Snacks, Sips & Gains: How Protein Is Powering India’s New-Age Indulgences

Snacks, Sips & Gains: How Protein Is Powering India’s New-Age Indulgences

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

Once upon a time, protein in India belonged in two places: gym bags and diet plans. Today? It’s in your snack drawer, your kitchen shelf, and even your water bottle.

The conversation around protein has undergone a cultural remix—blending indulgence, convenience, and wellness in a way that's resonating with modern Indian consumers. Whether you're tackling back-to-back meetings or reaching for a guilt-free dessert, protein is showing up in delicious, unexpected formats.

Here are three brands leading the protein revolution in India’s functional food space:

SuperYou: Protein That’s All Fun, No Fuss

Co-founded by actor Ranveer Singh and entrepreneur Nikunj Biyani, SuperYou is giving protein bars a glow-up. Forget the chewy, chalky bars of the past. Their wafer-style protein bars come in indulgent flavors like chocolate, choco-peanut butter, strawberry crème, cheese, and their newly launched coffee variant. SuperYou’s goal? To make protein fun, tasty, and snack-worthy—something you'd reach for just because it tastes great, not just because it’s healthy.

Twiddle: Mindful Snacking Gets a Protein Punch

Launched by Yuvraj Singh in collaboration with Alfinity Studios, Twiddle is a snacking brand that’s combining nutrition with indulgence. Their nut-based spreads and energy bites are made using almonds, cashews, roasted seeds, and natural sweeteners like jaggery, dates, and figs. Protein is at the heart of Twiddle’s offerings, delivering a clean-label snacking experience that appeals to today’s conscious consumers.

Aquatein: Protein Meets Hydration

Aquatein, India’s first protein-infused water brand, is changing how people hydrate and nourish. Co-founded by Ananth B. Prabhala and Mitisha A. Mehta, with Suniel Shetty on board as investor and brand ambassador, Aquatein offers ready-to-drink flavored water infused with whey protein isolate. It’s a convenient, supplement-free way to address India’s growing protein gap—especially for those with busy lifestyles or limited dietary options.

The Bigger Picture

With rising awareness about India’s protein deficiency and increasing demand for functional foods, brands are creating solutions that are as tasty as they are beneficial.

Whether it's a wafer bar, a protein-packed nut spread, or a hydrating drink with a health twist—protein is stepping out of the gym and into the mainstream.

This isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about making better choices easier and more enjoyable. And judging by the shelves—and the startups—it looks like India is just getting started.


Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a historic win for Indian cuisine, Chef Vijay Kumar, hailing from a small village near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has been awarded Best Chef: New York State at the prestigious James Beard Awards 2025. Held on Monday night in Chicago, the awards are regarded as one of the culinary world’s highest honours — and for the first time, an Indian restaurant and chef have claimed this top spot in New York.

Kumar is the Executive Chef of Semma, a restaurant that has revolutionized the Indian fine dining scene in New York. Part of the Unapologetic Foods group led by Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, Semma is unapologetically rooted in South Indian heritage, serving dishes rarely seen outside Tamil homes. From fiery nathai pirattal (snail curry) to eral thokku (spicy prawns) and foxtail millet khichdi, the food is bold, soulful, and deeply personal — served in clay pots and on banana leaves, often without cutlery.

Dressed in a traditional Veshti while accepting the award, Kumar shared an emotional moment:

“When I started cooking, I never thought a kid like me from Tamil Nadu could make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up with — food made with care and fire, with soul — is now taking the main stage. There’s no such thing as poor people’s food or rich people’s food. If it’s true, it’s powerful.”

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Semma has consistently earned accolades since its opening in 2021. It holds a Michelin star for three years running and was crowned No. 1 on The New York Times’ 100 Best Restaurants list — a rare feat for an Indian restaurant. But for Kumar, this moment is about more than stars and rankings. It’s about representation, roots, and reclaiming pride in food once hidden in shame.

