Soy Soi Chennai Reimagined: A Journey Through Asia's Flavours, Now Elevated

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on April 29, 2025

Hospitalitynews had the distinct pleasure of being hosted at the newly reimagined Soy Soi, Chennai’s beloved Pan-Asian dining destination, on April 28, 2025. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pricol Gourmet Private Limited, Mr. Siddharth Malhotra (Director of Operations), Chef Peter Tseng (Culinary Director), and Brand Chef Rajat Gurung, who took the time to personally welcome us and guide us through this extraordinary culinary journey.

Since its opening in March 2017 at the prime location of Kotturpuram, Soy Soi has been a pioneer in presenting authentic, lesser-known cuisines of South East Asia. Conceptualized after an immersive 21-day food research trip across Singapore, Bali, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Jakarta, and Bangkok, Soy Soi was never just another Pan-Asian restaurant — it was a passion project dedicated to authenticity, flavour, and experience​.

Now, stepping into its 9th year, Soy Soi returns with a minimalistic fine-dining avatar, putting a sharper focus on elevated food, impeccable service, and a sophisticated new ambience. The revamped menu, curated by Chef Peter Tseng, celebrates the best of South-East Asia while introducing exciting Japanese and Korean influences.

During our visit, we savoured some truly remarkable dishes from the refreshed menu:

  • Wild Mushroom Gyoza: Tender pockets filled with assorted mushrooms, napa cabbage, and leeks, pan-seared to perfection.

  • Crispy Spicy Avocado Sushi: A vibrant roll layered with jalapeño, creamy avocado, spicy mayo, and a crunchy tanuki crust.

  • Avocado Carpaccio: Elegant slices of avocado served with jalapeño relish, rice crispies, and a zingy ginger ponzu dressing.

  • Eggplant Aka Miso: Smoky grilled eggplant glazed with a rich miso dressing, complemented by roasted sesame sauce and karashi mustard.

  • Karipap: Deep-fried mini curry puffs stuffed with curried vegetables, paired beautifully with Malay potato curry.

  • Spicy Pho: A comforting Vietnamese broth with rice noodles and thinly sliced chicken or beef, freshened with basil.

  • Malaysian Vegetable Curry: Aromatic vegetables slow-cooked in coconut milk, delivering bold, traditional Malaysian flavours.

Every dish was brought alive by the passion and attention of Chef Rajat Gurung, who patiently shared the inspirations, ingredients, and techniques behind each creation, making the dining experience even more special.

The newly designed 2800 sq. ft. space with a seating capacity of 92 offers a relaxed yet refined setting, allowing the vibrant food to take center stage.

image

Restaurant Fact Sheet – SOY SOI

  • Exact Name: Soy Soi

  • Wallet Factor: Meal for 2 approx. ₹2,400

  • Address: 2/10, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Chitra Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600085

  • Cuisine: Pan Asian (with new Japanese & Korean influences)

  • Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

  • Seating Capacity: 92

  • Total Area: Approx. 2800 sq.ft.

  • Partners: Pricol Gourmet Private Limited

image

With such extraordinary food, warm hospitality, and an unforgettable overall experience, Hospitalitynews has no doubt that Soy Soi is set to bag all the top accolades in the city’s culinary scene.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Soy Soi’s soulful flavours and elevated fine-dining journey await you.

Highly recommended.


Barista Celebrates Women’s Day with Free Coffee Upgrade for Women

Barista Celebrates Women’s Day with Free Coffee Upgrade for Women

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 8, 2026

Barista Coffee Company is marking International Women’s Day with a special campaign titled ‘She Inspires. We Upgrade.’ The initiative celebrates the strength, creativity, and everyday influence of women by offering them a complimentary coffee upgrade across Barista cafés.

The campaign is designed as a simple yet meaningful gesture to appreciate the many ways women inspire those around them. By upgrading every woman’s coffee order, the brand aims to add a small moment of celebration to their day.

image

On 08th March, women visiting any Barista café can enjoy this special upgrade as part of the Women’s Day celebration. Whether they are stopping by for a quick break from work, meeting friends for a catch-up, or simply taking some time to relax, the offer is meant to make the coffee experience a little more memorable.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said, “Women inspire change, creativity, and strength in everyday life. Through our campaign, we wanted to celebrate and acknowledge their contribution in a simple yet meaningful way. At Barista, coffee has always been about creating experiences and moments of connection, and this Women’s Day we invite women to come celebrate themselves over a cup of coffee.”

With this campaign, Barista continues to focus on creating meaningful café experiences that celebrate people and everyday moments. The ‘She Inspires. We Upgrade.’ Women’s Day offer will be available exclusively on 08th March across Barista cafés, inviting women to enjoy an upgraded coffee experience and celebrate the occasion dedicated to them.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Has a Special Iftar Menu for Ramadan and It Looks Delicious

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Has a Special Iftar Menu for Ramadan and It Looks Delicious

By Hariharan U

Published on March 8, 2026

Ramadan is as much about the table as it is about reflection and The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is making sure the Iftar spread this year is one worth gathering around.

