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.


Say Hello to Tokki Tora: Mumbai’s Beloved Japanese Dining Destination Gets a Playful New Identity

Say Hello to Tokki Tora: Mumbai’s Beloved Japanese Dining Destination Gets a Playful New Identity

By Author

Published on December 26, 2025

After more than a decade of being Mumbai’s go-to destination for authentic Japanese cuisine, Kofuku Mumbai enters an exciting new chapter as Tokki Tora. While the name has evolved, the heart of the brand remains unchanged. The flavours, the hospitality, and the spirit that Mumbai has cherished over the years continue just as before.

Kofuku has long been synonymous with soulful Japanese flavours, warm tatami-style dining, and memorable moments shared with friends and family. With Tokki Tora, the brand embraces its evolution through a fresh and playful identity that reflects its deep-rooted connection with guests and its vibrant personality.

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At the centre of this transformation is Tokki Tora’s spirited rabbit mascot, a charming symbol of warmth, joy, and human connection. More than a visual element, the mascot acts as a friendly ambassador for the brand, embodying Tokki Tora’s promise of thoughtful hospitality and memorable dining experiences delivered with a playful twist. To celebrate this rebrand, Tokki Tora is set to roll out surprise giveaways, immersive Instagram-worthy moments, and engaging guest interactions. Curated collaborations and special pop-ups are also planned, making this transformation more than a name change—it marks a cultural moment for Japanese and Korean dining in Mumbai.

Sharing his thoughts on the rebrand, Amit Goel, Stakeholder, said, “Kofuku has been a beautiful journey filled with memories, people, and joy. As we turn the page, I’m excited to introduce Tokki Tora, carrying that same spirit forward in a new light. Our rabbit mascot brings playfulness and warmth, creating a deeper connection with every guest. This is not just a new name, but an evolution of the love we’ve built together, now with even more character and energy.”

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Despite the new identity, guests can continue to enjoy the same much-loved menu offerings, including meticulously crafted sushi, comforting ramen bowls, delicate dim sums, and Korean Hengbok favourites such as Shin Noodle Soup, Vegetable Kimbap, and Fried Korean Chicken. These signature dishes are complemented by the warm hospitality that made Kofuku one of Mumbai’s most loved dining destinations. Tokki Tora adds a new layer of storytelling, blending Japanese and Korean traditions with contemporary cultural charm that resonates with today’s diners.

With outlets across Andheri, Lower Parel, and Powai, Tokki Tora proudly carries forward Kofuku’s culinary legacy while redefining the modern Japanese dining experience—authentic yet playful, rooted yet evolving.

Tokki Tora is not just a new name. It is the next chapter of a story Mumbai already loves, now infused with more warmth, character, and joy.

Address: Andheri, Lower Parel, and Powai
For Reservations: 9987500393 / 9967002920
Instagram: tokkiandtora


Radico Khaitan Introduces The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum in India

Radico Khaitan Introduces The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum in India

By Author

Published on December 26, 2025

Radico Khaitan Limited, one of India’s largest homegrown alcobev companies, has announced the India rollout of The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum, a globally acclaimed, triple-aged super-premium rum. Following a successful international launch, the brand now makes its debut in the domestic market, starting with Uttar Pradesh and soon expanding to Karnataka and Delhi.

Matured through a distinctive triple-cask ageing process in American Bourbon barrels, Cognac XO casks and Vermouth casks, The Kohinoor Reserve stands apart in the global dark rum category. Rooted in centuries-old Indian rum-making traditions and inspired by the legendary Kohinoor diamond, the rum brings together heritage, craftsmanship and modern luxury.

Distilled in small batches using fresh cane juice sourced during the North Indian winter, the spirit undergoes a carefully orchestrated ageing journey. The initial maturation in American Bourbon casks is followed by finishing in Cognac XO and Vermouth casks, resulting in a rare, layered profile crafted for discerning connoisseurs.

