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.


Guacamole Co. Launches Mexican-Inspired QSR Outlet in Punjabi Bagh

Guacamole Co. Launches Mexican-Inspired QSR Outlet in Punjabi Bagh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Guacamole Co., a Mexican-inspired QSR brand, has opened its first outlet in Punjabi Bagh, bringing a fresh approach to casual dining with flavour-packed comfort food and customizable meal options.

Positioned as an ingredient-led dining concept, the brand focuses on balanced flavours and freshly prepared dishes, offering an alternative to the heavier fast-food style menus commonly seen in the QSR space. With a vibrant yet relaxed setting, the outlet aims to create an easygoing experience for guests looking for fresh and comforting meals.

The menu features a range of Mexican-inspired favourites including tacos, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, wraps, enchiladas, salads, and several variations of house-made guacamole. Guests can customise their meals with fillings such as Crispy Mushroom, Chipotle Paneer, Chipotle Chicken, and Birria across different dishes.

The appetizer section includes options like Tex-Mex Corn Ribs, Grilled Chipotle Chicken Skewers, and Habanero Chicken Wings. Signature dishes such as Millet Nachos Picante and Birria Lamb Nachos bring creative twists to familiar comfort food favourites.

The restaurant’s freshly prepared guacamoles and dips are available in flavours including Mango Chile and Con Piña, paired with handcrafted beverages and fruit coolers. Guests can also end their meal with desserts like cinnamon sugar churros and the Choco Loco Taco.

Designed as a neighbourhood dining spot, the interiors feature warm lighting, avocado-green accents, and a contemporary aesthetic that suits casual lunches, evening outings, and quick bites alike.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, Founder of Guacamole Co., said: “Guacamole Co. started with a simple idea to make Mexican-inspired food feel fresher, more approachable, and genuinely exciting. We wanted to create a space where people could enjoy bold flavours without the food feeling heavy or overly processed. From our house-made dips and salsas to the bowls, tacos, and appetizers, every dish has been designed to feel comforting, vibrant, and easy to come back to. Punjabi Bagh felt like the perfect place to begin this journey, and we’re excited to build Guacamole Co. into a go-to destination for flavour-packed comfort food in the city.”

With its focus on fresh ingredients, customizable meals, and a relaxed atmosphere, Guacamole Co. aims to establish itself in Delhi’s growing casual dining segment by offering Mexican-inspired food that balances flavour, quality, and comfort.


Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Extends Korean Food Festival in Mumbai

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Extends Korean Food Festival in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar in Mumbai has announced the extension of its popular Korean Food Festival for another month after receiving an overwhelming response from guests across the city. Originally introduced as a limited-time experience, the festival has quickly become one of the season’s most talked-about culinary events, reflecting the growing popularity of Korean food and culture among diners.

Part of the restaurant’s larger “Across Asia” series, the festival celebrates Korea’s vibrant food scene through a menu filled with bold flavours, comforting dishes, and immersive dining experiences. Guests continue to enjoy favourites such as Tteokbokki, Korean Fried Chicken, Bibimbap bowls, and Jajangmyeon, all inspired by Korean street food and home-style cuisine.

One of the biggest highlights of the festival has been the introduction of the Big Bowl Ramen, promoted as one of Mumbai’s largest ramen offerings. Designed as a hearty and shareable dish, it has become a major attraction for groups and ramen lovers alike.

Another standout on the menu is the Cheese Baked Ramen, an indulgent oven-baked preparation that is limited to just 10 portions per day, adding a sense of exclusivity to the experience. Guests can also pair their meals with a selection of eight beers on tap, including a seasonal mango cider.

Speaking about the extension, Ewa Valia, Assistant Marketing Manager at Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar, said, “We're truly grateful for the overwhelming love the Korean Food Festival has received. While we're excited to introduce the next chapter of our Across Asia series, we also wanted to make sure that guests who continue returning for their favourite dishes have more time to enjoy the experience. Extending the festival felt like the most natural decision for us.”

With its energetic atmosphere, strong cultural appeal, and flavour-packed menu, the Korean Food Festival at Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar continues to give Mumbai diners another reason to explore Korean cuisine in a lively social setting.

  • Address: Hotel Peninsula Redpine, Andheri - Kurla Rd, Bori Colony, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059
  • Timings: 4pm to 1am


The Hood by Olive Celebrates World Whisky Day with Curated Cocktail Experience in Bengaluru

The Hood by Olive Celebrates World Whisky Day with Curated Cocktail Experience in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

The Hood by Olive is raising a glass this World Whisky Day with a specially curated whisky-forward experience that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and global cocktail culture. Known as one of Bengaluru’s refined global gastro-bars, the venue brings together classic whisky traditions and modern mixology interpretations under one immersive menu.

Designed for both whisky connoisseurs and curious explorers, the celebration highlights a range of signature cocktails that balance innovation with familiarity. The experience reflects The Hood’s signature approach, precise execution, layered flavours, and a sophisticated yet approachable bar atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Among the standout creations is Beware the Ginza Tiger, a Japanese-inspired cocktail that draws from the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s Nishiki Market. It blends miso-washed whisky with roasted coffee liqueur and sesame-kokuto sugar syrup, creating a bold umami-driven profile with depth and complexity.

The menu also features Roman Holiday, a smoother, dessert-style whisky cocktail that balances citrus brightness with honey water, offering a refreshing yet indulgent drinking experience.

For those who prefer a contemporary classic, Penicillin delivers a layered interpretation of Scotch whisky, combining blended whisky with an Islay float, complemented by honey-ginger syrup and fresh lemon juice for a smoky, citrus-forward finish.

Together, these cocktails reflect a growing trend in Bengaluru’s premium bar scene, where whisky is no longer confined to neat pours, but reimagined through global techniques, flavour experimentation, and storytelling-led mixology.

With its curated approach and globally inspired menu, The Hood by Olive positions World Whisky Day as more than a celebration—it becomes an exploration of flavour, technique, and modern whisky culture.

From seasoned whisky lovers to first-time tasters, the experience offers a refined way to engage with the spirit, set against the bar’s contemporary and cosmopolitan ambience.

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