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.


Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Amoeba Sports Bar has introduced its latest signature creation, Knock Out Kick, a gin-based cocktail crafted by Mixologist Arindam Das. Designed to reflect the thrill of competitive moments and the excitement of victory, the cocktail brings together playful flavour contrasts with a modern, easy-drinking style.

Knock Out Kick is built around a refreshing blend of gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus and tonic water. The drink opens with smooth fruity sweetness from peach, followed by bright citrus notes, before unfolding into a gentle jalapeño heat that lingers subtly on the palate. The addition of tonic water enhances its crispness, making it both lively and refreshing.

Crystal clear in appearance yet layered in character, the cocktail balances brightness, fruitiness and spice in a way that makes it suitable for relaxed evenings as well as celebratory occasions. It is positioned as a go-to drink for game nights, social gatherings and high-energy evenings at the bar.

Speaking about the creation, the concept behind Knock Out Kick focuses on capturing moments of excitement and celebration through flavour, offering guests a drink that feels both familiar and surprising in equal measure. The cocktail reflects Amoeba Sports Bar’s focus on creating engaging, experience-driven beverage offerings.


Sector 144 JP Nagar Launches “The King of Pours” Craft Beer Menu in Bengaluru

Sector 144 JP Nagar Launches “The King of Pours” Craft Beer Menu in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Sector 144, JP Nagar has announced the launch of its new craft beer experience titled “The King of Pours,” a curated beer menu designed around music, nostalgia, and Bengaluru’s evolving beer culture. The programme was launched on 20th May 2026.

Conceptualised as an immersive experience, the menu reflects the spirit of JP Nagar and the city’s strong community-driven pub culture, blending storytelling with contemporary brewing styles and hyperlocal ingredients.

The new selection features five signature craft beers, each built around a distinct mood and flavour profile. The lineup includes Billie's Wit, a Belgian Witbier infused with mosambi peel; Beat It Hefe, a smooth Hefeweizen with banana and clove notes; Off The Wall Stout, brewed with Chikmagalur Arabica coffee; Dangerous IPA, a citrus-forward American IPA; and Mango Jam NEIPA, a hazy mango-infused New England IPA designed for shared experiences.

Alongside the launch, Sector 144 has also introduced Wednesday Gig Nights, featuring live music and curated entertainment aimed at enhancing its community-focused nightlife experience.

The venue describes “The King of Pours” as more than a beer menu, positioning it as a sensory and storytelling-driven experience built around connection, nostalgia, and local culture. The concept integrates neon-inspired visuals, familiar musical references, and immersive hospitality elements.

Speaking about the launch, founder Kushal Raj said, “With The King of Pours, we wanted to create more than a beer menu. Every brew has been designed around a feeling, a memory, and a moment people can connect with.”

He added that the experience is rooted in the culture of JP Nagar and Bengaluru, aiming to create a space that feels immersive, familiar, and community-driven.

The launch reflects Sector 144’s broader vision of building a contemporary craft beer destination centred on hospitality, entertainment, and shared social experiences.


World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

As World Gin Day 2026 is celebrated across global cocktail communities, Bengaluru’s bar scene is marking the occasion with a creative showcase of gin-forward cocktails that highlight the spirit’s versatility. From botanical complexity and tropical freshness to playful heat and citrus-driven refreshment, the city’s mixologists are presenting drinks that reflect both craftsmanship and contemporary drinking trends.

Java Jolt – Maize and Malt, Whitefield

Created by mixologist Mahesh Bhatt, Java Jolt is an aperitif-style gin cocktail that bl  ends botanical depth with Indian inspiration. Gin is paired with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, while Nannari bubbles add a distinctly earthy sweetness and refreshing effervescence.

The cocktail delivers layered herbal notes balanced with subtle spice and floral undertones, making it both nostalgic and modern in expression.

Ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Aromatic Bitters, Nannari Bubbles
Palate: Herbal, Aromatic, Effervescent, Balanced, Refreshing

Festum – Gladia Brewery & Kitchen

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Festum is a vibrant, botanical-forward creation crafted for World Gin Day, built on Gondraj lemon-infused gin. The cocktail layers floral hibiscus, ripe peach sweetness, and homemade ginger ale, resulting in a bright and refreshing highball.

Light, aromatic, and citrus-led, Festum captures the celebratory spirit of gin with an easy-drinking yet flavour-rich profile.

Ingredients: Gondraj lemon-infused gin, hibiscus, peach, homemade ginger ale
Style: Floral citrus highball
Palate: Bright citrus, floral, fruity, refreshing, lightly spiced

Lime Emerald – Oasis Brewery, Whitefield

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Crafted by mixologist Abhijeet, Lime Emerald is a refined tropical gin cocktail built on clarified coconut water and fresh lime juice. Kaffir lime leaves add aromatic complexity, creating a clean yet layered drinking experience.

Served in a coupe glass, the cocktail is designed to be visually elegant while delivering crisp citrus freshness and subtle tropical depth.

Ingredients: Gin, clarified coconut water, sugar syrup, fresh lime juice, kaffir lime leaves
Glassware: Coupe glass
Palate: Crisp, Citrusy, Tropical, Aromatic, Refreshing

Knock Out Kick – Amoeba Sports Bar

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Created by mixologist Arindam Das, Knock Out Kick is a high-energy gin cocktail inspired by game nights and celebratory moments. It balances peach syrup sweetness with fresh jalapeño heat, lifted by citrus and tonic water.

The drink starts fruity and smooth before building into a gentle spicy kick, making it a bold yet approachable celebratory serve.

Ingredients: Gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus, tonic water
Palate: Bright, Fruity, Crisp, Subtly Spiced, Refreshing

As gin continues to evolve as one of the most expressive spirits in modern mixology, Bengaluru’s bar landscape reflects a growing appetite for creativity, regional ingredients, and experiential drinking. Whether it is herbal complexity, tropical clarity, citrus brightness, or spicy indulgence, each cocktail offers a distinct interpretation of celebration—perfectly timed for World Gin Day 2026.

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