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.


Sanjay Dutt Unveils Alta Stella, A Sky-High Restro-Bar in Andheri

Sanjay Dutt Unveils Alta Stella, A Sky-High Restro-Bar in Andheri

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 5, 2026

Sanjay Dutt has introduced Alta Stella, a new rooftop restro-bar in Andheri West that brings a fresh perspective to Mumbai’s nightlife scene. Located 30 floors above the city, the space offers a setting where the pace slows down, allowing guests to ease into the evening rather than rush through it.

Meaning “closest to the star,” Alta Stella is built around an idea that goes beyond just being a rooftop destination. The experience here changes with time. Afternoons are calm and relaxed, perfect for long conversations, while evenings gradually build in energy with warmer lighting and music that evolves naturally with the mood.

Spread across 12,000 sq. ft. and designed to host up to 250 guests, the space balances openness with a sense of comfort. The design features layered textures, sculpted lighting, and subtle celestial elements that tie the theme together. One of its most striking features is the mirrored rooftop, which reflects the night sky and creates a unique visual effect where the stars seem to surround you.

Sharing his thoughts, Sanjay Dutt said, "Being a celebrity comes with a lot of noise and chaos around you, so I've learned to appreciate spaces that feel calm and real. Alta Stella has that feeling. You're up close to the sky, you see the stars above, and somehow everything slows down - aur phir bas dil karta hai thoda aur ruk jaayein. There's a quiet strength here, and that's what makes the place special for me."

The concept is led by founder Abhimanyu Jakhar, who envisioned the space as more than just a nightlife spot. "Alta Stella was born from a very personal belief that when you place yourself under the stars, you naturally begin to look inward. The idea of being 'closest to the star' isn't about height or grandeur for us; it's about creating a space where people feel aligned with themselves. We wanted to design an experience guided by the universe, through constellations, light, and atmosphere, where the sky becomes part of the journey. The space is meant to move with you, slowly and intuitively, allowing moments of reflection before the energy builds. Every night feels different, because every mood and every person brings something new. Alta Stella isn't about spectacle; it's about presence, and the quiet connection you feel when you look up and feel exactly where you're meant to be."

In the kitchen, Chef Manoranjan presents a menu that blends global influences with Indian flavours. The dishes are familiar yet creatively reworked, offering a balance between comfort and newness. Highlights include Beetroot & Whipped Feta Croquettes, Tangra Chicken Pops, and Podi Butter Prawns, along with options like Chicken Thecha Kulcha and Chicken Parmesan Milanese. Desserts such as the Chenna Pod Cheesecake round off the experience with a unique twist.

Behind the bar, Mixologist Sidharth has curated a cocktail menu inspired by zodiac signs and celestial themes. Each drink is crafted to reflect a mood or personality, with options like Enki (Aquarius), Jasper (Aries), Chimera (Leo), Themis (Libra), and Ebisu (Pisces), making the bar experience both personal and expressive.

Blending thoughtful design, curated food and drinks, and a setting that evolves through the evening, Alta Stella positions itself as a distinctive addition to Mumbai’s hospitality landscape. It’s a space that encourages guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy moments that unfold naturally.

Alta Stella is located at 30th Floor, Parinee I, Shah Industrial Estate, Veera Desai Area, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053, and is open from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM.


Loya Introduces Summer Cocktail Menu Inspired by North India

Loya Introduces Summer Cocktail Menu Inspired by North India

By Hariharan U

Published on April 5, 2026

Celebrating the essence of summer through flavour and craftsmanship, Loya has introduced a seasonal cocktail menu inspired by the ingredients and culinary traditions of North India.

Known for its immersive approach to storytelling through food and beverage, Loya continues to extend its philosophy to the bar, blending regional influences with contemporary mixology. The result is a curated selection of cocktails that feel both nostalgic and refined, designed to complement the restaurant’s rich culinary identity.

At the heart of the summer menu are drinks crafted with Indian botanicals, spices, and house-made infusions. Each cocktail reflects a balance of familiarity and innovation, offering guests a refreshing yet layered drinking experience suited to the warmer months.

Among the highlights is the Indus Gin & Tonic, a contemporary Indian interpretation of the classic, featuring Bombay Sapphire gin combined with orange blossom, house-made tonic syrup, and citrus, finished with soda and garnished with paan leaf and dehydrated citrus. Light and aromatic, the drink is designed for easy summer sipping while subtly showcasing regional flavour notes.

In contrast, the Loya Manhattan presents a deeper, more complex profile. A reinterpretation of the classic Manhattan, it blends Indian single malt and rye whisky with house-made amaro infused with 21 spices, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Served in a chilled coupe and finished with a spiced cherry garnish, the cocktail reflects Loya’s signature spice-forward approach.

The cocktails are available at the Loya bar and are crafted to pair seamlessly with the restaurant’s North Indian menu, enhancing the overall dining experience.

With its continued focus on regional ingredients, thoughtful craftsmanship, and flavour-led storytelling, Loya’s summer cocktail menu offers a refined take on seasonal drinking, reinforcing its position at the intersection of tradition and innovation in India’s evolving bar landscape.


Nasi and Mee Introduces “Simply Sedap” Menu Across Bengaluru

Nasi and Mee Introduces “Simply Sedap” Menu Across Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

Bringing a bold and indulgent take on Southeast Asian flavours, Nasi and Mee has launched its limited-time “Simply Sedap” menu across all its outlets in Bengaluru.

Designed as a celebration of comfort and decadence, the menu brings together some of the region’s most beloved dishes, elevated with richer textures and layered flavours. With a focus on indulgence and familiarity, Simply Sedap invites diners to experience Southeast Asian cuisine through a more expressive and satisfying lens.

Among the highlights is the Truffle Xiao Long Bao, where delicate dumplings release a fragrant broth infused with earthy truffle notes. The Singapore Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway) delivers a crisp, smoky bite, elevated with XO chilli for a deep umami profile. The Wonton Mee offers a comforting combination of springy noodles, juicy dumplings, and tender char siu chicken, balancing nostalgia with indulgence.

For those seeking bolder flavours, the Ayam Penyet presents perfectly crisp smashed chicken paired with sambal and jasmine rice, while the Massaman Curry unfolds with slow-cooked richness, combining coconut, peanuts, and warm spices into a velvety dish. Ending on a lighter note, the Kaya Bao introduces a soft, cloud-like texture with a gentle sweetness from house-made kaya and coconut.

Conceptualised for lingering meals and shared moments, the menu leans into both comfort and boldness, encouraging diners to savour each dish a little longer.

Available from 12 PM to 11 PM, with prices starting at, the Simply Sedap menu is being offered across all Nasi and Mee outlets in Bengaluru, positioning itself as a must-try for those looking to explore indulgent Southeast Asian flavours in the city.

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