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.


Chinese Wok Partners with Amazon MX Player’s ‘I-POPSTAR’ as Official Food Partner

Chinese Wok Partners with Amazon MX Player’s ‘I-POPSTAR’ as Official Food Partner

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

Chinese Wok, India’s leading homegrown Desi Chinese quick-service restaurant brand, has announced its debut in the reality TV entertainment space with ‘I-POPSTAR,’ Amazon MX Player’s latest music reality series celebrating India’s independent music talent. As the Official Food Partner, Chinese Wok brings its bold, youthful flavour into the heart of music, culture, and creativity, strengthening its connection with the country’s vibrant Gen Z and millennial audience.

Produced by Rusk Media, I-POPSTAR features 25 emerging musicians competing across auditions, gala rounds, and the grand finale, mentored by King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari, and Parmish Verma. The show embraces diverse genres including Pop, Rap, R&B, Rock, EDM, and regional fusion, spotlighting originality and fresh voices from across India.

The collaboration reflects a shared spirit between the show and the brand. Today’s young India is ambitious, expressive, and constantly evolving, qualities that align with Chinese Wok’s “Wok Your Way” ethos, which celebrates individuality and hustle. The partnership takes shape through on-air integrations, backstage interactions, playful exchanges with mentors and contestants, and a unique challenge segment that blends flavour, creativity, and performance in true Chinese Wok style.

As part of the association, the brand will co-create an exclusive jingle with one of the I-POPSTAR contestants, infusing music and flavour into a vibrant brand experience. Beyond the screen, Chinese Wok will have a presence at key events such as the Mumbai premiere, Delhi finale festival, and youth showcases across major cities.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, shared,

“Chinese Wok has always resonated with the ambition, pace and individuality of young India. Our partnership with I-POPSTAR is a strategic step in expanding our cultural footprint and engaging deeply with the country’s most dynamic, creative audiences. With 250+ outlets across 45+ cities, this collaboration signals the next phase of our brand evolution, where food, culture and creative energy meet.”

Adding to this, Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, said,

“I-POPSTAR is raw, expressive and unapologetically fresh and that’s exactly the spirit of Chinese Wok. We’re excited to join India’s next popstars on-screen, share fun flavour moments, and even co-create a jingle with one of the artists. It’s food, culture, music, and youth energy coming together and when cravings hit the stage, Chinese bole toh Chinese Wok!”

This marks Chinese Wok’s first-ever entry into the reality TV and talent ecosystem, a bold and strategic move that builds deeper cultural relevance with India’s young audience through music, humour, sport, and digital storytelling.


Three Brothers Distillery Launches Northern Pride Premium Blended Whisky

Three Brothers Distillery Launches Northern Pride Premium Blended Whisky

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

Three Brothers Distillery has announced the launch of Northern Pride Premium Blended Whisky, a new expression that embodies the strength and cultural spirit of northern India. The introduction follows the success of the brand’s earlier release, 55°North, which gained strong traction across Delhi and Uttarakhand, expanding the company’s presence in the premium whisky market.

Crafted from fine Indian grain spirit and blended with three distinct Scotch malts, Northern Pride delivers a smooth texture, delicate sweetness, and a balanced finish. Designed for those who value authenticity, it reflects character and craftsmanship over excess.

The whisky is a product of the distillery’s focused philosophy, honest production, controlled expansion, and respect for taste. From ingredient selection to design, every stage has been carefully developed with precision and clarity. The bottle’s clean, elegant look complements its refined identity, representing confidence without extravagance.

Varun Gupta, Founder of Three Brothers Distillery, shared his thoughts on the launch, saying,

“Our experience with 55°North gave us both insight and motivation to explore a fresh expression that connects to the northern ethos. Northern Pride reflects discipline, transparency, and genuine craftsmanship. Early response from both retailers and patrons has been encouraging, showing that drinkers recognise sincerity and skill. We look forward to strengthening our distribution across key cities and building a stronger reputation for Indian whisky that stands on merit.”

Production of Northern Pride Premium Blended Whisky follows a small-batch method, ensuring quality and consistency. Distribution has already begun in leading urban markets through select partnerships with premium outlets and bars, while wider availability across new regions is planned for early 2026.

With this launch, Three Brothers Distillery continues its journey from a single-label venture to a respected name among new-age producers. Its growing portfolio reflects commitment, accuracy, and relevance and Northern Pride carries that legacy forward, symbolising both the spirit of celebration and the pride of belonging.


BarNaan Brookfield Unveils a Fresh Menu Crafted by Chef Kailash Singh

BarNaan Brookfield Unveils a Fresh Menu Crafted by Chef Kailash Singh

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

BarNaan Brookfield, one of the city’s most-loved spots for modern Indian dining, has rolled out an exciting new menu curated by Chef Kailash Singh and his Sous Chef. Known for blending traditional roots with contemporary twists, the restaurant’s latest offering captures the essence of Indian comfort food with a fresh, inventive touch.

The revamped menu takes diners on a journey through India’s rich culinary landscape,  where local flavours meet global techniques. From hearty classics to mindful modern options, the spread includes a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with several gluten-free and dairy-free choices catering to today’s diverse preferences.

To start, guests can indulge in small yet flavour-packed bites like Cheese Balls with Roasted Tomato Sauce, Maitake Mushroom Hot Tea, and Homemade Vegetable Samosa, each dish reflecting the restaurant’s focus on freshness and balance.

The Small Plates section stands out for its creative flair and bold Indian character. Highlights include Asami Chicken Wings, Old Delhi Chicken Tikka, Amritsari Fish and Chips, and Andhra Prawn Thayir Sadam, all offering a playful yet refined take on beloved classics. For those craving rich and meaty indulgence, options like Seekh Kebab, Chicken 65, and the indulgent Lamb Chop Masala Couscous promise depth, aroma, and perfectly cooked textures.

Vegetarians have plenty to celebrate too from Yogurt Fried Dumplings and Tandoori Paneer Tikka to Lahsuni Gobhi, Vada Pao, and the irresistible street-style favourites Mumbai Bhel, Aloo Tikki Chaat, and Dahi Puri served with mango, avocado, and yogurt mousse.

Speaking about the new menu, Chef Kailash Singh shared, “Each dish on this menu is a story, rooted in Indian tradition but presented with a modern spirit. We wanted to create something that feels familiar yet exciting for every palate.”

With this refreshed lineup, BarNaan Brookfield continues to redefine how Indian cuisine is experienced — comforting yet creative, nostalgic yet refreshingly new.


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