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.


Fine Dining Meets Stunning Views at Tokyo Skytree Town

Fine Dining Meets Stunning Views at Tokyo Skytree Town

By Hariharan U

Published on September 4, 2025

For travellers looking to pair world-class dining with iconic views, Tokyo Skytree Town offers the best of both worlds. Beyond its 360-degree panorama of the city, this landmark destination is home to restaurants and cafés that showcase the richness of Japanese flavours in unforgettable settings. Whether it’s a celebration, a family outing, or a quiet moment to savour tea, dining at Tokyo Skytree is truly a feast for all senses.

A Culinary Feast with a View

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Sky Restaurant 634 (Tokyo Skytree, Floor 345), Located 345 meters above the city, this fine-dining restaurant offers a signature “Tokyo Cuisine” experience that blends seasonal Japanese ingredients with breathtaking vistas. The newly introduced Grand Room—a private dining space for up to eight guests—makes it an ideal choice for special occasions.

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Sky Lounge TOP of TREE (Tokyo Solamachi, East Yard 31F), With clear-day views of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Tower, this elegant lounge serves curated lunch and dinner course menus, perfect for a refined dining escape.

Kunimi (Tokyo Solamachi, East Yard 31F), Specialising in premium dishes like live Hokkaido crab and sukiyaki with a touch of theatre, Kunimi offers sweeping views stretching from Skytree to Mt. Fuji.

Kumamoto Akaushi Shabu Shabu Koubai (Tokyo Solamachi, 31F), Featuring melt-in-the-mouth Akaushi beef from Kumamoto’s Aso region, this shabu-shabu experience combines rich flavours with a dramatic Skytree backdrop.

Matenro (Tokyo Solamachi, East Yard 31F), A lively teppanyaki restaurant where chefs grill ingredients right before your eyes, enhanced by glittering night views for a memorable evening.

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Cafés with a Japanese Touch

Tokyo Solamachi®, part of the Skytree complex, also celebrates Japan’s café culture—offering cosy spots for quick breaks and indulgent treats:

THE MATCHA TOKYO (East Yard, 1F), A paradise for matcha lovers, serving 100% organic matcha beverages, sweets, and souvenirs.

Gion Tsujiri (East Yard, 6F): Known for the exclusive Tsujiri Tree Soft Serve, served with a Skytree-shaped spoon, this café offers a playful and photogenic treat.

Tanomi (East Yard, 1F), Famous for hearty soups with vegetable-packed flower-shaped rice balls, alongside desserts and drinks. The Tanomi Plate—a set with three small side dishes, is especially popular.

From gourmet dining to casual café stops, Tokyo Skytr

ee Town® is more than just a sightseeing attraction—it’s a complete experience where food, culture, and views come together in one iconic destination.


Ironhill Brewery Launches Its First Non-Alcoholic Beer, Zero Gravity AF

Ironhill Brewery Launches Its First Non-Alcoholic Beer, Zero Gravity AF

By Hariharan U

Published on September 4, 2025

 Ironhill Brewery, India’s largest microbrewery chain, has unveiled Zero Gravity AF, its first-ever non-alcoholic wheat beer. With this launch, Ironhill takes another bold step in its mission to craft inclusive brews that bring communities together.

Zero Gravity AF is designed to give beer lovers the same rich experience they expect, minus the alcohol. Brewed with precision by Ironhill’s master brewers, the golden wheat beer offers a smooth body with soft, bready undertones. Bright citrus and tropical fruit notes from Citra hops blend seamlessly with the clean bitterness of Magnum hops, resulting in a refreshing and aromatic drink that stays true to the essence of beer.

“Innovation at Ironhill has always been about listening to our community, experimenting with flavors, and creating brews that suit every mood and moment,” said Head Brewer at Ironhill. “Zero Gravity AF is crafted for those who love the beer experience but prefer to go alcohol-free, without compromising on taste.”

What makes Zero Gravity AF unique is its brewing process. While most commercial brewers make beer up to 5% and then dilute it with water to reduce the alcohol level, Ironhill has taken the natural route. Using a special yeast and carefully controlling fermentation, the beer is naturally stopped at 0.5%. The result is a full-bodied brew with the right aroma, texture, and flavour profile — unlike the diluted taste often found in other non-alcoholic beers.

The beer’s name, Zero Gravity AF, was chosen through an Instagram poll, making it a product of both brewing expertise and community spirit.

Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual hangout, pairing with global cuisine, or simply enjoying a refreshing drink on a weekday Zero Gravity AF delivers a crisp, zesty, and sessionable experience.

With this launch, Ironhill Brewery continues to lead India’s craft beer scene, combining innovation, authenticity, and community engagement to create brews that leave a lasting impression.

About Ironhill Brewery

Ironhill Brewery is India’s largest microbrewery chain, known for its expansive spaces, vibrant ambience, and an eclectic mix of global cuisine and innovative beers. With outlets across major Indian cities, Ironhill has built a reputation for pushing brewing boundaries while staying rooted in storytelling, community connection, and culinary excellence.


‘The Malabar’ opens as Sterling’s new culinary landmark in Wayanad

‘The Malabar’ opens as Sterling’s new culinary landmark in Wayanad

By Hariharan U

Published on September 3, 2025

 Sterling Holiday Resorts has announced the opening of The Malabar, its new fine dining specialty restaurant at Sterling Wayanad, Sulthan Bathery. Designed as a destination dining concept, the restaurant highlights Kerala’s culinary heritage through heirloom dishes, cultural storytelling, and refined service rituals.

The launch was celebrated with a cultural showcase featuring floral arrangements, a puja ceremony, a Theyyam performance, a spice garden tour, and an evening of live Sufi music paired with a curated dinner reflecting the restaurant’s philosophy of food as theatre.

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The Malabar’s compact, story-driven menu offers signature dishes like Chemeen Biryani, Erachi Puttu, Malabar Mango Cloud Fish, and Koonthal Nirachathu, along with forgotten classics such as Chakka Pathiri Nirachathu. Vegetarian highlights include Koon Curry, Raw Jackfruit Cutlets, Mathanga Erissery, and Cheera Parippu Curry, each plate designed with authenticity and cultural resonance.

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Commenting on the launch, Mr. Dileep Nair, Head of Operations at Sterling, said, “The Malabar was built on the voice of our guests. Insights showed a clear demand for authentic Kerala heirloom cuisine in a ₹700+ crore fine-dining market with no regional leader. The Malabar answers with authentic recipes, theatrical service, and a fine-dining format that creates recall and loyalty”.

This marks Sterling’s second major concept-driven restaurant, following Amo Odisha in Puri (2024). The Malabar strengthens Sterling’s vision of transforming dining into a strategic asset across destinations by blending heirloom dishes, local rituals, and sensory immersion.

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