UNOX and Unique Steel Products-Kitchen Whiz Launch the UNOX Lounge in Bengaluru, Showcasing Advanced Culinary Solutions

UNOX and Unique Steel Products-Kitchen Whiz Launch the UNOX Lounge in Bengaluru, Showcasing Advanced Culinary Solutions

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 6, 2024

 UNOX, the renowned Italian brand celebrated for its state-of-the-art commercial ovens, has expanded its footprint in India with the launch of the UNOX Lounge in Bengaluru. Developed in collaboration with Unique Steel Products-Kitchen Whiz, this space serves as a one-of-a-kind platform for culinary professionals to explore and experience the precision, versatility, and cutting-edge technology behind UNOX's range of professional ovens.

Located in the bustling Bommasandra Industrial Area, the UNOX Lounge showcases an impressive collection of UNOX equipment, including convection ovens, combi-ovens, and speed ovens. The venue is designed to be a hands-on experience for chefs, offering interactive demonstrations conducted by expert UNOX chefs. These sessions not only highlight the capabilities of UNOX ovens but also showcase how these solutions can transform modern kitchen operations.

Vikram Goel, Managing Director of UNOX India, shared his excitement about the launch: "The UNOX Lounge in Bengaluru represents our dedication to offering innovative culinary solutions to the industry. This space is an open door for chefs and professionals to immerse themselves in the UNOX experience and see firsthand the impact of our technology."

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Matt Roberts, Director of Customer Experience at UNOX MEA, emphasized the significance of hands-on engagement, stating, "The UNOX Lounge is more than a showroom; it's a place where customers can interact with our products before they make a decision. This direct experience helps them make informed choices that will enhance their kitchen's efficiency."

Huzefa Madraswala, Managing Director of Unique Steel Products-Kitchen Whiz, echoed these sentiments, adding, "Partnering with UNOX to establish the UNOX Lounge allows us to offer our customers access to the latest in culinary technology. We are thrilled to provide this platform that brings innovation and creativity to the forefront of Bengaluru’s culinary landscape."

The UNOX Lounge is poised to become a key destination for a wide array of clientele, including top-tier restaurants, luxury hotels, boutique cafes, and dynamic catering businesses. It represents a hub of culinary innovation in Bengaluru, driving forward the future of kitchen excellence.

UNOX Bangalore Lounge:
Phase-3, 235/E, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560099


Papaya Unveils “The Yin & Yang Menu” Inspired by Asia’s Timeless Philosophy

Papaya Unveils “The Yin & Yang Menu” Inspired by Asia’s Timeless Philosophy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 7, 2025

Papaya, India’s pioneer in modern Asian dining, has launched The Yin & Yang Menu, a unique culinary experience inspired by one of Asia’s oldest philosophies, the harmony created when opposites come together. Rooted in the belief that contrast completes rather than divides, the menu brings the essence of balance to the plate through taste, texture and emotion.

For generations, the concept of Yin and Yang has symbolised the universe’s natural rhythm, light and shadow, calm and energy, softness and strength. Not opposites in conflict, but partners in balance. Papaya brings this timeless idea to life by blending fire with flow, depth with delicacy, and spice with serenity.

“The Yin & Yang Menu is our homage to the philosophy that defines Asia itself,” says Zorawar Kalra, Founder & Managing Director, Massive Restaurants. “Papaya has always led from the front in redefining how India experiences Asian cuisine, by blending innovation with integrity. With this menu, we explore how contrast doesn’t divide; it completes. It’s a dialogue between opposites, a reminder that flavour, like life, finds meaning only in balance.”

True to Papaya’s style, the experience goes beyond food. The two curated menus are crafted as emotional journeys that reflect each other, with one finding strength in what the other releases.

The Yin Menu celebrates calm, subtlety and restraint. Dishes like Smoked Avocado Nigiri and Avocado Carpaccio with Yuzu Soy bring gentle brightness, while Crystal Truffle Cream Cheese Dim Sum and Cantonese Dumpling Broth offer soothing depth. Highlights such as Rainbow Roll and Salmon Uzukuri with Jalapeño Relish pair coolness with a hint of heat. The experience concludes with Thai Green Curry with Stir-Fried Asian Greens and a serene Vanilla Panacotta with Citrus Glaze, echoing the quiet charm of dusk.

The Yang Menu brings energy, boldness and expression. The journey begins with spirited dishes like Spicy Tuna Maki, Som Tam Seafood Salad, and Shaomai Chicken & Chestnuts. The flavours intensify with Tom Yum Soup, Spicy Red Dragon Roll, and Papaya’s signature Layered Sushi Pizza with Salmon Carpaccio. Power-packed plates such as Wok-Fried Tofu & Mushrooms in Crispy Chilli and Thai Red Curry keep the momentum strong, ending with the dramatic Chocolate Ball on Fire, a blend of dessert and theatre.

