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.


Loya Mumbai Marks Anniversary with Himachali Dessert Akotri on Menu

Loya Mumbai Marks Anniversary with Himachali Dessert Akotri on Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on May 27, 2026

As Loya Mumbai marks a year of culinary storytelling, the restaurant continues its journey of exploring lesser-known dishes from the northern heartlands of India through its anniversary menu.

At the centre of this celebration is Akotri, a traditional Himachali breakfast dish reinterpreted as a dessert, reflecting Loya’s signature approach of blending heritage with contemporary presentation.

Originally a humble buckwheat pancake from Himachal Pradesh, Akotri is reimagined at Loya using ingredients such as buckwheat, coconut milk, jaggery, rabdi, and saffron. The result is a dessert that balances earthy depth with soft sweetness, offering a comforting yet refined finish to the dining experience.

The dish remains rooted in simplicity while introducing layered textures and subtle richness, paying tribute to the culinary traditions passed down through generations in the Himalayan region.

As part of its anniversary menu, Loya continues to spotlight regional Indian flavours that are often underrepresented, presenting them through a modern fine-dining perspective while preserving their cultural identity.

The Akotri dessert reflects the restaurant’s larger philosophy, bringing forgotten or lesser-known recipes into contemporary relevance without losing their essence. At Loya, each dish is designed not just as a preparation, but as a narrative rooted in place, memory, and tradition.


Haldiram's Revives Summer Nostalgia with ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ Campaign

Haldiram's Revives Summer Nostalgia with ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ Campaign

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2026

Haldiram's has launched ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ campaign, introducing a refreshing range of nostalgic beverages and seasonal food favourites inspired by India’s timeless summer traditions. Designed around flavours deeply associated with Indian summers, the campaign brings back memories of cooling drinks and familiar street-style favourites that generations have enjoyed over the years.

For many Indians, summer has always been linked with traditional beverages and flavours that provide comfort during the scorching heat. Through this campaign, Haldiram's aims to recreate those memorable experiences by pairing refreshing drinks with classic food favourites that reflect a distinctly Indian summer experience.

Leading the range is Mango Lassi, bringing back the familiar creamy comfort associated with homemade summer afternoons. Kacha Aam Panna also returns as one of the standout offerings with its timeless balance of sweet and tangy flavours. The menu further includes Jamun Kala Khatta with Soda, Sweet Tamarind with Soda, Masala Soda Lemonade, Masala Sikanji, Peach Iced Tea with Soda, and Dark Roast Cold Coffee.

Adding to the seasonal experience, Haldiram's has also included street-style classics such as Jhalmuri and Bhelpuri, continuing flavours customers have enjoyed over the years. Summer-special meal additions include Mango Shrikhand, Elaichi Shrikhand, Dakshin Curd Rice, and Mishti Doi, offering refreshing and comforting choices for the season.

Speaking about the initiative, the brand highlighted that the campaign was designed to help customers reconnect with memorable summer moments and relive familiar experiences with friends and family through nostalgic flavours.

Customers can experience ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ at Haldiram's outlets or order online through Swiggy and Zomato.


Ironhill India Unveils a Fresh New Menu Packed with Comfort and Bold Flavours

Ironhill India Unveils a Fresh New Menu Packed with Comfort and Bold Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2026

Ironhill India has rolled out a refreshed menu that brings together comfort food, bold flavours, and creative culinary touches. Designed to pair seamlessly with Ironhill’s craft beers and signature cocktails, the new menu combines global inspirations with familiar local favourites, creating a dining experience that feels exciting yet comforting.

The updated spread features a range of dishes perfect for sharing and enjoying over conversations. Seafood lovers can look forward to the crispy and flavour-packed Prawn Koliwada, while the Venezuelan Avocado Chicken Salad adds a fresh and creamy balance to the menu. Comfort food also gets its moment with the hearty Keema Pav, while the Mezze Board creates a laid-back experience ideal for social dining.

One of the highlights of the new additions is the Mutton Donne Biryani, a dish rich in aroma and deeply rooted in local flavours. Bringing together tradition and soul, it stands out as one of the menu’s most memorable offerings. Ending the experience on a sweet note is the Jaggery Brûlée with Red Velvet, adding a rich and indulgent finish.

Created with thoughtful flavours and versatility in mind, the menu has been designed for every occasion, whether it is a quick catch-up, a relaxed meal with friends, or long conversations that stretch into the evening.

  • What: New menu at Ironhill.
  • Where: Ironhill Marathahalli, Sy no 90, 7 & 90/8, Marathahalli - Sarjapur Outer Ring Rd, beside Radisson Blu, Marathahalli, Bengaluru.
  • Ironhill South Forum, 4th floor, Cross Metro Station, Forum South, Anjanadri Layout, Konanakunte, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560062.

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