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.


Nepal's Jimbu Thakali Makes India Debut with First Restaurant in Gurugram

Nepal's Jimbu Thakali Makes India Debut with First Restaurant in Gurugram

By Hariharan U

Published on August 1, 2026

Nepal's popular restaurant brand Jimbu Thakali has made its India debut with the opening of its first outlet in Gurugram, introducing authentic Thakali cuisine from Nepal's Himalayan Mustang region to Indian diners.

Following the success of four outlets across Kathmandu, the restaurant has opened at M3M 65th Avenue, Sector 65, offering a dining experience centred around the culinary traditions of the Thakali community.

The highlight of the menu is the Thakali Thali, a traditional platter featuring lentils infused with the Himalayan herb Jimbu, fragrant rice, seasonal vegetables, crispy potatoes, fermented gundruk, tangy radish pickle, tomato chutney, and a choice of chicken or mutton. The dishes are prepared using traditional family recipes that celebrate the balance of flavours and ingredients characteristic of Thakali cuisine.

Beyond the signature thali, guests can explore a selection of Himalayan specialities, including Buckwheat Fries, Mutton Momos, Chicken Choila Wings, Sukuti Sandheko, Timur Chicken, and Baked Buckwheat Nachos, showcasing the bold and comforting flavours of Nepal.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on authentic Himalayan ingredients, including Timur, Nepal's distinctive pepper known for its citrus aroma and tingling finish, and Jimbu, a rare high-altitude herb valued for both its flavour and traditional medicinal properties.

Inspired by the historic salt trade routes connecting Nepal, Tibet, and India, Thakali cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange while preserving its Himalayan roots. This heritage is also reflected in the restaurant's interiors, which feature handcrafted Newari-style wooden windows inspired by the traditional homes of Mustang.

Alongside its signature Nepalese offerings, Jimbu Thakali also serves a curated selection of continental dishes, catering to a wider range of dining preferences.

Spread across 2,500 square feet with an 80-cover dining space, the restaurant aims to offer guests an immersive Himalayan dining experience complemented by warm Nepalese hospitality.

Restaurant Details

  • Venue: Jimbu Thakali, M3M 65th Avenue, Sector 65, Gurugram
  • Price for Two: ₹1,500 + GST

Celebrate Friendship Day with Craft Beer and Bold Flavours at Tropika Brewing Co.

Celebrate Friendship Day with Craft Beer and Bold Flavours at Tropika Brewing Co.

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2026

Friendship Day is the perfect occasion to catch up with your favourite people over great food and freshly brewed craft beer, and Tropika Brewing Co. is making the celebration even more memorable with its newly launched Tropikal Treats menu.

Located in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, the brewery offers a lively setting where friends can come together for long conversations, shared plates and refreshing brews.

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The limited-edition menu features a variety of dishes that cater to every palate. Guests can begin with appetisers such as Peri Peri Corn Cob Ribs and Shawarma in Pita Pockets, before moving on to hearty specialities including Andhra Naatu Kodi Vepudu, Smoked Tandoori Chicken, Telangana Lamb Chops, and Ghee Roast Pomfret.

Seafood enthusiasts can also enjoy dishes like Hot & Spicy Prawns, Crab Cakes & Crackers, and the Kerala-inspired Meen Pollichathu Fillet, all paired with Tropika's freshly brewed craft beers.

Designed to bring people together over flavourful food and refreshing drinks, the Tropikal Treats menu offers the perfect setting for reunions, weekend catch-ups or spontaneous Friendship Day celebrations.

This Friendship Day, gather your gang, enjoy seasonal flavours and raise a toast to friendships that deserve to be celebrated.

  • Venue: Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli, Bengaluru.


Celebrate Friendship Day with Craft Beer and Great Company at Bengaluru's Favourite Breweries

Celebrate Friendship Day with Craft Beer and Great Company at Bengaluru's Favourite Breweries

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2026

Friendship Day is the perfect excuse to gather your favourite people, enjoy great food and raise a toast to friendships that have stood the test of time. This year, two of Bengaluru's popular breweries are offering experiences that promise good conversations, handcrafted beers and memorable moments.

Gladia Brewery & Kitchen

Who says dates are only meant for couples? This Friendship Day, Gladia Brewery & Kitchen invites guests to celebrate their closest friendships in a setting inspired by grand Roman architecture.

Located in Sarjapur, Bengaluru, the brewery features elegant stone interiors, warm lighting and spacious seating, creating an inviting atmosphere for everything from casual catch-ups to long conversations over craft beer.

Guests can enjoy Gladia's handcrafted brews alongside an indulgent food menu while celebrating with childhood friends, college companions, work buddies or anyone who has been part of their journey. Whether it's sharing stories or creating new memories, Gladia offers the perfect backdrop for a Friendship Day outing.

  • Location: Gladia, Sarjapur, Bengaluru
  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM

Brooks and Bonds

For beer lovers, Brooks and Bonds is marking Friendship Day with its seasonal Mango Beer, a refreshing craft brew featuring tropical mango flavours and a crisp finish.

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The limited-edition beer pairs perfectly with the brewery's menu of bar bites, hearty mains and comfort food, making it an ideal destination for group gatherings. Whether you're planning a relaxed afternoon or an evening celebration, Brooks and Bonds combines fresh seasonal brews with a lively ambience that's perfect for spending time with friends.

  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Whether you prefer a beautifully designed brewery, seasonal craft beer or simply spending quality time with your favourite people, Gladia Brewery & Kitchen and Brooks and Bonds offer two memorable ways to celebrate Friendship Day in Bengaluru.

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