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.


Celebrate Tamil New Year with a Traditional Feast at The Filter Coffee

Celebrate Tamil New Year with a Traditional Feast at The Filter Coffee

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 9, 2026

Marking Tamil New Year, The Filter Coffee is bringing a festive dining experience that feels close to home. The restaurant has curated a traditional Tamil-style feast, inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu and the spirit of shared celebrations.

The meal reflects the essence of festive rituals, with a comforting spread that brings together familiar flavours and time-honoured recipes. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes including Murunga Elai Soup Rasam, Vellai Appam, Chettinad Kurma, Potato Ghee Roast, Drumstick & Onion Sambar, Vathal Kuzhambu, Aviyal and more, all prepared in an authentic style.

To complete the experience, the feast also includes classic festive desserts like Channa Dal Pradhaman and Boondi Laddoo, adding a sweet touch to the celebration. The offering is designed to capture the warmth and joy of Tamil New Year through food that feels both traditional and comforting.

The special meal will be available on April 14, 2025, with time slots at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. Guests can choose to dine in, opt for takeaway, or place orders online through Swiggy and Zomato. The experience will be available across The Filter Coffee outlets in Kalyan Nagar, Indiranagar, Brookfield, and Koramangala.

With this festive spread, The Filter Coffee brings together tradition, flavour, and the joy of celebrating new beginnings in a simple and heartfelt way.


Heritage Spirits Redefine Luxury with Culture and Craft

Heritage Spirits Redefine Luxury with Culture and Craft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 9, 2026

The idea of luxury in the world of spirits is slowly changing. It is no longer just about how old a drink is or the legacy behind it. Today, it is more about where it comes from and the story it carries. Across the globe, many indigenous spirits that were once limited to local communities are now making their way into premium bars and collector shelves.

What makes this trend stand out is its focus on authenticity. These are not newly created products but drinks deeply rooted in culture and tradition. They are now being reintroduced in a way that connects with a global audience while still holding on to their origins.

One such example from India is Six Brothers Mahura, launched by South Seas Distilleries. Mahua has a long history in the country and was once widely consumed. Made from the flower of the Madhuca longifolia tree, it slowly lost its place over time due to colonial restrictions and changing perceptions. With this new launch, the spirit is being presented in a premium format. Crafted using a copper pot still technique, it offers floral aromas, earthy notes, and a hint of spice. With a starting price of ₹1,02,000, the brand clearly aims to position Mahua as a luxury offering alongside global favourites.

From Mexico, mezcal has also seen a similar journey. Once made in small villages using traditional methods, it is now gaining global recognition. Brands like Del Maguey Mezcal have helped bring it to a wider audience while keeping its original process intact, including agave roasting in underground ovens and natural fermentation.

In the world of cognac, Hennessy Paradis continues to show how heritage can stay relevant. Made using carefully selected eaux de vie aged over decades, it offers a smooth and rich profile with notes of honey, dried flowers, and candied fruit. It reflects a balance between tradition and modern appeal.

Japan’s contribution comes through Nikka Taketsuru Whisky, a blend that highlights precision and craftsmanship. Named after Masataka Taketsuru, known as the father of Japanese whisky, it brings together multiple malt whiskies to create a refined and balanced drink.

From South America, Pisco Portón is helping bring attention to pisco, a spirit that has long been part of Peruvian culture. Produced in limited quantities, it focuses on quality and presentation while staying true to its roots. Its aromatic and fruit-forward profile offers something fresh for global consumers.

Together, these spirits highlight a shift in how luxury is being defined. It is no longer limited to established categories but is expanding to include cultural depth and regional identity. Whether it is Mahura in India, mezcal in Mexico, or pisco in Peru, these drinks are shaping a new narrative in the global spirits space, one that values heritage as much as craftsmanship.


CRC Group Brings Olive Café & Bar to The Flagship Beyond in Noida

CRC Group Brings Olive Café & Bar to The Flagship Beyond in Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 9, 2026

CRC Group has announced a key collaboration with AD Singh to bring Olive Café & Bar to The Flagship Beyond in Noida. This marks the brand’s first-ever collaboration in the city, adding a well-known dining experience to the project and strengthening its position as a lifestyle destination.

The restaurant will span around 12,000 sq ft and will reflect Olive’s signature Mediterranean style. Known for its romantic and rustic-chic setting, the space often features white-pebbled courtyards and rooftop views, creating a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Founded by A.D. Singh, Olive Café & Bar is already a popular name in Delhi and Mumbai, offering Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, well-loved Sunday brunches, and handcrafted cocktails.

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Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, AD Singh, Founder & MD, Olive Group of Restaurants, said, “For us at Olive, every new space is an opportunity to create something that feels both personal and contextual. Our collaboration with CRC Group for The Flagship Beyond felt instinctive, given their clear vision of building a destination that values experience as much as design. Noida has been on our radar for some time, but it was important to find the right setting, and CRC’s The Flagship Beyond felt like the right fit. We look forward to bringing Olive’s signature warmth, food, and easy elegance to a new audience, and becoming a part of the city’s evolving dining and social narrative.”

Satish Garg, Chairman and Founder, CRC Group, said, “At CRC, we have always focused on curating environments that feel elevated yet intuitive. We are delighted to welcome Olive Café & Bar to one of our prestigious projects, and see this association as the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will add enduring value to the destination.”

This development reflects CRC Group’s continued focus on building spaces that go beyond regular retail. With Olive Café & Bar joining The Flagship Beyond, the destination is shaping up as a hub where dining, retail, and culture come together in a seamless way.

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