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.


Tubata Opens in Delhi as a Sensory Playground of Flavours and Design

Tubata Opens in Delhi as a Sensory Playground of Flavours and Design

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2025

Delhi’s culinary landscape has welcomed a new and imaginative entrant with the launch of Tubata in Pitampura, introduced by restaurateur Neeraj Aggarwal, over a decade after he unveiled his first venture, Lotus Leaf.

Tubata is not just a restaurant, it has been envisioned as a sensorial playground and a being inspired by the raw forces of nature. According to the release, it is “a mystical creature born from the elements of air, land, and ocean, where bold flavours, evocative design, and elemental spirit come together in perfect balance.”

Sharing his vision, Aggarwal said, “Tubata is not just a restaurant, it’s a feeling. It’s a space to indulge, to celebrate, to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with something primal, something beautiful. It’s refined, imaginative, and unapologetically distinctive.”

Tubata’s identity draws from the harmony of opposing worlds, with its emblem, the leopard, symbolising grace, mastery, and movement. The interiors reflect lush foliage, marine coral, and fluid natural forms, echoing the philosophy that indulgence is not excess, but alignment with nature’s rhythm.

The restaurant’s design presents a mix of unmatched aesthetics, cosy interiors, and a hint of glamour. It takes guests back to an era of good food and good mood, offering a cosmic play of a bespoke global experience. The multi-cuisine menu has been curated by a culinary team driven by curiosity and craft, reimagining familiar flavours while also introducing innovative creations.

Tubata also evolves with time. By day, it offers a soulful, inviting space for relaxed lunches, conversations, or quiet indulgence. By night, the atmosphere shifts as the lights deepen, the drinks flow, and the space transforms into a lively destination filled with rhythm and celebration.

Aggarwal summarised, “With an identity rooted in evolution, transformation, and sensory delight, Tubata is not your regular restaurant, it’s an experience, vibe and memory. With all ingredients amalgamated together, Tubata will surely give you reason to visit again and again.”


McDonald’s India North & East Celebrates 4th App Anniversary with Special Offers

McDonald’s India North & East Celebrates 4th App Anniversary with Special Offers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2025

McDonald’s India (North and East) is celebrating the 4th anniversary of its app with a host of exciting offers and daily surprises for customers. Since its launch in 2020, the McDonald’s app has grown into a trusted companion for food lovers, making ordering seamless while offering exclusive deals, easy customisation, and rewards that add more value to every meal.

Over the past four years, the app has become a go-to platform for millions of customers, reflecting their trust and love for the brand. It has not only simplified the dining experience but also enhanced it through loyalty-driven rewards and personalised deals.

Sharing his thoughts on the milestone, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the McDonald’s app together with our customers. This milestone is truly a reflection of their trust and love. The special offers are our way of thanking the millions of McDonald’s fans who have made the app a part of their everyday lives. With exclusive daily value offerings, we hope to make this anniversary month a celebration of great taste, everyday value, and the joy of enjoying McDonald’s favourites with friends and family.”

To mark the occasion, McDonald’s is rolling out a month-long celebration filled with app-exclusive offers. Customers can enjoy surprises like Buy 2 Get 1 Free deals, offers such as Buy 2 Burgers and get a Pizza McPuff free, or Buy 2 Medium Fries and get 1 free. From burgers and fries to wraps and soft drinks, these exciting deals give customers more reasons to enjoy their favourites with loved ones.

The anniversary offers will run until 7th September 2025, with fresh surprises every day of the week, ensuring there’s always something new to look forward to.

The McDonald’s App, available on Android and iOS, provides a personalised and convenient way for customers to order dine-in, takeaway, or drive-thru, while also unlocking exclusive offers available only on the app.

So, download the McDonald’s App today and join the celebration!


Far & East at Four Seasons Bengaluru Introduces Unlimited Dimsum Lunch

Far & East at Four Seasons Bengaluru Introduces Unlimited Dimsum Lunch

By Hariharan U

Published on August 21, 2025

Far & East, the Pan-Asian specialty restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, has unveiled its latest culinary experience, the Unlimited Dimsum Lunch. Perched on the 21st floor with sweeping views of the city, the offering transforms weekday lunches into a luxurious mid-day escape.

The menu is designed by Chef Wong Chin Sheong, fondly known as Chef Wong, who brings his mastery of Cantonese cuisine to the table. Guests can enjoy an extensive selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dim sum, along with mains and desserts, making it a complete and indulgent lunch experience.

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Highlights include delicate bites such as Steamed Pork Dumpling and Classic Chicken Shumai, as well as bolder flavours like Sichuan Spicy Chicken Dumpling and Yang Rou Jiao. Comforting options like Steamed Chicken and Water Chestnut Dumpling and Chicken Jiaozi add variety, while artisanal ice creams and sorbets provide a refreshing finish.

The Unlimited Dimsum Lunch is available daily from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The experience is more than just dining it’s an invitation to slow down, savour authentic flavours, and enjoy the elegance of Four Seasons hospitality against a panoramic city backdrop

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