Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

By Author

Published on December 29, 2023

In a significant move to rejuvenate the tourism sector, the Himachal Pradesh government kicked off the inaugural Shimla Winter Carnival, a 12-day celebration aimed at uplifting the spirits of the hill state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the event at the historic Ridge, marking a historic moment for the city.

The winter carnival holds special significance as it comes on the heels of a challenging period for Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry, severely impacted by the recent monsoon disruptions. Chief Minister Sukhu, during the inauguration, acknowledged the adverse effects of the monsoon fury but expressed optimism about the state's recovery. He highlighted the influx of 30,000 tourist vehicles in the past days as a promising sign of the tourism industry's revival.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting tourism, Chief Minister Sukhu announced a substantial increase in the budget for the tourism sector, reaching Rs. 3,000 crores from the previous Rs. 50 crores. This financial boost aims to support the recovery efforts and further elevate Himachal Pradesh as a preferred tourist destination.

image

To facilitate a seamless experience for visitors, the state government has permitted all restaurants, dhabas, and food shops to remain open 24 hours from December 20, 2023, to January 5, 2024. This move is aligned with the government's focus on providing a warm welcome to tourists and enhancing their overall experience in the state.

The Winter Carnival promises an array of attractions, including cultural parades, folk dance performances like Mahanati, and exhibitions featuring local dishes and cultural programs. The carnival, set to conclude on January 5, 2024, is strategically timed during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere in Shimla.

Apart from being a delightful experience for tourists, the carnival aims to celebrate Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage. Cultural programs such as Kullavi Nati and Singtu of Sirmaur district were presented, contributing to the vibrant celebration. The event, graced by dignitaries, including Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, is expected to have a positive economic impact on the state.

The Shimla Winter Carnival signifies a turning point for Himachal Pradesh's tourism, ushering in hope, festive cheer, and a promising outlook for the future.


Seoul Dak Opens in Oshiwara Andheri and Mumbai's Korean Food Scene Just Got Crispier

Seoul Dak Opens in Oshiwara Andheri and Mumbai's Korean Food Scene Just Got Crispier

By Hariharan U

Published on March 16, 2026

Mumbai's love for Korean food isn't slowing down, and Seoul Dak is making sure Andheri doesn't miss out. The Korean-founded QSR brand has opened its newest outlet in Oshiwara, bringing its cult-favourite Korean Fried Chicken and Seoul-style street food to one of the city's busiest hubs.

The star of the menu is Seoul Dak's signature Korean Fried Chicken, and it earns every bit of attention it gets. Deeply marinated for flavour and double-fried for that ultra-light, shatteringly crispy coating, it's the kind of fried chicken that makes you understand immediately why South Korea turned it into a cultural institution. The sauce lineup runs from smoky K-BBQ and garlicky Ganjang (soy garlic) to Sweet and Spicy and the aptly named Volcano, which does exactly what it promises.

Beyond the chicken, the menu covers the kind of Korean street food favourites that have been building loyal followings far beyond Seoul. Tteokbokki, the chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce, are a comfort food staple. Soupy K-Ramen brings warm, satisfying bowl energy to the spread. Cheese corn dogs round things out with the indulgent, crowd-pleasing energy that's made them a street food phenomenon.

What keeps Seoul Dak honest is its approach to authenticity. Most key ingredients are sourced directly from South Korea, and the recipes follow traditional Korean flavour profiles. The only concession made for local diners is spice level adjustment. The core flavours stay exactly as they should be.

Recent menu additions including Potato Cheese Corn Dog, Seoul Cheese Bombs, Onion Rings, and Matcha-based beverages show the brand evolving in a measured, consumer-led way without drifting from what makes it special.

The Oshiwara opening is also part of a bigger plan. Seoul Dak is working towards 10 outlets by early 2026 and 50 locations over the following three years, operating across Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru as it builds towards its goal of becoming the largest and most loved Korean QSR brand in the region.

Mumbai's Korean food movement keeps growing, and Seoul Dak is here to keep it crispy


Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Reveals Extended 51–100 List

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Reveals Extended 51–100 List

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 16, 2026

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, has unveiled the extended 51–100 list for 2026 ahead of the main awards ceremony set to take place in Hong Kong. The list provides an early glimpse into the region’s evolving dining landscape and recognises outstanding culinary establishments across Asia.

