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.


Adarsh Sweets Brings Back Its Sunday-Only Winter Undhiyu Tradition

Adarsh Sweets Brings Back Its Sunday-Only Winter Undhiyu Tradition

By Hariharan U

Published on November 23, 2025

Adarsh Sweets in Goregaon East has brought back one of its most loved seasonal offerings, the Winter Special Undhiyu. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition the family has kept alive for more than five decades, prepared with the same care and method they started with.

Undhiyu is a classic Gujarati winter dish known for its slow cooking, rich flavours, and mix of fresh seasonal vegetables. At Adarsh Sweets, the preparation stays close to its roots: premium produce, age-old techniques, and the signature spices their regulars look forward to every year.

The Sunday batch is made early in the morning and includes favourites like root vegetables, papdi, green beans, methi muthiyas, purple yam, and the family’s special masala blend. Each portion carries a warm, homely taste that feels just right for the season.

Available only on Sundays and sold until stock runs out, this winter special tends to get picked up quickly. Guests who don’t want to miss it are advised to visit early or call ahead to reserve their share.


Buffalo Trace Distillery Brings Its First Pop-Up Experience to Mumbai

Buffalo Trace Distillery Brings Its First Pop-Up Experience to Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 21, 2025

Buffalo Trace Distillery, known worldwide for crafting some of the most awarded bourbons, made a memorable entry into India with a three-day pop-up experience in Mumbai. The event, held at Palladium Mumbai - Courtyard, offered an immersive way for spirits enthusiasts, industry leaders, and whiskey fans to explore the legacy that defines Buffalo Trace’s craftsmanship. Guests got a closer look at the brand’s 200-year journey while enjoying tastings from its portfolio available in India, including Benchmark Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Weller Wheated Bourbon.

The pop-up recreated the spirit of Kentucky through curated sessions that blended storytelling, education, and multi-sensory engagement. Visitors could move through different experience zones that highlighted the depth and character of Buffalo Trace’s bourbons. From guided tastings to stations such as a scent bar, a leather workshop, and a chocolate corner, each setup showcased the care and detail that go into every bottle. Guests also took home personalised keepsakes, adding a warm and memorable touch to the experience.

The event saw attendance from several well-known names across industries, including Lara Balsara Vajifdar, Executive Director at Madison World; Tanuj Garg, Film Producer; Jayesh Yagnik, CEO of MOMS Outdoor; Pradeep Diwedi, Group CEO of Eros International; Esha Amin, Celebrity Fashion Stylist; Mini Sood Banerjee, Director of Marketing at Amorepacific; Pravir Sethi; and A.D. Singh, Founder & MD of the Olive Group of Restaurants.

Sharing his thoughts on the successful showcase, Diego Bianchi, VP, Global Hubs, Sazerac said, “Buffalo Trace Distillery’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, aging, and quality distilling has earned it fans across the globe, and we’re thrilled to finally share that experience with consumers in India. The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed in Mumbai was really encouraging, and we’re excited to bring similar immersive experiences to more cities across the country. Through these initiatives, we hope to deepen awareness and appreciation for our bourbon and the rich heritage of Buffalo Trace Distillery.”

As Buffalo Trace expands its presence in India, the distillery plans to bring more curated events to new cities, strengthening its connection with the growing whiskey community in the country. With its mix of heritage, craft, and warm hospitality, the pop-up offered a memorable introduction to Buffalo Trace for Indian audiences.


The Sip Society Opens in Chandigarh as a Day-to-Night Hangout

The Sip Society Opens in Chandigarh as a Day-to-Night Hangout

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 21, 2025

Chandigarh’s café culture has a new addition with The Sip Society opening in Sector 10. It brings a refreshing idea to the city, a place where people can slow down, spend time comfortably, and move from day to night without rushing. The café welcomes guests through the week, while its speakeasy character appears only once a week, creating a tucked-away atmosphere that feels special and slightly mysterious. Spread across 1,600 square feet, the space carries a mood that gently changes as the day moves along.

During the day, The Sip Society draws inspiration from the English tea rooms the founders admired across London, Edinburgh, and Toronto. Soft sunlight fills the space, touching velvet seating, wooden tables, and handwritten menu cards. The air carries hints of artisanal coffee, fresh bakes, and a sense of calm. With Victorian influences and touches of Dark Academia, the café feels warm and familiar with cosy reading corners, leather-bound details, and gentle lighting.

As the evening sets in, the café shifts into its speakeasy personality. Lights dim, music changes, and guests can enjoy craft cocktails along with global small plates. Many who stop by for tea in the afternoon often find themselves staying well into the night as the mood becomes deeper and more intimate. This weekend-only transformation gives Chandigarh a new kind of after-dark spot that feels indulgent and personal.

Gurrattan Gill, Business Director, says, "The Sip Society is a pause button in the city's rhythm. We imagined a place where mornings stretch lazily, afternoons drift by, and evenings invite laughter over cocktails where every moment feels unhurried and every visit feels like coming home."

Adding to this idea, Akarshan Brar Gill, Creative Director, shares, "Our goal was to design a space that tells a story as the day unfolds. From sunlit corners to the intimate glow of the speakeasy, which comes alive on off-week hours, every detail from light and sound to service was orchestrated so guests move seamlessly from one mood to the next, losing track of time in the best way."

The Bar Consultants, a New Delhi–based hospitality firm led by co-founders Angad Chachra and Nitya Sareen, played a key role in shaping this space. Known for creating memorable dining experiences such as Bobachee in Delhi, Masala Synergy in Gurgaon, Sol Brew House in Shimla, and the India rollout of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, their approach focuses on building places that feel good and work smoothly. From planning service flow and menu philosophy to designing kitchen and bar layouts, their involvement ensured The Sip Society’s transition from café to speakeasy feels intentional and effortless.

Their work spans conceptual planning, feasibility studies, menu creation, bar and kitchen designs, staff training, and pre-opening trials. With specialists handling everything from creative direction to beverage training, they help weave every detail into one clear experience.

Speaking about the food and beverage philosophy, co-founders Angad Chachra and Nitya Sareen share, "We shaped the food and beverage menu as an extension of the space's rhythm. Morning teas and artisanal coffees offer a gentle welcome, afternoons open up to flavours and textures, and evenings unfold into playful cocktails that linger on the palate and in memory. That flow meets its peak on Off-duty nights, when the speakeasy identity takes over. Our aim was to create a narrative where every sip and bite moves with the day, making the culinary experience inseparable from the ambience."

With The Sip Society, the vision was simple, to create a place where guests feel like staying longer. Whether it’s a quiet morning tea, a slow afternoon, or a lively cocktail evening on weekends, the space is built for young professionals, families, travellers, and couples to unwind, settle in, and enjoy a sense of ease as the café naturally transforms after dark.

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