Sampan Partners with Honk for a Unique Culinary Collaboration

Sampan Partners with Honk for a Unique Culinary Collaboration

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 10, 2024

Mumbai’s dining scene is about to experience a unique culinary collaboration. Sampan, the popular Chinese restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, is joining forces with Honk, a celebrated pan-Asian restaurant from Pullman New Delhi Aerocity. This special partnership will take place from August 9 to August 25, 2024, during which Honk’s culinary team, led by Director of Culinary Sandeep Kalra, will take over Sampan’s kitchen to offer an exclusive dining experience.

Sampan is well-known in Mumbai for its signature dishes such as Jin Chicken, Cha Chu Prawns, and Three-Colour Lobster. During this collaboration, the menu will be expanded to include a selection of Honk’s distinctive dishes. New offerings will include Chong Qing Chicken, Pao Jiao Tiger Prawns, and Silken Tofu with Bamboo Shoot and Shimeji Mushroom, among others, promising to bring a fresh twist to Sampan’s established favorites.

Vishal Gupta, General Manager of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration between Sampan and HONK will help us cater better to Mumbai's diverse and ever-evolving palate, with much loved pan-Asian delicacies. Our intent is to craft experiences that resonate with the city's sophisticated diners, who crave both tradition and innovation on their plates.”

Neelabh Sahay, Director of Operations at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, added, “As Sampan invites HONK to take charge of its kitchen, we are excited to see how our diners respond to the new flavours and cuisine. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to gastronomic excellence and our belief that great food, like great art, knows no boundaries.”

Sandeep Kalra of Honk also shared his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to bring Honk's unique flavours and culinary artistry to Sampan at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to share our signature pan-Asian dishes, spread across eight Asian cuisines, with the vibrant food community in Mumbai. We look forward to delighting guests with an unforgettable dining experience that merges the best of both our culinary worlds.”

About Novotel

Novotel Hotels are known for offering guests a place to relax and enjoy life’s important moments. With over 530 locations in more than 60 countries, Novotel provides a range of services for both business and leisure travelers, including spacious rooms with natural design, 24/7 catering options, and various amenities like fitness centers and family zones. Novotel is part of Accor, a leading global hospitality group with over 5,400 properties worldwide, and participates in the ALL - Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty program.

About Pullman New Delhi Aerocity

Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, located near IGI Airport and close to major business hubs, offers a blend of modern luxury and convenience. The hotel features 670 suites and rooms, extensive meeting and event spaces, and a variety of dining options. Guests can also enjoy leisure facilities such as a spa, health club, and outdoor swimming pool, making it a top choice for both business and leisure travelers.


Guacamole Co. Launches Mexican-Inspired QSR Outlet in Punjabi Bagh

Guacamole Co. Launches Mexican-Inspired QSR Outlet in Punjabi Bagh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Guacamole Co., a Mexican-inspired QSR brand, has opened its first outlet in Punjabi Bagh, bringing a fresh approach to casual dining with flavour-packed comfort food and customizable meal options.

Positioned as an ingredient-led dining concept, the brand focuses on balanced flavours and freshly prepared dishes, offering an alternative to the heavier fast-food style menus commonly seen in the QSR space. With a vibrant yet relaxed setting, the outlet aims to create an easygoing experience for guests looking for fresh and comforting meals.

The menu features a range of Mexican-inspired favourites including tacos, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, wraps, enchiladas, salads, and several variations of house-made guacamole. Guests can customise their meals with fillings such as Crispy Mushroom, Chipotle Paneer, Chipotle Chicken, and Birria across different dishes.

The appetizer section includes options like Tex-Mex Corn Ribs, Grilled Chipotle Chicken Skewers, and Habanero Chicken Wings. Signature dishes such as Millet Nachos Picante and Birria Lamb Nachos bring creative twists to familiar comfort food favourites.

The restaurant’s freshly prepared guacamoles and dips are available in flavours including Mango Chile and Con Piña, paired with handcrafted beverages and fruit coolers. Guests can also end their meal with desserts like cinnamon sugar churros and the Choco Loco Taco.

