Vaarta Opens in Goa, Bringing Interactive Indian Street Food to a 160-Year-Old

Vaarta Opens in Goa, Bringing Interactive Indian Street Food to a 160-Year-Old

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 28, 2026

In a quiet corner of Sangolda, Vaarta has opened its doors inside a beautifully restored 160-year-old Goan home. The restaurant brings a fresh way of experiencing Indian street food, where flavours, memories, and conversations come together in an intimate setting.

Vaarta is not designed like a typical street food spot or a nostalgia-themed café. Instead, it slows things down and gives street food the space and respect it deserves. Set within a heritage home that already carries decades of stories, the restaurant allows food to unfold as an experience rather than a quick bite.

One of the most distinctive elements at Vaarta is its interactive dining style. Guests are welcomed by a live Puchka counter, where each puchka is prepared fresh. Diners can choose fillings such as Aloo Masala, Aloo Dum, Dahi Aloo, and Churmur, paired with house-made waters ranging from Sharp Jaljira and Tangy Tetul to sweet Saunth and cooling Pudina. The experience recreates the excitement of a street-side ritual, now placed within a calm and personal environment.

Adding to this sense of play is the ‘Make Your Own Barf Ka Gola’ cart, brought straight to the table. Guests can customise flavours, textures, and spice levels, turning a childhood favourite into a shared moment that naturally sparks conversation.

The setting plays a major role in shaping the experience. The 160-year-old home has been carefully restored, keeping its original arches, aged flooring, and vintage windows intact. Interconnected lighting flows through the space, while vintage round bakelite power switches have been retained to preserve an old-world charm. Rather than reshaping the house to fit a concept, Vaarta allows the home to guide the atmosphere, creating a space that feels warm, unhurried, and deeply connected to Goa.

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“Vaarta was born from a simple longing, the kind of food that carries memory and invites conversation. I didn’t want to recreate street food; I wanted to give it the space and respect it deserves,” says Neha Mehta, Founder of Vaarta.

The menu draws from Indian street food traditions across regions, prepared with care and restraint while staying true to their roots. It moves from chaat favourites like Palak Patta Chaat, Jhal Muri, and Tokri Chaat to comforting dishes such as Chelo Kebab, Suz Ke Seekh, and Aloo Ki Taheri. Bar bites include Spinach Chop, Tujj Tikka, and Chicken Roast Kulcha, while main courses highlight regional flavours with Dalcha Gosht, Gavran Chicken, Bharwaan Karela, Moti Pulao, and Cholar Dal. Desserts such as Bhapa Doi, Patishapta, Payasam, Shahi Tukda, and Basundi bring the meal to a nostalgic close.

The bar follows the same philosophy, reworking familiar Indian flavours into creative drinks. Cocktails like Pani Puri Popper, Kala Khatta Kamikaze, Masala Chai Martini, Nimbu Mirch Margarita, and Aam Panna Sour sit alongside refreshing options such as Shikanji Sparkler and Rose & Cardamom Lassi, keeping the experience playful yet comforting.

Vaarta appeals to a wide audience. For locals, it brings back flavours tied to everyday moments and memories. For long-term settlers, it offers a comforting reminder of home. For travellers, it becomes a quiet discovery, where Indian street food feels thoughtful and personal.

In a region known for beach shacks and global cuisines, Vaarta offers something different: a return to Indian flavours that shaped childhoods and cities. Here, street food slows down, conversations stay longer, and every dish carries a story.


The LaLiT New Delhi Hosts Michelin-Star Chef Philipp Dyczek for Exclusive Culinary Showcase at OKO

The LaLiT New Delhi Hosts Michelin-Star Chef Philipp Dyczek for Exclusive Culinary Showcase at OKO

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

The LaLiT New Delhi recently hosted an exclusive culinary showcase at its signature Pan-Asian restaurant, OKO, featuring Michelin-starred Austrian chef Philipp Dyczek. Held over two special evenings, the intimate dining experience introduced guests to Chef Dyczek’s distinctive culinary philosophy, blending modern European techniques with Japanese precision.

Chef Dyczek, founder of Restaurant ARTIS, is recognised as one of Austria’s leading contemporary chefs. His restaurant earned its first Michelin Star in 2025 and continues to receive acclaim from global gastronomic guides. Known for his disciplined approach to ingredients, seasonality, and craftsmanship, his cuisine reflects balance, clarity, and refined elegance.

For the showcase, Chef Dyczek curated an eight-course tasting menu inspired by the Japanese Omakase philosophy, where each dish unfolded as a carefully planned progression of flavours, textures, and aromas. The experience was further elevated with premium Austrian wines, thoughtfully paired with each course.

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The culinary journey began with Bluefin Tuna O-Toro Tartlet, followed by King Crab Beignet, and a refreshing Hamachi Ceviche that balanced acidity and freshness. Guests were then served Austrian Chicken Chawanmushi, highlighting the chef’s cross-cultural approach with subtle and layered flavours.

