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.


Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Vivanta Miramar has introduced Verre, a new rooftop glasshouse concept that brings together handcrafted cocktails, global cuisine, curated music, and immersive storytelling, set against sweeping views of the Goan coastline.

Positioned as more than a rooftop bar, Verre is designed as a “parallel universe” experience where familiar archetypes are reimagined as playful characters, creating a layered and evolving social space. The venue transitions naturally from relaxed sundowners during sunset to high-energy nightlife as the evening progresses.

At the centre of the experience is a cocktail programme inspired by celestial themes, drawing from the sun and moon to create drinks that combine classic mixology techniques with global influences and experimental ingredients. The beverage offering is complemented by a contemporary menu featuring Asian, Mediterranean, and Indian flavours, along with curated shareable plates and a live sushi bar.

Music plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere at Verre, beginning with lounge and ambient sounds at sunset before shifting into upbeat and club-driven sets later in the night. This gradual transformation is designed to mirror the changing energy of the space as guests move from evening relaxation to late-night celebration.

A defining element of the concept is the introduction of “Verre Characters,” a storytelling feature that assigns playful personas inspired by everyday human traits. From dreamers to socialites and collectors, guests are invited to identify with these characters, adding an interactive narrative layer to the experience.

According to Ranjit Philipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa, IHCL, Verre has been designed to go beyond traditional dining and drinking formats. He noted that the concept blends design, music, storytelling, and mixology to create a more immersive and memorable social experience in Goa’s evolving hospitality landscape.

With its combination of panoramic views, evolving atmosphere, and experiential storytelling, Verre positions itself as a distinctive addition to Goa’s rooftop and nightlife scene


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting guests to experience the flavours of coastal Italy with A Taste of the Italian Coast, a specially curated brunch designed to bring together authentic Italian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Hosted at Food Exchange, the brunch celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy’s coastline through a menu featuring classic favourites and fresh creations inspired by the region’s vibrant food culture.

Designed as a leisurely Sunday dining experience, the brunch offers families, friends, and food enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a carefully crafted selection of Italian dishes in a welcoming and elegant setting.

With its focus on comforting flavours, quality ingredients, and the laid-back charm associated with coastal Italy, the experience aims to transport guests on a culinary journey while offering a memorable afternoon of dining and hospitality.

The brunch will be available every Sunday in June 2026, except 21 June, at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport
  • Dates: Every Sunday in June 2026 (except 21 June)
  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM


Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Café Delhi Heights (CDH) has announced the opening of its newest outlet at Central 50, Noida, further expanding its presence in one of the city's emerging lifestyle destinations. Designed as an all-day dining space, the new café offers a welcoming atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from casual daytime gatherings to relaxed evening experiences.

Spread across 1,680 sq. ft. and accommodating up to 69 guests, the outlet has been thoughtfully designed to create the feel of a modern neighbourhood café. The interiors feature a soothing mix of terracotta and lime tones, complemented by warm wooden finishes, brick-tiled details, and rattan accents. Carefully placed black highlights add contrast, while large windows allow natural light to create changing patterns throughout the day.

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Speaking about the new opening, Vikrant Batra said, “We wanted this space to feel calm, comfortable and effortlessly welcoming, a place that truly speaks of comfort, where you can drop in for a coffee during the day or unwind in the evening. Central 50 is an exciting new destination in Noida, and it gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with a diverse, evolving audience.”

Located within Central 50, the café is expected to attract a wide range of guests, including corporate professionals, families, and young urban diners. Its flexible layout and relaxed ambience make it suitable for everything from informal meetings and quick coffee breaks to leisurely meals and evening catch-ups.

Over the years, Café Delhi Heights has built a strong reputation for offering comfort-focused dining experiences across India. Since opening its first outlet in Gurgaon, the brand has expanded across multiple cities while maintaining its signature approach of creating spaces that feel both familiar and unique.

The launch at Central 50 marks another step in the brand’s growth journey. With a focus on combining thoughtfully designed spaces and enjoyable dining experiences, Café Delhi Heights continues to strengthen its presence in key urban markets across the country.

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