Swaad by Ishaara: Rediscovering India’s Culinary Heritage

Swaad by Ishaara: Rediscovering India’s Culinary Heritage

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 15, 2024

Ishaara, a contemporary Indian dining establishment, is set to unveil Swaad by Ishaara, an exclusive pop-up experience meticulously curated by celebrated food expert Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal. This unique event, titled Swaad: A Journey Through Taste, takes diners on an extraordinary exploration of India’s culinary heritage, reviving regional flavors and age-old ingredients in a modern setting. It’s an invitation for guests to experience Indian cuisine in a fresh light while connecting with its deep cultural roots.

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The Swaad experience is a carefully crafted 7-course meal, each course representing a distinct taste profile, from bitter to sweet. Through this progressive menu, diners embark on a sensory journey that merges ancient Indian culinary practices with contemporary expression. Each course is a tribute to traditional ingredients, honoring regional farmers, communities, and the ecosystems they support.

The meal opens with Katu (Bitter/Astringent), highlighting the rhizome family through an Osaman soup infused with turmeric, ginger, and mango ginger—a nod to the healing spices of Gujarat. Namak (Salt) follows, paying homage to salt’s integral role in Indian cuisine with Patra Shaka, Australian Salt Bush, and the prized Pisyoon Loon from Uttarakhand. This course celebrates salt as a transformative ingredient that defines flavor across various regions.

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Khatai (Sour) brings a refreshing tang to the table, combining Gondhoraj lime with exotic Australian lemon myrtle and finger lime dukkah. For the spice lovers, the Mirch (Spice) course transports diners through India’s vast history of spice trade, featuring Pipali, Naga chili, and Australian Mountain Pepperberry—each bringing a unique heat and depth to the experience.

The meal continues with Tadka, an ode to the art of tempering spices in Indian cooking. This course uses traditional pahadi wild tubers, filling the air with aromas that evoke the mountain regions of northern India. The sixth course, Svada, draws inspiration from ancient Indian texts, featuring dishes like Black Moong Dal, Mansodan biryani, and Takra, a seasoned buttermilk—all of which showcase heritage recipes cherished across generations.

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The experience concludes on a sweet note with Sugandha, a final course that blends toasted puffed rice, fragrant paan leaves, and vanilla-infused cream with Bengali gur patasha, a delicate sweet made from jaggery. This dessert provides a memorable end to a journey that celebrates India’s culinary diversity and timeless flavors.

Each plate in the Swaad experience is designed to capture the cultural significance of its ingredients, bringing the stories of India’s diverse landscapes, people, and traditions to the table. By showcasing regional ingredients in an innovative format, Ishaara hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for India’s rich food heritage and honor the contributions of local farmers and artisans.

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The Swaad by Ishaara pop-up will be hosted at Ishaara Palladium, High Street Phoenix in Mumbai, on the evenings of November 20th through 23rd, 2024, from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The exclusive experience is priced at ₹2950, inclusive of all charges, providing a culinary experience that promises to leave diners with a newfound appreciation for India’s remarkable flavors.


NoBa Opens in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar with a Cocktail-First Dining Experience

NoBa Opens in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar with a Cocktail-First Dining Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 26, 2026

NoBa has officially opened its doors in Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, bringing a fresh cocktail-led dining experience to North Bangalore. Designed as a destination where food, beverages and hospitality come together, the 120-seater venue offers guests a vibrant yet relaxed setting to explore thoughtfully crafted flavours.

At the centre of NoBa's concept is its cocktail programme, which has been curated by industry veteran Bala, who brings more than 19 years of experience in the beverage industry. The bar menu focuses on creativity, technique and storytelling, with every cocktail carefully developed to deliver a memorable drinking experience.

Using house-made syrups, infusions and unique flavour combinations, the team has created a range of original cocktails that balance sophistication with accessibility. Rather than being an addition to the dining experience, cocktails form the core of NoBa's identity, encouraging guests to discover new flavours while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere.

The food menu has been designed to complement the beverage programme, featuring globally inspired dishes that naturally pair with the cocktails. The close collaboration between the kitchen and bar ensures a seamless experience where both elements work together to enhance the guest journey.

The restaurant's interiors draw inspiration from modern Mediterranean design, featuring high ceilings, natural light, earthy tones and contemporary details. The space effortlessly transforms from a relaxed dining destination during the day to an energetic social venue in the evening, centred around its vibrant bar experience.

While positioned as a premium offering, NoBa has been created with an inclusive approach. The venue aims to provide a comfortable environment where guests can enjoy innovative food and drinks, meaningful conversations and genuine hospitality.

With its focus on exceptional cocktails, quality cuisine and a thoughtfully designed setting, NoBa marks a new addition to Bengaluru's growing dining and nightlife landscape, offering a destination where guests can connect, explore and enjoy memorable experiences.

