Rampur Jugalbandi #6 Crowned Best World Single Malt at John Barleycorn Awards 2025

Rampur Jugalbandi #6 Crowned Best World Single Malt at John Barleycorn Awards 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 4, 2025

Radico Khaitan Ltd., one of India’s largest and oldest homegrown alco-bev companies, has added another glittering chapter to its global success story. In a remarkable triumph for Indian whisky, Rampur Jugalbandi #6 was named Best World Single Malt at the John Barleycorn Awards 2025 in the USA. Further solidifying Rampur’s reputation on the world stage, Rampur Select clinched a Double Gold, while Jugalbandi #5 bagged Gold in the Indian Single Malt – Tokaji Finish category.

Leading the charge was Rampur Jugalbandi #6, aged in rare Madeira casks — an exploration in bold maturation that delivers unmatched depth and character. Rampur Select’s Double Gold underlined its hallmark smoothness and fruit-forward elegance, while Jugalbandi #5’s Gold recognised its nuanced Tokaji cask finish that blends Indian richness with European finesse.

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Considered one of the spirits industry’s most respected honours, the John Barleycorn Awards are judged by top writers and industry veterans who celebrate excellence in craftsmanship and innovation.

Sharing his excitement, Mr. Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said, "It is truly gratifying to see Indian single malts gaining such remarkable global recognition. These accolades reaffirm our belief that when whisky is crafted with authenticity, passion, and purpose, it resonates across cultures and continents."

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Mr. Kunal Madan, Vice President – International Business, added, "Rampur Jugalbandi #6 is a testament to our bold and evolving whisky craft. This win places it among the world's finest, reflecting a uniquely Indian story of innovation rooted in tradition."

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The secret to Rampur’s growing global appeal lies in its Himalayan provenance. The region’s dramatic seasonal swings, especially the intense Indian summers, accelerate maturation and create a complexity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Crafted at the historic Rampur Distillery, each expression tells a story: Rampur Select with its warm vanilla and spice, Jugalbandi #5 with its Tokaji elegance, and Jugalbandi #6 pushing new frontiers with Madeira-cask opulence.

As Radico Khaitan continues to expand across the US, Europe, and travel retail hubs, these international recognitions underline the brand’s long-term commitment to putting Indian whisky firmly on the global luxury map.


6 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Across India Redefining Conscious Dining

6 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Across India Redefining Conscious Dining

By Hariharan U

Published on November 3, 2025

World Vegan Day isn’t just a date, it’s a movement celebrating mindful indulgence and sustainable luxury. Across India, vegan dining has evolved from being a niche choice to a full-blown culinary celebration. From rooftop calmness in Mumbai to experimental plates in Delhi and elegant artistry in Bengaluru, these restaurants prove that plant-based dining is not about limits but about creativity, comfort, and care.

Delhi

Avartana, ITC Maurya

At Avartana, vegan food transforms into a multisensory experience. Every dish feels like poetry in motion, flavourful, theatrical, and deeply rooted in South Indian heritage. Think Asparagus & Coconut Stew, crisp Jackseed Fritter with Orange Ginger Sorbet, and inventive combinations like Bottle Gourd, Corn & Cherry Tom. Even the simplest local ingredients bottle gourd, corn, and finger millet turn into statements of finesse.
Must-try: Bottle Gourd, Corn & Cherry Tom, Orange Ginger Sorbet, Asparagus with Bottle Gourd & Raisins, Fried Aubergine, Veg Fritter Rice, Finger Millet
Reservations: 011 2611 2233 / 98180 56607
Address: Rooftop, ITC Maurya, New Delhi
Timings: Dinner (7:00–11:00 pm, daily) | Sunday Lunch (12:30–2:45 pm)

