The Art of Decoding Flavours in Baking Masterpieces

The Art of Decoding Flavours in Baking Masterpieces

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 29, 2025

Baking is more than following recipes—it’s an intricate dance of flavours that transforms simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. By understanding and balancing the five core taste elements—sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, sourness, and umami—bakers can craft desserts that enchant the senses and satisfy the palate.

At the heart of exceptional baking lies the careful selection of high-quality, fresh ingredients. The richness of butter, the earthiness of cocoa, and the freshness of fruits all play crucial roles in creating depth and balance. Pairing flavours is equally important. For instance, in a traditional fruitcake, the sweetness of dried fruits is balanced with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while citrus zest or a touch of rum adds invigorating contrast.

Similarly, desserts like tiramisu rely on a delicate balance between the bitterness of coffee and the sweetness of sugar, with cocoa adding a finishing touch. Lemon soufflé demonstrates how tartness can pair seamlessly with sweet or salty notes, creating a dynamic flavour profile. Even cakes with sea salt provide a savoury twist while enhancing sweetness.

Temperature and technique also influence flavour. The Maillard reaction during high-temperature baking imparts rich, toasty notes to cookies and bread, while low-temperature baking preserves delicate flavours in cakes and meringues. Cooling desserts allows the flavours to meld, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Modern bakers are exploring new frontiers in flavour. Botanical ingredients like lavender and rose lend floral notes, while savoury elements such as rosemary and goat cheese bring depth to breads and pastries. Uncommon fruits like yuzu and passion fruit offer vibrant, intense flavours, and cultural influences are inspiring unique combinations for global palates.

Health-conscious trends have also shaped the baking world. Natural sweeteners like honey and coconut sugar, gluten-free flours like almond and oat, and plant-based dairy alternatives are enabling bakers to create desserts that meet dietary needs without compromising taste.

In conclusion, the art of decoding flavours in baking is a journey of creativity and precision. By understanding the interplay of elements, embracing innovative trends, and pushing boundaries, bakers can create masterpieces that delight and inspire.

This article is contributed by Chef Pratyay Keny, Executive Pastry Chef, Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts, Bengaluru.


The Glenwalk Wins 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' at Talent Track Awards 2025

The Glenwalk Wins 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' at Talent Track Awards 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

The Glenwalk, a premium blended Scotch whisky brand co-founded by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and Cartel Bros, has bagged the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' title at the 8th Talent Track Awards 2025, held recently in Mumbai. Known for recognising excellence in digital content, branding, and marketing, the Talent Track Awards celebrated Glenwalk's innovative approach in a competitive spirits market.

This award adds to a long list of prestigious honours the brand has earned in a short span of time. These include a Bronze Medal at the London Spirits Awards 2025, Gold Medal at ProWine 2023, Silver Medal at ProWine 2024, Silver Medal at the London Spirits Competition 2024, Silver Award at IWSC 2024, and Gold at Spiritz Achiever 2024, among others. These accolades reflect the brand’s unwavering focus on quality and innovation, led by co-founders Mokksh Sani, Jitin Merani, Rohan Nihalani, Manish Sani, and Chief Business Officer Neeraj Singh.

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“Winning the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' title is both an honour and a responsibility. We have always believed in pushing boundaries, and this recognition reaffirms that our bold choices and fearless brand narrative are not only resonating but also setting new benchmarks,” said Mokksh Sani, Co-founder of Cartel Bros and Founder of Living Liquidz and Mansionz.

Since its launch, The Glenwalk has gained attention for its edgy brand storytelling and premium quality. By blending heritage craftsmanship with a bold, modern identity, it has carved a strong position in the Indian spirits market. The brand closed FY 2024–25 with 1.4 million bottles sold and has ambitious plans to triple this number to 4.2 million bottles in India, travel retail, and global markets.

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“From day one, we set out to challenge the status quo and create something that would stand apart, not just in taste, but in approach,” said Sanjay Dutt, The Glenwalk’s brand ambassador and co-founder. “This award is a testament to the vision, the bold risks we took, and the incredible team behind the brand.”

This recognition as the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' marks a major milestone for The Glenwalk. With a clear commitment to innovation and quality, the brand continues to reshape the premium whisky space in India and beyond.


