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


Conrad Pune Brings Authentic Sichuan Flavours to Koji with The Mala Market

Conrad Pune Brings Authentic Sichuan Flavours to Koji with The Mala Market

By Hariharan U

Published on August 16, 2026

Conrad Pune is bringing the bold flavours of southwestern China to the city with The Mala Market, a limited-time Sichuan cuisine festival at Koji from August 7 to 16, 2026.

Available during both lunch and dinner, the culinary promotion features a specially curated menu by Chef Gopal, showcasing authentic Sichuan preparations and traditional cooking techniques.

Sichuan cuisine is known for its distinctive balance of heat, aroma and depth, with the celebrated málà sensation at its heart. The characteristic combination of fiery chillies, fragrant Sichuan peppercorns and fermented broad bean paste creates the layered flavour profile associated with the region's cuisine.

The Mala Market brings together a selection of Sichuan classics, including Hot Pot, Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Stir-fried Green Beans and Roasted Pork. Each preparation has been crafted to highlight the bold flavours, aromatic spices and cooking techniques that define Sichuan's culinary heritage.

The specially curated à la carte menu allows diners to explore the diversity of Sichuan cuisine while experiencing its distinctive balance of spice, fragrance and umami.

Set within the contemporary Asian-inspired ambience of Koji at Conrad Pune, The Mala Market offers diners an opportunity to discover the culinary traditions of southwestern China through a focused regional menu.

Whether enjoyed over a leisurely lunch or an evening meal, the limited-time promotion brings together authentic flavours and contemporary dining in an experience designed for Sichuan food enthusiasts.

Event Details

Promotion: The Mala Market
Cuisine: Sichuan Cuisine
Venue: Koji, Conrad Pune
Dates: August 7–16, 2026
Timings: Lunch & Dinner
Reservations: +91 91686 03648 | 020 6745 6745


Sofitel Mumbai BKC Brings Authentic Parsi Flavours to Navroz Brunch

Sofitel Mumbai BKC Brings Authentic Parsi Flavours to Navroz Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 16, 2026

This Parsi New Year, Sofitel Mumbai BKC is bringing the flavours of Parsi culinary heritage to the table with a special Navroz Brunch at Pondichéry Café on Sunday, 16th August 2026.

The curated brunch brings together the richness of traditional Parsi cuisine with the contemporary setting of Sofitel Mumbai BKC. Guests can explore heritage recipes, nostalgic street-side favourites, global dishes and interactive live stations as part of the festive spread.

The culinary highlights include much-loved Parsi preparations such as Patra Ni Machhi, Salli Boti, Berry Pulao, Dhansak, Jardaloo Salli Murgh, Mutton Cutlets, Kolmi No Patio, Kheema Pav, Lagan Nu Achar, and freshly baked brun pav.

Adding a nostalgic touch to the celebration, familiar favourites including Bun Maska, Akuri, Kejriwal Toast, Mawa Cakes, Pattice, and savoury bakes will be prepared live, allowing guests to enjoy these treats fresh from the stations.

The Navroz Brunch is designed as a celebration of Parsi food traditions, bringing together recipes and flavours that have been part of the community's culinary heritage, while adding the hospitality and dining experience of Sofitel Mumbai BKC.

Event Details:

  • Venue: Pondichéry Café, Sofitel Mumbai BKC
  • Event: Navroz Brunch
  • Date: Sunday, 16th August 2026
  • Time: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.


Maize & Malt Unveils Pork & Pints with Regional Pork and Craft Beer

Maize & Malt Unveils Pork & Pints with Regional Pork and Craft Beer

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 16, 2026

Maize & Malt is bringing together India's rich pork traditions and craft beer with Pork & Pints, a month-long culinary festival running throughout August 2026.

The festival brings eight pork preparations from different parts of India onto one menu, giving food lovers an opportunity to explore the distinct flavours and cooking traditions associated with each region.

The menu features pork specialties from Kodagu, Malnad, Kerala, Goa, Mangaluru, Nagaland, Assam, along with dishes from the Anglo-Indian culinary tradition. Each preparation is made with regional ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, keeping the recipes close to their original flavours and culinary roots.

Adding to the experience, every pork dish comes with a carefully selected craft beer pairing from Maize & Malt. The combinations are designed to bring together the flavours of the food and the beer while offering guests a balanced food and beer experience.

The festival's highlights include Kodava Pandi Fry, Malnad Pepper Pork Fry, Kerala Pork Ularthiyathu, Goan Pork Cafreal, Mangalorean Pork Bafat Fry, Naga Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot, Assamese Til Pork, and Anglo-Indian Devilled Pork. Each preparation is accompanied by a recommended beer pairing chosen to complement its flavour profile.

Rather than giving traditional dishes a modern reinterpretation, Pork & Pints focuses on regional authenticity. The festival takes guests through different pork traditions across India while also highlighting the range of flavours that can be paired with craft beer. The festival will be available exclusively at Maize & Malt throughout August.

Event Details:

  • Date: August 2026
  • Where: 3, 4th Cross Road, near Whitefield, Vigneshwar Nagar, Kaveri Nagar, Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560048

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