Raiya, Hauz Khas

Raiya meaning “treasure” in Sanskrit perfectly blends India’s ancient culinary roots with modern finesse. The ambience mirrors this philosophy, pairing temple-like textures with soft European tones. For World Vegan Day, the spotlight is on their new Mock Meat Meal Bowls and crowd favourites like Jackfruit Katsu Bowl, Edamame, and Bharwa Mirch. Each plate is a delightful mix of creativity and comfort, showing that vegan dining can be both rich and refreshing.
Reservations: 9971017399
Address: G-9, Second Floor, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016
Timings: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am

Organic Bistro, Khan Market

A rising favourite among Delhi’s health-conscious crowd, Organic Bistro brings Chef Nishant Choubey’s ingredient-first philosophy to life. The menu celebrates clean eating without compromising flavour — from the Moonglet with Mint Pesto to the Earth Bowl Salad with Cranberries and Quinoa. Even the humble Poori Bhaji gets a creative twist in their inventive Poori Bhaji Pops. Every bite reflects sustainability wrapped in indulgence.
Reservations: 96677 99446
Address: 38, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi 110003
Timings: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

Mumbai

Fenix, The Oberoi Mumbai

Fenix, often called “The Living Room” of The Oberoi, blends global influences with conscious luxury. The Vegan Special Menu stands out for its delicate balance of flavour and sustainability. The Asparagus Carpaccio bursts with freshness, while the Tom Yum Soup with sago pearls offers a soothing, plant-based take on a classic. Each dish feels refined, comforting, and quietly celebratory, just like the space itself.
Reservations: +91 22 66326205
Address: The Oberoi, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

Cafe Calma, The Shalimar Hotel
Perched high above Kemps Corner, Cafe Calma is Mumbai’s serene rooftop escape where wellness meets warmth. Recently redesigned, the café exudes understated luxury while staying true to its focus on fresh, thoughtful cuisine. Their vegan menu is vibrant and flavour-packed — featuring Avocado Tartine, Mediterranean Bowl, Tomato Risotto, Sumac Fries, and Soba Noodles. Each dish invites diners to slow down, savour, and reconnect.
Reservations: +91 9930141178
Address: The Shalimar Hotel, Kemps Corner, Mumbai 400036
Timings: 4:30 pm – 12:30 am

Bengaluru

Yàn Yǎn, The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore
At Yàn Yǎn, traditional Chinese flavours meet refined vegan innovation. The menu features delicate dishes like Radish Cake, Blue Pea Chung Fan Veg Dim Sum, Shroom Bao, and Te Wei Tofu Bao. Highlights such as Zhejiang Asparagus & Chestnut and Mala Haricot Beans showcase the kitchen’s artful approach, rooted in authenticity yet refreshingly modern. Each creation feels balanced, intentional, and beautifully mindful.
Reservations: +91 8893456104
Address: The Ritz-Carlton, 99 Residency Road, Bengaluru 560025
Timings: 12:30–3:00 pm | 6:30–11:30 pm


Indian Durbar at Conrad Bengaluru Reopens, Celebrating Punjab’s Culinary Spirit

Indian Durbar at Conrad Bengaluru Reopens, Celebrating Punjab’s Culinary Spirit

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 3, 2025

The iconic Indian Durbar at Conrad Bengaluru makes its much-awaited comeback, reigniting the soul of Punjab through food, story, and sensory design. Richer in flavour, warmer in welcome, and grander in spirit, the restaurant reopens as a heartfelt homage to Punjab’s three vibrant heartlands, Majha, Malwa, and Doaba.

This revival doesn’t just tell stories through its cuisine, it pours them too. In collaboration with Mixology Studio, Indian Durbar introduces a bespoke cocktail experience that blends craftsmanship, nostalgia, and cultural imagination into every glass.

As guests step into the restaurant, they’re greeted with a custom-made story dice, each side revealing a tale inspired by Punjab’s traditions and paired with a non-alcoholic welcome drink. It marks the first taste of an immersive world that transforms mixology into storytelling.

Inside, the experience deepens with a tarot-style ritual, where guests draw from a deck of beautifully illustrated cards, each linked to a signature cocktail and one of Punjab’s many moods: celebration, romance, mischief, or nostalgia.

