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.


The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Unveils New All-Day Menu

The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Unveils New All-Day Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on February 22, 2026

The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has unveiled a refreshed all-day dining experience, bringing together comfort food and wholesome choices under one roof.

Built to match different moments of the day, the new menu blends global flavours with a playful twist. Inspired by the idea of a comic strip, each dish is presented as part of a larger story, adding colour and creativity to everyday dining. The concept is especially suited for busy professionals looking for quick yet enjoyable meals in a relaxed setting.

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Breakfast begins with freshly brewed coffees and familiar classics such as Eggs Your Way, The Big English, and the Vegan Jogger's Breakfast. For those with a sweet tooth, options include Maple French Toast, Coconut Pancakes, and a range of freshly baked croissants, muffins, cookies and pastries.

The lighter section of the menu offers dishes like the Acai Bowl, Mixed Quinoa Bowl, and Feta & Zhoug Fattoush. Guests can also opt for quick bites such as samosas and puffs.

For lunch, café favourites such as the Caprese Panini, Bombay Sandwich, and Vegan Burger are available, along with hearty mains like Truffle & Mushroom Penne and Chilli & Garlic Linguine.

The beverage selection features fresh fruit juices, smoothies, cold coffees, and signature cold brews. As the day winds down, guests can enjoy wine by the glass and handcrafted sangrias in a relaxed evening setting.

With this refreshed menu and a contemporary ambience, The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway continues to be a convenient choice for casual breakfasts, business lunches, and easy evening meet-ups in the city.


Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Unveils ‘Mittha’ Dessert Chapter

Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Unveils ‘Mittha’ Dessert Chapter

By Hariharan U

Published on February 21, 2026

Loya continues its culinary journey through North India with a special dessert chapter titled ‘Mittha’ at Taj Mahal Palace. Inspired by halwai traditions, old family recipes, and the warmth of festive gatherings, the new menu brings back familiar flavours in a refined and modern style.

At the heart of ‘Mittha’ is nostalgia. Each dessert tells a story of childhood memories and shared celebrations, while presenting the sweets in a way that fits today’s fine dining experience.

Among the highlights is Badana Pearls, a delicate mix of rabri and saffron foam, finished with pistachios and almonds. It balances richness with a light texture.

Doodh Jalebi brings together crisp jalebis with pista, chuara and warm kesar milk, offering both crunch and comfort in every bite.

Kulfi Pop features a four-flavour kulfi board with rose petal, saffron-cardamom, royal paan leaf and malai. It is designed as a playful yet elegant tasting experience.

Falooda layers almond kulfi with rose rabri, creating a fragrant and textured dessert.

Gud–Ke–Maan, inspired by the chef's grandmother's recipe, is a slow-cooked badam kheer that carries deep nostalgia.

Loya Khel adds a modern twist with chikoo mousse and biscuit cake paired with coconut grass, blending tradition with creativity.

The experience does not end with dessert. ‘Baad Mein’ offers a curated selection of digestifs and Himalayan teas, encouraging guests to slow down and enjoy the final moments of the meal.

With ‘Mittha’, Loya at Taj Mahal Palace turns dessert into more than just a final course. It becomes a celebration of memory, craft, and comfort, served with elegance.


Origins Unveils Holi Special Edition Range Rooted in Festive Flavours

Origins Unveils Holi Special Edition Range Rooted in Festive Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 21, 2026

Holi has never been about colours alone. From gujiyas passed between colour-stained hands to glasses of thandai shared mid-celebration, food has always played a central role in the festival. With the launch of its Holi Special Edition range, Origins brings these familiar traditions back into focus, celebrating flavours that feel festive, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in Indian homes.

Staying true to the brand’s commitment to clean and honest food, the limited-edition range features festive favourites such as Namak Pare Diamond, Namak Pare Sticks, Methi Mathri, Plain Mathri, Methi Mathri Sticks, Shakkarpara, Sugar-Coated Shakkarpara, Mawa Gujiya, Thandai Mix, and ready-to-drink Thandai. Each product is crafted without any artificial additives, preservatives, colours, or seasonings, reflecting Origins’ focus on ingredient integrity, consistency, and uncompromising quality.

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“For us, Holi was always defined by the food as much as the colour. The gujiyas everyone reached for, and the thandai shared between celebrations. With the Origins Holi range, we wanted to bring back those familiar flavours and recreate the sense of nostalgia and togetherness that makes the festival so special,” says Avinit Bagri, Co-founder of The Filter Coffee.

Alongside the festive food range, Origins has also introduced Holi Gifting Hampers designed to make festive gifting simple yet thoughtful. Each hamper includes a curated mix of sweets, savouries, and pre-mix, paired with Holi colours by Pankhudiyan, all packed in gift-worthy packaging that feels festive and modern. The hampers are available at three price points, making them suitable for friends, family, or even a little self-indulgence.

While the Holi Special Edition is a seasonal offering, it reflects Origins’ larger vision of helping modern India rediscover everyday food, reimagined for a fast-moving, design-aware, and quality-conscious audience. This philosophy runs through every step of the process, from sourcing ingredients and refining recipes to designing packaging that feels intentional and contemporary. By prioritising quality over convenience and maintaining transparency in how products are made, Origins ensures every offering feels honest and thoughtfully crafted.

The Holi Special Edition range is available across all outlets of The Filter Coffee and on the First Club app.

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