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.


Yuki Unveils Chef’s Pan Asian Summer Menu

Yuki Unveils Chef’s Pan Asian Summer Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on April 28, 2026

Yuki has introduced its Chef’s Pan Asian Selection Menu, a summer-forward offering that brings together bold Asian flavours, fresh ingredients, and comforting classics.

Designed to reflect a diverse culinary palette, the menu moves seamlessly from light appetisers to hearty mains and indulgent desserts, making it ideal for both casual dining and shared meals.

The experience begins with flavour-packed starters such as Mini Spring Rolls filled with vegetables and vermicelli, Miso Crab Dumplings served in a delicate broth, and Crispy Pomfret tossed in Sichuan chilli sauce. Seafood highlights continue with Thai Lime & Garlic Steamed Sea Bass, while Chicken in Black Pepper Sauce adds a bold, familiar note.

The main course focuses on wok-inspired dishes, including Stir-Fried Kailan with Garlic, General Tso’s Chicken with its signature sweet-spicy glaze, and Stir-Fry Shrimp paired with crisp vegetables in a light garlic sauce.

For rice and noodle lovers, the menu features Aromatic Bamboo Rice infused with bamboo shoots and star anise, alongside Seafood Hakka Noodles combining prawns, fish, egg, and vegetables for a wholesome finish.

Desserts bring a refreshing close to the meal, with options like Mango Sago, a smooth blend of mango and coconut cream with soft sago pearls—and Golden Sesame Balls offering a crisp exterior with a delicate sweet filling.

With this new menu, Yuki continues to highlight balanced, flavour-forward Pan Asian dining, positioning itself as a go-to destination for those seeking both comfort and variety in Bengaluru’s dining scene.

Details:

  • Locations: Koramangala | JP Nagar | Indiranagar | Sarjapur | Whitefield
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM

5 Types of Banarasi Paan You Must Try at Least Once

5 Types of Banarasi Paan You Must Try at Least Once

By Author

Published on April 28, 2026

Paan has long been woven into India’s social and cultural fabric, carrying a sense of nostalgia while continuing to evolve with changing tastes. Today, Banarasi paan stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, offering both familiar flavours and contemporary twists that appeal across generations.

For those looking to explore this iconic indulgence, here are five types of Banarasi paan worth trying at least once:

Mango Paan

A refreshing seasonal variation, Mango Paan blends real mango pulp with traditional fillings like gulkand, coconut, and fennel. The result is a softer, juicier paan that balances sweetness with a light tang, making it ideal for summer. This modern take is popular at Mast Banarasi Paan.

Chocolate-Coated Paan Bites

Designed for those new to paan, these bite-sized creations offer a fusion twist. Coated in chocolate and often topped with nuts, they retain the core paan flavours inside while adding a familiar, dessert-like appeal. This variation highlights how paan is evolving for younger audiences, with options available at Mast Banarasi Paan.

Fire Paan

A viral sensation, Fire Paan delivers a theatrical experience where the paan is briefly lit before being served. Beyond the spectacle, it offers a subtle smoky warmth that adds a unique dimension to the flavour. It is widely available at outlets such as Odeon Gupta Paan Shop.

Classic Meetha Banarasi Paan

The foundation of paan culture, the classic meetha paan remains timeless. Filled with gulkand, fennel, coconut, and aromatic ingredients, it delivers a perfectly balanced flavour profile that defines the authentic Banarasi experience. Traditional versions are widely found in Varanasi, including Banarasi Paan House.

Rose Paan

Light, fragrant, and subtly sweet, Rose Paan focuses on floral notes through rose essence and gulkand. It offers a softer, dessert-like experience, ideal for those who prefer milder flavours. This variant is available at The Betel Leaf Co..

Paan continues to remain relevant by seamlessly blending heritage with innovation. Whether enjoyed for its traditional comfort or its contemporary reinventions, Banarasi paan reflects a culinary culture that is both rooted and evolving.


Maize & Malt Celebrates Mango Season with Summer Cocktail Menu

Maize & Malt Celebrates Mango Season with Summer Cocktail Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on April 28, 2026

Maize & Malt is embracing the spirit of summer with a limited-edition mango cocktail menu, bringing a fresh and flavour-forward approach to seasonal mixology.

As temperatures rise, cocktail preferences are shifting towards lighter, fruit-driven and refreshing options, and mango naturally takes centre stage. Moving beyond traditional formats, the new menu explores the fruit across multiple flavour profiles—ripe, raw, tangy, and spiced—offering a well-rounded summer drinking experience.

The curated lineup features Cubbon Spark, a crisp mango highball with white rum; Un-Ripe Theory, blending raw mango and tequila with a salted edge; and Mango Glow, a smooth mix of gin and Aperol with a bittersweet finish. For those seeking delicate notes, Floral Mango combines clarified mango with gin and elderflower, while Mango Brine introduces a bold, savoury twist with raw mango pickle, vodka, and herbs.

Designed to balance refreshment with depth, the menu caters to a range of occasions, from relaxed daytime sipping to evening gatherings. The cocktails reflect a broader trend in urban dining, where seasonal ingredients and experimental flavours are shaping beverage experiences.

With its mango-forward offerings, Maize & Malt continues to position itself as a destination for innovative yet approachable cocktail experiences, capturing the essence of summer in every glass.

Details:

  • Address: Vigneshwar Nagar, Kaveri Nagar, Krishnarajapuram, Bengaluru
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Price: ₹1200 for 2 pax
  • Reservations: 063648 32589

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