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.


Loya Bar Blends Music and Mixology Through Its Unique S.P.I.C.E Cocktail Philosophy

Loya Bar Blends Music and Mixology Through Its Unique S.P.I.C.E Cocktail Philosophy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 3, 2026

Loya Bar is bringing together music, flavour, and creativity through its distinctive S.P.I.C.E cocktail philosophy. Designed to create a multi-sensory experience, the concept connects food, beverages, and music, transforming cocktails into stories that guests can explore through taste.

The philosophy is built around five musical elements: Scale, Pitch, Instrumentation, Chords, and Expression. Each cocktail on the menu reflects one of these elements, resulting in a collection of drinks that celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and flavour in equal measure.

One of the standout creations under this philosophy is the Malwa Highball, inspired by the concept of Scale. In music, an octave is formed by eight notes that work together in harmony. Reflecting this idea, the cocktail is crafted using eight carefully selected ingredients that complement one another.

The Malwa Highball combines aged rum, Campari, kinnow cordial, banana-mint seltzer, and fresh mint to create a refreshing and layered drink. Each sip reveals different notes and flavours, offering an experience similar to listening to a carefully composed musical piece.

Another notable cocktail is Kafuli, which draws inspiration from the musical element of Pitch. Just as pitch defines whether a note sounds high and bright or low and deep, this cocktail explores flavour through contrast and depth.

Kafuli is crafted using ghee-washed rum, spinach cordial, and brine, resulting in a savoury and distinctive drink. The cocktail highlights Loya Bar's ingredient-focused approach while delivering a rich and unexpected flavour profile.

Through creations such as the Malwa Highball and Kafuli, Loya Bar continues to push the boundaries of mixology by translating musical concepts into memorable drinking experiences. The S.P.I.C.E philosophy offers guests a fresh perspective on cocktails, where every drink tells a story through flavour, creativity, and craftsmanship.


Belmarose Debuts as Mumbai’s New Fine Dining and Nightlife Destination

Belmarose Debuts as Mumbai’s New Fine Dining and Nightlife Destination

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

Mumbai’s hospitality and nightlife landscape has welcomed a new entrant with the launch of Belmarose, an upscale dining and entertainment destination located within Sahara Star. Designed as a venue that seamlessly transitions from refined dining to energetic nightlife, Belmarose combines elevated cuisine, signature cocktails, and immersive experiences under one roof.

Inspired by the Italian word “Bella,” meaning beautiful, the name Belmarose embodies elegance, romance, and memorable experiences. The concept has been carefully crafted to create a destination where guests can enjoy sophisticated dining before immersing themselves in a vibrant after-hours atmosphere.

Spread across approximately 5,000 square feet with a seating capacity of around 120 guests, the venue features interiors influenced by European and Roman aesthetics. Maroon velvet seating, premium leather finishes, artistic accents, and warm ambient lighting come together to create a luxurious yet intimate setting that complements the venue’s evolving day-to-night experience.

The culinary programme is led by Chef Sunil Pandey, who has curated a menu that blends European and Asian inspirations while focusing on contemporary techniques, balanced flavours, and refined presentation. According to Chef Pandey, the menu has been designed to create memorable dining experiences through dishes that combine indulgence with culinary craftsmanship.

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Signature offerings include Smoked Chicken Caesar Croquettes, Enoki Mushroom Roll, Stuffed Zucchini Flower, Rosette Ravioli, and Lobster in XO Sauce. Each dish showcases a combination of global influences and thoughtful execution, reflecting the restaurant’s modern culinary approach.

Complementing the food experience is an innovative cocktail programme curated by in-house mixologists Roshan and Hardik. The cocktail menu features signature creations such as Pandan Bloom, Flora Blanca, Mango Inferno, Palantine Fig, and Ignis Roma, each crafted to balance creativity, presentation, and layered flavour profiles.

As the evening progresses, Belmarose transforms into a lively nightlife destination featuring curated music experiences, performances by international artists, and a dynamic social atmosphere designed to extend the guest experience beyond dinner service.

Sharing his vision for the venture, entrepreneur Rajjeet Chandra said that the most rewarding aspect of building a business is transforming a vision into something meaningful that resonates with people. He added that creating opportunities, evolving continuously, and building a lasting legacy remain key motivations behind the project.

With its combination of design-led interiors, globally inspired cuisine, innovative beverages, and nightlife programming, Belmarose aims to establish itself as a premier destination for dining, socialising, and entertainment in Mumbai.


The Hari Hong Kong Unveils Curated Father’s Day Dining Experiences Across Its Signature Venues

The Hari Hong Kong Unveils Curated Father’s Day Dining Experiences Across Its Signature Venues

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

The Hari Hong Kong is set to celebrate Father’s Day with an array of specially curated culinary experiences across its signature dining venues, offering guests a weekend of indulgent brunches, refined set dinners, and elegant afternoon tea experiences.

Taking place across June 20 and June 21, the celebrations will span the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants and social spaces, providing diners with diverse culinary options inspired by Italian and Japanese cuisines.

At Lucciola, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, guests can enjoy a Father’s Day Brunch featuring an authentic Italian spread, including homemade porchetta roast and a selection of traditional specialties. Signature dishes include braised veal ossobuco served with saffron risotto, while dessert offerings are presented from a dedicated trolley featuring favorites such as the restaurant’s signature tiramisu.

For dinner, Lucciola will offer a specially curated Father’s Day set menu featuring premium selections including USDA prime rib eye steak and roasted barramundi fillet. The experience concludes with desserts such as Bonet, prepared with gianduja chocolate, amaretti, whipped cream, and rum caramel.

Meanwhile, Zoku, The Hari Hong Kong’s contemporary Japanese dining destination, will present a Father’s Day Brunch showcasing a premium seasonal sashimi platter, assorted skewers and rolls, alongside signature main courses including Spanish mackerel with sake lees sauce. Guests seeking a more elevated experience can also opt for an A-4 Miyazaki Wagyu upgrade.

Zoku’s ‘Discovering Zoku’ Father’s Day set dinner will feature a selection of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including salmon tataki with smoked herring caviar and coconut ponzu, wagyu rolls, prawn gyoza, and chargrilled lamb chop accompanied by black garlic sauce.

Both Lucciola and Zoku will offer brunch experiences starting from HKD 628 per person and HKD 488 per child. The brunch packages include 90 minutes of free-flow red, white, and sparkling wines, along with sparkling and still water, juices, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Additional upgrades featuring Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne and premium sake selections will also be available.

Completing the celebrations, The Lounge and The Terrace will host The Hari Afternoon Tea between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Guests can also enjoy a specially crafted Father’s Day Chocolate Stout dessert, combining dark chocolate, stout beer, and whipped cream to create a rich and indulgent finish to the occasion.

Through these thoughtfully designed dining experiences, The Hari Hong Kong aims to offer families and guests memorable moments while celebrating Father’s Day in an atmosphere that combines culinary excellence with warm hospitality.

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