The rankings are compiled by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, which consists of more than 350 influential industry leaders including chefs, restaurateurs, culinary professionals, food writers, and critics from across the region.

This year’s extended list spans 27 cities, four more than last year, reflecting the growing diversity and reach of Asia’s dining scene. Ten new cities are represented in the 2026 list, with Busan, Chengdu, Kanazawa, and Nishikawa appearing for the first time.

image

A total of 12 restaurants have made their debut on the 51–100 list, highlighting the continued growth and innovation shaping Asia’s culinary landscape.

Seoul leads the rankings by city with seven restaurants featured on the extended list, including the new entry San at No.54. Busan has also made its first appearance in the rankings with Fiotto placed at No.99.

Bangkok has five restaurants on the list, while Singapore and Hong Kong each claim four spots. All three destinations have also welcomed a returning entry this year.

Japan continues to demonstrate strong representation, with Tokyo featuring three restaurants including new entry Sushi Shunji at No.63. The city of Kanazawa has two new restaurants on the list, Kataori at No.82 and Respiración at No.92. Nishikawa also celebrates its debut with Dewaya at No.93, reflecting the growing recognition of culinary excellence across various Japanese cities.

In China, Chef 1996 in Beijing stands out as the highest-ranked new entry, placed at No.52. Chengdu also joins the extended ranking for the first time with restaurant Co- positioned at No.69.

Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan has recorded the highest rise on the extended list, moving up 22 places to secure the No.62 position.

A spokesperson for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants said, “We are delighted to unveil this year's 51-100 list, welcoming more outstanding establishments into this year's extended ranking. The 51-100 list once again highlights the incredibly diverse and thriving culinary scene of the region, this year including restaurants from 27 cities, with 12 restaurants represented on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time.”

The complete list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2026 will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for March 25, 2026 in Hong Kong. The event will be held in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and will be streamed live on the 50 Best YouTube channel starting at 20:00 Hong Kong time.


Nestlé India Expands Nespresso Presence with New Boutique in Gurugram

Nestlé India Expands Nespresso Presence with New Boutique in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 16, 2026

Nestlé India has expanded the footprint of its premium coffee brand Nespresso with the launch of a new boutique at Ambience Mall in Gurugram. The opening marks another step in the brand’s growing presence in India and aims to bring its signature coffee experience closer to consumers.

The new boutique has been designed as an immersive experiential space where visitors can explore Nespresso’s range of coffee machines and exclusive blends across its Original and Professional systems. The store allows coffee enthusiasts to discover different flavour profiles, receive personalised consultations, and participate in curated tasting experiences that enhance both at-home and workplace coffee rituals.

The launch builds on the successful debut of Nespresso’s first boutique in India at Select City Walk in Saket, which opened in 2025. With the addition of the Gurugram location, Nestlé India continues to strengthen Nespresso’s retail presence and expand access to its premium coffee offerings.

Gurugram has emerged as a significant market for the brand due to the growing demand for high-quality coffee experiences among urban consumers. The city’s expanding base of coffee connoisseurs and professionals seeking premium in-home coffee solutions makes it an important destination for Nespresso’s next phase of growth in India.

The new boutique at Ambience Mall provides a dedicated space for customers to experience the brand’s craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability-focused approach to coffee. By offering hands-on engagement with its machines and blends, Nespresso aims to create a deeper connection between consumers and its coffee culture.

Commenting on the launch, Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, said, “Indian consumers have long appreciated premium coffee experiences, and that affinity continues to grow. When we launched our flagship store in Saket, we recognised the potential of this evolving relationship. With Nespresso’s presence in Gurugram now, we are one step closer to extending that experience further, whether it is through an everyday household ritual or part of a larger cultural narrative.”

M/s Thakral Innovations Pvt. Ltd serves as the official distribution partner for Nespresso and Nestlé India in the country, managing the full range of Nespresso coffee products across various channels.

With this expansion, Nestlé India continues to bring Nespresso’s globally recognised coffee culture to Indian consumers while strengthening the brand’s retail footprint in key metropolitan markets.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.