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.


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.


Chef Avinash Martins Brings Janot to Bengaluru with a Menu Inspired by Stories and Ingredients

Chef Avinash Martins Brings Janot to Bengaluru with a Menu Inspired by Stories and Ingredients

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2026

Chef Avinash Martins has brought his acclaimed restaurant Janot to Bengaluru, marking a new chapter for the brand that first gained popularity in Goa. Located at 1 MG-Lido Mall, the restaurant combines thoughtful food, warm hospitality and a menu inspired by stories, ingredients and travel experiences.

Spread across 5,500 sq. ft. with seating for 70 guests, Janot has been designed as a neighbourhood restaurant where diners can enjoy leisurely meals, creative cocktails and meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting.

Rather than focusing on a single cuisine, Janot follows an ingredient-first philosophy. Each dish begins with an ingredient, flavour or memory that inspires Chef Avinash, whether discovered during his travels, rooted in regional traditions or connected to personal experiences. This approach creates a menu that feels both contemporary and familiar while remaining approachable.

Sharing the vision behind the restaurant, Chef Avinash Martins said, "Some of the best dishes come from simple ideas. A meal you remember from a small town, an ingredient you discover while travelling, or a recipe that's been passed down through generations. Janot is a collection of those experiences. We wanted to create food that people connect with, not just admire."

The restaurant takes its name from a Portuguese expression often used affectionately by Chef Avinash's grandmother. That sense of warmth and nostalgia is reflected throughout both the dining experience and the hospitality.

The Bengaluru menu showcases a range of dishes inspired by Chef Avinash's culinary journey. Signature offerings include Udaipuri Laal Maas Galouti served with khooba roti, Gallina Cafreal featuring pulled chicken cafreal on a potato rosti with quail egg, and Military Lamb with herb-crusted lamb chops paired with donne pulao and sherva gravy.

Seafood dishes such as Patte Wali Macchi, a banana leaf-wrapped seabass served with fish stew and turmeric curry leaf cauda, and Odiya Crab Kassa with kasundi hollandaise and caviar beignets add further variety to the menu.

For vegetarian diners, dishes like Udaipuri Kathal Galouti, Makhan Phal Kofte and Rumani Baingan Chokha highlight familiar ingredients and regional flavours through a modern presentation while staying true to the restaurant's ingredient-led philosophy.

The beverage programme complements the food menu with cocktails inspired by regional ingredients, seasonal produce and Indian drinking traditions. Signature creations include Patoi, inspired by Goa's traditional patoleo dessert, Marmalade, Kokum & Curry Leaf G&T and Feni Colada, offering guests a distinctive and flavourful drinking experience.

Janot also caters to a wide range of dietary preferences with dedicated vegetarian, Jain, vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring an inclusive dining experience for all guests.

Speaking about bringing the concept to Bengaluru, Thejus Shivarama, Partner, Janot Bengaluru, said, "Chef Avinash has a very honest way of looking at food. Every dish has a reason to exist and every ingredient has a purpose. That's what drew me to Janot. Bengaluru's dining scene has evolved tremendously over the last few years. People are well travelled, curious and open to trying new things, but they also value sincerity. We felt Janot would resonate because it's not trying to be anything other than itself."

With its arrival in Bengaluru, Janot introduces a dining experience that combines comfort, creativity and storytelling, offering guests food that celebrates ingredients while staying rooted in genuine hospitality.


Fountain Sizzlers Brings Its Iconic Sizzling Experience to Borivali

Fountain Sizzlers Brings Its Iconic Sizzling Experience to Borivali

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2026

One of Mumbai's most loved dining brands, Fountain Sizzlers, has expanded its presence with the launch of a new outlet at Sky City Mall in Borivali, bringing a piece of the city's culinary history to the western suburbs.

Long before food delivery apps and social media-driven dining trends, Fountain Sizzlers built its reputation around the unmistakable experience of a sizzling cast-iron platter arriving at the table. Since opening its first restaurant in Fort over three decades ago, the brand has become a familiar part of countless celebrations, family outings, birthday dinners and weekend meals for generations of Mumbaikars.

The new Borivali outlet marks more than just another restaurant opening. It represents the arrival of a brand that helped shape Mumbai's dining culture and introduced many diners to the theatre of restaurant dining through its signature sizzling platters.

Many of the restaurant's most popular dishes continue to remain favourites among loyal customers. Signature offerings such as the Sizzling Chicken Pepper Garlic Sauce, Cottage Cheese Shashlik, Golden Patty Cottage Cheese Sizzler and the iconic Sizzling Brownie continue to attract diners who have grown up with the brand. These classics are now joined by an extensive menu featuring grills, BBQ favourites, premium proteins, vegetarian specialties and hearty platters.

Located within Oberoi Realty's Sky City Mall, the new outlet has been designed as a dedicated Sizzler House, celebrating the format that made Fountain Sizzlers a household name across Mumbai.

Speaking about the brand's enduring appeal, Ayush Arora, Founder of Fountain Sizzlers, said, “Fountain Sizzlers has evolved into what we like to call India's own BBQ and grill house. Sizzlers is its own cuisine in itself satisfying not only the meat eating non vegetarians but also perfectly filling the lack of options vegetarians specifically have in terms of their continental cravings, with our wide variety in vegetarian sizzlers.

The sizzler's enduring popularity comes from a simple truth: Indians love food that is ‘Garam Garam’ (piping hot) and ‘Pavlovian’ (food that makes your mouth water). That connection has made sizzlers not just a dish, but a lasting part of our dining culture."

The interiors of the Borivali restaurant have been designed by Sarah Sham of Essajees Atelier. Drawing inspiration from the original Flora Fountain outlet and the city itself, the space showcases curated artwork that reflects Mumbai's journey from old Bombay to modern-day Mumbai while paying tribute to Goddess Flora, whose legacy remains closely linked to the neighbourhood where the brand first began.

Over the years, Fountain Sizzlers has welcomed everyone from office-goers and professionals to families and groups of friends. Its ability to remain relevant across generations while staying true to its core dining experience has helped the brand maintain a loyal following.

With its arrival in Borivali, Fountain Sizzlers is bringing its signature combination of nostalgia, flavour and restaurant theatre to a new audience, proving that some dining experiences never go out of style.

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