Serving Success: ITC's Cloud Kitchen Sets a New Culinary Standard

Serving Success: ITC's Cloud Kitchen Sets a New Culinary Standard

By Author

Published on January 3, 2024

ITC, a name synonymous with diverse business ventures, is set to elevate its presence in the food-tech industry by expanding its cloud kitchen business. This innovative move comes as the conglomerate identifies food-tech as a key growth vector. Currently operating in Bengaluru and Chennai, ITC's cloud kitchens have become a preferred choice for North Indian daily and gourmet cuisines, as well as bakery products.

The company's foray into the cloud kitchen landscape is marked by three distinct brands: ITC Aashirvaad Soul Creations for daily comfort food, ITC Master Chef Creations for gourmet delights, and ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations for bakery treats. With 19 cloud kitchens in Bengaluru and four in Chennai, ITC has already achieved the milestone of breaking even in these locations.

Hemant Malik, Executive Director at ITC, shares insights into the success of the venture, citing a winning formula that includes established brands, cuisine expertise from ITC Hotels' chefs, and the backing of the packaged foods business. "The tech-learning needed for the business comes from our focus on digitalization," adds Malik.

The business model involves the establishment of a central kitchen and satellite kitchens in cities where ITC operates. This strategic layout aligns with the preferences of food delivery giants like Swiggy and Zomato, who prefer kitchens every 2.5-3 km. ITC aims to replicate its success in Bengaluru by becoming a market leader in the premium space in other cities.

"We are already the market leader in Bengaluru in the premium space within two years of operation and will now scale up in other cities," says Malik. The cloud kitchen central kitchen in Bengaluru has the capability to service both Chennai and Hyderabad, showcasing ITC's commitment to operational efficiency.

Going beyond its current offerings, ITC plans to diversify its cloud kitchen menu by evaluating the addition of breakfast and oriental cuisines. Malik emphasises the company's strategy to introduce new cuisines and meals alongside expanding its presence in metro cities.

Noteworthy is the fact that ITC's cloud kitchens boast an average order value of Rs 900, double that of the industry average. The key differentiators from ITC Hotels' kitchens include a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) compared to 18% for hotel restaurants, and a focus on quick service.

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In an investor presentation, ITC highlighted the institutional synergies between its cloud kitchen business and other segments, such as packaging solutions, digital-first approaches, and culinary expertise. With over one million orders already delivered, ITC aims to capitalise on the 10% market share occupied by cloud kitchens in the food delivery platform landscape.

However, the presentation also acknowledged challenges, particularly the scalability issues associated with North Indian cuisine due to its dependency on chef skills and the lack of standardisation. Nevertheless, ITC's strategic approach and commitment to innovation position it as a formidable player in the evolving landscape of the food-tech industry.


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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