Six Taj Restaurants in Chennai Win Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024

Six Taj Restaurants in Chennai Win Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 6, 2024

Six premier dining destinations from Taj Hotels in Chennai have earned the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024, solidifying their place among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide. The prestigious award recognises the restaurants’ commitment to offering unique and exceptional dining experiences, consistently praised by travellers. The awardees include Southern Spice, Golden Dragon, Anise, and Chipstead at Taj Coromandel, along with Raintree and The Verandah at Taj Connemara.

These restaurants represent a rich blend of traditional and contemporary culinary styles, attracting guests with their delectable cuisine and world-class service. Speaking about this recognition, Sarabjeet Singh, Senior Vice President - Operations, expressed his delight: “I am thrilled that several of our restaurants have won the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to the excellence of our cuisine, the rich heritage of our restaurants, and the dedication of our teams to serving our guests. We thank our patrons for their continued support and trust and remain committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences.”

Taj Coromandel, a landmark in Chennai's hospitality scene for over five decades, is renowned for its luxurious dining experiences. Among its celebrated restaurants, Southern Spice stands out as the country’s iconic South Indian specialty restaurant, offering an authentic culinary journey through the four southern states—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Golden Dragon, a pioneer in introducing fine Sichuan cuisine to Chennai, continues to excel under the guidance of its expat master chef, Lian, who curates a stellar selection of Chinese delicacies.

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For a more casual yet sophisticated dining experience, Anise, an all-day dining restaurant, offers a diverse menu featuring global flavours, from Italian to Mediterranean and coastal dishes. For those looking for a relaxing evening, Chipstead, the chic bar and lounge, provides a perfect setting with its vibrant cocktails and elegant ambience.

Meanwhile, Taj Connemara, South India’s oldest hotel with a history spanning over 127 years, continues to enchant diners with two award-winning restaurants—Raintree and The Verandah. Raintree is a celebrated destination for authentic Chettinad cuisine, offering culinary adventurers the opportunity to explore bold, traditional flavours from Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad province. The Verandah, an all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, brings global flavours to the table, but its Anglo-Indian menu, inspired by the colonial era, remains a highlight, evoking memories of the British Raj.

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The Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards are a reflection of the restaurants’ unwavering dedication to excellence, as only establishments that consistently receive outstanding reviews from travellers earn this honour. These Taj restaurants in Chennai continue to push the boundaries of fine dining, creating unforgettable experiences for their guests.


Snacks, Sips & Gains: Protein Finds a New Place in Indian Lifestyles

Snacks, Sips & Gains: Protein Finds a New Place in Indian Lifestyles

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

In a market where indulgence and health once stood at opposite ends, a quiet revolution is brewing—and it tastes like chocolate, nut butter, and flavored water. According to insights shared by Nikita from Rainmakers Consults, protein is emerging as the new everyday hero in India’s snacking and sipping culture.

“The narrative around protein has changed dramatically,” Nikita says. “It’s no longer just about fitness goals or gym routines. Indian consumers now want delicious, convenient, and functional products that make them feel good—without sacrificing taste.”

Here are three brands that are reimagining how protein fits into our daily lives:

SuperYou

Co-founded by Ranveer Singh and Nikunj Biyani, SuperYou is flipping the script on protein snacking. Their wafer-style protein bars are available in indulgent flavors like chocolate, choco-peanut butter, strawberry crème, cheese, and the newly launched coffee variant. The brand’s mission is simple: make protein fun, tasty, and part of your daily snack stack.

Twiddle

This mindful snacking brand, founded by Yuvraj Singh in collaboration with Alfinity Studios, puts plant-powered protein at the center of its nut-based spreads and energy bites. Crafted with almonds, cashews, roasted seeds, and sweetened naturally with jaggery, dates, and figs, Twiddle aims to offer clean indulgence that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. It’s a go-to for conscious consumers looking to fuel their day.

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Aquatein

As India’s first protein water brand, Aquatein is redefining how we hydrate. Co-founded by Ananth B. Prabhala and Mitisha A. Mehta, with Suniel Shetty as investor and brand ambassador, Aquatein infuses whey protein isolate into ready-to-drink flavored water. For consumers on the go, it’s a seamless way to increase protein intake without powders or shakes.

With India’s protein deficiency still a concern and wellness-oriented consumption on the rise, the timing couldn't be better. These brands are not just selling products—they’re reshaping habits, busting myths, and making protein feel deliciously accessible.

As Nikita puts it, “We’re at a point where health is finally meeting hedonism—and protein is the bridge.”

Stay tuned as we continue tracking how functional foods like these transform Indian grocery shelves—and our daily diets.


