Secret Ingredient Launches Three Unique Culinary Concepts Across India

Secret Ingredient Launches Three Unique Culinary Concepts Across India

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 8, 2024

Secret Ingredient, a prominent food consulting firm for the restaurant and hospitality industry, has announced the launch of three new culinary destinations in India. The newly unveiled venues include Niko, a modern Asian restaurant in Gurgaon, La Croute, an artisanal pie shop and café in Delhi’s Sunder Nagar, and Bonita, a globally inspired European bistro located in Arossim, South Goa.

Secret Ingredient played a pivotal role in creating these distinct concepts by offering a wide range of consulting services. These included everything from research and feasibility studies to the development of a detailed concept, interior and graphic design collaboration, kitchen and bar planning, as well as food and beverage identity creation. The firm also assisted in hiring and training core team members, ensuring that each establishment delivers a well-rounded guest experience.

Kula Naidu, Director at Secret Ingredient, explained the firm’s approach: “At Secret Ingredient, we go beyond just food—we create a complete experience. Niko offers an upbeat yet calming atmosphere; La Croute provides a warm and welcoming vibe, while Bonita is all about relaxation and indulgence. Each venue has a distinct character, from the ambience to the décor, music, and overall f&b offering. We meticulously ensure that every aspect, from the kitchen’s efficiency to staff training, operates seamlessly.”

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Each of these new venues provides a unique culinary experience. Niko in Gurgaon brings modern Asian cuisine to the forefront, with an ambiance that blends lively and calming elements, making it a versatile choice for casual dining and special occasions. La Croute in Delhi focuses on artisanal pies, providing a cozy, neighborhood café vibe that invites people to sit back and enjoy freshly baked goods. Meanwhile, Bonita in Goa offers a mix of European-inspired dishes in a relaxed beachside setting, perfect for guests seeking an indulgent escape.

Sid Mathur, also a Director at Secret Ingredient, emphasized the research-driven approach that goes into every project. “Our team conducts thorough research to ensure dining experiences that are both unique, inventive and feasible. We oversee every aspect from the outset, focusing on guest experience to culinary offerings. Our goal with these projects was to create a menu that celebrates rich flavors and resonates with today’s diners, who seek new and exciting experiences. The feedback we’ve received is a testament to the hard work and creativity that went into these projects.”

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Secret Ingredient has a history of providing advisory services for a diverse range of clients, including restaurants, hotels, malls, and schools. They use their extensive hands-on experience from operating and advising multiple F&B outlets across India to create tailored solutions for new and existing projects. Their experience has allowed them to work with iconic brands and build a substantial portfolio across 28 cities in India.

Some of Secret Ingredient’s notable past projects include collaborations with The Khyber in Gulmarg, Kaansa at Crowne Plaza Gurgaon, Lyrah at Trident Gurgaon, and Koyo Koyo at Hyatt Centric Chandigarh. They have also partnered with popular venues such as Select City Walk Mall in Delhi, British School in Delhi, as well as with brands like Olive Group, Swiggy, and Anardana.


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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