Seafood courses featured Skrei and Red Snapper, combining European techniques with Japanese influences. The menu continued with Suckling Pig, followed by Duck paired with water spinach and green asparagus, infused with delicate Southeast Asian notes. The evening concluded with a Topfen Soufflé served with Riesling sabayon and vanilla ice cream.

A thoughtfully designed vegetarian menu was also presented, featuring dishes such as Pea and Asparagus Tartlet, Carrot and Miso Beignet, Tomato and Avocado Tartare, Burnt Eggplant with curry butter, Savoy Cabbage Sushi, and seasonal mushrooms, ending with the signature dessert.

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Speaking about the showcase, Vishal Sharma, General Manager, The LaLiT New Delhi, said:

"It was an honour for The LaLiT New Delhi to host Chef Philipp Dyczek and bring his Michelin-starred culinary artistry to OKO. Experiences like these allow our guests to explore global gastronomy at the highest level while reinforcing our commitment to offering exceptional and immersive dining experiences."

The evenings concluded on a celebratory note, with diplomats, patrons, media, and culinary enthusiasts coming together to enjoy the curated menu and lively ambience. With live music and engaging conversations, the event created a vibrant and memorable atmosphere for all attendees.

Presented in collaboration with Chef’s Table India, the exclusive two-night pop-up welcomed guests for an intimate Chef’s Table experience. The showcase further reinforced OKO’s position as one of Delhi’s leading destinations for elevated international dining and global culinary collaborations.


Naked & Famous Celebrates International Whiskey Day with Signature Cocktails

Naked & Famous Celebrates International Whiskey Day with Signature Cocktails

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

Naked & Famous, known as the first of its kind octagonal bar, is celebrating its first International Whiskey Day with a special showcase of two whiskey-based cocktails, The Showgirl and 3 Acts of Citrus.

The celebration begins with The Showgirl, a cocktail crafted using Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, maraschino cherry, mandarin orange, and aromatic bitters. The drink carries a classic character with notes of sour mash, fruitiness, cherry, and zesty citrus, balanced by a bittersweet depth. While it stays true to traditional flavours, it also brings a subtle twist that adds to its appeal.

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The second offering, 3 Acts of Citrus, is made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, blended with tri-citrus marmalade and green lime. This cocktail delivers a bright and refreshing profile, with tart citrus notes complemented by a clean malt and whiskey base, creating a smooth and balanced finish.

Together, these cocktails reflect Naked & Famous’s approach to reimagining familiar drink styles through refined technique and flavour. The bar presents a fresh yet approachable way for guests to experience whiskey without moving too far from classic preferences.

Marking the occasion, Naked & Famous invites guests to raise a toast with The Showgirl and 3 Acts of Citrus, celebrating whiskey through two distinct and thoughtfully crafted creations.


Nashville Fried Chicken Has Landed in Pune and the Crispy Revolution Is Here

Nashville Fried Chicken Has Landed in Pune and the Crispy Revolution Is Here

By Hariharan U

Published on March 18, 2026

Pune's fried chicken scene just got a serious upgrade. Nashville Fried Chicken, the bold comfort food concept from Zorawar Kalra and Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd, has officially arrived in the city, bringing the same crispy, flavour-packed experience that has already built a loyal following across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

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This isn't your standard fried chicken chain. Nashville Fried Chicken has a very specific approach to getting it right, and the details matter. The chicken is massaged with robust spices and marinated for 18 hours before it's ever fried. The buns are proofed for 18 hours to achieve that soft, cloud-like texture that holds up to the fillings without falling apart. And the sauces, including Comeback Sauce, Secret Sauce, Honey Mustard, and Hot n Spicy, are all made in-house. Every element of the experience has been thought through, which is exactly what you'd expect from the team behind Louis Burger and Slyce Pizza.

The menu covers a lot of ground and does it well. The signature Fried Chicken Bucket with Peri Peri and Hot n Spicy sauces is the go-to for those who want heat and plenty of it. Glazed Chicken Tenders and Wings bring a slightly different texture to the table, while the Nashville Style Fried Chicken Burger, finished with spicy slaw and a dusting of paprika, is the standout sandwich on the menu. The Big Cluck Burger, Tandoori Fried Chicken Burger, and Hot American Summer round out the non-vegetarian options, while Pretty Boy Fries, Clucking Coop Wrap, and Fiery Double Chicken Wrap give you more reasons to order generously. Vegetarian options are also on the menu for those who want something from the spread.

For delivery, the packaging has been specifically designed to keep the chicken crispy throughout the journey, which matters more than it sounds when you're ordering fried chicken at home or at the office.

Zorawar Kalra shared his enthusiasm for the Pune launch. "Having seen the love from our patrons across India for Louis Burger, we are thrilled to now bring the bold flavours of Nashville Fried Chicken to Pune. Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a menu that combines global culinary expertise with the authentic indulgence of great fried chicken. With Pune's vibrant food culture and love for comfort food, we are excited to offer fried chicken enthusiasts a truly exceptional experience that they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes."

Nashville Fried Chicken is available on Zomato and Swiggy in Pune.

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