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.


Nasi and Mee Introduces “Simply Sedap” Menu Across Bengaluru

Nasi and Mee Introduces “Simply Sedap” Menu Across Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

Bringing a bold and indulgent take on Southeast Asian flavours, Nasi and Mee has launched its limited-time “Simply Sedap” menu across all its outlets in Bengaluru.

Designed as a celebration of comfort and decadence, the menu brings together some of the region’s most beloved dishes, elevated with richer textures and layered flavours. With a focus on indulgence and familiarity, Simply Sedap invites diners to experience Southeast Asian cuisine through a more expressive and satisfying lens.

Among the highlights is the Truffle Xiao Long Bao, where delicate dumplings release a fragrant broth infused with earthy truffle notes. The Singapore Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway) delivers a crisp, smoky bite, elevated with XO chilli for a deep umami profile. The Wonton Mee offers a comforting combination of springy noodles, juicy dumplings, and tender char siu chicken, balancing nostalgia with indulgence.

For those seeking bolder flavours, the Ayam Penyet presents perfectly crisp smashed chicken paired with sambal and jasmine rice, while the Massaman Curry unfolds with slow-cooked richness, combining coconut, peanuts, and warm spices into a velvety dish. Ending on a lighter note, the Kaya Bao introduces a soft, cloud-like texture with a gentle sweetness from house-made kaya and coconut.

Conceptualised for lingering meals and shared moments, the menu leans into both comfort and boldness, encouraging diners to savour each dish a little longer.

Available from 12 PM to 11 PM, with prices starting at, the Simply Sedap menu is being offered across all Nasi and Mee outlets in Bengaluru, positioning itself as a must-try for those looking to explore indulgent Southeast Asian flavours in the city.


Wow! Momo Launches Indian Momo League to Turn Match Season into a Food Ritual

Wow! Momo Launches Indian Momo League to Turn Match Season into a Food Ritual

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

Tapping into one of India’s biggest cultural moments, Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd. has launched the Indian Momo League (IML), a nationwide campaign designed to turn match-time viewership into a high-frequency consumption occasion.

Built around the thought “Har city ka apna momo,” the campaign blends city fandom with product innovation and real-time engagement. With a presence of over 800 stores across 80+ cities, the brand is strategically leveraging the match season as a high-intent consumption window, driving demand across dine-in, takeaway, and delivery channels.

At the core of the campaign are six city-inspired momo variants, each colour-coded and crafted using natural ingredients without synthetic additives. Rolled out across Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, these variants reflect regional identities while allowing consumers to express team loyalty through food during live matches.

image

To further strengthen monetisation, Wow! Momo has introduced IML Combos, bundling momos, fries, and beverages into a convenient, match-ready format. These combos are designed to drive higher average order value, especially during peak match hours, where the brand has already recorded up to a threefold increase in demand.

Adding a strong engagement layer, consumers purchasing IML Combos also get a chance to win match tickets, directly linking consumption with access to live cricket experiences and encouraging repeat orders.

Sharing insights on the campaign, Muralikrishnan said, “Indian Momo League is designed to translate fandom into consumption. With ‘Har city ka apna momo’, we are building a format where product becomes a real-time expression of team loyalty. This allows us to drive both engagement and business impact during this match season.”

A standout innovation within the campaign is the live Momo Scoreboard, a real-time tracker of city-wise orders. As matches unfold, the scoreboard reflects participation across markets, creating a competitive layer beyond the game itself while encouraging continued engagement and repeat consumption.

The campaign is being amplified through city-led creatives, creator collaborations, and real-time moment marketing aligned with match schedules, ensuring consistent visibility throughout the season.

With the Indian Momo League, Wow! Momo is not only tapping into cricket fandom but also redefining how food integrates into live experiences, positioning momos as more than just a snack, but as an essential part of the match-day ritual.


MasalDani Opens in Noida, Celebrating India Through Its Spices

MasalDani Opens in Noida, Celebrating India Through Its Spices

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

In Indian homes, the masaldani, a traditional spice box, has long been the quiet foundation of everyday cooking. Drawing inspiration from this enduring symbol, MasalDani introduces its flagship outpost in Noida, bringing with it a refined, ingredient-led approach to Indian dining.

Built on a philosophy that places spices at the centre of every dish, MasalDani presents a menu that travels across India’s diverse culinary landscapes. From the curry leaf and kokum-laced flavours of coastal regions to the slow-simmered spice blends of the northern plains, the mustard-forward traditions of the east, and the bold aromatics of desert cuisines, each plate is guided by carefully sourced heirloom spices that define its character.

At its core, MasalDani is not about fusion but about reverence. The kitchen follows a product-led approach where spices are not simply supporting elements but the defining soul of the dish. Familiar Indian flavours are reintroduced with contemporary finesse, while remaining deeply rooted in their origins.

Complementing the cuisine is a thoughtfully curated beverage programme inspired by the Indian pantry. Aromatic botanicals and subtle spice infusions, from cardamom and saffron to smoked cumin, shape a drinks menu that mirrors the layered complexity of the food.

The menu comes alive through a selection of signature dishes that pay homage to regional spice traditions. The Dal Pakwaan brings together crisp pakwaans and slow-cooked chana dal, elevated with asafoetida, Mathania chilli, and pipli. The Jackfruit Kakori Kebab draws from the refinement of Lucknow, where raw jackfruit is transformed into delicate, aromatic kebabs using rare ingredients like stone flower and sandalwood.

Further highlighting the diversity of Indian flavours, the Tandoori Hari Machi offers a contemporary take with Indo-Chinese influences, while the Tandoori Gobi Musallam reflects the richness of Awadhi cuisine through saffron, kabab chini, and meetha attar. The Badami Bhatti Dum Murgh, inspired by Hyderabad, delivers a slow-cooked, aromatic experience layered with almonds, pomegranate seed, and warming spices.

The space itself mirrors the brand’s philosophy, premium yet approachable, designed to create an environment that feels both rooted in tradition and aligned with contemporary dining sensibilities.

Sharing his vision, Founder Priykant Gautam said, “In most Indian homes, the masaldani is the first thing opened when cooking begins. It may appear simple, but within it lives the essence of our culinary heritage, recipes passed down, flavours shaped by geography, and memories created around shared meals. MasalDani was born from the desire to honour that humble spice box and present its stories with contemporary elegance. Every dish here begins with a spice, and every spice carries a story of India.”

With its ingredient-driven philosophy and immersive dining approach, MasalDani invites diners to rediscover India through the flavours that have shaped its kitchens for generations, one spice-led story at a time.

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.