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.


Azure Hospitality Launches 27th Dhaba Estd. 1986 Outlet in Civil Lines, New Delhi

Azure Hospitality Launches 27th Dhaba Estd. 1986 Outlet in Civil Lines, New Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on August 15, 2025

Azure Hospitality, under the leadership of co-founders Rahul Khanna and Kabir Suri, has announced the launch of its 27th Dhaba Estd. 1986 outlet in Civil Lines, New Delhi, furthering its mission to expand culturally rooted, experience-led dining destinations. The launch on August 10 marks a significant milestone in the brand’s four-decade journey.

Set amidst the heritage charm of Civil Lines, the 54-seater outlet blends classic Indian design motifs with eclectic, contemporary interiors. Drawing inspiration from North Indian aesthetics and timeless cinematic influences, the restaurant offers guests a visually engaging and immersive dining experience.

image

“Civil Lines is symbolic of cultural richness and urban sophistication”, said Rahul Khanna, Director, Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. “This outlet represents not just expansion but our commitment to a 40-year culinary tradition that remains relevant today.”

Co-founder Kabir Suri added, “Each new outlet retells our story of nostalgia, flavour, and the vibrant spirit of Punjabi food. Civil Lines felt like the perfect location to take this story forward, making regional Indian cuisine more accessible and engaging for today’s diners.”

The new outlet is led by franchise partners Bhawna and Saurabh Dua, a mother-son duo passionate about food, community, and Punjabi culture. “Dhaba Estd. 1986 is about warmth, flavour, and nostalgia—values we grew up with”, they shared. “Bringing it to Civil Lines is both an honour and a homecoming”.

The launch showcased signature favourites such as Dal Dhaba and Butter Chicken, alongside a preview of upcoming menu items that reinterpret Punjabi comfort food through a modern lens.

With this opening, Dhaba Estd. 1986 continues its growth trajectory, with plans for further expansion into heritage-rich and urban destinations across India


SGF India Brings Flavour-Packed Vegetarian Menu to Noida’s Sector 135

SGF India Brings Flavour-Packed Vegetarian Menu to Noida’s Sector 135

By Hariharan U

Published on August 15, 2025

SGF (Spice Grill Flame) India has unveiled its latest outlet at Assotech Business Cresterra, Sector 135, bringing its popular 100% vegetarian offerings to one of Noida’s most dynamic commercial and residential hubs.

To mark the occasion, guests enjoyed an exclusive 20% discount on all orders during the launch day. The menu features SGF’s signature North Indian flavours like tangy, spicy, and hearty vegetarian dishes crafted to appeal to both the corporate crowd and neighbourhood residents.

"Noida has always been a key market for us, and opening at Assotech Business Cresterra allows us to cater to a vibrant mix of working professionals and local residents. We are excited to welcome guests with our signature taste, quality, and service", said Kewal Ahuja, Founder & CEO, SGF India.

image

The brand’s long-term vision is to operate 200+ outlets by 2026, driven by its robust franchise network and the growing demand for vegetarian alternatives in India’s fast-food sector. This new launch underscores SGF’s mission to make plant-based dining accessible, affordable, and flavour-packed.

Outlet Details:

SGF India – Assotech Business Cresterra Park, Sector 135, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Launch Date: Tuesday, 12 August 2025

Inaugural Offer: 20% off on all orders (launch day only)

About SGF India:
Founded in 2012, SGF India (Spice Grill Flame) began with just two outlets and has grown into a network of 75+ locations in over 20 cities. Celebrated for its fiery vegetarian and vegan menu, SGF continues to redefine plant-based dining with a focus on taste, value, and quality.


Where to Eat and Stay This Independence Day: Top Festive Dining Spots Across Mumbai

Where to Eat and Stay This Independence Day: Top Festive Dining Spots Across Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 15, 2025

This Independence Day 2025, Mumbai’s hospitality scene is brimming with patriotic flavours and festive culinary experiences. From traditional Indian feasts to creative tricolour-themed menus, here are some of the city’s most exciting dining destinations for 15th August.

1. ITC Maratha – “A Celebration of Flavour, the Indian Way” at Peshwa Pavilio

Mark the occasion with a special lunch at Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha, paying tribute to India’s rich culinary heritage. The spread celebrates diversity through regional classics, aromatic spices, and home-style comfort dishes. Guests can expect flavours ranging from coastal specialities to hearty northern delicacies, all reimagined with finesse.

image

  •  Date: 15th August 2025
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Address: Sahar, Andheri East, Mumbai 400099
  • Email: Restaurantreservation.Itcmaratha@itchotels.com

2. MoMo Café, Courtyard by Marriott – Freedom-Themed Lunch

At MoMo Café, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, Independence Day comes alive with a vibrant menu featuring Delhi-style chaat, a Maharashtrian food counter, Avadhi kebabs, and Ummrao Kitchen’s signature biryanis. Traditional dishes like Kolsa war chi chicken and masale bhaat complement a sweet finale of patriotism-inspired desserts.

image

  •  Date: 15th August 2025

3. The BlueBop Café – Tricolour Specials in Khar

BlueBop Café celebrates India’s 79th Independence Day with a special menu inspired by the national flag. For one day only, guests can enjoy Tri-Colour Pasta, Pizza, Brownie, and Mocktail, each crafted with premium ingredients and the café’s creative flair. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these dishes capture the spirit of unity and pride.

image

  •  Date: 15th August 2025
  • Location: Khar, Mumbai

4. Gourmet Table – Elegant Gourmet Bites

For those seeking a refined celebration, Gourmet Table offers a curated menu featuring Edamame Truffle Mousse Filo Cups, Avocado Cherry Tomato Mini Bagels, Roasted Pepper Cheesecake, and Beetroot Scallion Cream Cheese Parcels. Dips like Green Goddess and Cracked Pepper Truffle Cream Cheese come paired with assorted crackers and olives for a sophisticated indulgence.

image

  •  Date: 15th August 2025

5. Red Box Café – Tricolour Treat Menu in Juhu

At Red Box Café, Juhu, the Independence Day special menu includes Spinach Cottage Cheese Crepes, Avocado Mascarpone Tacos, Cottage Cheese Pesto Pizza, and Lemon Thyme Grilled Fish. With bold tastes and patriotic presentation, every dish is designed to celebrate freedom with flair.

image

  •  Date: 15th August 2025
  • Location: Juhu, Mumbai

From grandeur at ITC Maratha to the creative plates at BlueBop Café and Red Box Café, these venues promise to make your Independence Day dining memorable. Tables are expected to fill up quickly, so early reservations are highly recommended.

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.