Commenting on the India introduction, Mr. Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director, Radico Khaitan, said, “The rum category in India is a significant and growing sector, with consumers increasingly gravitating toward richer and more complex dark rum expressions. This renewed appreciation for craftsmanship makes it an exciting time to expand our presence in the segment. The Kohinoor Reserve has already received appreciation in international markets, and we are delighted to now bring it to our home market.”

Drawing inspiration from the historic “Mountain of Light,” the Kohinoor, the brand symbolises rarity, purity and prestige. This philosophy is reflected in the bottle design, which features a sculpted, multi-faceted structure reminiscent of a finely cut gem. Viewed from the top, the bottle evokes an oval diamond silhouette, while its broad shoulders, strong base and muted gold accents lend it a regal yet contemporary character.

Adding to this, Mr. Amar Sinha, Chief Operating Officer, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said, “The Kohinoor Reserve reflects India’s timeless craftsmanship and our own heritage at the Rampur Distillery, which has been rooted in rum distillation since 1943. Crafted with patience and intent, this expression carries forward that legacy. As premium dark rum gains momentum in India, we believe this triple-aged creation will set a new benchmark for authenticity, depth and refined indulgence.”

The spirit also pays homage to India’s early mastery of distillation, with historical roots tracing back to the Indus Valley civilisation, where early references to sugarcane fermentation and crystalline sugar production originated.

On the palate, The Kohinoor Reserve opens with rich sweet-fruity aromas complemented by native spice notes, dried fruits, roasted nuts and elegant woody undertones. The finish is long, smooth and memorable, offering warmth and complexity without harshness.


Habanero Enters Ready-to-Eat Snacking with the Launch of Globally Inspired Nachos

Habanero Enters Ready-to-Eat Snacking with the Launch of Globally Inspired Nachos

By Hariharan U

Published on December 26, 2025

Bengaluru-based Habanero Foods International Pvt. Ltd. has announced the launch of Habanero Nachos, marking the brand’s entry into the ready-to-eat snacking category. Known for its globally inspired sauces, dips, and tortilla wraps, Habanero is expanding its portfolio with a snack that reflects its core focus on bold flavours, quality ingredients, and everyday versatility.

Crafted in small batches using carefully sourced ingredients, including locally procured produce, Habanero Nachos are designed to deliver consistent taste and freshness while staying rooted in responsible sourcing practices. The range is available in three flavour variants, Zingy Jalapeno, Mango Chilli, and Peri Peri — offering a balanced mix of crunch, spice, and tang that suits Indian taste preferences.

The launch represents a natural extension of Habanero’s existing portfolio. With the brand’s sauces and dips already forming part of everyday consumption, nachos offer a complementary base that can be enjoyed straight from the pack or paired creatively. The move also reflects evolving snacking habits, where consumers increasingly seek flavour-forward options that are convenient, adaptable, and indulgent without being complicated.

Commenting on the launch, Griffith David, Founder & CEO, Habanero Foods, said, “Indian consumers today are deeply influenced by global food trends, yet their expectations remain grounded in familiarity and comfort. At Habanero, our approach has always been to create globally inspired flavours that integrate effortlessly into everyday life. Nachos allow us to offer that experience in a simple, convenient format without compromising on taste or quality.”

Habanero Nachos will be available pan-India, beginning with leading quick-commerce and e-commerce platforms including Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, BigBasket, and Amazon. Distribution will gradually expand to modern trade and select general retail outlets across key metropolitan markets and emerging cities in the coming months.

The launch will be supported through organic digital storytelling and lifestyle-led influencer collaborations, focusing on real consumption moments rather than overt promotion. This approach reflects the brand’s emphasis on building long-term relevance and meaningful engagement with consumers.

With the introduction of nachos, Habanero continues to strengthen its position at the intersection of global flavour and everyday Indian snacking. Looking ahead, the brand plans to further expand its snacking portfolio with new flavour innovations, staying aligned with evolving lifestyles and a growing appetite for refined yet approachable food experiences.

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