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.


Beerlin Opens in Gurugram as a Community-First Neighbourhood Brewery

Beerlin Opens in Gurugram as a Community-First Neighbourhood Brewery

By Hariharan U

Published on January 22, 2026

Beerlin has opened its doors in Gurugram, introducing itself as a people’s brewery rooted in community, comfort, and everyday experiences. Located at South Point Mall on Golf Course Road, the new brewpub overlooks the city skyline with the Aravalli hills forming a scenic backdrop, offering a setting that feels both urban and relaxed.

Envisioned as a modern neighbourhood brewpub, Beerlin is designed for regular, unhurried visits rather than occasion-led dining. The space encourages guests to drop in for a weekday pint, spend long afternoons, or settle into easy evenings with friends. The focus remains firmly on approachability, both in atmosphere and experience, making it a place guests can return to often.

At the heart of Beerlin is its in-house brewing programme, featuring freshly crafted beers that balance flavour with easy drinkability. The emphasis is on well-made, matured brews that are enjoyable across casual and extended sittings.

The design of the space adds to its appeal. Beerlin follows an Openhaus-style layout that blends indoor comfort with an open-to-sky outdoor setting. Natural light, warm materials, and a fluid layout allow the brewery to transition seamlessly through the day. Views of the Aravallis on one side and Gurugram’s skyline on the other create a distinctive visual contrast rarely seen along Golf Course Road.

Complementing the beers is a comfort-driven food menu built to pair effortlessly with the brews while standing strong on its own. The offerings include Indian mains and kebabs, global small plates, pizzas, pastas, Asian bowls, and classic bar favourites, striking a balance between familiarity and variety. The menu supports both casual grazing and full sit-down meals, reinforcing Beerlin’s all-day appeal.

Sharing his thoughts, Sandeep Pundir, Co-founder, Beerlin, said, “Beerlin was imagined as a modern neighbourhood brewpub—approachable, carefully crafted, and rooted in everyday life. We believe great craft beer takes time, with maturation and ingredient quality being essential. The space is designed to evolve through the day, whether for lively gatherings or calm moments overlooking Golf Course Road.”

With its emphasis on craft, community, and comfort, Beerlin positions itself as more than just a brewery. As Gurugram’s dining culture continues to evolve, Beerlin emerges as a people-first destination where good beer, good food, and easy conversations come together without pretense.


Republic Day Dining: Restaurants Worth Visiting in Mumbai This Long Weekend

Republic Day Dining: Restaurants Worth Visiting in Mumbai This Long Weekend

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 22, 2026

As Mumbai settles into the Republic Day long weekend, the city’s restaurants are setting the table with menus and experiences that balance celebration with comfort. From vibrant tricolour-inspired plates to slow, fire-driven dinners and relaxed café indulgence, these dining destinations offer plenty of reasons to step out and savour the moment.

Tokki & Tora is bringing a festive flourish with a specially curated tricolour food and drink selection that blends creativity, craft, and cultural celebration. Inspired by the Indian tricolour, the restaurant has introduced visually striking dishes and beverages in shades of orange, white, and green, while staying true to its Japanese and Korean culinary roots. From handcrafted tricolour dumplings served in bamboo steamers to vibrant sushi rolls and refreshing signature drinks layered with citrus and subtle sweetness, the menu is playful yet refined. Designed to be both Instagram-worthy and flavour-forward, these limited-period specials are available across Tokki & Tora outlets in Lower Parel, Andheri, and Powai, throughout the week from 12pm to 11.30pm.

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For those seeking a slower, more relaxed celebration, Onrique in Bandra offers an inviting space for an unhurried afternoon. Known for its warm hospitality and thoughtful ambience, the restaurant’s menu takes diners on a journey across Europe, from Liguria to Ticino. Guests can begin with Ligurian Olive Focaccia or Pinsa Romana, followed by comforting mains such as Josper-grilled Coq au Vin, Alpine Spätzle in a rich cheese sauce, or Seafood Nelusko with pistachio crust and mornay. Vegetarian options like Charred Aubergine with salsa verde and Grilled Peach Panzanella round out the experience. Onrique is open from 12 PM onwards at Santacruz West, making it an easy choice for a laid-back Republic Day meal.

