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.


World Pasta Day 2026: Where to Find Mumbai’s Most Indulgent Pasta Dishes

World Pasta Day 2026: Where to Find Mumbai’s Most Indulgent Pasta Dishes

By Hariharan U

Published on October 22, 2026

World Pasta Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a comforting bowl of pasta, whether that means a classic Italian preparation, a rich and creamy creation or something a little more adventurous. On October 25, 2026, Mumbai's dining scene offers pasta lovers several options, from signature restaurant dishes to an interactive workshop that takes the experience beyond the plate.

Here are six places to explore this World Pasta Day.

1. Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner, Airport Road

Dish: Blush Hour Rigatoni | Price: ₹630 + taxes

For those who enjoy pasta with a rich, indulgent sauce, Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner offers its Blush Hour Rigatoni. The dish features rigatoni coated in a creamy vodka sauce, complemented by homemade ricotta and finished with fragrant basil oil. The combination of comforting flavours and a refined finish makes it a tempting choice for a leisurely pasta meal.

2. Berlin Brew, Multiple Outlets

Prices: ₹599 onwards

Berlin Brew celebrates Italian-inspired comfort food with a selection of hearty pasta dishes. Options include Vegetable Lasagne, Chicken Cannelloni with red pepper coulis, Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs in pomodoro sauce, and Fettuccine in carbonara sauce.

With vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, the menu offers a variety of flavours for diners looking to settle in for a satisfying pasta meal.

3. Luuma House, Juhu

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Experience: Hands-on pasta-making workshop

For those who prefer getting involved in the cooking, Luuma House is hosting a pasta-making workshop on Sunday, October 25, from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Guests will get the opportunity to roll, shape and prepare pasta from scratch before cooking and enjoying their own creations. The interactive experience offers a different way to mark World Pasta Day, particularly for food enthusiasts keen to explore the craft behind a favourite Italian dish.

4. Tora, Versova

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Dish: Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine | Price: ₹475 + taxes

Tora's Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine brings together silky ribbons of pasta and a rich mushroom sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan. Crisp fried greens and delicate potato crisps add contrasting textures to the creamy preparation, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy earthy flavours and comforting sauces.

5. Trapdoor, Versova

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Dish: Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus | Price: ₹899 + taxes

For a more adventurous pasta experience, Trapdoor offers Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus. The dish combines squid ink pasta with tender baby octopus and delicate aromatics, delivering briny seafood flavours and a striking presentation. It is a distinctive option for diners who want to move beyond traditional pasta preparations.

6. BaaMee – All Day Eatery & Bar, Andheri

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Dish: Three Cheese Ravioli | Price: ₹595 + taxes

BaaMee's Three Cheese Ravioli brings a comforting combination of pasta and cheese to the table. The delicate pasta parcels are filled with ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella, then served in a rich Sicilian tomato sauce. The creamy filling and vibrant tomato flavours make this a satisfying pick for diners who enjoy classic Italian-inspired comfort food.

Make a Pasta Date This World Pasta Day

From creamy sauces and cheese-filled ravioli to seafood-led creations and pasta made by hand, Mumbai's dining destinations offer different ways to celebrate World Pasta Day. Whether you prefer a familiar favourite or want to experiment with new flavours, these six options provide plenty of inspiration for a pasta-focused outing.

Note: Prices are subject to applicable taxes where specified. Workshop availability and participation details should be confirmed directly with the venue.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Offers Homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth in Chennai

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Offers Homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth in Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on October 21, 2026

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is bringing a traditional festive favourite to Chennai with its special selection of homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth, prepared with pure ghee and available exclusively on a made-to-order basis.

Matthi holds a special place in Karwa Chauth traditions, particularly during the ritual of breaking the fast after the moon is sighted. Traditionally, a husband offers his wife the first morsel of food and water, with Matthi often forming part of this moment. The festive delicacy represents care, affection and togetherness, making it a meaningful addition to the celebration.

Through its festive offering, The Kitchen by Chef Deepa aims to bring this familiar tradition closer to families in Chennai, offering home-style preparations that can be included in their Karwa Chauth rituals.

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The selection features two varieties. The Sweet Saffron, Almond and Pista Matthi, priced at ₹1,350 per kg, combines aromatic saffron with the richness of almonds and pistachios. For those who prefer a simpler, traditional option, Classic Plain Matthi is available at ₹1,100 per kg.

Prepared with pure ghee and an emphasis on traditional flavours, the Matthi is available on a made-to-order basis. Customers can place orders directly with The Kitchen by Chef Deepa ahead of their celebrations.

The festive offering reflects the kitchen's focus on traditional Punjabi home-style cooking and special preparations for occasions celebrated with family. By bringing a familiar part of the Karwa Chauth ritual to Chennai, the kitchen offers customers a convenient way to include this traditional delicacy in their festivities.

Order Details

  • Brand: The Kitchen by Chef Deepa

  • Location: Perungudi, Chennai

  • Sweet Saffron, Almond and Pista Matthi: ₹1,350 per kg

  • Availability: Made to order

  • Phone: +91 93635 44123

  • Instagram: The Kitchen by Chef Deepa


GTGO Opens First bibigo bapsang Outlet in Bengaluru

GTGO Opens First bibigo bapsang Outlet in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 21, 2026

GTGO, the Korean F&B platform behind GOPIZZA, Gochujang and Dalkomi, has introduced bibigo bapsang to India through an exclusive strategic partnership with CJ Foods, the global company behind the Korean food brand bibigo. The launch marks the arrival of the brand's authentic Korean quick-service restaurant (QSR) format in India, with its first outlet opening at Orion Mall, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.

The new outlet marks another step in GTGO's expansion as a multi-brand platform focused on bringing Korean cuisine to Indian consumers while adapting to local tastes. Additional bibigo bapsang outlets are planned across Bengaluru by the end of the year.

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Designed to make Korean food a part of everyday dining, bibigo bapsang combines the convenience of a QSR with a menu rooted in Korean flavours. Its signature offering is BYOB (Build Your Own Bapsang), a customisable bowl inspired by the Korean table, bringing together rice, protein and vegetables in one meal.

The menu also features bibimbap, Korean chicken, Korean fries, corndogs and desserts, with options available at affordable prices. The concept aims to welcome first-time diners exploring Korean cuisine while giving regular fans access to familiar favourites.

Mahesh Reddy, co-founder and CEO of GTGO, said, "Bengaluru has always been a special market with a vibrant crowd that is ready to try new things. These stores are more than new locations; they are another step towards making high-quality, approachable Korean food a regular part of everyday life for more people across India."

A spokesperson from CJ Foods said, "In Bengaluru, we aim to offer a fun, approachable Korean dining experience through customisable meal sets and bibimbap. By combining CJ Foods' leading brand and product expertise with GTGO's deep local-market understanding and agile execution, we will bring the value of Korean food to more consumers across India."

Alongside bibigo bapsang, GTGO's portfolio includes GOPIZZA, Gochujang, which focuses on Korean street food, and Dalkomi, which offers Korean desserts. The company is looking to build on the growing interest in Korean culture and cuisine by bringing more Korean food concepts to Indian consumers.

With the launch of bibigo bapsang, GTGO aims to expand its presence in Bengaluru and make Korean dining more accessible through a mix of familiar formats, customisable meals and authentic flavours.

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