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


Barista Celebrates Women’s Day with Free Coffee Upgrade for Women

Barista Celebrates Women’s Day with Free Coffee Upgrade for Women

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 8, 2026

Barista Coffee Company is marking International Women’s Day with a special campaign titled ‘She Inspires. We Upgrade.’ The initiative celebrates the strength, creativity, and everyday influence of women by offering them a complimentary coffee upgrade across Barista cafés.

The campaign is designed as a simple yet meaningful gesture to appreciate the many ways women inspire those around them. By upgrading every woman’s coffee order, the brand aims to add a small moment of celebration to their day.

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On 08th March, women visiting any Barista café can enjoy this special upgrade as part of the Women’s Day celebration. Whether they are stopping by for a quick break from work, meeting friends for a catch-up, or simply taking some time to relax, the offer is meant to make the coffee experience a little more memorable.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said, “Women inspire change, creativity, and strength in everyday life. Through our campaign, we wanted to celebrate and acknowledge their contribution in a simple yet meaningful way. At Barista, coffee has always been about creating experiences and moments of connection, and this Women’s Day we invite women to come celebrate themselves over a cup of coffee.”

With this campaign, Barista continues to focus on creating meaningful café experiences that celebrate people and everyday moments. The ‘She Inspires. We Upgrade.’ Women’s Day offer will be available exclusively on 08th March across Barista cafés, inviting women to enjoy an upgraded coffee experience and celebrate the occasion dedicated to them.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Has a Special Iftar Menu for Ramadan and It Looks Delicious

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Has a Special Iftar Menu for Ramadan and It Looks Delicious

By Hariharan U

Published on March 8, 2026

Ramadan is as much about the table as it is about reflection and The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is making sure the Iftar spread this year is one worth gathering around.

The Chennai-based cloud kitchen has launched a limited-edition Iftar Special Menu for Ramadan 2026, thoughtfully put together to capture the warmth and generosity that define this holy month. Rooted in North Indian culinary traditions particularly the bold, comforting flavours of Amritsari cooking, the menu is designed for families and friends coming together at sundown.

What's on the Menu

The spread reads like a celebration of everything good about Indian street food and home cooking, brought together for one special occasion.

It opens with Amritsari Samosa Chaat - crispy samosas layered with spicy chana, yoghurt, chutneys, and sev. Classic, comforting, and exactly the kind of thing you want to break a fast with.

Then there's the Multani Paneer Tikka - juicy paneer marinated in yoghurt, pomegranate juice, and house spices, grilled to tender perfection. The pomegranate marinade is a lovely touch that sets it apart from the usual tikka.

The Lawrance Road Wali Aloo Tikki brings serious Amritsari street food energy - potato tikkis stuffed with lentils, served with chole, yoghurt, and tangy chutneys. It's hearty, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.

For something a little different, the Afgani Broccoli & Cauliflower is a standout - broccoli in a creamy cashew paste and cauliflower in Kashmiri chilli yoghurt, grilled together for a dish that's both delicate and bold.

The Wraps keep things easy and filling - soft parathas wrapped around hearty fillings that are flavourful and fuss-free, perfect for a relaxed Iftar table.

And to round things off, Dry Fruit Panjiri - traditional roasted semolina in ghee, loaded with almonds, pistachios, and lotus seeds. It's the kind of sweet ending that feels like a hug.

Chef Deepa shared that the menu was created to reflect the warmth, generosity, and joy of sharing meals during Iftar — values that sit at the heart of both the festival and her own cooking philosophy.

The Woman Behind the Kitchen

Chef Deepa Arora's story is one worth knowing. A homemaker-turned-chef, she turned her love for traditional Punjabi cooking into an award-winning cloud kitchen based in Chennai. Her food is built around three things purity, authenticity, and the kind of care that goes into cooking for family. That same spirit comes through clearly in this Ramadan menu.

For orders and collaborations, reach out at +91 9363544123 or follow along on Instagram at @thekitchenbychefdeepa.


Dhaba Indian Cuisine in New York Just Dropped a New Menu and It's All About Real Indian Flavours

Dhaba Indian Cuisine in New York Just Dropped a New Menu and It's All About Real Indian Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on March 8, 2026

New York has no shortage of Indian restaurants, but Dhaba Indian Cuisine has always stood a little apart. Known for bringing honest, bold North Indian flavours to the city, the restaurant has now gone a step further with a newly curated menu that's as exciting as it is comforting.

The new menu has been crafted by Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary, Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York and it's clear that the brief was simple: keep it real, keep it flavourful, and make it work for the modern diner without losing what makes Indian food so special in the first place.

Street Food, Tandoor & Everything in Between

The menu kicks off strong with a lineup of appetisers that reads like a tour of India's best street food stops. Achari Paneer Tikka, Kurkuri Bhindi, Lasuni Gobi, and Mushroom Malai Wali sit alongside crowd favourites like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri, and Aloo Tikki Chaat. It's the kind of starter section that makes choosing difficult — in the best possible way.

The tandoor section keeps the momentum going with Murgh Tikka, Tangri Kebab, Tandoori Jhinga, and a Dhaba Mixed Grill, all prepared with traditional marinades in a clay oven, the way it's meant to be done.

Curries That Feel Like Home

The curry section is where the menu really shines. Malai Kofta, Kadai Paneer, Sarson da Saag, Rogan Josh, Methi Murgh, and Dhaba Goat Curry, it's a lineup that covers the full range of India's regional cooking. Paired with aromatic biryanis Chicken, Lamb, and Vegetable Paneer and freshly baked breads like Garlic Naan, Laccha Paratha, and Tandoori Roti, it's a proper, satisfying spread.

Chef Chaudhary's Signature Touch

What makes this menu stand out are the signature dishes that Chef Chaudhary has introduced, creations that reflect his own take on Indian cooking. Manahari Paneer Lababdar, Chatpata Imaliwala Aloo, Hari Mutter Nazakat Kebab, and Chuja Khas Chicken Lababdar are the kind of dishes that feel rooted in tradition but carry a creative spark that makes them memorable.

Chef Chaudhary summed up the philosophy behind the menu, "Our goal with this menu is to celebrate authentic dhaba style cuisine while presenting it in a way that connects with today's diners. Each dish reflects traditional recipes, bold spices, and comforting flavors that represent the true spirit of Indian food."

A Sweet Finish

The menu wraps up on a classic note with desserts like Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Moong Dal Halwa, Gajar Ka Halwa, traditional Bengali Mithai, and Agra Petha, served alongside refreshing lassis and beverages. It's the kind of ending that makes you sit back and smile.

For anyone in New York craving a proper Indian meal, not a watered-down version, but the real thing — Dhaba Indian Cuisine just made a very strong case for itself.

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