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.


Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

Haldiram’s, one of India’s most recognised brands in sweets, snacks, and dining, has strengthened its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the opening of its latest outlet in Prayagraj.

Located at WP Arena, Hot Stuff Chauraha, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, the new restaurant was inaugurated by Er. Harshvardhan Bajpayee, MLA, Prayagraj North, in the presence of customers, local dignitaries, and community members.

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The launch marks another step in Haldiram’s expansion strategy of entering emerging markets beyond major metropolitan cities while bringing its legacy of traditional Indian flavours closer to consumers across the country. The opening is also aligned with the brand’s “Acche Din Aa Rahe Hai!” campaign, highlighting its continued growth journey.

Known as one of India’s most culturally significant cities, Prayagraj holds a special place in the country’s spiritual and intellectual heritage. Home to the iconic Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet, the city attracts millions of visitors during the Kumbh Mela and continues to be a major destination for travellers, pilgrims, and scholars.

Beyond its cultural importance, Prayagraj has emerged as an important educational, administrative, and commercial hub in Uttar Pradesh. With increasing infrastructure development and rising tourism, the city has witnessed growing demand for quality dining experiences.

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Recognising this evolving consumer landscape, Haldiram’s has introduced its new outlet to offer residents and visitors a trusted destination for traditional Indian cuisine combined with modern dining comfort.

Designed to cater to families, groups, and travellers, the outlet offers Haldiram’s extensive portfolio of Indian sweets, namkeens, regional favourites, chaats, complete meals, and contemporary beverages.

The expansion into Prayagraj reflects Haldiram’s broader vision of reaching new markets while preserving the traditions, flavours, and hospitality that have shaped the brand over decades.

With its growing footprint across India, Haldiram’s continues to focus on delivering authentic Indian culinary experiences while adapting to the changing preferences of today’s consumers.


Diggin Introduces Monsoon Menu with Comforting Seasonal Favourites

Diggin Introduces Monsoon Menu with Comforting Seasonal Favourites

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

As monsoon showers bring a slower and more comforting rhythm to the city, Diggin Café invites guests to enjoy the season with a specially curated selection of monsoon favourites designed for relaxed conversations, indulgent meals, and cosy dining moments.

Known for its garden-inspired ambience and inviting spaces, Diggin offers the perfect setting to unwind during rainy days. With lush surroundings, warm corners, and an atmosphere that blends charm with comfort, the café creates an experience that complements the mood of the season.

The monsoon menu brings together a selection of comforting dishes crafted to celebrate familiar flavours with a contemporary touch. Highlights include the refreshing Diggin Special Salad, indulgent Baked Goat Cheese, rustic Grilled Vegetable & Goat Cheese Pizza, hearty Vegetable and Lamb Lasagnas, earthy Mushroom Skewers, and the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.

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The seasonal experience is completed with desserts that capture the warmth and nostalgia of monsoon indulgence. Guests can enjoy the comforting Apple Crumble along with Diggin’s signature Biscoff Cheesecake, offering rich caramel notes and a perfect sweet ending to a rainy-day meal.

With its thoughtfully curated menu and cosy garden-inspired setting, Diggin’s Monsoon offerings invite guests to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food during the rainy season.

Monsoon Menu Details:

Locations:
Anand Lok, Connaught Place, Chanakyapuri, and Tagore Garden

Timings:
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Instagram:
@diggincafe


Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on July 18, 2026

Celebrating the seasonal charm of India’s favourite fruit, Rasanai has announced the launch of its ‘Maanga Maanga Festival’, a special culinary experience dedicated to exploring the diverse flavours and regional interpretations of mango across South India.

Running from 15th to 31st July 2026, the festival will be hosted across Rasanai outlets in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Kochi, inviting guests to experience mango beyond traditional desserts through a specially curated menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

From raw and tangy preparations to sweet, spiced, pickled, and slow-cooked creations, the festival highlights the versatility of mango as an ingredient deeply rooted in South Indian food culture.

Inspired by home kitchens, local traditions, and street food flavours, Rasanai’s festival menu presents creative interpretations of classic regional recipes. Guests can explore unique dishes such as Mangai Pachadi Paniyaram and Thengai Mangai Adai Taco, alongside bold regional favourites including Andhra Aavakkai Broccoli, Oorugai Mamsam, and Angamaly Meen Maanga Curry.

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Each preparation showcases a distinct expression of mango, balancing flavours of sweetness, spice, tanginess, and aroma while celebrating the ingredient’s importance across South Indian cuisines.

The culinary journey concludes with Mango Thengai Pongal, Rasanai’s innovative South Indian take on the popular mango sticky rice. Combining ripe mango, coconut, and the comforting texture of traditional pongal, the dessert offers a nostalgic yet contemporary finale to the festival experience.

Featuring vegetarian, meat, seafood, and dessert creations, the Maanga Maanga Festival brings together the many identities of mango through thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate regional diversity and culinary storytelling.

Speaking through this seasonal celebration, Rasanai continues its commitment to showcasing India’s rich food traditions while presenting familiar ingredients through fresh and imaginative perspectives.

For mango lovers and food enthusiasts looking to discover new regional flavours, Maanga Maanga Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the king of fruits in its most vibrant and unexpected forms.

This is mango like never before.

Event Details:

Event: Maanga Maanga Festival
Dates: 15th July – 31st July 2026

Locations:

Rasanai Chennai
Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090

Rasanai Coimbatore
Pappanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore – 641037

Rasanai Kochi
Ernakulum, Kerala – 682020

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