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.


Zaya Indian & Persian Kitchen Unveils Bold New Fusion Dinner Menu

Zaya Indian & Persian Kitchen Unveils Bold New Fusion Dinner Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on May 28, 2026

Zaya Indian & Persian Kitchen has introduced a new dinner menu that brings together bold Indian flavours and Persian-inspired culinary traditions, curated under the leadership of Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami.

The refreshed menu reflects the restaurant’s focus on modern fusion dining, combining regional Indian tastes with Middle Eastern influences and a global presentation style. Known for its contemporary approach in McAllen’s dining scene, Zaya continues to position itself as a destination for creative and experience-led cuisine.

The new offerings feature a wide mix of dishes across categories, including street-food inspired starters, charcoal-grilled specials, Persian mezze, handcrafted breads, and innovative fusion handhelds designed to enhance the overall dining experience.

Highlights from the grill section include Chipotle Chicken Tikka, Burrah Lamb Chops, Tandoori Octopus, and Kesari Paneer Tikka. The street-style selection brings a modern twist to familiar flavours with dishes such as Delhi-style Paani Puri, Tuna Passionfruit Paani Puri, Samosa Chaat, and Beetroot Chaat.

The menu also introduces creative fusion handhelds like Chapli Kebab Smash Burger, Roganjosh Birria Tacos, and Persian-inspired shawarma wraps, offering a cross-cultural dining experience.

Main course dishes include a mix of traditional Indian recipes and modern plating styles, featuring Ruby Chicken, Chicken Chettinad, Goat Korma, Moilee Salmon, Palak Saag Paneer, and Pistachio Malai Kofta. Classic biryanis such as Hyderabadi Goat Dum Biryani and Kolkata Vegetable Biryani further highlight India’s regional diversity.

Speaking about the launch, Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami shared that the menu is designed as a storytelling experience through food, combining authentic flavours with modern culinary techniques to create a memorable dining journey for guests.

With this launch, Zaya Indian & Persian Kitchen strengthens its position as one of McAllen’s most innovative dining destinations, offering a menu rooted in tradition while embracing contemporary creativity.


Courtyard by Marriott Madurai Launches ‘The Southern Treasures’ Food Festival

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai Launches ‘The Southern Treasures’ Food Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on May 28, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai is set to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of South India with the launch of The Southern Treasures, a specially curated food festival at Madurai Kitchen this June.

Designed as a month-long gastronomic experience, the festival will take guests on a flavourful journey across four South Indian states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu through a series of weekend showcases led by master chefs.

Each weekend will focus on one state’s cuisine, highlighting traditional recipes, authentic ingredients, and regional cooking styles deeply rooted in local culture and heritage. Guests can expect a diverse spread of signature dishes that reflect the unique culinary identity of each region.

The festival aims to bring together the bold spices of Andhra cuisine, the comforting flavours of Karnataka, the coastal richness of Kerala, and the timeless classics of Tamil Nadu under one roof, offering diners an immersive regional dining experience.

Hosted at Madurai Kitchen inside Courtyard by Marriott Madurai, the event will run across all weekends in June 2026. Dining experiences will be available during Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, along with Sunday brunch.

With The Southern Treasures, the hotel continues to strengthen its focus on celebrating regional Indian cuisine while offering guests authentic and thoughtfully curated dining experiences


POIZ Gurgaon Redefines Dining with Design, Food and Experiences

POIZ Gurgaon Redefines Dining with Design, Food and Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2026

Nearly two years after its launch, POIZ Gurgaon continues to stand out in the city’s dining landscape by offering more than just a place to eat. Spread across a 10,000-square-foot space, the restaurant has built a loyal following by focusing on thoughtful experiences rather than short-lived trends.

Founded by entrepreneur Ansh Gupta, POIZ was created around the idea that food, entertainment, and design should work together rather than compete with one another. The result is a space that brings together striking interiors and a carefully planned atmosphere.

The restaurant features statuario marble walls, rich textures, fine veneers, and layered tapestries that create a visually distinctive setting. Complementing the interiors is a sunlit terrace with palm trees and a French-inspired patio, while the lounge offers a more intimate setting suited for relaxed conversations and after-dinner drinks.

Speaking about the vision behind the concept, Ansh Gupta, Founder, said:

"We didn't want Poiz to feel like it was chasing a moment. The intention was always to build a place that feels considered, where the design, the food, and the energy of the room work together rather than compete. A place you come back to."

Alongside the setting, the culinary experience remains a key focus. The menu takes inspiration from global flavours with a contemporary approach, offering dishes that appeal both to adventurous diners and those who prefer familiar favourites. The cocktail programme follows a similar direction, featuring classics and signature creations designed to complement the overall experience.

POIZ also keeps its calendar active beyond regular dining hours. Live music performances add energy to Friday and Saturday evenings, while Sunday family brunches have become a favourite for guests looking for a more relaxed way to spend time together.

Whether it is a quick business lunch, an evening with friends, or an extended dining experience, POIZ Gurgaon continues to create a space that balances food, ambience, and hospitality without compromise.

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