World Cocktail Day Recipes: 4 Festive Cocktails to Try from Ocho Mumbai & Carnival by Tresind

World Cocktail Day Recipes: 4 Festive Cocktails to Try from Ocho Mumbai & Carnival by Tresind

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

World Cocktail Day is the perfect excuse to shake things up with something creative and delicious. To mark the occasion, Ocho Mumbai and Carnival by Tresind have shared four of their signature cocktail recipes—each one packed with personality, global inspiration, and plenty of festive flair.

MOCIÓN – by Palash Gaikwad, Ocho Mumbai

Inspired by: The essence of movement and natural fermentation

Ingredients:

  • 45 ml Dark Rum

  • 25 ml Cacao Liqueur

  • 30 ml Pineapple Tepache

  • ½ bar spoon Ginger Juice

  • 3 drops Bitters

  • 7.5 ml Lemon Cordial

  • Handful of Mint Leaves

  • Ginger Ale (to top)

  • Crushed Ice

  • Ginger (for garnish)

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Method:

  1. Add all ingredients (except ginger ale and garnish) to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake vigorously until well chilled.

  3. Strain into a clay cup with 4 ice cubes and mint leaves.

  4. Top with ginger ale and a layer of crushed ice.

Garnish: Mint sprig and dehydrated pineapple
Glassware: Clay cup with a small Mexican flag

Tasting Notes:
 A refreshing cocktail with tropical citrus, spice, and smooth depth.

DUALIDAD – by Palash Gaikwad, Ocho Mumbai

Inspired by: Contrasts and balance in flavor

Ingredients:

  • 60 ml Bourbon Whiskey

  • 30 ml Pomegranate Juice

  • 15 ml Pomegranate Molasses

  • 15 ml Condensed Coconut Milk

  • 4–5 Fresh Basil Leaves

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Method:

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake until chilled.

  3. Strain into a Tiffany rock glass.

  4. Top with black sesame coconut foam.

Garnish: Basil leaf
Glassware: Tiffany-style rock glass

Tasting Notes:
 Dry yet creamy, fruit-forward yet boozy—perfect for those who enjoy layered flavors.

CANDYFLIP – by Rahul Kamath, Carnival by Tresind

Inspired by: Cologne Carnival, Germany

Ingredients:

  • 20 ml Campari

  • 35 ml Fluffy Grapefruit Juice

  • 5 ml Lime Juice

  • 15 ml Thyme Syrup

  • Beer (to top)

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Method:

  1. Add Campari, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and thyme syrup to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake briefly.

  3. Strain into a highball glass with ice.

  4. Top with beer and stir gently.

Garnish: Grapefruit twist or thyme sprig (optional)
Glassware: Highball glass

Tasting Notes:
 Bittersweet, citrusy, and playful—just like a carnival.

JAVA JAMBOREE – by Rahul Kamath, Carnival by Tresind

Inspired by: Notting Hill Carnival, London

Ingredients:

  • 40 ml Jim Beam

  • 20 ml In-house Coffee Liqueur

  • 20 ml Fresh Espresso

  • 5 ml Demerara Syrup

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Method:

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.

  2. Shake vigorously until well chilled.

  3. Fine strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.

  4. Top with coconut-miso foam.

Glassware: Nick and Nora glass

Tasting Notes:
 Rich, bold, and full of soul—this is an espresso martini with a carnival twist.

These four drinks are more than just cocktails—they're a celebration of cultures, creativity, and craftsmanship. Try them at home and toast to World Cocktail Day in style!


A Sip of Bold: Muro Bengaluru’s “Sweet Chin Music” Breaks the Whisky Mold this World Whisky Day

A Sip of Bold: Muro Bengaluru’s “Sweet Chin Music” Breaks the Whisky Mold this World Whisky Day

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

This World Whisky Day, Bengaluru’s Muro invites you to skip the traditional pour and try something wildly inventive. Enter Sweet Chin Music—a cocktail that challenges the usual and delights the unexpected. Crafted by Sahil Essani, Muro’s ever-curious bar manager, this ₹895 signature concoction isn’t just a drink, it’s a full-on experience.

The base? A rich 45ml burnt butter whisky, delivering a savory depth from the very first sip. But that’s just the opening act. Shiitake essence and kombu hydrosol layer in earthy umami flavours, while a hint of banana syrup introduces mellow sweetness. Cacao and orange bitters tie it all together—sharp, smooth, and seriously well-balanced.

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Then comes the showstopper: a delicate strip of lavash, topped with coconut namelaka—a silky, creamy topping that serves as both garnish and dessert. It’s the kind of extra that turns a cocktail into a conversation starter.

With Sweet Chin Music, Sahil Essani doesn’t just make a drink—he tells a story, one rich with flavour, texture, and unexpected harmony. A bit strange? Definitely. A bit genius? Without question. This is mixology that dares to dream a little bigger.

Nikita from Rainmaker Consults shared this one-of-a-kind creation with us just in time for World Whisky Day—and we’re raising our glasses to the innovation.

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