Telangana Chefs Association Marks 6th Anniversary with a Visionary Culinary Conclave

Telangana Chefs Association Marks 6th Anniversary with a Visionary Culinary Conclave

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 26, 2025

The Telangana Chefs Association (TCA) celebrated its 6th Anniversary in grand style with the Culinary Conclave 2025 at The Park, Hyderabad. With the theme “Roots to Robots – The Evolution of Culinary Craft,” the event was inaugurated by the esteemed Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and drew culinary experts, academicians, students, and hospitality professionals from across the country.

Gracing the occasion as Guests of Honour were notable figures including Chef Vijayabaskaran, General Secretary, IFCA; Chef MS Gupta, Treasurer, IFCA Presidium; Chef Sudhir Sibal, Board Member, IFCA Presidium; Chef Dharmendra Lamba, President, TCA; Chef Vimal Dhar, President, Royal Rajasthan Chefs Association; Chef Nimish Bhatia, Indian Cuisine Custodian; Mr. Kamal Krishnan, Strategic Marketer; and Ms. Maud Miquau, Director, Alliance Française.

A panel discussion titled “AI – Ruin or Rule the Kitchen?” sparked vibrant exchanges about balancing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics with the timeless culinary wisdom passed through generations. Another highlight was the dynamic presence of culinary students from Telangana, especially from Tier-2 cities, who brought fresh energy and perspective to the event.

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One of the key competitions leading up to the conclave was the Telangana Culinary League 2.0, which saw participation from budding chefs across the state. Regency College of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management was crowned Overall Champion, earning applause for their creativity and skill.

The conclave’s lineup of inspiring sessions included:

  • Future Kitchens by Chef Nimish Bhatia

  • Rise of Regional Cuisine by Chef Mandaar

  • Beyond Biryani by Begum Fatima Shahanaaz

  • Food from Telangana Homes by Mrs. Radamma

  • Social Media & Chef Branding by Chef Jerson Fernandez

  • Chef Wellness & Mindfulness by Mr. Jiteesh Mogli

In his keynote, Chef Manjit Singh Gill emphasized the importance of preserving India’s culinary heritage while embracing innovation. “Our kitchens are not just places for cooking—they are classrooms and temples,” he said, reminding the audience of their responsibility in carrying forward the wisdom of ancestors while shaping the future of food.

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Chef Dharmendra Lamba, President of TCA, called the event a movement rather than a celebration. “It’s about building a future-ready culinary community—rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.”

In a touching moment, TCA recognized the Youngistan Organization and Regency College for conducting impactful life skills and culinary training programs for children in government safe homes. The initiative was applauded as a strong step toward social responsibility in the hospitality industry.

The event also saw lively cultural performances from hospitality college students and concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating culinary mentors and the TCA Culinary League winners.

Leading exhibitors such as Monin, Goldee, Chefmate, Damati Foods, Spreaders, GHA, Excellent, and Agromach showcased innovative tools and products, adding a vibrant commercial dimension to the conclave. A standout moment was a live culinary performance by Chef Sanjeev Kumar Patra, drawing admiration from both young students and seasoned professionals.

As TCA steps into its seventh year, the association continues to strengthen its foundation with a blend of tradition, mentorship, and future-focused thinking.


Nandhini Opens New Flagship Outlet on St. Marks Road, Bengaluru

Nandhini Opens New Flagship Outlet on St. Marks Road, Bengaluru

By Author

Published on September 8, 2025

Nandhini is set to open its newest and most ambitious outlet on St. Marks Road, Bengaluru, on September 10, 2025. Spread across 6,000 sq. ft. with a capacity of 250 covers, the outlet combines authentic Andhra flavours with a modern fine-dining ambience.

 Designed by Reshma Raju and Nishant Raju of Abstract Design Studio, the interiors pay homage to Bengaluru’s identity as the “Garden City” while drawing inspiration from the city’s T2 Airport, blending sustainability with contemporary elegance. Guests can expect signature touches such as a biryani bell ritual, Polaroid giveaways, and exclusive private dining rooms, Sambhavam (40–50 covers) and Sannidhi (15 covers).

The outlet also debuts a refreshed beverage program with beer on tap and seven signature cocktails curated to complement Andhra cuisine. With 18 outlets in Bengaluru and one in Mysuru, Nandhini continues to be synonymous with Andhra dining. The St. Marks Road launch forms a cornerstone in its ambitious expansion plan of 50 outlets across India, targeting cities like Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi, before going global with destinations including Dubai, Sydney, Singapore, Malaysia, and London.