AYALAGAM: A Thamizh Food Festival Celebrating Authentic Flavours at Feathers Hotel

AYALAGAM: A Thamizh Food Festival Celebrating Authentic Flavours at Feathers Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Feathers Hotel’s Sangamithirai restaurant invites you to embark on a unique culinary voyage with AYALAGAM – A Thamizh Food Festival. Running from 30th May to 8th June, this week-long celebration brings the authentic flavours of Thamizh cuisine as lovingly preserved in Singapore and Malaysia, curated by the internationally acclaimed Chef Devagi Sanmugam — famously known as the “Spice Queen of Singapore.”

A Cultural and Culinary Homecoming

AYALAGAM is more than just a food festival. It’s a heartfelt journey into the soul of Thamizh cooking, reflecting the rich traditions and vibrant flavours that have travelled across oceans. Each day features a special curated set menu named after the iconic rivers of Tamil Nadu — Bhavani, Vaigai, Amaravathi, Thamirabharani, and Siruvani — capturing the diverse tastes and textures unique to different regions.

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Highlights to Savor

Prepare your palate for a spectacular range of dishes blending tradition with innovation, including:

  • Peerkangai Kaintha Eral Soo Hoon Soup

  • Kozhi Sambal

  • Mutta Briyani

  • Palakkai Murungakai Kurma

  • Tauhu Urulai Kizhangu Sambal

  • Inippu Urappu Tamarai Thandu

  • Kadalai Paruppu Aatu Kothu Erachi Pirathal

  • Karuvepillai Meen

  • Vazhai Elai Kathirikai Chops

  • Nandu Parcel Soup

  • Sura Puttu Urundai

  • Palakai Biryani

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  • Pudina Rasam

  • Masala Kalan Kutti Uttapam

  • Masala Sweet Potato Paniyaram

  • Maravalli Kizhangu Halwa

  • Pandan Idiappam with Vazhai Pazham Sauce

  • Chendol

  • Javarisi Elai Kozhukattai

  • Parangikkai Payasam

Each dish tells a story of tradition, spice, and home—elevated by Chef Devagi’s global expertise.

Meet the Spice Queen

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Chef Devagi Sanmugam’s culinary journey spans over four decades, with 22 cookbooks and a global reputation as a culinary educator and consultant. Her passion for spices and Asian flavours shines through in this festival, bringing generations of recipes and memories to the table.

Feathers Executive Chef Murthi shared, “AYALAGAM is close to our hearts — it's about sharing the rich, soulful flavours of Thamizh cuisine from beyond our borders. Every dish brings a bit of home, with a twist.”

Chef Devagi adds, “Cooking for AYALAGAM feels like bringing my roots back to where it all began. These dishes are full of memories, spice, and love — just the way our grandmothers made them.”

Event Details:
Date: 30th May to 8th June 2025
Time: Lunch & Dinner
Venue: Sangamithirai, Feathers Hotel

Reservations: +91 78239 77825 | +91 73580 18812

Join AYALAGAM to taste the timeless culinary treasures of the Thamizh diaspora, celebrated with love and flair under one roof.


Saturday Breakfast Never Ends at Four Seasons Bengaluru with CUR8’s All-Day Feast

Saturday Breakfast Never Ends at Four Seasons Bengaluru with CUR8’s All-Day Feast

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Bengaluru and breakfast are a love story for the ages—and Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru just added the perfect new chapter. Say hello to “Saturdays, All Day Breakfast”, curated by CUR8, the hotel’s popular all-day dining restaurant. Designed for anyone who believes breakfast is a state of mind, this weekend special runs from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, making it your newest Saturday ritual.

A Feast from Morning to Midday

Start your day with early breakfast classics and watch the spread evolve into a hearty mid-day selection as the hours roll on. Think live stations, warm mains, compound salads, and a smoothie and mocktail bar ready to refresh your palate. Whether you’re a dosa die-hard or a global breakfast adventurer, CUR8 has your cravings covered.

More Than Just Food

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From 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, enjoy live music that adds rhythm to your meal and transforms CUR8 into a weekend hotspot. And if you’re into art, you’re in luck—CUR8 is also showcasing rotating art exhibitions from local talent, turning your meal into a cultural journey.

Interactive Fun for All Ages

For something extra special, join hands-on cooking demos and classes led by the Four Seasons’ expert chefs. From decorating cupcakes to flipping perfect dosas, it’s an experience families and foodies will love. Plus, take home a personalized apron, signed chef’s cap, and recipe cards to recreate the magic.

Whether you’re brunching with friends, hanging with the fam, or just chasing the perfect smoothie bowl—Saturday at Four Seasons is where breakfast never ends.

Venue: CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru
Reservations: +91 76191 46004

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