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.


Rumour Opens in Delhi, Bringing Speakeasy Vibes to Vasant Vihar

Rumour Opens in Delhi, Bringing Speakeasy Vibes to Vasant Vihar

By Hariharan U

Published on March 29, 2026

Delhi’s nightlife scene welcomes a new entrant with the opening of Rumour in Vasant Vihar, a speakeasy-style lounge designed to blend curated drinks with an intimate, high-energy atmosphere. Inspired by New York’s after-work wine and cocktail culture, the space aims to offer a relaxed yet vibrant social escape.

Conceptualised by founders Rhea Parekh Jain and Nishchay Jain, the bar is built around spontaneity and connection. The founders describe it as a place where guests can drop in without planning and still expect an engaging, memorable evening driven by good drinks and lively energy.

Designed by The Charcoal Project, led by Sussanne Khan, the space brings together quirky luxury and rustic loft aesthetics. A hidden entrance, layered textures, warm lighting, and compact seating for around 45 guests create a setting that feels both exclusive and social, with options ranging from intimate corners to group lounges and a balcony view.

Wine forms the core of the beverage program, supported by curated tastings and a cocktail menu where nearly half the offerings are wine-based. This is complemented by a selection of refined, shareable plates designed to enhance the overall experience.

Positioned for urban professionals and experience-driven diners, Rumour aims to deliver a balance of design, energy, and thoughtfully curated hospitality. Operating from Wednesday to Monday between 6 PM and 1 AM, the lounge caters to after-work gatherings, date nights, and late-evening social sessions.

With its focus on immersive atmosphere and guest-centric experiences, Rumour signals a growing demand for intimate, design-led nightlife formats in the capital.


Malai Marke New York Launches Summer Mocktail Collection

Malai Marke New York Launches Summer Mocktail Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on March 29, 2026

Malai Marke has unveiled a refreshing new lineup of signature mocktails, bringing a seasonal, flavour-forward twist to its modern Indian culinary experience. Known for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine, the restaurant continues to expand its beverage program with a thoughtfully curated, alcohol-free collection designed for summer.

Crafted by Himanshu Joshi, the new mocktail menu focuses on combining fruits, herbs, and citrus elements to create drinks that are both visually engaging and layered in flavour. The collection reflects a balance of traditional inspiration and contemporary creativity, appealing to a wide range of palates.

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The menu features a variety of refreshing options, each highlighting seasonal freshness. Standout offerings include Strawberry, Lemon, Orange Blossom, a citrus-forward blend with a subtle watermelon twist, and Watermelon Mint Cooler, which combines juicy watermelon with fresh mint and a hint of chilli for added depth. Cranberry, Lime Honey Suckle delivers a tart, sparkling profile, while Summer Blossom brings together citrus, berries, and pineapple for a tropical burst.

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For those seeking lighter, cooling options, Cucumber Mint Soda offers a crisp, clean finish, while the Summer Heat Drink blends strawberry, citrus, and soda into a refreshing cooler. The collection is rounded off with Blossom Tea, a black tea-based beverage enhanced with citrus notes for a refined finish.

Speaking about the launch, Joshi said, “This collection is inspired by the essence of summer—fresh, vibrant, and full of life. We wanted to create drinks that not only complement our cuisine but also stand out as memorable experiences on their own.”

With this new offering, Malai Marke continues to push boundaries by reimagining traditional flavours through a modern lens, reinforcing its focus on innovation, seasonality, and elevated guest experiences.


Helen’s Place Reimagines Global Comfort with Flavours of 2026

Helen’s Place Reimagines Global Comfort with Flavours of 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 29, 2026

Helen’s Place, India’s first Indo-Portuguese restaurant known for blending flavour with storytelling, has introduced Flavours of 2026, a new menu inspired by kitchens across Europe, Asia, and India. Rooted in comfort and guided by creativity, the menu reinterprets familiar dishes through a contemporary lens, bringing together global influences with warmth, balance, and thoughtful innovation.

With Flavours of 2026, the restaurant explores how comfort food evolves as it travels, from Malabar to Madrid, and Osaka to Canton. Each dish is shaped by inspiration rather than imitation, where nostalgic flavours are layered with bold textures, high-impact ingredients, and inventive twists. The result is a menu that feels familiar at its core, yet refreshed with a new and expressive identity.

Designed by Abhrajyoti Nandy, the menu stays true to the brand’s philosophy of restraint and respect for ingredients. Flavours are carefully layered using elements like pickle glaze, mango chilli, chimichurri, truffle, and ghee roast to create depth without overwhelming the palate. Presented as a selection of small, shareable plates, the menu encourages a social dining experience that brings together cultures, flavours, and stories.

Highlights include the wok-tossed chicken with mustard pickle glaze, offering a bold and tangy profile, and the salmon ceviche with mango and chilli that adds brightness and freshness. Regional influences are reflected in the Malabar ghee roast prawns with paratha and the coastal cafreal prawns, both rich in flavour and character. The tenderloin with mushroom ragù cream and chimichurri balances indulgence with freshness, while the avocado corn crunch with green pea hummus introduces a lighter, textured contrast. The experience concludes on a comforting note with ricotta bites paired with walnut and honey.

With this new menu, Helen’s Place continues to create a space where global comfort food is not just served but thoughtfully reimagined, bringing together diverse culinary influences in a way that feels both personal and new.

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