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.


Third Wave Coffee Enters Andhra Pradesh with Two Cafés in Visakhapatnam

Third Wave Coffee Enters Andhra Pradesh with Two Cafés in Visakhapatnam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 31, 2026

Third Wave Coffee has entered Andhra Pradesh with the opening of two new cafés in Visakhapatnam, marking another step in the brand's South India expansion.

The new cafés are located at Waltair Road and Inorbit Mall, taking Third Wave Coffee's South India footprint to over 100 cafés. With these additions, the brand's national network has also grown to 240+ cafés.

The new Visakhapatnam cafés have been designed around the city's coastal character and growing urban community. The spaces bring together specialty coffee, food, comfortable work-friendly settings and a relaxed environment for customers to meet and spend time. The menu features Third Wave Coffee's signature brews, specialty single-origin coffees, artisanal bakes, quick bites and curated food offerings. Customers can also access a tech-enabled café experience through the Third Wave Coffee app.

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Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said:

“We're excited to bring the Third Wave Coffee experience to Andhra Pradesh with the launch of our cafés in Visakhapatnam. The city's vibrant culture, expanding IT and academic ecosystem, and growing appreciation for specialty coffee make it a compelling destination as we deepen our presence across South India. As we look ahead, the South will remain a key pillar of our expansion strategy. Backed by our Food Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art roastery, we remain committed to offering our signature food and beverage experience as we scale into new markets and serve more coffee lovers across the country”.

Third Wave Coffee continued its expansion across South India during FY26, adding to its presence in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mysuru. The brand also entered new markets including Ahmedabad, Agra and Kolkata, further extending its reach across India. Building on this growth, Third Wave Coffee plans to open 100 additional cafés by FY27, with an aim to take its national store count to 320.

As the brand continues to grow, it remains focused on product innovation, operational excellence and creating café spaces built around local communities. The latest launch in Visakhapatnam adds another destination to its growing network while strengthening its position in India's specialty coffee and QSR market.


Momoka Brings the Spirit of a Japanese Kissaten to Pune

Momoka Brings the Spirit of a Japanese Kissaten to Pune

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2026

Momoka has brought the spirit of a traditional Japanese kissaten to Pune, offering guests a contemporary interpretation of Japanese café culture through Yoshoku cuisine, desserts, coffee, tea and an intimate neighbourhood-inspired setting.

Founded by Chef Brainard Colaco, Momoka draws inspiration from the culture of Japan's traditional kissatens, neighbourhood cafés that have long been associated with coffee, tea, comforting meals and a familiar, relaxed atmosphere.

The concept brings together these elements under one roof, creating a dining experience that explores a more everyday and approachable side of Japan.

A key part of Momoka's culinary identity is Yoshoku, a Japanese tradition influenced by Western cooking techniques while incorporating Japanese ingredients, flavours and sensibilities. Through this approach, the restaurant presents familiar food forms through a distinctly Japanese perspective.

At the heart of the menu is Chef Brainard's interest in Japan's everyday food culture. His travels across the country and fascination with the dishes found in Kissatens and Konbinis have influenced the restaurant's culinary direction.

Rather than focusing solely on formal Japanese dining, Momoka explores the comforting and casual foods associated with everyday life in Japan, translating those influences into a contemporary dining format for Pune.

The experience extends beyond food, with a beverage programme inspired by Japanese café culture. Coffee and tea are positioned alongside the restaurant's food and dessert offerings, creating a cohesive experience that reflects the slower, more relaxed rhythm of a traditional kissaten.

Desserts form another key element of the concept, with Momoka featuring a dedicated dessert offering designed to complement its Japanese-inspired café experience.

Speaking about the launch, Chef Brainard Colaco, Founder, Momoka, said, "Momoka has always been about sharing a more everyday side of Japan—the warmth of a modern kissaten, comforting food and desserts, and flavours that feel familiar yet exciting. With our new flagship on Prabhat Road, we wanted to create a space where guests can experience Japan through soulful food, a dessert bar like no other and thoughtfully crafted beverages."

Located on Prabhat Road, the new flagship aims to offer Pune diners an experience that goes beyond conventional Japanese cuisine by bringing together food, beverages and atmosphere in a format inspired by one of Japan's distinctive café traditions.

With its focus on Yoshoku cuisine, Japanese café culture and everyday food experiences, Momoka adds a new interpretation of Japanese dining to Pune's evolving restaurant landscape.


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Introduces FOMO Sunday Brunch at Horizon

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Introduces FOMO Sunday Brunch at Horizon

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2026

Sundays at Horizon, the Pan-Asian rooftop restaurant at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, now come with a new reason to stay a little longer. The hotel has introduced FOMO, its signature Sunday brunch experience, bringing together Pan-Asian flavours, free-flowing pours, commercial retro music and panoramic views of Bengaluru.

Located 31 floors above the city, FOMO is designed as a relaxed afternoon where guests can enjoy good food, drinks and music while taking in the changing cityscape. The experience revolves around four elements — Flavour. Overpour. Music. Over the City.

The food offering features a curated Pan-Asian set menu served to the table, with sushi, sashimi, dim sum, bao, Asian grills and wok-fired specialties. Alongside the food, guests can enjoy unlimited champagne and cocktails, while the music gradually picks up through the afternoon. As the afternoon moves towards sunset, Horizon's rooftop setting adds another part to the experience, with wide views across Bengaluru and the city skyline providing the backdrop.

FOMO is positioned for different kinds of Sunday plans, whether it is a birthday celebration, a long lunch with friends, a family gathering, a girls' afternoon or simply a relaxed Sunday spent over good food and drinks. The four-hour brunch runs from 1 pm to 5 pm, giving guests the freedom to settle in and enjoy the menu and free-flowing pours at their own pace.

For guests who want to continue into the evening, FOMO: Sky After Dark offers an extended experience from 5 pm to 7 pm. The sundowner brings together cocktails, sparkling pours, music and the city lights at Horizon.

  • FOMO Brunch: 1 pm – 5 pm
  • FOMO: FOMO Sundowner: 5 pm – 7 pm.

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