The Chennai-based cloud kitchen has launched a limited-edition Iftar Special Menu for Ramadan 2026, thoughtfully put together to capture the warmth and generosity that define this holy month. Rooted in North Indian culinary traditions particularly the bold, comforting flavours of Amritsari cooking, the menu is designed for families and friends coming together at sundown.

What's on the Menu

The spread reads like a celebration of everything good about Indian street food and home cooking, brought together for one special occasion.

It opens with Amritsari Samosa Chaat - crispy samosas layered with spicy chana, yoghurt, chutneys, and sev. Classic, comforting, and exactly the kind of thing you want to break a fast with.

Then there's the Multani Paneer Tikka - juicy paneer marinated in yoghurt, pomegranate juice, and house spices, grilled to tender perfection. The pomegranate marinade is a lovely touch that sets it apart from the usual tikka.

The Lawrance Road Wali Aloo Tikki brings serious Amritsari street food energy - potato tikkis stuffed with lentils, served with chole, yoghurt, and tangy chutneys. It's hearty, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.

For something a little different, the Afgani Broccoli & Cauliflower is a standout - broccoli in a creamy cashew paste and cauliflower in Kashmiri chilli yoghurt, grilled together for a dish that's both delicate and bold.

The Wraps keep things easy and filling - soft parathas wrapped around hearty fillings that are flavourful and fuss-free, perfect for a relaxed Iftar table.

And to round things off, Dry Fruit Panjiri - traditional roasted semolina in ghee, loaded with almonds, pistachios, and lotus seeds. It's the kind of sweet ending that feels like a hug.

Chef Deepa shared that the menu was created to reflect the warmth, generosity, and joy of sharing meals during Iftar — values that sit at the heart of both the festival and her own cooking philosophy.

The Woman Behind the Kitchen

Chef Deepa Arora's story is one worth knowing. A homemaker-turned-chef, she turned her love for traditional Punjabi cooking into an award-winning cloud kitchen based in Chennai. Her food is built around three things purity, authenticity, and the kind of care that goes into cooking for family. That same spirit comes through clearly in this Ramadan menu.

For orders and collaborations, reach out at +91 9363544123 or follow along on Instagram at @thekitchenbychefdeepa.


Dhaba Indian Cuisine in New York Just Dropped a New Menu and It's All About Real Indian Flavours

Dhaba Indian Cuisine in New York Just Dropped a New Menu and It's All About Real Indian Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on March 8, 2026

New York has no shortage of Indian restaurants, but Dhaba Indian Cuisine has always stood a little apart. Known for bringing honest, bold North Indian flavours to the city, the restaurant has now gone a step further with a newly curated menu that's as exciting as it is comforting.

The new menu has been crafted by Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary, Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York and it's clear that the brief was simple: keep it real, keep it flavourful, and make it work for the modern diner without losing what makes Indian food so special in the first place.

Street Food, Tandoor & Everything in Between

The menu kicks off strong with a lineup of appetisers that reads like a tour of India's best street food stops. Achari Paneer Tikka, Kurkuri Bhindi, Lasuni Gobi, and Mushroom Malai Wali sit alongside crowd favourites like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri, and Aloo Tikki Chaat. It's the kind of starter section that makes choosing difficult — in the best possible way.

The tandoor section keeps the momentum going with Murgh Tikka, Tangri Kebab, Tandoori Jhinga, and a Dhaba Mixed Grill, all prepared with traditional marinades in a clay oven, the way it's meant to be done.

Curries That Feel Like Home

The curry section is where the menu really shines. Malai Kofta, Kadai Paneer, Sarson da Saag, Rogan Josh, Methi Murgh, and Dhaba Goat Curry, it's a lineup that covers the full range of India's regional cooking. Paired with aromatic biryanis Chicken, Lamb, and Vegetable Paneer and freshly baked breads like Garlic Naan, Laccha Paratha, and Tandoori Roti, it's a proper, satisfying spread.

Chef Chaudhary's Signature Touch

What makes this menu stand out are the signature dishes that Chef Chaudhary has introduced, creations that reflect his own take on Indian cooking. Manahari Paneer Lababdar, Chatpata Imaliwala Aloo, Hari Mutter Nazakat Kebab, and Chuja Khas Chicken Lababdar are the kind of dishes that feel rooted in tradition but carry a creative spark that makes them memorable.

Chef Chaudhary summed up the philosophy behind the menu, "Our goal with this menu is to celebrate authentic dhaba style cuisine while presenting it in a way that connects with today's diners. Each dish reflects traditional recipes, bold spices, and comforting flavors that represent the true spirit of Indian food."

A Sweet Finish

The menu wraps up on a classic note with desserts like Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Moong Dal Halwa, Gajar Ka Halwa, traditional Bengali Mithai, and Agra Petha, served alongside refreshing lassis and beverages. It's the kind of ending that makes you sit back and smile.

For anyone in New York craving a proper Indian meal, not a watered-down version, but the real thing — Dhaba Indian Cuisine just made a very strong case for itself.

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.