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.


Hyatt Regency Delhi Introduces Immersive Whiskey & Sake Pairing Experience at TK’s Oriental Grill

Hyatt Regency Delhi Introduces Immersive Whiskey & Sake Pairing Experience at TK’s Oriental Grill

By Hariharan U

Published on January 19, 2026

Hyatt Regency Delhi has announced an exclusive, limited-time Whiskey & Sake Pairing Pop-Up at its award-winning TK’s Oriental Grill, offering diners a refined experiential journey where live Teppanyaki artistry meets premium Japanese spirits.

Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Kokoro, cooking with heart the experience brings together TK’s signature “Theatre of Fire” with the craftsmanship of Nikka Whisky and Nanbu Bijin Sake. Moving beyond traditional wine pairings, the pop-up highlights how the smoky complexity of Japanese whisky and the clean, floral character of sake can elevate authentic Far-Eastern flavours.

The pairing menu has been thoughtfully curated by the culinary team at TK’s Oriental Grill in collaboration with expert spirit ambassadors. Each course is designed to achieve balance across temperature, texture, and taste, allowing food and spirits to complement each other seamlessly rather than compete.

Guests can expect live Teppanyaki performances across seven hot grills, accompanied by a curated flight of Nikka Whisky and Nanbu Bijin Sake expressions. The experience unfolds within TK’s distinctive interiors, marked by bamboo accents and sculptural dented copper hoods, creating a setting that is as theatrical as it is intimate.

The menu takes diners through a layered flavour journey, beginning with fresh and zesty nigiri such as Hamachi and Sake paired with crisp Nanbu Bijin Sake. It then progresses to bold Teppanyaki signatures including Shredded Lamb with spicy gochujang and Tenderloin Steak with yakiniku sauce, crafted to match the peaty depth and warmth of Nikka Whisky. The experience concludes with desserts such as a Flambéed Chocolate Tart, best enjoyed with a final warming sip of whisky.

To enhance engagement, trained team members guide guests through tasting notes, share the heritage of each spirit, and explain the rationale behind every pairing, making the experience accessible to both seasoned connoisseurs and first-time explorers of Japanese spirits.

Set within an intimate, flame-lit setting, the Whiskey & Sake Pairing Pop-Up at TK’s Oriental Grill celebrates fire, flavour, and finesse, positioning Hyatt Regency Delhi as a leading destination for immersive dining experiences in the capital.


NCR’s Most Exciting Restaurants to Watch Right Now

NCR’s Most Exciting Restaurants to Watch Right Now

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 19, 2026

As NCR’s food and beverage scene continues to evolve, restaurants are moving beyond just serving food, they’re creating experiences. From story-led concepts and global cafés to modern Indian kitchens rooted in regional flavors, operators are focusing on immersive dining, scalable formats, and strong brand identities. Here are five restaurants that exemplify this trend.

Albert Pinto, Noida

A cinematic, story-led dining destination, Albert Pinto brings Goan–Portuguese inspiration to life through design, music, service, and menu storytelling. The restaurant offers modern Indian interpretations, seafood-forward dishes, and globally inspired comfort plates, making it ideal for social dining or an experiential evening.

imageLocation: 3rd Floor, Ithum Galleria Mall, Sector Alpha II, Greater Noida

Anardana, Vasant Kunj, Delhi

Anardana’s Ambience Mall outlet blends traditional Indian design with modern elegance. Its curated menu and immersive interiors make it perfect for family meals, celebrations, and social dining in South Delhi.

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Location: Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

Laidback Cafe, Dwarka

Located at Vegas Mall, Laidback Cafe caters to all-day dining with a casual, comfortable setup. Its menu spans Asian, Continental, Italian, Middle Eastern, and North Indian cuisines, paired with desserts and beverages, making it a repeat-visit destination in West Delhi.

imageLocation: 5th Floor, Vegas Mall, Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi

Thamel, AIPL Joy Central, Gurugram

Inspired by Kathmandu’s café culture, Thamel blends Nepalese flavors with global café offerings. With warm interiors and a relaxed setting, it targets urban professionals and social diners seeking international tastes in Gurugram.

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Location: AIPL Joy Central, Sector 65, Gurugram

Osteria, Noida

A casual Italian restaurant, Osteria focuses on wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted pastas, and classic Italian dishes made with quality ingredients. Its mall-centric location makes it approachable for everyday dining or special occasions, highlighting the continued appeal of European cuisine in NCR.

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Location: 4th Floor, Spectrum Metro Mall, Sector 75, Noida

Together, these restaurants reflect key trends in NCR’s F&B sector: experience-led dining, globally inspired concepts, versatile menus, and strategic placement in mixed-use spaces. In a competitive market, storytelling, clarity of concept, and adaptability remain essential for building sustainable dining brands.


Javaphile Cafe Opens Flagship Outlet in Worli, Mumbai

Javaphile Cafe Opens Flagship Outlet in Worli, Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 16, 2026

Javaphile Cafe has marked a new milestone with the launch of its flagship outlet in Worli, Mumbai, expanding into one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. The new location reflects the brand’s thoughtful approach to growth, entering an area known for its early mornings, long workdays and appreciation for quality coffee breaks.

Designed to balance comfort with understated elegance, the Worli outlet carries Javaphile’s signature warmth through cozy, unfussy interiors and welcoming spaces. The café is suited for a range of occasions, from quick solo visits and informal meetings to relaxed brunches and extended work sessions that carry through the day.

Founder Suren Joshi said the Worli opening felt like a natural progression for the brand. He shared that Javaphile has always focused on creating spaces where people can slow down, even briefly, over a cup of coffee. According to him, Worli is a neighbourhood that values quality, routine and good food, making it an ideal fit for the brand’s philosophy of familiarity and dependability.

Coffee craftsmanship remains central to the Javaphile experience at the new outlet. The café serves its full range of beverages, including classic espressos, cappuccinos and flat whites, along with its signature brews. The food menu has been curated to complement the coffee while also standing strong on its own, catering to guests throughout the day.

Blending seamlessly into its surroundings, the Worli café aims to feel familiar from the very first visit. With friendly service and an approachable yet premium menu, the space offers a refined experience without formality, positioning itself as an everyday luxury within the neighbourhood’s daily routine.

With the launch of its Worli flagship, Javaphile Cafe continues to strengthen its footprint across Mumbai, staying true to its core values of good coffee, honest food and inviting spaces, while becoming an integral part of the city’s evolving café culture.

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