Across both menus, every element is designed to create balance, colours, aromas, ingredients and textures come together to bring harmony to each plate. Calm meets chaos, heat meets coolness, and structure blends with flow. Diners are invited to experience both sides and discover how each enriches the other.

With The Yin & Yang Menu, Papaya continues to lead India’s modern Asian dining scene by blending philosophy, creativity and cuisine into an experience that feels deeply rooted yet refreshingly contemporary.


Bernini Unveils a New Era of Real Wine Spritzers with Its ‘Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In’ Ritual

Bernini Unveils a New Era of Real Wine Spritzers with Its ‘Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In’ Ritual

By Hariharan U

Published on December 7, 2025

Bernini, South Africa’s only real spritzer made from wine with flavours, has introduced a fresh look and an elegant new campaign rooted in a simple yet meaningful ritual: Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In. The idea celebrates the sensory experience of real wine, its aroma, taste, and the memories it evokes, while inviting women to pause, be present, and enjoy moments that feel softer and more intentional.

The campaign draws inspiration from the sunset aperitivo culture, a time of day when conversations feel warmer, connections linger, and everything slows down. This is the space Bernini wants to live in during long lunches that flow into golden-hour evenings, relaxed weekends, and moments where life feels beautifully unhurried.

There is a quiet but powerful shift happening in how South African women choose to live and experience their world. After years of rushing and performing, many are seeking moments that feel softer, slower, and more intentional,” said Paigon Prince, Senior Brand Manager for Bernini South Africa. “True authenticity exists when there is no audience, and Bernini makes space for that. The quality is in the experience and not the broadcast.”

The real-wine ritual is designed to transform a simple drink into a grounding experience, Pop It to enjoy the gentle sparkle of real wine with flavours. Swirl It to release the natural aromas in the signature Bernini coupe glass. Breathe It In to savour the refreshing wine notes.

The range offers a smooth, easy-drinking taste across variants:

  • Classic – white style with honey notes

  • Blush – rosé style with soft florals

  • Mimosa – sparkling white with real orange juice

Each variant is crafted for moments of calm, celebration, or connection.

Bernini has also revealed a more sophisticated visual identity. The refreshed blue stripe design brings a timeless and premium look, while the iconic crown “B” and signature Bernini blue strengthen the brand’s chic personality. The move to a flint glass bottle for the Classic variant enhances the delicate sparkling liquid inside.

“As we evolved the brand, our intention wasn’t to make life louder, but to make it feel more meaningful,” Prince added. “Because life becomes more beautiful when you pause long enough to savour it and Breathe It In.”

Bernini continues to be a brand born from real wine, offering spritzers available in multiple variants and convenient formats, including bottles and cans.


Jinro Partners with Monika Alcobev to Bring Korea’s No.1 Soju to India’s Fast-Growing Market

Jinro Partners with Monika Alcobev to Bring Korea’s No.1 Soju to India’s Fast-Growing Market

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 5, 2025

India’s premium alcobev market is set for a major boost as Monika Alcobev Limited announces a new partnership with Jinro, the world’s No. 1 spirit and South Korea’s most iconic Soju brand. Through this collaboration, Monika Alcobev will now handle Jinro’s complete India operations, import, distribution, and marketing across key cities.

The partnership comes at a time when Soju is gaining powerful traction in India, driven by the rising influence of Korean cuisine, K-culture, and social trends. With more Indian consumers exploring global drinking formats, Soju has quickly become one of the most dynamic categories in the premium spirits segment.

Kunal Patel, Managing Director of Monika Alcobev, said, “We are proud to add Jinro to our premium portfolio lineup. Soju has grown from a regional favourite to a global phenomenon, and Jinro continues to lead that shift. This partnership reflects our alignment with the market and our ability to grow premium global brands in India.”

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Sharing insights from the trade, Hemang Chandat, Chief Commercial Officer at Monika Alcobev, added, “Demand for Soju is accelerating rapidly in India. With Jinro, we are bringing the most recognised and trusted name in the category. The timing is ideal, and we expect strong momentum from consumers.”

The rollout will begin in major metros including Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Goa. Expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities will follow. To support the launch, consumers can look forward to cultural collaborations, immersive events and dedicated bar programs that highlight authentic Korean experiences.

Popular Jinro variants such as Chamisul Fresh, Green Grape, Plum, Strawberry and Peach will be introduced, giving both loyal Soju fans and first-time drinkers multiple options to explore.

David, Export Manager at HiteJinro Co., Ltd., shared, “We are delighted to introduce Korea’s No. 1 Jinro Soju to Indian consumers through Monika Alcobev’s wide distribution network and strong market presence. India is one of the world’s largest spirit-consuming nations, and together, we believe Jinro Soju will see remarkable growth.”

With this partnership, Monika Alcobev continues to strengthen its premium global portfolio, reaffirming its position as a trusted gateway for international alcobev brands entering India. The collaboration also reflects the company’s focus on sustainable growth, brand-building, and creating meaningful experiences for the modern consumer.

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