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.


The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace Hosts Carnival of Smiles Children's Day Brunch

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace Hosts Carnival of Smiles Children's Day Brunch

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2026

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is marking Children's Day with 'Carnival of Smiles', a special family brunch at Seasonal Tastes on November 15, 2026, featuring playful activities, interactive food experiences and entertainment for young guests.

Centred on the spirit of childhood, the Sunday brunch will combine a dedicated children's food fiesta with creative experiences and carnival-inspired entertainment. The menu will include familiar favourites such as mini burgers, pasta and pizzas, alongside a live pancake and waffle counter and a selection of specially curated desserts.

Children will also have the opportunity to get hands-on with food through pizza-making and cupcake art activities, where they can create their own treats as part of the afternoon's programme.

Beyond the dining experience, the celebration will feature face painting, balloon art, magic shows, mascot appearances and interactive games. A themed Little Stars Photo Booth, complete with props, frames and a Children's Day backdrop, will give families an opportunity to capture moments from the celebration.

Young guests will also receive giveaways to take home as keepsakes. The programme is intended to give children space to play, create and explore, while parents enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon with family.

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With its combination of food stations, creative activities and carnival entertainment, Carnival of Smiles offers families an opportunity to celebrate Children's Day through a shared dining and leisure experience at the hotel.

Experience Details

  • Event: Carnival of Smiles – Children's Day Brunch

  • Venue: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Hyderabad

  • Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026

  • Time: 12:30 PM–4:00 PM


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Presents Toon Town Children's Day Brunch

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Presents Toon Town Children's Day Brunch

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is celebrating Children's Day with Toon Town Brunch, a cartoon-inspired dining experience at The Hebbal Cafe on November 22, 2026. Bringing together colourful food, familiar favourites and a playful atmosphere, the brunch invites children and families to enjoy an afternoon of food and togetherness.

Inspired by the imaginative world of cartoons and childhood favourites, the special brunch has been curated by Executive Chef Kalpesh Kature. The menu features a selection of child-friendly dishes, combining familiar flavours with bite-sized preparations suited to younger diners.

The savoury spread includes Mini Rainbow Vegetable Sandwiches, Cheese Quesadillas, Mini Margherita Pizza and Macaroni and Cheese. Young guests can also enjoy Crispy Chicken Popcorn, Mini Cheese Sliders and Fish Fingers with Tartar Sauce, adding a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to the menu.

For dessert, Mini Pancakes with Chocolate Sauce offer a sweet finish to the meal, giving little food explorers another treat to look forward to.

Designed as a family outing, Toon Town Brunch also offers adults an opportunity to revisit the simple pleasures of childhood while spending time with their little ones. With its playful theme and familiar menu choices, the experience centres on shared moments around the table.

Event Details

  • Event: Toon Town Brunch

  • Venue: The Hebbal Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal

  • Date: November 22, 2026

  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM


Faasos Introduces Paratha Burger, Blending Desi Flavours with a Global Favourite

Faasos Introduces Paratha Burger, Blending Desi Flavours with a Global Favourite

By Hariharan U

Published on November 13, 2026

Faasos, a food brand from Rebel Foods, has introduced its Paratha Burger range, combining the familiar format of a burger with the flaky, layered texture of lachha paratha. Available across 20 cities in India from November 12, 2026, the launch gives a distinctly Indian interpretation to a globally popular fast-food favourite.

Instead of conventional burger buns, the new range uses lachha paratha as its outer layer, enclosing flavourful patties, generous fillings and indulgent sauces. Described by the brand as having a “flaky outside, freaky inside” format, the product is positioned as a loaded burger experience rather than a wrap, roll or stuffed paratha.

The range features six vegetarian and non-vegetarian options across three flavour profiles: Teriyaki, Chipotle and Hot Garlic.

The non-vegetarian selection includes Teriyaki Chicken Dynamite, Chipotle Chicken Blast and Hot Garlic Chicken. The vegetarian options are Teriyaki Paneer Dynamite, OG Chipotle and Hot Garlic Manchurian.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP – Marketing, Rebel Foods, said, “At Rebel Foods, product innovation is about finding new ways to make familiar food formats exciting for consumers. With the Paratha Burger, we have brought together the flaky, layered goodness of Indian lachha paratha with the bold, globally inspired flavours of a burger. The idea was to create something that feels familiar yet new, combining the comfort of a desi favourite with the indulgence of a loaded burger. The pilot across Mumbai and NCR is helping us understand the consumer response to the flavours that resonate the most with them. Our focus remains on expanding our offerings and bringing exciting food experiences to consumers across India.”

The flavour combinations range from the sweet and savoury notes of Teriyaki to the smoky profile of Chipotle and the sharper, more pronounced flavours of Hot Garlic. The concept builds on the appeal of familiar food formats while introducing new textures and internationally inspired flavour combinations.

Customers can order the Faasos Paratha Burger at a promotional price of ₹169. The launch also includes Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers and specially curated combos.

The introduction of the Paratha Burger adds another format to Faasos' menu innovation efforts, bringing together an Indian flatbread and the structure of a burger. The range also reflects the brand's approach of adapting familiar food experiences through new combinations of ingredients, textures and flavours.

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