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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.
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.
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By Hariharan U
Published on July 13, 2026
Chinese Wok, the flagship Desi Chinese quick service restaurant (QSR) brand from Lenexis Foodworks, has expanded its presence in Kerala with the launch of its first outlet in Calicut. Located at Lulu Mall, the new restaurant marks the brand's entry into one of Kerala's fastest-growing food markets while taking its Kerala footprint to 10 outlets and its South India network to 90 stores.
The expansion forms part of Chinese Wok's strategy to strengthen its presence across high-potential Tier-II cities. Calicut's growing base of local consumers, students, working professionals, and GCC travellers, coupled with rising disposable incomes and an increasing appetite for organised dining, makes the city a strategic market for the brand.
Situated within Lulu Mall, one of Calicut's leading retail destinations, the outlet has been designed to serve shoppers, families, students, and young professionals through a convenient dine-in and takeaway format. Customers can enjoy the brand's signature menu featuring Hakka Noodles, Schezwan Noodles, Momos, Fries, and value-driven combo meals.
Commenting on the launch, Arvind R P, Chief Executive Officer, Lenexis Foodworks, said Calicut represents an important milestone in the company's South India growth strategy. He noted that the city's vibrant food culture and demand for quality, affordable meals make it an ideal market for Chinese Wok, adding that the brand remains committed to democratising Desi Chinese cuisine through a disciplined and scalable expansion approach.
The new outlet will offer dine-in, takeaway, and home delivery services, extending Chinese Wok's signature combination of flavour, affordability, and convenience to consumers in Calicut.
Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok has grown into India's largest Desi Chinese QSR brand with a network of more than 270 outlets across over 50 cities. Operated by Lenexis Foodworks, the company also manages The Momo Co. and Big Bowl as part of its expanding portfolio of quick-service restaurant brands
Ahead of World Rum Day on 11 July, Farzi Café Cyberhub is celebrating the occasion with the launch of 'Dear Delhi', a signature cocktail that pays tribute to the capital through locally inspired flavours and contemporary mixology.
Part of the restaurant's Heritage Greens cocktail collection, Dear Delhi draws inspiration from the lush landscapes of Delhi's historic Sunder Nursery, reimagining the city's green spaces through an innovative rum-based creation.
Moving beyond conventional tropical rum cocktails, the drink features a distinctive cream cheese-infused rum base layered with sweet strawberry, almond, fresh basil and a touch of citrus. The cocktail is then clarified using a coconut milk wash, resulting in a crystal-clear, silky-smooth punch that balances richness with freshness.
Designed to reflect both nostalgia and innovation, Dear Delhi showcases Farzi Café's approach to modern Indian mixology by combining unconventional techniques with flavours rooted in local identity.
Priced at ₹650, the cocktail is available exclusively at Farzi Café, Cyberhub, offering guests a unique way to celebrate World Rum Day through a drink inspired by one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating the arrival of the rainy season with Monsoon Delights, a specially curated weekend dining experience at Citrus Junction, beginning July 10, 2026 and available across all weekends in July.
Inspired by the comforting flavours that define the monsoon, the seasonal menu brings together popular regional favourites from across India. Guests can savour steaming bowls of thukpa, Bombay toasties, stuffed chillas, vada pav, and a variety of seasonal delicacies that are often enjoyed during the rains.
Adding to the experience are interactive live culinary stations where dishes are prepared fresh, along with aromatic cups of tea and indulgent desserts that perfectly complement the monsoon mood.
Set within the elegant interiors of Citrus Junction, inspired by the timeless charm of luxury rail travel, the experience offers more than just a meal. It creates a cosy setting where guests can slow down, enjoy comforting food, and spend quality time with family and friends while watching the monsoon unfold.
Speaking about the seasonal offering, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said:
"Every season brings with it flavours and traditions that evoke a sense of place and belonging, and the monsoon is perhaps the most nostalgic of them all. With 'Monsoon Delights', we wanted to celebrate those familiar moments that many of us associate with the rains sharing comforting food, enjoying time with loved ones, and creating memories around the table. It is our way of bringing the warmth of the season to our guests through an experience that is comforting."
Blending regional culinary traditions with The Leela's signature hospitality, Monsoon Delights promises a warm and memorable dining experience, celebrating the simple pleasures of the rainy season through comforting food and shared moments.
Event: Monsoon Delights.
Venue: Citrus Junction, The Leela Gandhinagar.
Dates: Every weekend in July from July 10, 2026.
Experience: Seasonal monsoon menu with live culinary stations.
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