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.


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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