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.


World Pasta Day 2026: Where to Find Mumbai’s Most Indulgent Pasta Dishes

World Pasta Day 2026: Where to Find Mumbai’s Most Indulgent Pasta Dishes

By Hariharan U

Published on October 22, 2026

World Pasta Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a comforting bowl of pasta, whether that means a classic Italian preparation, a rich and creamy creation or something a little more adventurous. On October 25, 2026, Mumbai's dining scene offers pasta lovers several options, from signature restaurant dishes to an interactive workshop that takes the experience beyond the plate.

Here are six places to explore this World Pasta Day.

1. Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner, Airport Road

Dish: Blush Hour Rigatoni | Price: ₹630 + taxes

For those who enjoy pasta with a rich, indulgent sauce, Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner offers its Blush Hour Rigatoni. The dish features rigatoni coated in a creamy vodka sauce, complemented by homemade ricotta and finished with fragrant basil oil. The combination of comforting flavours and a refined finish makes it a tempting choice for a leisurely pasta meal.

2. Berlin Brew, Multiple Outlets

Prices: ₹599 onwards

Berlin Brew celebrates Italian-inspired comfort food with a selection of hearty pasta dishes. Options include Vegetable Lasagne, Chicken Cannelloni with red pepper coulis, Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs in pomodoro sauce, and Fettuccine in carbonara sauce.

With vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, the menu offers a variety of flavours for diners looking to settle in for a satisfying pasta meal.

3. Luuma House, Juhu

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Experience: Hands-on pasta-making workshop

For those who prefer getting involved in the cooking, Luuma House is hosting a pasta-making workshop on Sunday, October 25, from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Guests will get the opportunity to roll, shape and prepare pasta from scratch before cooking and enjoying their own creations. The interactive experience offers a different way to mark World Pasta Day, particularly for food enthusiasts keen to explore the craft behind a favourite Italian dish.

4. Tora, Versova

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Dish: Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine | Price: ₹475 + taxes

Tora's Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine brings together silky ribbons of pasta and a rich mushroom sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan. Crisp fried greens and delicate potato crisps add contrasting textures to the creamy preparation, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy earthy flavours and comforting sauces.

5. Trapdoor, Versova

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Dish: Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus | Price: ₹899 + taxes

For a more adventurous pasta experience, Trapdoor offers Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus. The dish combines squid ink pasta with tender baby octopus and delicate aromatics, delivering briny seafood flavours and a striking presentation. It is a distinctive option for diners who want to move beyond traditional pasta preparations.

6. BaaMee – All Day Eatery & Bar, Andheri

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Dish: Three Cheese Ravioli | Price: ₹595 + taxes

BaaMee's Three Cheese Ravioli brings a comforting combination of pasta and cheese to the table. The delicate pasta parcels are filled with ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella, then served in a rich Sicilian tomato sauce. The creamy filling and vibrant tomato flavours make this a satisfying pick for diners who enjoy classic Italian-inspired comfort food.

Make a Pasta Date This World Pasta Day

From creamy sauces and cheese-filled ravioli to seafood-led creations and pasta made by hand, Mumbai's dining destinations offer different ways to celebrate World Pasta Day. Whether you prefer a familiar favourite or want to experiment with new flavours, these six options provide plenty of inspiration for a pasta-focused outing.

Note: Prices are subject to applicable taxes where specified. Workshop availability and participation details should be confirmed directly with the venue.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Offers Homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth in Chennai

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Offers Homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth in Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on October 21, 2026

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is bringing a traditional festive favourite to Chennai with its special selection of homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth, prepared with pure ghee and available exclusively on a made-to-order basis.

Matthi holds a special place in Karwa Chauth traditions, particularly during the ritual of breaking the fast after the moon is sighted. Traditionally, a husband offers his wife the first morsel of food and water, with Matthi often forming part of this moment. The festive delicacy represents care, affection and togetherness, making it a meaningful addition to the celebration.

Through its festive offering, The Kitchen by Chef Deepa aims to bring this familiar tradition closer to families in Chennai, offering home-style preparations that can be included in their Karwa Chauth rituals.

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The selection features two varieties. The Sweet Saffron, Almond and Pista Matthi, priced at ₹1,350 per kg, combines aromatic saffron with the richness of almonds and pistachios. For those who prefer a simpler, traditional option, Classic Plain Matthi is available at ₹1,100 per kg.

Prepared with pure ghee and an emphasis on traditional flavours, the Matthi is available on a made-to-order basis. Customers can place orders directly with The Kitchen by Chef Deepa ahead of their celebrations.

The festive offering reflects the kitchen's focus on traditional Punjabi home-style cooking and special preparations for occasions celebrated with family. By bringing a familiar part of the Karwa Chauth ritual to Chennai, the kitchen offers customers a convenient way to include this traditional delicacy in their festivities.

Order Details

  • Brand: The Kitchen by Chef Deepa

  • Location: Perungudi, Chennai

  • Sweet Saffron, Almond and Pista Matthi: ₹1,350 per kg

  • Availability: Made to order

  • Phone: +91 93635 44123

  • Instagram: The Kitchen by Chef Deepa


GTGO Opens First bibigo bapsang Outlet in Bengaluru

GTGO Opens First bibigo bapsang Outlet in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 21, 2026

GTGO, the Korean F&B platform behind GOPIZZA, Gochujang and Dalkomi, has introduced bibigo bapsang to India through an exclusive strategic partnership with CJ Foods, the global company behind the Korean food brand bibigo. The launch marks the arrival of the brand's authentic Korean quick-service restaurant (QSR) format in India, with its first outlet opening at Orion Mall, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.

The new outlet marks another step in GTGO's expansion as a multi-brand platform focused on bringing Korean cuisine to Indian consumers while adapting to local tastes. Additional bibigo bapsang outlets are planned across Bengaluru by the end of the year.

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Designed to make Korean food a part of everyday dining, bibigo bapsang combines the convenience of a QSR with a menu rooted in Korean flavours. Its signature offering is BYOB (Build Your Own Bapsang), a customisable bowl inspired by the Korean table, bringing together rice, protein and vegetables in one meal.

The menu also features bibimbap, Korean chicken, Korean fries, corndogs and desserts, with options available at affordable prices. The concept aims to welcome first-time diners exploring Korean cuisine while giving regular fans access to familiar favourites.

Mahesh Reddy, co-founder and CEO of GTGO, said, "Bengaluru has always been a special market with a vibrant crowd that is ready to try new things. These stores are more than new locations; they are another step towards making high-quality, approachable Korean food a regular part of everyday life for more people across India."

A spokesperson from CJ Foods said, "In Bengaluru, we aim to offer a fun, approachable Korean dining experience through customisable meal sets and bibimbap. By combining CJ Foods' leading brand and product expertise with GTGO's deep local-market understanding and agile execution, we will bring the value of Korean food to more consumers across India."

Alongside bibigo bapsang, GTGO's portfolio includes GOPIZZA, Gochujang, which focuses on Korean street food, and Dalkomi, which offers Korean desserts. The company is looking to build on the growing interest in Korean culture and cuisine by bringing more Korean food concepts to Indian consumers.

With the launch of bibigo bapsang, GTGO aims to expand its presence in Bengaluru and make Korean dining more accessible through a mix of familiar formats, customisable meals and authentic flavours.

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