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.


AAMI Opens in Goa with a Fresh Take on Café Culture and Slow Living

AAMI Opens in Goa with a Fresh Take on Café Culture and Slow Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 21, 2026

Goa’s growing café culture has welcomed a new addition with the launch of AAMI Café & Bistro in Candolim. Designed around comfort, community, and a slower way of living, AAMI introduces a space where guests can unwind and connect at their own pace.

The name AAMI translates to “we” in Konkani, a philosophy that forms the foundation of the space. More than just a café, the property combines an all-day dining experience with thoughtfully designed Airbnb stays and a restored Portuguese villa, creating an atmosphere inspired by Goa’s easy and unhurried lifestyle.

Built alongside a restored Portuguese home by the Lobo family, AAMI preserves the charm of traditional architecture through details such as laterite stone walls, terracotta roofs, skylights, high ceilings, and a classic balcao-style porch. Adding to its warm and lived-in character are carefully designed gardens by Vintage Gardens and curated furniture pieces from Pink Elephant.

The interiors continue this calm approach through soft lighting, natural materials, muted tones, and simple design details that reflect Goa’s relaxed rhythm.

The food menu focuses on comfort-led all-day dining with a mix of continental dishes and approachable Asian flavours. Guests can choose from breakfast options such as Turkish Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Hawaiian Style Breakfast, and Cinnamon Coffee French Toast. The larger menu includes dishes like Goa-inspired Podi Calamari Rings, Chilli Lime Prawns, Chicken Satay, Thai Curry Bowls, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Sriracha Chicken Pizza, and the signature AAMI Croissanwich.

The beverage menu has also been carefully curated with drinks such as Guava Chilli Martini, Espresso Spritz, Virgin Cosmopolitan, Apple Ginger Spritz, and AAMI Cold Coffee. The café has also collaborated with homegrown brands including Cream Choc artisanal Italian gelato and Mumbai-based TOISE Coffee, adding another layer to its dessert and coffee offerings.

Speaking about the concept, Rohit Lobo, co-founder of AAMI Café & Bistro, said, "There is a lot of value today placed on experiences that are louder, faster, or more visually driven. We wanted to create something that felt quieter and more lasting. A place where people could genuinely make part of their everyday lives."

Adding to this, Sudhir Lobo, co-founder of AAMI Café & Bistro, said, "Goa already has an incredible café culture, but we felt there was room for a space that felt a little softer and more grounded. AAMI isn’t built around occasion dining or spectacle. It’s built around everyday comfort and the idea of belonging."

As part of the larger experience, the property also includes Airbnb stays and a restored heritage villa featuring an indoor pool and media centre, designed for relaxed stays and intimate group experiences.

With Goa’s café culture continuing to evolve, AAMI brings a more grounded and personal approach, reflecting a growing shift towards meaningful hospitality experiences.

  • Address: Casa velha block A, Candolim Rd, opposite Montero, beside Bosio Hospital, Pintos Vaddo, Candolim, Goa 403515
  • Operational Hours: 9 AM to 3 PM | 6 PM to 11 PM
  • Closed on: Tuesday.

Sip Into Summer with Tata Coffee Gold’s Café-Style Indulgent Coffee Range

Sip Into Summer with Tata Coffee Gold’s Café-Style Indulgent Coffee Range

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2026

As summer temperatures rise and days grow longer, coffee lovers are turning to cooler, more refreshing ways to enjoy their daily brew. Tata Coffee Gold is tapping into this shift with its premium freeze-dried coffee range, designed to bring café-style indulgence right into the comfort of home.

The range is crafted for both hot and cold coffee preparations, making it easy to enjoy everything from iced lattes on warm afternoons to rich, comforting evening brews. With five distinct flavours, each cup is designed to elevate everyday coffee moments into something more indulgent and refreshing.

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The Original variant offers a classic café experience with a rich, full-bodied taste and strong aroma, made possible through freeze-dried technology that locks in freshness and flavour.

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For those who prefer a softer profile, the Vanilla variant adds a smooth, mellow sweetness, making it ideal for creamy lattes or chilled iced coffees. It brings a comforting touch to everyday coffee routines.

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The Hazelnut flavour is designed for coffee drinkers who enjoy a nutty, gourmet twist. It delivers a rich aroma that works perfectly for café-style mochas and mid-day coffee breaks.

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For indulgence seekers, the Brownie variant transforms coffee into a dessert-like experience, offering deep, chocolatey notes that pair well with evening cravings or sweet treats.

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Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, the Tiramisu variant blends coffee with creamy and cocoa-like undertones, creating a layered and luxurious drinking experience with every sip.

With this range, Tata Coffee Gold aims to turn everyday kitchens into personal cafés, offering consumers a simple way to enjoy café-style coffee experiences at home, one flavour at a time.


TWH Hospitality Launches Second Nazeer Foods Restaurant in Zirakpur

TWH Hospitality Launches Second Nazeer Foods Restaurant in Zirakpur

By Hariharan U

Published on May 20, 2026

TWH Hospitality has launched its second Nazeer Foods restaurant at Pooja Plazzio in Zirakpur, marking another milestone in the company’s expanding hospitality portfolio across North India. The newly opened outlet is being positioned as Chandigarh–Tricity’s first authentic Old Delhi-themed Mughlai fine-dining restaurant, combining heritage-inspired interiors with premium hospitality and traditional flavours.

Founded over four decades ago, Nazeer Foods has built a strong reputation for authentic Mughlai cuisine, traditional recipes, and a loyal customer base across Delhi-NCR. The Zirakpur expansion reflects the brand’s continued efforts to take its Old Delhi culinary legacy beyond the capital region while preserving its signature dining experience.

The restaurant has been developed as a premium dine-in destination featuring Mughlai-inspired aesthetics, elegant seating, warm hospitality, and a refined ambience designed for families, professionals, and food enthusiasts across the Tricity region.

The launch follows TWH Hospitality’s earlier strategic partnership announcement with Nazeer Foods aimed at hospitality and culinary expansion. The company had previously integrated Nazeer Foods’ kitchen operations into its Goa hospitality venture to strengthen premium Mughlai dining and online delivery offerings in the region.

Speaking on the expansion, the management stated that demand for premium Indian dining concepts continues to rise in emerging lifestyle destinations such as Zirakpur and Chandigarh–Tricity. The company further shared that it is actively exploring additional opportunities across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi-NCR through fine-dine and high-street hospitality formats.

Backed by ICCPL Group, TWH Hospitality has steadily expanded its presence across cafés, resorts, and premium food ventures. The group has gained visibility through hospitality ventures including Boho By The Beach Resort and The Boho Box Café while continuing collaborations with established hospitality and food brands.

The Zirakpur outlet is expected to emerge as a key dining destination for residents across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and nearby regions seeking an authentic Mughlai fine-dining experience inspired by Old Delhi’s rich culinary heritage.

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