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.


A Warm Mother’s Day Celebration Awaits at Nova House, Mira Road

A Warm Mother’s Day Celebration Awaits at Nova House, Mira Road

By Hariharan U

Published on May 6, 2026

Mother’s Day plans often begin with flowers and end with the usual routine, but Nova House in Mira Road is encouraging families to do things a little differently this year. Instead of predictable gifts, the focus shifts to what truly matters, time spent together, shared laughter, and a meal that feels special from the very first bite to the last lingering conversation.

This Mother’s Day, Nova House sets the stage for exactly that kind of celebration. The idea is simple yet meaningful: gather around the table with the people she loves most and let the day unfold naturally. From comforting favourites to indulgent plates, every dish becomes part of a larger experience—one that’s relaxed, joyful, and full of warmth.

Adding to the occasion, the restaurant is offering a flat 20% discount on the entire menu. It’s an invitation to go beyond the usual—order her favourites, indulge in that extra dessert, and stretch the meal just a little longer. The offer isn’t just about savings; it’s about creating a space where families can celebrate without holding back.

Whether it’s a leisurely afternoon lunch or a lively dinner filled with stories and second helpings, Nova House transforms Mother’s Day into something memorable. The atmosphere promises a balance of comfort and vibrancy, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger family get-togethers.

At its heart, the celebration is about making mothers feel appreciated in the most genuine way possible. Good food, familiar faces, and a thoughtful gesture go a long way in turning an ordinary outing into a cherished memory.

This year, Nova House offers more than just a meal, it offers a reason to pause, celebrate, and make Mother’s Day truly count.

Where: Nova House, Mira Road
Offer: Flat 20% off on Mother’s Day


Burma Burma Celebrates Thingyan with Special Festive Menu Across India

Burma Burma Celebrates Thingyan with Special Festive Menu Across India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 5, 2026

Burma Burma is bringing the vibrant spirit of Thingyan, the Burmese New Year, to diners across India with a special festive menu available from May 1 to 31, 2026. Known for its authentic Burmese flavours, the restaurant invites guests to celebrate the season of togetherness with a menu inspired by traditional Burmese Lunch Houses.

Thingyan, often called the ‘Water Festival’, is a time when families, friends and neighbours come together to share meals and welcome new beginnings. Keeping this essence alive, Burma Burma has curated a limited-edition menu that reflects the joy of gathering over food, with dishes designed to be shared and enjoyed.

At the centre of the menu are the Thingyan Rice Bowls, thoughtfully created for two. These bowls bring together fragrant rice, flavourful curries, stir-fries and crunchy sides, offering a complete meal experience. Guests can choose from options like the Mohinga Rice Bowl with lemongrass, ginger and shallots, the Hawker’s Rice Bowl with chilli oil and tamarind, the smoky Rustic Rice Bowl inspired by village-style cooking, and the tangy Pickled Roselle Bowl.

Adding to the experience are a range of street-style small plates that capture the energy of Burmese markets. Dishes such as New Year Parcels, Street-style Rice Crêpes, Palata Sando, Crunchy Shiitake & Radish Salad, Summer Salad and a Fritter Platter bring a mix of textures and flavours to the table, making it perfect for sharing.

The festive spread also includes a refreshing selection of beverages like Pandan Tamarind Fizz, Hibiscus Lemonade, Mango Picante and Ice Plum Soda, each crafted to suit the summer season. For dessert, guests can indulge in Banana Bliss and Mango Bein Mont, both inspired by traditional Burmese sweets. Every table is also served a playful Paan Jelly to complete the meal.

Beyond the food, Burma Burma has added interactive elements to enhance the festive mood. Guests can enjoy offerings like handcrafted fruit leathers in flavours such as pineapple & coconut, tamarind with chilli salt and raw mango & kokum. An in-house popsicle station with a spin wheel adds a fun twist, with flavours inspired by Burmese ingredients and summer favourites.

The celebration extends across Burma Burma outlets in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. For those who prefer to celebrate at home, the festive menu is also available for delivery via Swiggy and Zomato, making it easy to enjoy a Thingyan feast with loved ones.

