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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 Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on November 2, 2026
Hangyo has launched Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream, bringing a much-loved Indian milk sweet into a frozen dessert format. The new flavour is a permanent addition to its range, allowing consumers to enjoy the familiar taste of Kunda beyond festive occasions.
Known by different names across India, the sweet is called Kunda in Karnataka, Paalkova in Tamil Nadu, Khava in Marathi-speaking households and Mawa across much of North India. While the name varies by region, the traditional milk-based sweet remains a familiar favourite in many Indian homes.
Fresh milk cake is generally best consumed within around 48 hours. By transforming the sweet into ice cream, Hangyo aims to extend the enjoyment of its traditional taste, making it available as an everyday dessert rather than a short-lived treat.
The company spent years balancing milk, sugar and milk solids to recreate the original sweet's texture and caramel depth. Instead of offering an ice cream with a simple Kunda-style flavour, the aim was to capture the character of the traditional dessert in a new format.
Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream is also the first product in Hangyo's planned range of traditional Indian sweets reimagined as ice cream.
The flavour is available in 100 ml tubs for individual consumption and 4-litre bulk packs. It will be available across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala and Goa. The product is made with real milk.
By Hariharan U
Published on November 1, 2026
UK-founded Asian fusion quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand Oodles Wok has announced its entry into India, marking its fifth international market. The brand has partnered with FranGlobal, the international business arm of Franchise India Group, to support its expansion through franchise development and local partnerships.
Founded in Leicester, UK, in 2010, Oodles Wok began as a family-owned restaurant with a focus on making freshly prepared, flavour-led Asian fusion food accessible to a wider audience. Over the past 16 years, it has grown into a multi-award-winning international restaurant franchise with more than 50 locations across the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada and Qatar.
India will become the brand's fifth market as it looks to extend its international footprint and tap into the country's established quick-service restaurant sector.
A key feature of the brand's offering is its signature Build Your Own Box concept, which allows customers to customise meals by selecting from a range of bases, sauces and freshly wok-prepared dishes.
The format combines live cooking, customisation and Asian-inspired flavours within an accessible QSR dining model. Oodles Wok aims to bring this experience to Indian consumers while building a presence suited to the local market.
Through its partnership with FranGlobal, the company will focus on franchise development, identifying local partners and establishing a foundation for long-term growth. Further details about its launch plans and expansion roadmap in India are expected to be announced in due course.
Commenting on the expansion, Shoyab Umar, Founder and CEO of Oodles Wok, said, "Expanding into India as our fifth market is another huge milestone for us, especially with its incredible food culture and appreciation for bold flavours. We're looking forward to introducing Oodles Wok to a whole new audience and continuing our journey as a global brand."
Ismail Patel, Co-Founder and COO of Oodles Wok, added, "As we enter this vibrant market, our focus is on building strong local partnerships, delivering the Oodles Wok experience and creating a brand that Indian customers can connect with."
The India expansion forms part of Oodles Wok's wider strategy to strengthen its position as an international Asian fusion QSR franchise. Its existing presence across four markets provides a base for further growth through franchise partnerships.
For the Indian market, the partnership with FranGlobal will be central to developing the brand's franchise network and identifying opportunities for expansion. The approach will need to bring together the brand's established menu concept and operating model with local market requirements.
With more than 50 locations across its existing markets, Oodles Wok is now looking to build its next phase of international growth in India.
Founded in Leicester, UK, in 2010, Oodles Wok is an Asian fusion quick-service restaurant brand specialising in freshly prepared, wok-cooked dishes. Its signature Build Your Own Box concept allows customers to customise meals with different bases, sauces and ingredients. The brand currently operates more than 50 locations across the UK, UAE, Canada and Qatar
Published on October 31, 2026
Quattro has opened its second restaurant in Mumbai at Sky City Mall, Borivali, bringing its premium pure-vegetarian Italian and Mexican cuisine to the western suburbs. The opening marks 15 years of the brand's culinary journey and introduces a refreshed dining experience with redesigned interiors and an enhanced menu.
The new restaurant offers 66 indoor seats and 43 outdoor seats on a terrace overlooking the surrounding area. Designed to complement the mall's contemporary setting, the space features abundant natural light and striking interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere for family meals, social gatherings and special occasions.
The addition further strengthens Sky City Mall's food and beverage offering, giving visitors another dining option alongside its retail and lifestyle experiences. Located in Borivali, the mall caters to residents and visitors across Mumbai's western suburbs, including those looking for vegetarian dining options.
For Quattro, the opening marks a new phase of growth as it builds on the success of its Lower Parel restaurant. The brand has reworked its identity, interiors and menu while continuing to focus on authentic Italian and Mexican flavours, quality ingredients and consistency.
Speaking about the launch, Aditya Gupta and Anuj Gupta, Founders of Gupta Brands, said, “Quattro was born from the idea to give an authentic Italian and Mexican premium dining experience to the guest. We didn’t want to give the same Indianized version of the cuisines to guests. We spent months sourcing ingredients like tomatoes from Italy, chillis from Mexico and then subsequent months of trials to get a unique dining experience that did justice to the cuisines. We went to great lengths to source our cheese without animal rennet. Chocolate was sourced from Belgium to give it the rich deep flavours of real chocolate in our desserts.
“With the success of Lower Parel, we are excited to bring the brand to Borivali. After 15 years of the brand, we have spent months redesigning and reimaging the brand, to bring a completely new dining experience for the guests, whilst retaining the same brand values and quality. We hope to become a restaurant that guests think of not just for celebrations, but for everyday dining with family and friends.”
Tanu Prasad, CEO – Malls, Oberoi Realty, said, “At Sky City Mall, our vision is to create a vibrant destination that brings together retail, dining and lifestyle experiences for the community. The arrival of Quattro further strengthens our evolving food and beverage offering, bringing its distinctive take on Italian and Mexican vegetarian cuisine to our rooftop, which is emerging as a lively destination for dining and social experiences. We look forward to welcoming Quattro and giving visitors yet another reason to make Sky City Mall a destination for dining, socialising and spending quality time with family and friends.”
The launch reflects Sky City Mall's continued focus on expanding its dining options and creating spaces where visitors can shop, dine and spend time with family and friends.
Following the opening in Borivali, Quattro is preparing for further expansion, building on its 15-year journey and the response to its Lower Parel restaurant.
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