Downtown29 has found its second Mumbai home, and BKC feels like the right fit. The brand that built a loyal following in Borivali with its global cuisine, crafted cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere has brought all of that and more to Bandra Kurla Complex, one of Mumbai's most energetic and well-connected neighbourhoods.

The new outlet at Trade Centre, BKC spans 14,000 square feet with seating for 120 guests across indoor and outdoor areas. The scale alone signals that this isn't just a repeat of what came before. It's a bigger, more immersive version of the Downtown29 experience, designed for the kind of crowd that BKC naturally attracts: professionals, social diners, and night-out seekers who want good food, great drinks, and a space that evolves through the evening without missing a beat.

The menu has been curated by Chef Ameya Mahajani, drawing from his culinary travels to combine global techniques with bold flavours that speak to Indian palates. It's the kind of food that feels exploratory without being alienating, which is exactly the balance a restaurant in this space needs to strike.

The cocktail programme is built around an ingredient-led philosophy, focusing on bold flavour combinations and contemporary mixology that work in harmony with the food rather than competing with it. It's the kind of bar programme that rewards regulars who return to explore rather than guests who order the same thing every time.

Through the day and into the evening, Downtown29 BKC is designed to work as a neighbourhood dining and bar destination, comfortable for a quick lunch, an after-work drink, or a longer social dinner. As the night moves on, the atmosphere shifts naturally into something more lively, making the transition feel organic rather than forced.

Chirag Pattni, Founder of Downtown29, shared what drew the brand to BKC. "BKC felt like the natural next step for Downtown29. It's a neighbourhood that brings together business, culture, and nightlife in a way that truly represents the energy of Mumbai. With this new space, we wanted to create something bigger and more immersive, from the interiors and menu to the cocktail experience, while staying true to the spirit that made Downtown29 popular in the first place."

More locations are in the pipeline, but for now, BKC gets the spotlight. And from the look of things, it's well deserved.

Sugar-free ice cream has had a reputation problem for a while. The texture is off, the flavour feels flat, and the whole experience leaves you wishing you had just gone with the original. Ice Cream Works is trying to change that with its newly launched Zero Sugar Added range, and the approach behind it suggests they've taken that reputation seriously.

The new range, introduced under The House of Ice Cream Works, is built for a consumer who is becoming increasingly common in urban India: someone who reads labels, thinks about ingredients, and still wants a dessert that actually tastes like one. The brand has reformulated sweetness using plant-based alternatives while keeping its core focus on flavour and texture exactly where it's always been.

Rishi Chona, Founder of Ice Cream Works, explained the thinking behind the launch. "As a brand, we have always believed in evolving with the times while staying true to our commitment to quality and taste. With Zero Sugar Added, our vision was to create a product that aligns with today's health-conscious lifestyle without compromising on indulgence. It represents a new chapter for Ice Cream Works, one where innovation, purity, and pleasure come together seamlessly."

The sweeteners used are 100 percent natural, specifically stevia and monk fruit. Both are zero-calorie and have a zero glycemic index, meaning they do not raise blood sugar levels. Monk fruit also carries natural antioxidant compounds. The result is a product that works not just for general health-conscious consumers but also for those managing specific dietary conditions like diabetes.

The zero sugar category remains significantly underpenetrated in India's organised ice cream sector, and Ice Cream Works is stepping into that space at a time when dietary awareness is becoming mainstream rather than niche. For a brand that has built its identity on quality and creative flavour, this launch feels like a natural evolution rather than a pivot.

If you've ever believed that a great sandwich is one of life's simplest pleasures, DOU Brew Room and Bakehouse in Chennai is about to make a very strong case for that. Their newest festival, Sandwiches Without Borders, is a global tour of some of the world's most iconic sandwiches, and it's running right now at their Alwarpet and Nungambakkam outlets.

The idea is as straightforward as it is exciting. Every culture has its version of bread with something delicious inside, and DOU has picked some of the best from around the world and built them on their own freshly baked breads. From baguettes and milk bread to pita and soft rolls, the bread itself is treated as a key ingredient rather than just a vessel, which is exactly the right approach.

The lineup reads like a culinary passport. The Chicago-style Italian Beef brings bold, flavour-packed American deli energy to the table. Japan's Tamago Sando is the kind of deceptively simple egg sandwich that has built a devoted following far beyond convenience store shelves. Spain's Bocadillo is rustic, satisfying, and exactly what a good sandwich should feel like. The Cuban Sandwich brings together layers of slow-roasted pork, ham, pickles, and mustard in a pressed format that's been a crowd favourite for generations.

Germany's Fischbrötchen adds a North Sea coastal character to the spread, while the Tunisia-inspired Fricassé is a deep-fried bread roll stuffed with a combination of ingredients that reflects the warmth and spice of North African street food. Rounding things out are American comfort classics like the Tuna Melt and the Shrimp O' Boy, both the kind of sandwiches that remind you why this format has universal appeal.

The festival runs from March 12th onwards at both DOU locations in Chennai. Whether you're a dedicated sandwich person or just someone who appreciates thoughtful food done well, Sandwiches Without Borders is worth making a trip for.