With festive décor, unique Burmese touches like the hand wash experience and Thanaka application, Burma Burma creates an immersive setting that reflects the lively charm of Burmese celebrations. The limited-edition menu offers a perfect way to welcome the New Year with flavour, warmth and togetherness.


Nandan Coffee Debuts Bengaluru Flagship, Bringing Kodaikanal’s Farm-to-Cup Story

Nandan Coffee Debuts Bengaluru Flagship, Bringing Kodaikanal’s Farm-to-Cup Story

By Hariharan U

Published on May 5, 2026

Nandan Coffee has opened its first flagship café in Bengaluru, marking a significant step in its journey from estate-grown coffee to immersive café experiences. Located at Embassy One on Bellary Road, the new space brings the essence of its Kodaikanal origins into the heart of a city known for its deep-rooted coffee culture.

At the centre of the brand’s philosophy is the Nandanvan Estate, where its certified organic coffee is cultivated within a biodiverse, unfenced ecosystem. With a three-generation legacy, Nandan Coffee maintains complete involvement across cultivation, processing, roasting, and brewing, creating a direct and traceable journey from farm to cup.

The Bengaluru flagship reflects this philosophy through a coffee-first experience designed across multiple formats. Guests can explore an espresso bar featuring four distinct roast profiles, manual brewing methods like pour-over and French press, cold coffees on tap, and a dedicated Filter Kaapi Bar that reinterprets the classic South Indian brew with contemporary flavour profiles. The offering ranges from familiar favourites to experimental blends, appealing to both everyday coffee drinkers and enthusiasts.

Extending beyond coffee, the space also functions as an all-day café, with a menu inspired by Kodaikanal and Mumbai influences. Dishes such as Mari-wala Scramble, Bombay-style bagels, and Nandan Tiramisu French Toast reflect a blend of comfort and creativity. A curated retail section allows guests to explore and purchase coffee blends, brewing equipment, chocolates paired to specific roasts, and handcrafted ceramic merchandise.

Adding a distinctive touch, the café is designed as a pet-friendly space with a dedicated pet menu. Offerings like the signature ‘Pup Cup’ and other pet-safe treats ensure that guests can enjoy the experience alongside their pets.

The beverage programme is extensive, featuring signature drinks such as Spiced Orange Vanilla Filter Kaapi, Honey Cardamom Filter Kaapi, Cold Kaapi on Tap, Raspberry Lattés, and seasonal cold brews. Wellness beverages, matcha selections, smoothies, and teas further broaden the experience, making it suitable for varied preferences.

The space itself reflects the brand’s origin story. Designed by Farida Mariwala Interiors in collaboration with Faizan Khatri, the café incorporates natural light, estate-inspired materials, and a sculptural central coffee bar crafted from Baroda Green marble. With high ceilings and expansive windows, the design brings elements of Kodaikanal’s landscape into an urban setting, creating an environment that feels both immersive and contemporary.

Speaking about the launch, Co-founder Yahvi Mariwala said, "Everything at Nandan Coffee begins at the estate. We grow, process, and roast our coffee ourselves at our estate, and then bring it directly into our spaces. That closeness to origin allows us to preserve quality, remain consistent and create a coffee experience that is deeply personal and rooted in provenance."

She added, "There are a few cities that welcome a new coffee address quite like Bengaluru. With our first flagship, Nandan Coffee aims to bring a little of Kodaikanal’s wild canopy, organic abundance, and unhurried spirit into the heart of Bengaluru’s urban life."

Founded on a legacy that began over three decades ago, Nandan Coffee traces its roots to a family-led transformation of land into a thriving organic estate. Today, under Yahvi Mariwala’s leadership, the brand continues to evolve—bridging tradition and innovation while bringing consumers closer to the journey of coffee.

With its Bengaluru flagship, Nandan Coffee enters a new chapter, one that connects origin, craft, and community, offering a space where coffee is not just served, but experienced in its fullest form.

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