  • Venue: NoBa, 5th Floor, 714, HRBR Layout 1st Block, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
  • Timings: 12 Noon to 12 AM


Katana Introduces Baiu Menu to Celebrate Bengaluru’s Monsoon Season

Katana Introduces Baiu Menu to Celebrate Bengaluru’s Monsoon Season

By Hariharan U

Published on June 26, 2026

Katana has introduced its special Baiu menu, a seasonal culinary experience inspired by Japan's traditional plum rain season and designed to complement Bengaluru's monsoon months.

Available from 1st July onwards, the curated menu brings together comforting Japanese flavours, warm bowls, crispy bites, and signature beverages crafted for cosy rainy-day dining. The concept draws inspiration from Baiu, the rainy season in Japan, offering guests an experience that reflects the warmth and comfort associated with the period.

Among the highlights are dishes such as Crispy Enoki, Teba No Yaki, spicy and creamy chicken wings, and Salmon Tartar served on potato cakes. Each dish has been thoughtfully selected to suit the cooler weather while showcasing Katana's contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine.

A standout feature of the menu is the Quick Ramen, a customizable ramen experience that allows diners to select their preferred broth and protein combination, creating a personalised bowl tailored to individual tastes.

For sushi enthusiasts, Katana is offering a premium 20-piece Assorted Sushi Platter featuring salmon sashimi, gunkan maki, sake maki, spicy tuna uramaki, salmon nigiri, and tuna nigiri. The platter brings together a variety of textures and flavours, making it ideal for sharing.

Guests looking for classic Japanese-inspired appetisers can also enjoy favourites such as Prawn Gyoza, Beef Gyoza, and Prawn Corn Fritters, adding a mix of comforting and indulgent options to the seasonal offering.

To complement the food menu, Katana has introduced a selection of specialty sake-based cocktails. The Tiramisu No Yoru combines sake with fresh cream and homemade tiramisu syrup, while the Katana Counsel blends sake, vermouth, and merlot for a richer flavour profile.

Another signature creation, Pearl Blossom, features sake, guava juice, mint, homemade strawberry syrup, and soda, delivering a refreshing balance suited to Bengaluru's monsoon evenings.

With the launch of Baiu, Katana aims to create a seasonal dining experience that combines Japanese culinary traditions with contemporary flavours, offering guests a destination for comforting food, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable monsoon gatherings.


Encalm Launches Encalm Eats, Debuts IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport

Encalm Launches Encalm Eats, Debuts IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Encalm has announced the launch of Encalm Eats, a dedicated food and beverage vertical that marks the company's entry into the creation and management of hospitality-led dining concepts. The new venture aims to develop distinctive culinary brands while expanding Encalm's integrated hospitality ecosystem across airports and other high-footfall destinations.

As its first in-house brand concept, Encalm Eats has introduced IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport. Designed around the idea of bringing India's flavours to travellers one sip at a time, the café celebrates the country's rich beverage heritage while offering a contemporary café experience.

The launch represents a natural extension of Encalm's hospitality portfolio, which already spans airport lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, and in-flight catering. Through Encalm Eats, the company plans to build a portfolio of original food and beverage concepts alongside select partner brands, focusing on authentic flavours, operational excellence, and evolving consumer preferences.

At IndiSip Café, guests can choose from a wide selection of beverages inspired by India's tea culture, including Ginger Cardamom Chai, Kesar Chai, Gulab Chai, and Kashmiri Kahwa. The menu also features handcrafted coffees, iced lattes, espressos, and indulgent shakes designed to cater to both traditional and modern tastes.

Complementing the beverage selection is a food menu that blends regional favourites with café classics. Offerings include Masala Samosa, Khopara Patties, Irani Bun Maska, Achari Paneer Tikka Wraps, and Achari Chicken Tikka Wraps, alongside croissants, muffins, cookies, and other grab-and-go options suited to today's travellers.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer, Encalm, said the introduction of Encalm Eats marks the next phase of the company's vision to create a comprehensive hospitality ecosystem. He noted that food and beverage experiences remain one of hospitality's most important touchpoints and that IndiSip reflects the company's commitment to enhancing every stage of the guest journey.

Deepak Bhatia, Business Head, Encalm Eats, added that the company intends to build a portfolio of concepts rooted in authentic flavours, consumer insight, and consistent quality. He described IndiSip as the first step in a larger strategy to create memorable dining experiences through thoughtfully designed food and beverage brands.

The launch of IndiSip Café signals the beginning of Encalm Eats' broader expansion plans, with the company aiming to introduce innovative dining concepts across multiple formats and locations. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, Encalm Eats plans to focus on creating culinary experiences that combine authenticity, convenience, and quality.

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