoon menu brings together a selection of comforting dishes crafted to celebrate familiar flavours with a contemporary touch. Highlights include the refreshing Diggin Special Salad, indulgent Baked Goat Cheese, rustic Grilled Vegetable & Goat Cheese Pizza, hearty Vegetable and Lamb Lasagnas, earthy Mushroom Skewers, and the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.

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The seasonal experience is completed with desserts that capture the warmth and nostalgia of monsoon indulgence. Guests can enjoy the comforting Apple Crumble along with Diggin’s signature Biscoff Cheesecake, offering rich caramel notes and a perfect sweet ending to a rainy-day meal.

With its thoughtfully curated menu and cosy garden-inspired setting, Diggin’s Monsoon offerings invite guests to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food during the rainy season.

Monsoon Menu Details:

Locations:
Anand Lok, Connaught Place, Chanakyapuri, and Tagore Garden

Timings:
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Instagram:
@diggincafe


Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on July 18, 2026

Celebrating the seasonal charm of India’s favourite fruit, Rasanai has announced the launch of its ‘Maanga Maanga Festival’, a special culinary experience dedicated to exploring the diverse flavours and regional interpretations of mango across South India.

Running from 15th to 31st July 2026, the festival will be hosted across Rasanai outlets in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Kochi, inviting guests to experience mango beyond traditional desserts through a specially curated menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

From raw and tangy preparations to sweet, spiced, pickled, and slow-cooked creations, the festival highlights the versatility of mango as an ingredient deeply rooted in South Indian food culture.

Inspired by home kitchens, local traditions, and street food flavours, Rasanai’s festival menu presents creative interpretations of classic regional recipes. Guests can explore unique dishes such as Mangai Pachadi Paniyaram and Thengai Mangai Adai Taco, alongside bold regional favourites including Andhra Aavakkai Broccoli, Oorugai Mamsam, and Angamaly Meen Maanga Curry.

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Each preparation showcases a distinct expression of mango, balancing flavours of sweetness, spice, tanginess, and aroma while celebrating the ingredient’s importance across South Indian cuisines.

The culinary journey concludes with Mango Thengai Pongal, Rasanai’s innovative South Indian take on the popular mango sticky rice. Combining ripe mango, coconut, and the comforting texture of traditional pongal, the dessert offers a nostalgic yet contemporary finale to the festival experience.

Featuring vegetarian, meat, seafood, and dessert creations, the Maanga Maanga Festival brings together the many identities of mango through thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate regional diversity and culinary storytelling.

Speaking through this seasonal celebration, Rasanai continues its commitment to showcasing India’s rich food traditions while presenting familiar ingredients through fresh and imaginative perspectives.

For mango lovers and food enthusiasts looking to discover new regional flavours, Maanga Maanga Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the king of fruits in its most vibrant and unexpected forms.

This is mango like never before.

Event Details:

Event: Maanga Maanga Festival
Dates: 15th July – 31st July 2026

Locations:

Rasanai Chennai
Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090

Rasanai Coimbatore
Pappanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore – 641037

Rasanai Kochi
Ernakulum, Kerala – 682020

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