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.


Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has unveiled Ayana, its newest rooftop dining destination, offering guests a transcendent culinary journey set against the shimmering lakes and Aravalli Hills. True to its name, which means “the path,” Ayana guides diners through an immersive experience that begins with its serene poolside ambiance and culminates with indulgent desserts.

The restaurant’s design harmoniously blends contemporary Indian aesthetics with natural materials, oversized cushions, glowing lanterns, and curated world music, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and serene. The panoramic rooftop views add a magical dimension to every visit.

Ayana’s menu celebrates India’s royal culinary legacy, drawing inspiration from the Northwest Frontier and the regal kitchens of Rajasthan. Each dish is crafted with precision, honouring its origins while presenting a modern twist. The bar complements the menu with artisanal cocktails infused with Indian botanicals, spices, and local flavours, alongside a curated selection of fine wines and craft beers.

Designed for intimate dinners, celebratory gatherings, and exclusive events, Ayana offers a mix of communal seating, semi-private corners, and open decks. The restaurant is also deeply committed to sustainability, prioritizing locally sourced seasonal produce, plant-forward innovations, minimal food waste, energy-efficient kitchens, and elimination of single-use plastics.

Executive Chef Mohit Mishra commented on the launch:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Ayana. Our vision was to create more than just a restaurant, we wanted to craft a journey where each dish tells a story, each flavour evokes tradition, and every detail reflects India’s rich culinary heritage.”

Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, added:

“Ayana is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a dining venue. From the sweeping rooftop views to the thoughtfully curated menu and serene yet vibrant ambiance, every element has been meticulously crafted to create lasting memories for both travellers and locals seeking a refined night out.”

Ayana promises to be a destination for culinary discovery, offering diners a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences atop one of Udaipur’s most scenic rooftops.


1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

1.5 Degree, India’s leading plant-based dairy alternative brand, has unveiled an exciting new range of signature beverages, frozen sundaes, traditional kulfis, and refreshing popsicles this festive season. The announcement comes on the heels of the company securing seed funding from BITS Pilani and being recognised among its top emerging startups.

The new collection reflects 1.5 Degree’s philosophy of combining indulgence with responsibility. Designed for the conscious consumer, the range features sugar-free café-style beverages like Kesar Badam, Salted Pistachio, Hazelnut Coffee, and Cold Vegan Tea, crafted for refreshing, guilt-free sips.

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The Frozen Sundaes promise rich, layered indulgence in flavours like Salted Peanut Butter and Nutty Choco Fudge, while the Kulfi Collection, also sugar-free, reimagines the classic Indian favourite with plant-based innovation. The Popsicle lineup includes fruity and tangy favourites such as Chilly Guava, Jamun, and Shikanji, complemented by rotating seasonal sorbets for an extra-refreshing twist.

“At 1.5 Degree, we believe in indulgence without compromise,” said Vedansh Goyal, Founder of 1.5Degree.co. “With the overwhelming response to our gelatos, this new range brings familiar Indian favourites like kulfi and shikanji into the plant-based space, while also offering global café-style beverages, now with sugar-free options that keep taste front and centre.”

All products are 100% plant-based, dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free, made using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. Ethically sourced and responsibly produced, the brand reinforces its mission to support a cooler planet while offering full-flavoured experiences.

1.5 Degree’s new offerings are available across Delhi NCR and Mumbai through select retail outlets, quick-commerce platforms, kiosks, and cloud kitchens. Orders can also be placed online via Swiggy, Zomato, or directly at 1.5degree.co.

Founded with a vision to make plant-based indulgence mainstream, 1.5 Degree continues to expand its product line with an aim to merge taste, sustainability, and innovation, one scoop and sip at a time.


BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

By Hariharan U

Published on October 16, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has opened the doors to its latest dining experience, BarQat, a restaurant that reimagines India’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of heritage and innovation. Meaning “abundance” in Urdu, BarQat captures the spirit of generosity and connection through food, celebrating regional flavours from Kashmir, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Hyderabad.

Designed as a culinary journey along India’s historical route, BarQat brings together the nuanced flavours and stories of these four regions, each offering its own interpretation of classic dishes. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet profound, to honour heirloom recipes while giving them a contemporary touch. Every dish tells a story of how shared roots evolved into diverse traditions across India’s culinary landscape.

Speaking about the relaunch, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we believe true luxury is found in abundance — abundance of flavour, culture, connection, and celebration. The relaunch of BarQat embodies this philosophy. We've created a space where Straight-line Cuisine comes to life and the abundance of India's culinary heritage unfolds through heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Here, every gathering becomes an opportunity to foster deeper bonds with loved ones. From the lavish spread of regional delicacies to the warm embrace of shared meals, BarQat is designed for those special moments of togetherness. It's about celebrating abundance in every form — on your plate, in your conversations, and in the memories you create.”

Open daily from 7:00 PM to midnight, BarQat offers guests a place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the flavours of India’s most storied kitchens. With its rich textures, soulful aromas, and immersive storytelling, BarQat promises a dining experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Guests can reserve their tables by calling +91 7710009250 or visiting www.jwmumbai.com.

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