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.”

image

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.”

image

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.


Bambu Bali Chicken: A Balinese Delight by Chef Ankur Sharma at The LaLiT Chandigarh

Bambu Bali Chicken: A Balinese Delight by Chef Ankur Sharma at The LaLiT Chandigarh

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 27, 2025

Step into the culinary world of Chef Ankur Sharma, Executive Chef at The LaLiT Chandigarh, as he brings the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia to your plate with Bambu Bali Chicken—a Balinese classic celebrated for its rich, spicy complexity and deep cultural roots.

This dish begins with a signature Base Bumbu—a potent mix of shallots, garlic, red chillies, shrimp paste, candlenuts, and tomatoes. The ingredients are lightly roasted to intensify the aroma before being ground into a thick paste. This forms the foundation of the dish, where the chicken is seared and simmered to perfection.

Infused with Bambu Bali paste, oyster sauce, sweet soy, palm sugar, chicken stock, and coconut milk, the chicken slowly absorbs a symphony of flavours—sweet, spicy, salty, and deeply savoury. A final touch of Nam Prik Pao, a Thai chilli jam, adds a hint of smokiness and warmth that lingers on the palate.

image

Chef Sharma garnishes the dish with crispy fried shallots and fresh coriander, enhancing both texture and freshness. Best served with steamed jasmine or sticky rice, this preparation is perfect for a hearty meal that tells a story of tradition and passion.

“This dish captures the essence of Balinese cuisine—bold, aromatic, and soulful. At The LaLiT Chandigarh, we love introducing our guests to flavours that travel far but feel like home,” shares Chef Ankur Sharma.

With Bambu Bali Chicken, The LaLiT Chandigarh offers guests more than just food—it offers an experience steeped in authenticity and crafted with heart.


Beyond the Brew: Brau GALIE’s Bold New Beer-Tequila Cocktails Stir Up Bengaluru’s Bar Scene

Beyond the Brew: Brau GALIE’s Bold New Beer-Tequila Cocktails Stir Up Bengaluru’s Bar Scene

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 26, 2025

If you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to cocktails, Brau GALIE in Bengaluru is here to prove you wrong. Pushing boundaries and shaking up the city's cocktail game, this buzzing hotspot has unveiled a bold and inventive range of beer-tequila fusion drinks that are anything but ordinary.

At the helm of this creative wave is Shashank Singh, Brau GALIE’s expert mixologist, who has crafted a menu that marries the fizz of freshly brewed beer with the boldness of tequila—resulting in drinks that surprise, delight, and keep the party going.

Here are four beer-tequila cocktails you have to try at Brau GALIE:

1. The Lagerita: Part Margarita, All Party!

image

If you’re torn between sipping a zesty margarita or a chilled beer, the Lagerita lets you have both. This cocktail blends smooth tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and tops it off with Brau GALIE’s Munich Lager. It’s fizzy, tangy, and guaranteed to kickstart a good time.

2. Bloody Maria: The Bold Brunch Disruptor

image

A spicier cousin of the Bloody Mary, this version swaps vodka for tequila and brings in Dunkel Lager6, creating a deep, smoky finish. Infused with tomato juice, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of Tabasco, Bloody Maria is the fiery yet balanced rebel that brunch never knew it needed.

3. Spiked Mangoes: A Tropical Tease

image

Love mangoes? This drink's for you. Spiked Mangoes combines mango purée, lemon juice, and tequila, all finished with a pour of Brau GALIE’s seasonal mango ale. It’s lush, exotic, and refreshing—a tropical vacation in a glass with a grown-up twist.

4. Teqroni: A Smoky, Spirited Remix

image

Classic cocktail lovers, meet your new favorite. The Teqroni is a daring reimagining of the Negroni, swapping gin for tequila and layering it with Campari, Aperol, and a splash of Sula Shiraz. The result? A rich, citrusy, bittersweet blend with dark berry undertones—served over ice and topped with an orange twist.

Brau GALIE's beer-tequila cocktail lineup is more than just innovative—it’s a testament to Bengaluru’s evolving bar culture and the creativity of local talent. So the next time you’re craving something new, ditch the usual and head to Brau GALIE to raise a glass to bold ideas and brilliant brews.


Celebrate Rakshabandhan with Thoughtful Hampers from Sheraton Grand Palace Indore

Celebrate Rakshabandhan with Thoughtful Hampers from Sheraton Grand Palace Indore

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 26, 2025

This Rakshabandhan, celebrate the cherished bond of sibling love with ‘Sneh Sutra’, an exclusive festive hamper collection by Sheraton Grand Palace Indore. Thoughtfully curated to blend tradition with elegance, these hampers offer a meaningful and heart-warming way to show your love—whether your sibling is near or far.

The Basic Hamper captures the essence of simplicity and sentimentality. With five carefully selected Indian sweets, two intricately designed rakhis, and a traditional roli chawal set, it makes for a graceful and genuine expression of affection. What makes this hamper even more special is the option to personalize the contents, transforming it into a deeply meaningful gift steeped in tradition and nostalgia.

For those looking to go a step further, the Premium Hamper offers a richer, more indulgent experience. It includes eight handcrafted sweets ranging from timeless favorites to innovative fusion treats, four bespoke rakhis, a roli chawal set, fragrant candles, and a curated mix of premium dry fruits. All of this is presented in eco-friendly, elegant packaging, combining festive opulence with mindful gifting.

image

image

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore has beautifully woven together elements of love, heritage, and modern elegance in each hamper, ensuring that every gift feels as unique as the bond it celebrates.

What: Rakshabandhan Hampers – Sneh Sutra
Where: Sheraton Grand Palace Indore
When: 31st July – 9th August 2025

Whether you’re near or miles apart, these festive hampers offer a memorable way to honor your sibling connection—celebrating Rakshabandhan not just with sweets and rakhis, but with warmth, tradition, and love wrapped into every box.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.