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.


Commune Brings a Vibrant Mexican Fiesta to Mumbai This May

Commune Brings a Vibrant Mexican Fiesta to Mumbai This May

By Hariharan U

Published on May 1, 2026

This May, Commune is set to bring the heat, colour, and convivial spirit of Mexico to the city with its exclusive Mexican Festival, timed around Cinco de Mayo. Known for crafting globally inspired menus, Commune once again turns dining into an experience that goes beyond the plate.

The festival is not just a themed offering but a thoughtfully curated culinary journey that reflects the brand’s philosophy that food should tell a story and bring people together. With its signature creative approach, Commune reimagines traditional Mexican flavours through a contemporary lens, creating a menu that is both familiar and refreshingly inventive.

Guests can explore a vibrant spread of dishes that capture the bold and smoky essence of Mexican cuisine. Standout highlights include Mango Jalapeño Paneer Tostadas, Chicken Chipotle Tacos with Birria Sauce, and the Charred Veg Fajita Bowl with Smoky Roja each dish balancing authentic techniques with modern flair.

The experience continues with indulgent desserts designed to end the meal on a celebratory note. The Jalapeño Chocolate Mousse delivers a rich, slow-building heat, while the classic Caramel Flan offers a smooth and comforting finish.

Set in the lively neighbourhood of Lower Parel, the festival invites diners to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere that blends flavour, creativity, and shared moments.

Event Details:

  • What: Cinco de Mayo Special Mexican Menu
  • Where: Commune, Lower Parel
  • Date: 5th – 7th May, 2026

With its bold menu and experiential approach, Commune’s Mexican Festival promises to be a lively celebration of culture, cuisine, and connection, offering Mumbai diners a taste of Mexico with a distinctive twist.


Blue Tokai Opens Second Flagship Store in Hyderabad with Origins Experience

Blue Tokai Opens Second Flagship Store in Hyderabad with Origins Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 1, 2026

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has opened its second flagship store in Hyderabad with the launch of Blue Tokai Origins at Banjara Hills. This new space brings the brand’s most immersive coffee experience to another part of the city, further strengthening its presence in a market known for its growing coffee culture.

“Hyderabad is the only city where we've opened two flagships in under six months. People here don't just want a great cup, they want to understand what goes into making one. That curiosity is what makes us want to build here, for the long run," said Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters.

At Blue Tokai Origins, guests can explore some of India’s rarest micro-lots along with chef-curated meals. The space highlights Indian coffee estates, regional characteristics, and multiple brewing methods, staying true to the brand’s farmer-first approach.

One of the key features is the Play Bar, where experimental coffee lots are preserved at peak flavour in a temperature-controlled setting. This rotating selection, curated by Blue Tokai’s roasting team, changes regularly and brings new experiences to visitors. Offerings have included micro-lots fermented with farm-grown cultures, coffee aged in wine barrels, and beans sourced from emerging regions like Meghalaya. Guests can also try seven different brewing methods such as Chemex, Syphon, and Slow Drip.

The store also features a Nitro Cold Brew tap, serving chilled, nitrogen-infused single-origin coffee made using patented technology that enhances flavour extraction.

The food menu at Origins has been curated in collaboration with Auroni Mookerjee, known for his work with chef Ritu Dalmia’s Diva Group in Delhi, as well as Sienna Store & Cafe and The Salt House in Kolkata. The menu focuses on comfort food with a creative touch, including handmade pastas like Chilli Crunch Carbonara, gourmet sandwiches and open toasts made with sourdough from Suchali's Artisan Bakehouse, and desserts like tiramisu and Coconut Berry Lamington. Some of these dishes are also available across select Blue Tokai cafés in the city.

Beyond coffee and food, Origins is designed as a community space where people can come together and learn more about coffee. Events such as cuppings, workshops, and cultural sessions aim to bring coffee lovers closer to the craft.

“Origins is for anyone who wants to slow down and know coffee better. Whether through conversations with baristas, curated tastings, or a meet-and-greet with producers, it is a space that connects growers, brewers, and drinkers. Questions are very welcome here," said Shivam Shahi.

Since November, Blue Tokai has opened nine stores in Hyderabad, each catering to different experiences across locations like Sattva Knowledge Park, Gandipet, Jubilee Hills, and Banjara Hills.

"Hyderabad has felt like home since our first cafe here. We love being a part of the city’s different rhythms, and in the coming six months, the plan is to launch 10 more spaces", added Shivam Shahi.

With its continued expansion and focus on experience-led spaces, Blue Tokai is further deepening its connect with Hyderabad’s coffee community.


Pangeo Bengaluru Brings Rooftop Cricket Experience with Rooftop Innings

Pangeo Bengaluru Brings Rooftop Cricket Experience with Rooftop Innings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 1, 2026

Pangeo in Bengaluru has introduced Rooftop Innings, a lively cricket screening experience that turns match days into social evenings in the heart of the city. Set on a vibrant rooftop, the concept brings together live cricket, music, and nightlife, creating an atmosphere that keeps the energy high from the first ball to the final over.

Designed for corporate outings, team gatherings, and casual catch-ups, Rooftop Innings blends sport with celebration in a seamless way. The setting offers a relaxed yet energetic space where guests can enjoy the game while spending quality time with friends and colleagues.

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The experience is supported by a well-curated menu that focuses on bold flavours and shareable options. Guests can choose from handcrafted dumpling baskets, sushi platters with balanced flavours, and a range of veg and non veg platters including paneer tikka assortments and tandoori seafood selections. Popular picks like peri peri tandoori drums, smoky ghost wings, and sriracha wings add to the overall experience. Special platter combinations paired with beverages make it ideal for long match nights and group dining.

More than just a screening, Rooftop Innings at Pangeo creates a space where cricket feels larger than life, and every match becomes a reason to come together.

Located at Pangeo, 4th floor, 171 - 172, Forum Rex Walk, Brigade Rd, Bengaluru, the experience is available starting from April, with timings from 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM.

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