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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.
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By Hariharan U
Published on May 26, 2026
Bengaluru’s dining scene gets a midweek boost with the launch of Thursday Rituals at Yazu, a new weekly dining IP designed to turn Thursdays into a high-energy Pan Asian culinary and cocktail experience.
Positioned as more than just a dining offer, Thursday Rituals brings together Yazu’s signature flavour-led approach with a curated set menu and handcrafted cocktails, aimed at guests looking to unwind before the weekend rush.
The food experience spans across Yazu’s Pan Asian favourites including sushi, dim sums, small plates, large plates, rice, noodles, and desserts. The menu features dishes such as Truffle Edamame Dumpling, Cream Cheese and Truffle Dumpling, Yazu Signature Chicken, Fish in Dark Sichuan Sauce, Butter Garlic Sichuan Prawns, Burnt Garlic Fried Rice, Spicy Korean Ramyun Noodles, Prawn Tempura Roll, and Classic Prawn Hargao.
The experience concludes with desserts like Salted Caramel Tart and Blueberry Cheesecake, designed to balance indulgence with familiarity.
Complementing the food is Yazu’s cocktail programme inspired by Asian flavour profiles. With its blend of curated dining, cocktails, and social energy, Thursday Rituals is positioned as a midweek escape for after-work gatherings, casual celebrations, and spontaneous dining plans.
The concept reflects Yazu’s continued focus on evolving experiential dining formats that extend beyond weekends and position midweek as a lifestyle moment in itself.
Torii has introduced a newly curated Chef’s Tasting Menu, designed to offer guests a premium, multi-course exploration of contemporary Asian cuisine in Mumbai’s evolving dining landscape.
Known for its immersive interiors and bold Pan-Asian flavours, the restaurant continues to focus on experiential dining, and this new offering reflects a more structured and elevated way to experience its culinary identity.
The tasting menu takes diners through a progressive journey of sushi, dim sums, small plates, mains, and desserts, carefully curated to balance flavour, texture, and presentation. The concept is designed for guests who prefer a deeper exploration of the menu rather than individual ordering, offering a more holistic dining experience.
Key highlights include the Truffle Edamame Mushi-Gyoza with cream cheese and the Katsu Chicken Roll featuring confit garlic, egg salad, and tobiko. The experience concludes with a Honey Almond Crunch Sundae, rounding off the meal with a sweet and textured finish.
Positioned as an intimate yet energetic dining experience, the Chef’s Tasting Menu is ideal for long dinners, date nights, and relaxed midweek gatherings. It reflects Torii’s continued effort to evolve its guest experience while maintaining its signature bold and flavour-forward culinary style.
The tasting menu will be available every Tuesday and Wednesday, exclusively for dinner service at the Mumbai restaurant.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 25, 2026
Kiran’s Houston has introduced its latest beverage programme, Punjabi By Nature, a new cocktail experience that brings together Indian nostalgia and contemporary mixology. Conceptualised and designed by Prrateek Chaudhary, Director of Beverages, the menu reflects a thoughtful mix of cultural storytelling, regional flavours and modern drink-making techniques.
Designed around the idea of turning familiar Indian flavours into refined cocktail experiences, the programme takes inspiration from memories, traditions and ingredients deeply rooted in Indian culture. Each drink aims to create an experience that goes beyond taste by bringing together emotion, creativity and a strong sense of place.
The menu features a wide range of signature cocktails including Jahangir Lassi, Chai Old Fashioned, Kashmiri Margarita, Summer In Shimla, TNT Sour, Nolet’s 75, East India Negroni, Malabar Martini, Rosé Martini, Lychee Martini, CB G&T, Old Wives’ Tale, Mezcal Is My Pal, Delhi Glitterati, Smoky Isle and Mumbai Miracle.
The creations combine premium spirits with ingredients and flavours inspired by India, including chai blends, mango lassi, pistachio, Kashmiri mirch, tamarind, saffron bitters, cardamom, rose, masala pin and nimbu pani.
Adding a luxury touch to the offering is a dedicated segment titled Kaun Banega Crorepati featuring the Millionaire Martini, crafted using Nolet’s Reserve Gin.
Speaking about the concept behind the menu, Prrateek Chaudhary said: "With Punjabi By Nature, our intention was to take familiar Indian flavors and reimagine them through a global cocktail lens. Each drink is designed to evoke emotion, memory, and a sense of place, while maintaining elegance, balance, and innovation. It’s not just a cocktail menu, it’s a storytelling experience in a glass."
With a modern visual identity and a strong narrative approach, the menu aims to create a seamless connection between Indian heritage and contemporary beverage culture.
Through this latest launch, Kiran’s Houston continues to strengthen its positioning as a destination where Indian culinary experiences and modern beverage craftsmanship come together with global standards of creativity and sophistication.
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