SŌZŌ Blends Tradition and Innovation in Mumbai’s First Self-Ordering Izakaya

SŌZŌ Blends Tradition and Innovation in Mumbai’s First Self-Ordering Izakaya

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 24, 2024

SŌZŌ, a trailblazer in Japanese culinary innovation, has introduced Mumbai’s first self-ordering izakaya dining experience with the opening of its flagship restaurant in Versova. This new concept blends the traditional flavors of Japanese izakaya cuisine with the convenience of modern self-service, offering a unique dining experience for patrons.

The restaurant is led by Head Chef Parvez Khan, who brings his expertise from working at renowned establishments like Wasabi by Morimoto, and Sameer Tirani, a visionary investor in the hospitality sector. Together, they have crafted a diverse menu that highlights "express-comfort izakaya" dishes. The offerings include a variety of Japanese comfort foods, such as the juicy SOZO BAO-GER, flavorful DONBURI bowls, warm RAMEN, and classic GYOZA, all made with high-quality ingredients sourced directly from Japan. These dishes are served quickly through an easy-to-use, self-ordering system.

SŌZŌ’s interior is designed to reflect the cozy, inviting atmosphere of a traditional Japanese home, fused with modern elements. The 1200 sq. ft space features traditional Japanese Noren banners, natural wood moldings, and a shoji-inspired ceiling, creating an intimate dining setting. A striking glossy red wall with a large glass window offers diners a view of the culinary team at work, while a serene Zen garden provides a peaceful retreat within the restaurant.

Beyond the food, SŌZŌ offers a carefully curated selection of beverages, including in-house drinks, frappes with boba, and Kombucha, all designed to complement the rich flavors of the menu.

Chef Parvez Khan expressed the vision behind SŌZŌ, stating, "We aim to revolutionize Japanese dining by merging the convenience of self-ordering with the immersive experience of a traditional izakaya." Partner Sameer Tirani added, "Our goal is to create a seamless, authentic, and value-driven dining experience that stands out by integrating traditional Japanese culinary art with modern service efficiencies."

SŌZŌ is open daily from 12 pm to 11 pm, offering both quick lunches and indulgent dinners in a setting that celebrates Japanese culture and culinary excellence.


Millo Expands to Nagpur with Unique Dining Concept

Millo Expands to Nagpur with Unique Dining Concept

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 13, 2026

Millo has expanded its footprint to Nagpur, marking an important step in the brand’s journey and adding a fresh perspective to the city’s growing food and beverage culture.

After gaining popularity in Mumbai, the brand now brings its signature high-energy and design-led dining experience to Nagpur. The new space is designed to go beyond just dining, offering a setting where people can connect, relax, and spend time across different occasions.

Positioned as a social space, Millo Nagpur blends comfort with a strong visual identity. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a long conversation, or an evening out, the space is built to suit different moods. With thoughtful design, varied seating, and attention to detail, it introduces a more modern and experience-first approach to dining in the city.

At the heart of the offering is a multi-cuisine menu that brings together Mexican, Italian, and Asian influences into a vegetarian-forward concept. The idea is to keep dishes familiar yet elevate them through flavour, presentation, and balance, encouraging sharing and repeat visits.

Sharing his thoughts, Sujit Mehta, the founder said, “Nagpur felt like a natural next step for Millo. It’s a city that is evolving quickly, with a growing audience that is curious, social, and open to new experiences. With Millo, we wanted to bring something that doesn’t just serve food, but creates a space people can return to, for different moods, different moments, and different reasons.”

Adding to this, Savan Bhatewara & Sharmila Shah, co-founders further noted, “While Mumbai shaped the Millo identity, Nagpur gives us the opportunity to build deeper community engagement. The idea is to stay consistent in what we stand for, while still adapting to how people in each city like to dine, gather, and spend their time.”

More than its menu or interiors, what sets Millo Nagpur apart is its focus on changing how people engage with dining. It is positioned not just as a special-occasion spot, but as an elevated everyday space where guests can drop in casually and stay longer.

With this launch, Millo adds a new layer to Nagpur’s hospitality scene, reflecting a wider shift towards global flavours, thoughtful design, and experience-led dining.


Rooftop Innings at Pangeo Brings Cricket Fever to Bengaluru’s Skyline

Rooftop Innings at Pangeo Brings Cricket Fever to Bengaluru’s Skyline

By Hariharan U

Published on April 11, 2026

Pangeo has introduced Rooftop Innings, a high-energy cricket screening experience that transforms match days into vibrant social gatherings in the heart of the city.

Set against a lively rooftop backdrop, the experience brings together the thrill of live cricket with an elevated nightlife setting, creating an atmosphere that keeps the energy going from the first ball to the final over. Designed for corporate outings, team evenings, and casual catch-ups, Rooftop Innings seamlessly blends sport with celebration.

The experience is complemented by a thoughtfully curated menu featuring indulgent sharing platters and bold, flavour-forward offerings. Guests can enjoy handcrafted dumpling baskets, sushi platters with balanced umami profiles, and expansive vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections including paneer tikka assortments and tandoori seafood platters.

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Adding to the excitement are crowd favourites such as peri peri tandoori drums, smoky ghost wings, and sriracha wings, each crafted to match the intensity of the game. Special platter combinations paired with beverages further enhance the group dining experience, making it ideal for extended match nights and lively conversations.

More than just a screening, Rooftop Innings at Pangeo positions itself as a destination where cricket feels larger than life, gatherings feel elevated, and every match becomes a shared celebration.

Fact Sheet:
Where: Pangeo
Date: Starting April 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM


Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Unveils ‘Mittha’ – A Summer Dessert Celebration

Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Unveils ‘Mittha’ – A Summer Dessert Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on April 11, 2026

Loya at Taj Mahal Palace introduces ‘Mittha’, a thoughtfully curated dessert menu that brings together nostalgia, tradition, and seasonal indulgence.

Rooted in the culinary traditions of northern India, the menu celebrates sweets that go beyond taste, drawing from generational recipes and memories of shared moments. At Loya, desserts are not just an end to a meal but a continuation of storytelling through flavour.

The ‘Mittha’ selection blends comforting classics with contemporary interpretations. Highlights include Badana Pearls, where rabri and saffron foam meet pistachios and almonds, and Doodh Jalebi, featuring crisp jalebis paired with pista, chuara, and aromatic kesar milk.

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Adding a playful summer twist, the Kulfi Pop assortment reimagines traditional kulfi into bite-sized indulgences. Guests can explore flavours like rose petal, saffron-cardamom, royal paan leaf, and malai, offering a refreshing take perfect for the season. The Falooda, layered with almond kulfi and rose rabri, adds a cooling, indulgent note to the experience.

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Among the standout creations is Gud–Ke–Maan, inspired by a cherished family recipe of badam kheer, bringing a deeply personal touch to the menu. Meanwhile, Loya Khel introduces a contemporary finish with a light chikoo mousse paired with biscuit cake and coconut elements.

With ‘Mittha’, Loya creates a dessert experience that feels both familiar and new, inviting guests to rediscover Indian sweets through a refined, seasonal lens.

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