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.


Monkey Bar Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a Special Mexican Menu in Bengaluru

Monkey Bar Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a Special Mexican Menu in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2026

Monkey Bar is adding a festive Mexican twist to Bengaluru’s dining scene with a special limited-edition Cinco de Mayo menu at its Museum Road outlet. Available from 4th to 17th May 2026, the menu brings together bold flavours, refreshing cocktails, and a lively atmosphere inspired by the globally celebrated Mexican festival.

Observed every year on 5th May, Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla and is widely celebrated across the world through food, music, and cultural festivities. Bringing that spirit to Bengaluru, Monkey Bar has curated a menu that blends comforting dishes with playful flavours and signature drinks.

The food offerings include freshly prepared tacos served with salsa and lime, with options such as Avocado & Cottage Cheese and Grilled Chicken & Prawn. Guests can also end their meal on a sweet note with desserts like the smooth Caramel Custard Flan featuring hints of vanilla and caramel, or the Sopapilla Cheesecake Bar layered with cinnamon-sugar pastry and a creamy filling.

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Adding to the celebration is Monkey Bar’s range of signature Picantes. These tequila-based cocktails are available in four varieties, OG, Carrot & Ginger, Guava, and Mango & Chilli, each offering a unique balance of spice and freshness. Guests can also enjoy the Michelada, a refreshing blend of beer, tequila, lime juice, and spicy sauces, perfect for the summer season.

With vibrant flavours, refreshing drinks, and its signature lively setting, Monkey Bar’s Cinco de Mayo celebration promises a fun-filled dining experience designed for relaxed evenings and memorable moments with friends and family.

  • Venue: Monkey Bar, Museum Road, Bengaluru
  • Dates: 4th – 17th May 2026
  • Timings: 12 PM to 1 AM.

Sweet Truth Celebrates Mother’s Day with ‘Sweet Mom of Mine’ Campaign

Sweet Truth Celebrates Mother’s Day with ‘Sweet Mom of Mine’ Campaign

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2026

Sweet Truth, a desserts brand from Rebel Foods, is celebrating Mother’s Day with its heartfelt campaign ‘Sweet Mom of Mine’. The initiative focuses on the small, everyday acts of love that often go unnoticed but play a big role in shaping our lives.

Built around the idea that the most meaningful memories come from simple and consistent gestures, the campaign highlights moments like packing tiffins, staying up late, or remembering little preferences. These everyday actions form the emotional core of the campaign, bringing attention to the quiet ways in which mothers care for their families.

At the centre of the campaign is the ‘Receipt of Love’ Mother’s Day card, a creative take on a retail bill. The card lists familiar gestures, each marked at ₹0, symbolising that a mother’s love has no price. It ends with the word ‘Priceless’, capturing the message in a simple yet powerful way. This card will be included with every order from Sweet Truth across its 380+ locations PAN India, turning each delivery into a thoughtful experience during the campaign period.

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Commenting on the campaign, Nishant Kedia, CMO at Rebel Foods said, “At Sweet Truth, we believe that the most meaningful expressions of love often lie in the smallest, everyday moments. With ‘Sweet Mom of Mine’, we wanted to celebrate these quiet gestures that shape our lives in profound ways, even if we don’t always recognise them at the time. The ‘Receipt of Love’ is a simple yet powerful reminder that a mother’s care is truly priceless, and we hope it inspires people to pause, reflect, and express their gratitude this Mother’s Day.”

Along with the campaign, the brand is also encouraging customers to celebrate with its range of desserts. From specially curated Mother’s Day cakes to dessert boxes, the idea is to create a complete “sweet + sentiment” gifting experience, suitable for both at-home celebrations and surprise moments.

The campaign will also extend to digital platforms, where short films and social media content will highlight relatable “mom moments”, those small yet meaningful experiences that stay with us over time. Adding to this, influencers and content creators will share their personal stories, recreating memories and presenting the ‘Receipt of Love’ card along with desserts, inviting audiences to reflect on their own journeys with their mothers.

With this initiative, Sweet Truth brings together emotion and indulgence, making Mother’s Day celebrations more personal and memorable across the country.


Harajuku Bakehouse Celebrates Alphonso Mango Season with New Menu

Harajuku Bakehouse Celebrates Alphonso Mango Season with New Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2026

Harajuku Bakehouse brings the joy of mango season to life with a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates Alphonso in its most delightful form. This limited-time offering features seven desserts, each blending the finesse of Japanese pastry techniques with the richness of India’s most loved summer fruit. Made using fresh Alphonso mangoes, every creation reflects the signature detail and warmth the Bakehouse is known for.

The menu features a range of desserts that feel both comforting and exciting. The Hokkaido Mango Milk Cake stands out with its soft vanilla sponge soaked in mango-flavoured milk and topped with fresh Alphonso. The Mango Rose Tart pairs an almond sablé base with mango vanilla pastry cream, finished neatly with pistachios. Each dessert is crafted to bring out the natural sweetness and freshness of mango in a simple yet memorable way.

Other highlights include the Mango Mochi, where soft Japanese dough wraps around fresh mango and vanilla cream, and the Mango Roll Cake, made with light chiffon layers and smooth mango cream. The Puru Puru Pudding adds a playful touch with its delicate wobble, served alongside cookie crumbs and mango sauce. The Mango Fraisier and Mango Bento complete the menu with rich layers and satisfying textures that stay true to the season.

For those looking to try just one, the Mango Rose Tart comes highly recommended, bringing together pistachios, Alphonso mango, and a pastry cream that truly stands out.

This special menu captures mango at its best, fresh, vibrant, and full of summer character, making it a must-visit experience for dessert lovers.

  • What: Mango Seasonal Menu
  • Where: Harajuku Bakehouse, Mumbai
  • When: Limited time during the mango season

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