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.


Barbeque Nation Hosts Odia Food Fest ‘Odia Trails’ With Chef Abinas Nayak

Barbeque Nation Hosts Odia Food Fest ‘Odia Trails’ With Chef Abinas Nayak

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 28, 2026

Barbeque Nation is hosting an Odia food festival titled ‘Odia Trails’, celebrating the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Odisha. The festival features a specially curated menu by renowned chef and Masterchef India – Season 6 winner, Abinas Nayak, bringing regional flavours to diners through a thoughtfully crafted buffet experience.

Odia Trails offers a gastronomic journey through authentic Odisha cuisine, blending timeless street-style favourites with traditional regional specialities. The festival showcases a wide variety of dishes including the much-loved Dahi Pakhala, Chhena Poda, Mutton Aloo Aloo, Dalma, and several other classic preparations that reflect the soul of Odia cooking.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Chef Abinas Nayak (Masterchef India Season 6 winner) commented, “ I’m privileged to be a part of Barbeque Nation’s Odia food festival – Odia Trails, where I would be crafting iconic dishes from the Odisha cuisine. The widespread buffet is an amalgamation of diverse and flavourful cuisine, combining aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.”

The Odia Trails festival highlights the vibrant flavours inspired by Odisha’s seasons and street food culture, presented through Barbeque Nation’s all-you-can-eat buffet format. Designed for food enthusiasts keen to explore regional delicacies, the spread combines fusion-based cooking with heritage Odia recipes curated by Chef Abinas Nayak.

The festival is being hosted at Barbeque Nation’s Marathahalli outlet, offering guests an opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Odia cuisine in a familiar and interactive dining setting.


Dakshin Legacy Opens in Mumbai, Spotlighting South India’s Coastal Culinary Traditions

Dakshin Legacy Opens in Mumbai, Spotlighting South India’s Coastal Culinary Traditions

By Hariharan U

Published on January 28, 2026

Mumbai’s dining landscape welcomes Dakshin Legacy, a fine-dining restaurant devoted entirely to the coastal cuisines of South India. Positioned as the city’s only restaurant focused solely on this culinary geography, Dakshin Legacy celebrates traditional food from Mangalore, Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu, prepared exactly as it has been for generations.

Rooted in authenticity, the kitchen follows age-old techniques such as stone-ground masalas, clay-pot slow cooking, hand-pressed coconut milk and banana-leaf steaming. Regional spices are sourced directly from India’s southern coastline, ensuring flavours remain bold, honest and deeply rooted. There is no fusion or modern reinterpretation, only food that respects tradition.

The culinary programme is led by Chef Nagesh, whose approach is shaped by patience, memory and a deep respect for coastal cooking. Signature dishes include Crab Chettinad, Pomfret Gassi, Prawns Ghee Roast, Surmai Masala Fry, and Clams Sukka, each showcasing the diversity and depth of South India’s coastal kitchens.

image

Complementing the food is a coastal-inspired bar programme curated by Saroj, translating familiar regional flavours into contemporary cocktails. Ingredients such as kokum, curry leaves, fresh fruits and gentle spices take centre stage. Highlights include Reddy on the Rocks, Chiranjeevi Kidu, Bahubali Burst, Lungi Dance, and Rajni Kudampuli, adding a playful yet rooted layer to the experience.

The 4,800 sq. ft. space, designed by founder Harshita Shetty, seats 150 guests and reflects the warmth of South India’s coastal homes. Teakwood, cane accents, antique Mangalorean window frames, brass details and banana-leaf motifs come together in a soothing palette of ivory, green and gold.

With Dakshin Legacy, I wanted to create a space that feels like a homecoming, where coastal traditions are preserved with heart and intention,” says Harshita Shetty.

Open for both lunches and dinners, Dakshin Legacy is envisioned as a destination for family gatherings, business meals and celebratory occasions. With its focus on uncompromising authenticity and soulful storytelling, the restaurant adds a timeless new chapter to Mumbai’s evolving food scene.

Address: Ground Floor, Pinnacle Corporate Park, Near Trade Centre BKC, Kalina, Bandra East, Mumbai
Timings: 11:00 am to 12:30 am


Sip the Seasons: Anardana Unveils Its Signature Cocktail Collection

Sip the Seasons: Anardana Unveils Its Signature Cocktail Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on January 28, 2026

Anardana has unveiled a new signature cocktail collection that draws inspiration from iconic street cuisines across India and select global destinations. Designed with a global outlook and an Indian soul, the collection reimagines familiar street flavours through classic cocktail techniques, bold ingredients and layered profiles, creating drinks that feel both nostalgic and contemporary.

Each cocktail has been crafted to pair seamlessly with Anardana’s dining experience, offering guests a journey through flavours that are expressive, comforting and inventive. Among the highlights is Banarasi Paan, an aromatic blend of gin and rosso vermouth with gulkand and betel leaves, capturing the sweetness, spice and ceremonial charm of Banaras in a refined, modern form.

Kaapi Time brings together whiskey, South Indian filter coffee, coconut and brown sugar, delivering warmth and depth with a soulful finish. The Phirni Tini offers an indulgent reinterpretation of the beloved dessert, presented as a clarified, creamy and delicately balanced cocktail. Adding a bold, umami-forward edge is Samurai’s Sip, which combines whiskey with gari, passion fruit and ponzu for a playful yet complex profile.

Completing the signature selection is Tuscan Sunset, a fresh and herbaceous cocktail featuring gin, basil, olive, tomato and coconut, evoking relaxed Mediterranean afternoons in every sip.

Balancing innovation with familiarity, the menu also features timeless classics. The crisp Dark ’n Stormy pairs dark rum with ginger beer for a spicy, refreshing finish, while the elegant Cosmopolitan blends vodka, orange liqueur, lime and cranberry for effortless sophistication. The ever-popular LIIT (500 ml) brings together vodka, gin, rum, tequila and triple sec with lime and cola, making it bold, festive and ideal for sharing.

Carefully composed and expressive, Anardana’s cocktail collection invites guests to slow down, savour and explore, reinforcing the brand’s focus on flavour-led storytelling through food and drink.

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.