Sushi With a Twist: Dumisani Lukhozi Shows How to Make Pap Sushi

Sushi With a Twist: Dumisani Lukhozi Shows How to Make Pap Sushi

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2025

Sushi meets South African tradition in a fun and innovative twist as Dumisani Lukhozi, sushi master at John Dory’s, recently guided Miss Soweto Top 20 finalists through a unique sushi-making experience using White Star pap instead of the traditional rice. The masterclass, a first-of-its-kind, highlighted the versatility of pap while celebrating local culinary heritage, blending familiar South African flavours with contemporary gastronomy.

One of the highlights from the session was a California roll made with pap. The roll included juicy steak strips and a flavourful chakalaka mix, rolled together and topped with a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Once shaped, it was sliced into four pieces and served upside down on a sushi plate, accompanied by fresh ginger and wasabi.

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Another innovative creation was the Bean Curd sushi, where bean curd pockets were filled with pap and topped with a mix of coleslaw and chopped fried chicken strips. This dish offered a delightful combination of textures and flavours, and was served on a sushi plate alongside ginger and wasabi, presenting a playful twist on traditional sushi.

The masterclass also showcased a Mini Poke Bowl designed around fried pap balls. The pap balls were first dusted in tempura flour, coated in batter and crumbs, and fried until golden brown. These formed the base of the bowl, which was layered with tender boerewors cubes, chakalaka, avocado, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. The result was a visually appealing and flavour-packed dish that fused South African ingredients with the sushi experience.

The Sushi Masterclasses hosted by John Dory’s are available nationwide and are designed for everyone, from casual diners to culinary enthusiasts. Occasionally, private group sessions are offered for corporate events or special occasions, and advanced booking is recommended as spots often fill quickly.

This initiative, led by Spur Corporation, not only demonstrates the adaptability of pap in modern cuisine but also encourages South Africans to explore fusion dishes at home. By integrating traditional ingredients into globally inspired recipes, the masterclasses create an enjoyable and educational culinary experience for participants.

About Spur Corporation:
Spur Corporation is a leading casual dining group with over 738 outlets across South Africa, Africa, India, and Mauritius, operating well-known brands including John Dory’s, RocoMamas, Spur Steak Ranches, Panarotti’s, The Hussar Grill, Doppio Zero, Casa Bella, Pizza e Vino, Nikos, and Modern Tailors.

Recipe contribution: John Dory’s sushi master Dumisani Lukhozi
Photo Credit: Thabo Nyembe for OnPoint PR


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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