Every drink is narrated through Peg Singh, Indian Durbar’s fictional raconteur, a lovable, larger-than-life storyteller whose humor and warmth guide guests through every sip.

The beverage menu celebrates Punjab’s regional diversity and emotional richness through inventive storytelling and craft techniques. From the Talli Gajar Da Halwa, vodka infused with slow-cooked gajar halwa and topped with saffron Baileys foam, to the Patiala Sour, a bourbon cocktail infused with rajma and kinnow marmalade celebrating sustainability and flavour, every creation unfolds a story.

Other highlights include the Kidda Kinnow, sparkling with mahua and citrusy brightness, and the Negroni Di Gaddi, clarified with ghee and smoked with cardamom flakes, a nod to old Punjab’s regal decadence. Each sip is a delicate balance of culture and creativity, a spirited tribute to the land of five rivers.

“Indian Durbar has long been a part of the hotel’s identity, and we are delighted to see it return with such authenticity and emotion. Our guests can now rediscover Punjab’s culinary heart served with the same warmth and generosity that defines its hospitality,” said Digvijay Singh, General Manager, Conrad Bengaluru.

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“We wanted to make mixology feel human, like sitting down with Punjab itself. Each drink has a story, each ritual a reason. Through Peg Singh, we brought emotion, humour, and heart to every glass,” added Kishore Thadikamalla, Founder, Mixology Studio.

With its return, Indian Durbar invites guests to experience Punjab in all its colour and character, where every corner hums with heritage, and every cocktail carries a tale. From the hearty kitchens of Majha to the soulful fields of Malwa and the diasporic dreams of Doaba, Indian Durbar is not just a restaurant, it’s a journey home.


Avartana at ITC Maurya Turns One: A Year of Redefining Modern South Indian Cuisine

Avartana at ITC Maurya Turns One: A Year of Redefining Modern South Indian Cuisine

By Hariharan U

Published on November 2, 2025

One year since its grand debut, Avartana at ITC Maurya continues to redefine the essence of modern South Indian cuisine, bringing together innovation, precision, and emotion on every plate.

At Avartana, the story goes far beyond the ingredients, it’s about how flavours converse, textures harmonize, and traditions evolve. The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around reinterpretation of Southern flavours, designed to engage the senses and evoke nostalgia while presenting food as art.

To mark its first anniversary, Avartana introduces a new Sunday lunch experience, a refined nine-course tasting menu that blends modern technique with timeless regional authenticity. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the ITC Maurya rooftop, this experience offers guests an indulgent afternoon steeped in flavour, sophistication, and surprise.

The curated tasting menu features standout dishes such as French Pressed Tomato Rasam, Stir-Fried Chicken, Cauliflower Crunch, and Uthukuli Chicken. Each course is designed to push culinary boundaries from the delicate tempering of bottle gourd paired with plum chutney to shrimp dumplings with coriander and subtle spice. The finale, a fennel panna cotta topped with angel hair caramel, captures the perfect balance between innovation and comfort.

Complementing the food is Avishka, Avartana’s signature cocktail menu inspired by South India’s vibrant culture and history. Each drink is infused with indigenous spices and regional ingredients, blending traditional inspiration with contemporary craft.

The 54-seater restaurant, featuring an exclusive private dining room for ten, offers an intimate fine-dining setting where interactive kitchens and immersive plating bring culinary artistry to life. The design — featuring rustic earthenware, ornate steel cutlery, and modern glassware, enhances the sensory narrative of the meal.

Avartana is not merely a dining destination, it is a symphony of flavours, textures, and emotions,” says the team at ITC Maurya. “It celebrates South India’s culinary rhythm, mysticism, and grace while presenting it through a lens of innovation and sophistication.”

Avartana’s Sunday Lunch menu is available from 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm, priced at ₹3750 plus taxes per person, with dinner service continuing through the week from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Venue: Avartana, Rooftop, ITC Maurya, New Delhi

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