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If the evening calls for something more immersive, DEA in Prabhadevi offers a bold dining experience built around fire-driven techniques, fermentation, and conscious craftsmanship. The menu unfolds slowly with dishes like Stuffed Chicken Wings with fermented berry hot sauce, Fire Threshed Baby Chicken with romesco and lacto-berry jus, and Dynamite Rice with Moora Uni. Desserts such as Fermented Cherry with roasted chocolate cremeux and Charred Pineapple & Amazake provide a memorable finish. As the night progresses, the energy rises, making DEA a compelling option for a Republic Day dinner that stretches into the night. DEA is located at 6th Floor, S.V. Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rd, Prabhadevi, and is open from 7:00 PM to 12:30 AM.

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For a more casual and indulgent plan, Indulge Creamery Café in Bandra West fits the bill perfectly. Designed as a modern creamery-meets-café, Indulge brings together premium ice creams, indulgent milkshakes, artisanal coffees, and comfort café bites. Whether it’s a morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, or an evening dessert run, the all-day menu and inviting interiors make it ideal for a relaxed Republic Day catch-up. Indulge Creamery Café is open from 8 AM to 12 AM in Bandra West, Mumbai.

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Luuma House is an inviting choice for those looking to spend Republic Day exploring diverse flavours in a contemporary setting, offering an all-new menu that seamlessly blends global influences with local sensibilities across continental, oriental, and Indian cuisines, making it perfect for groups with varied palates; diners can start with lighter plates like the Avocado Citrus Crunch salad with lemon-mint dressing or the comforting Burmese Khow Suey, move on to flavour-forward small plates such as the Spiced Ember Cottage Cheese, Inferno Tikka with smoky harissa, or Kozhikode Style Prawns in coconut milk, and then indulge in main course highlights including the Forager’s Camembert Pizza with truffle oil, slow-cooked Mewari Laal Maas, and the creamy Risotto Cremoso Alfa Barbabietola, before rounding off the meal with desserts like the zesty Lemon Curd Delight or the visually striking Mosaic, making it a well-rounded spot for an unhurried Republic Day meal; Address: Plot No. 47, Gulmohar Rd, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai; Timings: 12 pm – 1 am. 

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These locations are all set to impress you this Republic Day with thoughtfully curated menus, inviting ambience, and memorable dining experiences perfect for a leisurely celebration.


Natura di Napoli Brings a Thoughtful Neapolitan Pizza Journey to Serious Slice

Natura di Napoli Brings a Thoughtful Neapolitan Pizza Journey to Serious Slice

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 22, 2026

Naples is not just a city but a living ecosystem shaped by land, sea, fire, and everyday life. Its food culture is deeply tied to geography, people, and daily rhythms, and this connection forms the foundation of Natura di Napoli, Serious Slice’s latest Neapolitan pizza series. Drawing inspiration from the streets, markets, and kitchens of Naples, the series tells a story rooted in tradition, culture, and local ingredients.

Available exclusively at Serious Slice, Cunningham Road, Natura di Napoli breaks the city down into five defining influences: volcanic land, coastal sea, living markets, fire, and night. Each pizza reflects one of these elements, allowing diners to experience Naples layer by layer through flavour, texture, and technique. Rather than a standalone concept, the menu is designed as a continuous journey that unfolds one pizza at a time.

At the core of the series is Serious Slice’s 72-hour fermented dough, cooked in under 90 seconds in a high-heat oven. This minimal and deliberate approach stays true to traditional Neapolitan pizza-making, allowing the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship to take centre stage. What sets Natura di Napoli apart is its narrative format, where every pizza represents a distinct part of Neapolitan life.

“Naples is not a recipe, it’s an ecosystem,” says Atul Sunder of Serious Slice. “This menu is our way of listening to the city, its geography, its people, and its rhythm, and translating that into pizza without distortion.”

The menu features five pizzas, each symbolising a different force. Terra di Fuoco highlights Campania’s volcanic soil with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, fior di latte, smoked provola, basil, and olive oil. At the lighter end is Luna di Limone, made with Amalfi lemon cream, ricotta, honey, zucchini gialla, mozzarella, and tomato, offering a softer and more delicate experience.

“Neapolitan pizza is about knowing when to stop,” explains Anirudh Kheny. “If the dough is right and the ingredients are honest, the pizza speaks for itself.”

Guided by respect for origin and technical precision, Natura di Napoli is designed as a complete tasting story rather than a one-time concept. The series takes guests through Naples from land to sea, market to fire, and finally, night. Natura di Napoli will be available from January 21, 2026, onwards, exclusively at Serious Slice, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru.

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