Royal China Brings Authentic Cantonese Fine Dining to Bengaluru

Royal China Brings Authentic Cantonese Fine Dining to Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 8, 2025

Royal China, a name synonymous with Cantonese fine dining in India for over two decades, has officially opened its doors in Bengaluru, marking its debut in South India. The brand, which first came to India from London in 2003, has expanded over the years across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Pune, establishing itself as the definitive destination for authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Faiz Rezwan, Executive Director of Prestige Group and Head of Royal China Bengaluru, says, "Royal China arrives in a city that already understands and celebrates fine dining. Bengaluru’s diners are adventurous, well-travelled, and deeply appreciative of tradition. These qualities align perfectly with Royal China’s ethos,” the official statement read.

Fajr Qureshi, Co-Founder of F and F Hospitality, added, “Our goal is to deliver an experience that feels international in standard yet rooted in heritage.”

Founders Neville and Michelle Vazifdar emphasized that the Bengaluru launch is a personal milestone. “Royal China has always stood for excellence and consistency,” said Neville. Michelle noted, “Expanding to Bengaluru allows us to share our legacy of Cantonese cuisine with a discerning new audience. Over two decades after bringing Royal China from London to India, we are humbled to see it grow into a brand loved across cities. Bengaluru, with its cosmopolitan spirit, feels like the perfect new home for Royal China.”

The interiors, designed by Ganesh Madasamy of Aston Design, draw inspiration from the myth of the phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and ascension, woven seamlessly with Bengaluru’s identity as the Garden City. Bamboo-inspired chandeliers, soaring private dining walls, flowing ceiling details, and a palette of gold, amber, and deep blue create a mood of quiet opulence.

Seating 160 guests across intimate booths, elegant private rooms, a main dining hall, and a semi-al fresco section, Royal China Bengaluru caters to both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings, offering versatility for a wide range of dining occasions. With its unwavering commitment to authentic Cantonese cuisine executed with precision and excellence, Royal China Bengaluru promises to redefine the fine dining landscape in the city.


Burma Burma Unveils ‘From Burma, With Tea’ Menu Celebrating Tea Shop Culture

Burma Burma Unveils ‘From Burma, With Tea’ Menu Celebrating Tea Shop Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 7, 2025

Burma Burma, India’s much-loved Burmese dining destination, is bringing the spirit of Burma’s tea shops to diners with its new limited-edition menu, From Burma, With Tea. Available from September 1 to 30, 2025, across all Burma Burma restaurants pan-India, the promotion is a tribute to the country’s vibrant tea shop culture where steaming cups of milk tea and hearty snacks form the centre of daily life.

At the heart of the menu is the Burmese Milk Tea, a timeless blend of black tea, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, served both hot and iced. Variations include the indulgent Yangon Royal Tea topped with cream, the Creamy Bagan Tea inspired by bustling markets, the Iced Milk Tea crowned with a milk foam cloud, and the refreshing Coconut Iced Tea blended with coconut milk and custard.

To accompany the teas, Burma Burma has crafted an array of flavourful bites and shared plates that echo the energy of Burmese tea shops. Guests can enjoy Chin State Potato Croquettes filled with five-spice mock meat, spicy Corner Cart Skewers, and Cracklin’ Burmese Dumplings stuffed with shiitake and edamame. Fresh options like the Seared Tofu and Avocado Salad add zest, while the Tea Shop Noodle Bowl offers comforting warmth. For dessert, the Tea Shop Toast, honey-glazed bread soaked in custard apple milk with clotted cream, delivers a sweet finale.

Ankit Gupta, Founder of Burma Burma, shared, “Burmese Tea Shops are living, breathing spaces of culture, community, and culinary richness, where friendships brew and stories simmer. This menu is particularly close to my heart, as it recreates those experiences for our diners in a Burma Burma way.”

Curated by Chef Ansab Khan and his team after extensive research and collaboration with tea masters in Burma, the menu captures the layered traditions of Burmese tea culture while offering a contemporary flair.

Rooted in nostalgia yet designed for today’s diners, From Burma, With Tea is more than just a menu, it is an experience of connection, flavour, and the warm hospitality that defines Burma. Guests in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad can enjoy the promotion throughout September.

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