Growing up in Arasampatti, a village surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees, Kumar recalls how dishes like snail curry were once considered farmer’s food — something to be kept from classmates. It wasn’t until culinary school that he saw escargot on a fine-dining menu and realized: “Maybe the world just hadn’t tasted our food yet.”

Originally dreaming of becoming an engineer, financial limitations led Kumar to pursue catering college — a twist of fate that launched a career celebrating the food of his ancestors. Today, with a James Beard medal and a mission that resonates from New York to Tamil Nadu, Chef Vijay Kumar has not only redefined fine dining but also carved a powerful space for heritage cuisine in global gastronomy.

Semma is no longer just a restaurant — it’s a revolution in flavour, identity, and cultural pride.


PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Globally celebrated French bakery and café PAUL is set to make its Bengaluru debut this August with its first outlet at Orion Gateway Mall, Rajajinagar. With a rich legacy spanning over 135 years, PAUL brings its signature French charm to the city in a stunning alfresco lakeside setting covering 3,850 square feet.

The menu will feature a refined selection of authentic French delicacies—from quiche lorraine, croque monsieur, savoury crêpes, and French onion soup, to caramelized canelés. Bengaluru’s food lovers can also enjoy sourdough Napoletana pizzas, tartines, pastas, rice bowls, salads, risottos, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages—all made using the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients.

The Parisian-style ambience at PAUL makes it the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or even a quick solo indulgence. Whether it's a casual coffee date or a business meeting, PAUL promises a slice of France in the heart of the city.

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Sunil Munshi, Senior Vice President – Retail, Brigade Group, said:

"The upcoming launch of PAUL at Orion Gateway Mall furthers our commitment to delivering globally inspired experiences crafted with innovation and care. We’re excited to bring this iconic French tradition to Bengaluru and confident it will become a favourite among the city's food connoisseurs.”

Vaibhav Kaushish, Chief Operating Officer, PAUL India, added:

“Opening our first outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone. Staying true to our brand's philosophy of Eat Well, Live Well, we bring the finest ingredients—free from palm oil and artificial additives—and French staples like viennoiseries, hot chocolate, and pain au chocolat to this vibrant city.”

PAUL’s commitment to authenticity, wellness, and sustainability, combined with its heritage of artisanal craftsmanship, makes it a much-awaited culinary destination for Bengalureans. With its debut, the city is all set to savour the best of French bakery traditions—one croissant at a time.


Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Figaro’s Pizza has unveiled a bold new chapter, staying true to its roots while elevating every element of the pizza experience. Known for its dedication to freshness and flavour, Figaro’s reaffirms its core philosophy: honest ingredients, expertly crafted.

At the heart of every Figaro’s offering is fresh dough made daily, 100% real cheese, and never-frozen vegetables—a trio that ensures every bite is not just delicious but crafted with intention and integrity.

Spotlight on Signature Flavours

1. Mama’s Favorite Pizza
A classic with a twist. Perfect for those who love bold, meaty flavours, this pizza combines chicken pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, and capsicum, layered on your choice of red sauce or creamy garlic base. A celebration of richness and balance.

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2. Rainbow Pizza
Vegetarians, rejoice! This colourful and flavour-packed pizza brings together garlic mushrooms, baby corn, black olives, capsicum, and tomatoes. It’s a visual and gastronomic treat, offered with Figaro’s signature red or creamy garlic sauce.

3. Figaro’s Special Garden Salad
Fresh, light, and full of crunch, this salad brings together capsicum, onions, tomatoes, and olives tossed in Caesar or Italian dressing. A perfect pairing to any main.

4. Santa Fe BBQ Sandwich
Comfort meets bold in this grilled chicken sandwich, layered with sweet onions, red paprika, tomatoes, melted cheese, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce. A hearty choice for those craving depth and flavour.

Whether you’re a loyal Figaro’s fan or a new diner, the menu’s flavour-forward philosophy ensures there’s something to love. These creations are more than meals—they’re crafted experiences, designed to satisfy both the stomach and the soul.

At Figaro’s Pizza, flavour isn’t just served—it’s redefined.

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