Designed as a neighbourhood dining spot, the interiors feature warm lighting, avocado-green accents, and a contemporary aesthetic that suits casual lunches, evening outings, and quick bites alike.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, Founder of Guacamole Co., said: “Guacamole Co. started with a simple idea to make Mexican-inspired food feel fresher, more approachable, and genuinely exciting. We wanted to create a space where people could enjoy bold flavours without the food feeling heavy or overly processed. From our house-made dips and salsas to the bowls, tacos, and appetizers, every dish has been designed to feel comforting, vibrant, and easy to come back to. Punjabi Bagh felt like the perfect place to begin this journey, and we’re excited to build Guacamole Co. into a go-to destination for flavour-packed comfort food in the city.”

With its focus on fresh ingredients, customizable meals, and a relaxed atmosphere, Guacamole Co. aims to establish itself in Delhi’s growing casual dining segment by offering Mexican-inspired food that balances flavour, quality, and comfort.


Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Extends Korean Food Festival in Mumbai

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Extends Korean Food Festival in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar in Mumbai has announced the extension of its popular Korean Food Festival for another month after receiving an overwhelming response from guests across the city. Originally introduced as a limited-time experience, the festival has quickly become one of the season’s most talked-about culinary events, reflecting the growing popularity of Korean food and culture among diners.

Part of the restaurant’s larger “Across Asia” series, the festival celebrates Korea’s vibrant food scene through a menu filled with bold flavours, comforting dishes, and immersive dining experiences. Guests continue to enjoy favourites such as Tteokbokki, Korean Fried Chicken, Bibimbap bowls, and Jajangmyeon, all inspired by Korean street food and home-style cuisine.

One of the biggest highlights of the festival has been the introduction of the Big Bowl Ramen, promoted as one of Mumbai’s largest ramen offerings. Designed as a hearty and shareable dish, it has become a major attraction for groups and ramen lovers alike.

Another standout on the menu is the Cheese Baked Ramen, an indulgent oven-baked preparation that is limited to just 10 portions per day, adding a sense of exclusivity to the experience. Guests can also pair their meals with a selection of eight beers on tap, including a seasonal mango cider.

Speaking about the extension, Ewa Valia, Assistant Marketing Manager at Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar, said, “We're truly grateful for the overwhelming love the Korean Food Festival has received. While we're excited to introduce the next chapter of our Across Asia series, we also wanted to make sure that guests who continue returning for their favourite dishes have more time to enjoy the experience. Extending the festival felt like the most natural decision for us.”

With its energetic atmosphere, strong cultural appeal, and flavour-packed menu, the Korean Food Festival at Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar continues to give Mumbai diners another reason to explore Korean cuisine in a lively social setting.

  • Address: Hotel Peninsula Redpine, Andheri - Kurla Rd, Bori Colony, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059
  • Timings: 4pm to 1am


The Hood by Olive Celebrates World Whisky Day with Curated Cocktail Experience in Bengaluru

The Hood by Olive Celebrates World Whisky Day with Curated Cocktail Experience in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

The Hood by Olive is raising a glass this World Whisky Day with a specially curated whisky-forward experience that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and global cocktail culture. Known as one of Bengaluru’s refined global gastro-bars, the venue brings together classic whisky traditions and modern mixology interpretations under one immersive menu.

Designed for both whisky connoisseurs and curious explorers, the celebration highlights a range of signature cocktails that balance innovation with familiarity. The experience reflects The Hood’s signature approach, precise execution, layered flavours, and a sophisticated yet approachable bar atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Among the standout creations is Beware the Ginza Tiger, a Japanese-inspired cocktail that draws from the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s Nishiki Market. It blends miso-washed whisky with roasted coffee liqueur and sesame-kokuto sugar syrup, creating a bold umami-driven profile with depth and complexity.

The menu also features Roman Holiday, a smoother, dessert-style whisky cocktail that balances citrus brightness with honey water, offering a refreshing yet indulgent drinking experience.

For those who prefer a contemporary classic, Penicillin delivers a layered interpretation of Scotch whisky, combining blended whisky with an Islay float, complemented by honey-ginger syrup and fresh lemon juice for a smoky, citrus-forward finish.

Together, these cocktails reflect a growing trend in Bengaluru’s premium bar scene, where whisky is no longer confined to neat pours, but reimagined through global techniques, flavour experimentation, and storytelling-led mixology.

With its curated approach and globally inspired menu, The Hood by Olive positions World Whisky Day as more than a celebration—it becomes an exploration of flavour, technique, and modern whisky culture.

From seasoned whisky lovers to first-time tasters, the experience offers a refined way to engage with the spirit, set against the bar’s contemporary and cosmopolitan ambience.

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.