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.


Burger King India Launches Doomsday Whopper and Avengers: Doomsday Collection

Burger King India Launches Doomsday Whopper and Avengers: Doomsday Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on November 4, 2026

Burger King India has unveiled its limited-edition Avengers: Doomsday Collection, bringing Marvel-inspired flavours, character-themed packaging and collectible merchandise to its restaurants across the country ahead of the film's theatrical release on December 17, 2026.

As the Official Restaurant Partner for Avengers: Doomsday in India, Burger King has introduced a special menu that gives its signature flame-grilled offerings a superhero-inspired twist. Available from November 3, the collection features burgers, sides and a beverage, with burger prices starting at ₹199.

Doomsday Whopper Takes Centre Stage

The highlight of the collection is the Doomsday Whopper, available in two variants: Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken.

Inspired by the film's antagonist, Doctor Doom, the signature Whopper features a striking black glazed bun and a bold spicy garlic flavour. The brand says the distinctive bun colour is achieved using plant-derived natural food colour, aligning with its stated commitment to avoiding synthetic colours and artificial flavours in its menu.

The collection also draws inspiration from other Marvel characters, with a selection of premium burgers and sides named after familiar superheroes and villains.

What's on the Avengers: Doomsday Menu?

The limited-edition collection includes:

  • Doomsday Whoppers: Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken

  • Premium Burgers: Loki Molten Cheese Burger, Cyclops Soft Paneer Burger and Magneto Crunchy Chicken Burger

  • Sides: Shuri Vibranium Fries, Falcon Fearless Chicken Wings, Magneto Boneless Chicken and Thor Thunder Nuggets

  • Beverage: Fantastic Fizz

The menu follows Burger King's signature dunking platform, with spicy garlic flavour cues and bold sauces featuring across the offerings.

Themed Packaging and Collectible Merchandise

The collaboration extends beyond the menu through special-edition packaging featuring Avengers: Doomsday-themed burger boxes and a Doctor Doom-inspired crown. The packaging draws on the film's visual identity, turning the meal into a themed experience for fans.

Select meals from the collection also come with opportunities to access Marvel-themed merchandise. The campaign begins with a limited-edition collectible tumbler, with further merchandise planned to be introduced in phases.

Burger King has also opened a pre-booking window through its app, featuring a limited-edition Doomsday Meal bundled with a collectible Avengers: Doomsday tumbler at a special price.

Speaking about the launch, Kapil Grover, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King India, said the collaboration brings together the Marvel fandom and Burger King's signature Whopper experience. He added that the menu, themed packaging and merchandise are intended to extend the excitement of the film beyond the cinema.

Nationwide Availability and Campaign

The launch is supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign spanning digital promotions, in-restaurant activations, outdoor advertising and influencer partnerships. The strategy aims to engage both food enthusiasts and Marvel fans ahead of the film's release.

Guests can access the Avengers: Doomsday Collection through dine-in, takeaway and home delivery at Burger King restaurants across India. Orders are also available through the BK App and leading food delivery platforms.

With its character-inspired menu, distinctive black-bun Whopper and collectible merchandise, Burger King India is bringing the Marvel universe into its quick-service restaurant experience for a limited period.


The Masala Story Opens First Dine-In Outlet on Golf Course Road, Gurugram

The Masala Story Opens First Dine-In Outlet on Golf Course Road, Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

Gurugram-based food brand The Masala Story has opened its first dine-in outlet on Golf Course Road, Sector 54, marking a new phase in its journey since its establishment in 2020. Known for its North Indian and Mughlai offerings through delivery and catering, the brand is now welcoming guests to a dedicated dining space while continuing its existing operations.

Spread across approximately 1,000 sq. ft., the new outlet has been designed as a small, intimate space with soft lighting and music. Its location in Sector 54 offers access to a mix of commercial offices, residential towers and an established food and café scene, allowing the brand to serve walk-in diners as well as nearby households.

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At the heart of the brand's culinary operations is Vatsala Khanna, Founder and Head Chef of The Masala Story. Having previously worked as an academician, she pursued her interest in food through national and international culinary programmes. She now oversees the kitchen's day-to-day operations and personally develops the dishes and recipes featured on the menu.

The menu brings together several of the brand's signature preparations. Its Butter Chicken, named among Zomato's Top 10 in Gurgaon in 2025, is one of the highlights. Other offerings include slow-cooked Dal Makhani served in a clay handi, Paneer Lababdar, high-protein non-fried Paneer Cigar Rolls and Chicken Tikka.

The dessert selection includes the signature Gulab Jamun Nut, which presents the familiar flavours of gulab jamun in a doughnut shape, along with Phirni.

Speaking about the expansion, Vatsala Khanna, Founder and Head Chef, The Masala Story, said, “Our guests have trusted us with their meals at home, and this space lets us welcome them to our table for the first time. Every dish we serve carries a story written in spice, from our Butter Chicken to our slow-cooked Dal Makhani, and Golf Course Road, with its energy and love for good food, felt like the perfect place to share it.”

Beyond its dine-in and delivery operations, The Masala Story also caters to private and corporate gatherings. Its catering portfolio includes grazing tables, charcuterie and cheese boards, Mediterranean mezze, Mexican spreads, executive lunch combinations, and customised Jain, vegan and vegetarian menus.

With its first dine-in outlet, The Masala Story is expanding its presence in Gurugram while bringing its North Indian and Mughlai offerings to guests in a new setting.

Outlet Details:

  • Location: Golf Course Road, Sector 54, Gurugram, Haryana

  • Format: Dine-In, Cloud Kitchen and Catering

  • Cuisine: Mughlai and North Indian

  • Timings: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM


Tipsy Tiger Introduces Five New Ramen Preparations

Tipsy Tiger Introduces Five New Ramen Preparations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

Tipsy Tiger has introduced a new ramen menu featuring five distinct preparations, bringing together Japanese influences and Himalayan-inspired flavours. The selection explores different broths, ingredients and textures, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for diners.

The vegetarian selection includes Katsu Tofu Ramen, which pairs crispy katsu tofu with a rich, umami-packed miso broth. Another option is Thukpa Ramen, combining ramen noodles with a fragrant Himalayan broth and seasonal vegetables.

The non-vegetarian offerings bring together bolder flavour combinations. Bacon Ramen features crispy bacon and ramen noodles served in a rich teriyaki broth, balancing sweet and savoury notes. Yakitori Ramen takes inspiration from Japanese-style yakitori flavours, with a chashu-style milk broth finished with crispy chilli oil.

Completing the five-bowl selection is Gyoza Ramen, which combines delicate gyoza dumplings and ramen noodles in a savoury Kikkoman-infused broth. The preparation brings two popular Asian favourites together in one bowl.

With these five options, Tipsy Tiger's new menu offers diners different interpretations of ramen, from miso-based and teriyaki flavours to a Himalayan-inspired broth. The selection adds another Asian comfort food offering to the restaurant's menu.

Restaurant Details:

  • Tipsy Tiger, Hotel Peninsula Redpine, Andheri-Kurla Road, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai – 400059
  • Timings: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

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