YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar Brings Global Bubble Tea Culture to India

YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar Brings Global Bubble Tea Culture to India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 19, 2024

YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar, the globally acclaimed tea brand from the Netherlands, has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first outlet in Bangalore. Nestled near Trinity Circle, opposite 1 MG Mall, the outlet marks the beginning of the brand’s ambitious journey to redefine tea culture in India.

With over a decade of experience in transforming the European tea scene, YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar brings its signature pink branding and customizable beverages to Indian tea enthusiasts. Founded by Wing Li and introduced to India by Jose Mohan, the brand aims to blend global innovation with India's rich tea heritage.

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The Netherlands-based YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar was established to offer a creative twist on traditional tea, standing out in a region often dominated by coffee culture. Their menu boasts a wide range of bubble teas, including the unique warm bubble tea, a comforting innovation that’s perfect for colder days. After captivating audiences in Europe, the brand is now ready to win the hearts of Indian consumers.

Bangalore, renowned for its openness to culinary experiments, was a natural choice for YOYO!’s Indian debut. The brand has plans for rapid expansion, targeting metro cities and tier-2 towns through a strong franchise model.

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Globally, the bubble tea industry is on a steep growth trajectory, currently valued between $2.75 and $3 billion and expected to nearly double by 2030. South Asia and the Pacific region remain a powerhouse for the market, driven largely by the younger generation’s preference for customizable and innovative flavors.

As the largest bubble tea outlet in Bangalore, YOYO!’s store spans a generous 1,800 sq. ft., offering a vibrant space for customers to enjoy their drinks. Their menu is crafted to suit a variety of palates, featuring refreshing fruit teas, artisanal iced teas, and customizable bubble teas topped with delights like popping bobas, tapioca pearls, and jellies.

Speaking about the launch, Wing Li, Founder of YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar, said, “India’s tea heritage aligns beautifully with our vision to elevate the beverage into a global experience. We’re excited to create a perfect fusion of tradition and modernity for tea lovers here.”

Adding to this, Jose Mohan, Master Franchise Owner for India, remarked, “Our India Specials showcase a commitment to local flavors and sourcing. It’s more than a drink; it’s a celebration of the Indian tea story with a global twist.”

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YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar is dedicated to sustainability, prioritizing the use of locally sourced ingredients and working closely with regional farmers. This commitment extends to their franchise model, where they aim to foster partnerships with local entrepreneurs.

With its arrival in India, YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar promises to offer a fresh and exciting perspective on tea. Available on Swiggy and Zomato, the brand is making its innovative beverages easily accessible, ensuring tea lovers can enjoy their creations anytime.

About YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar

Founded in 2012 by Wing Li, YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar is a trailblazer in the global bubble tea market. With vibrant branding and a passion for innovation, the brand has become a favorite for tea lovers in Europe. Expanding to India with its first store in Bangalore, YOYO! is bringing its unique tea culture to a new audience.

Address: YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar, No. 4/154, Trinity Church Compound, Old Madras Rd, behind Trinity Church Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008

For more information, visit YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar.


Éntisi Chocolatier Launches Official Harry Potter-Inspired Chocolate Collection in India

Éntisi Chocolatier Launches Official Harry Potter-Inspired Chocolate Collection in India

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2026

Éntisi Chocolatier has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to introduce an officially licensed Harry Potter-inspired premium chocolate collection in India, marking the brand's entry into the licensed chocolate category.

Inspired by iconic confectionery treats and memorable elements from the Harry Potter films, the collection includes Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Chocolates, Chocolate Frogs, Hogwarts House Chocolates, and the Platform 9¾ Hogwarts Express Bar. Each product has been designed with custom-developed moulds and packaging inspired by the Wizarding World, accompanied by collectible keepsake cards that encourage fans to build their own collection.

Priced from ₹129, the collection will be available through Éntisi's boutiques in Mumbai and Pune, dark stores across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Bengaluru, the brand's official website, and exclusively on quick commerce platform Blinkit.

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The launch began on 28 July, with celebrations building towards Harry Potter's birthday on 31 July, targeting fans, collectors, teenagers, and gifting audiences.

Commenting on the launch, Nikki Thakker, Founder & CEO, Éntisi Chocolatier, said, "This collaboration is incredibly personal for me. Like millions of people, I grew up on Harry Potter, the books and the films both. The opportunity to reimagine some of its most iconic elements from scratch and bring them to India is something I never imagined would become reality."

She added, "Beyond the nostalgia, this collaboration represents a defining milestone for Éntisi. Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products in India is a tremendous validation of the craftsmanship, quality, and ambition we've spent years building. Every mould in this collection has been custom developed exclusively for Harry Potter because we wanted every detail to feel authentic."

The launch also marks Éntisi's strategic expansion into the licensed chocolate segment, which the company views as a key long-term growth opportunity. Over the coming year, the brand plans to strengthen its presence in Delhi and Bengaluru, while its five-year roadmap includes pan-India retail expansion, a stronger presence at international airports, wider quick-commerce accessibility, and future Harry Potter-inspired seasonal collections.

Founded in 2017, Éntisi Chocolatier has built its reputation through handcrafted luxury chocolates, offering signature bonbons, dragees, and seasonal collections crafted using premium ingredients sourced globally.


Loya at Taj Palace New Delhi Unveils New Menu Celebrating North India's Culinary Heritage

Loya at Taj Palace New Delhi Unveils New Menu Celebrating North India's Culinary Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

Loya at Taj Palace, New Delhi has unveiled a thoughtfully curated new menu that continues its journey of exploring the culinary traditions of North India. Built on extensive research, regional travel and interactions with local communities, the latest menu showcases authentic recipes, time-honoured cooking techniques and immersive dining experiences that celebrate the rich food heritage of the region.

Inspired by Loya's philosophy of discovering lesser-known culinary stories, the menu has been developed through extensive journeys across North India's villages, mountains and hinterlands. The culinary team documented recipes from home kitchens, regional cooks and traditional practitioners, preserving not only the ingredients and techniques but also the cultural narratives behind each dish.

The new menu reflects the diversity of North India's culinary landscape, with dishes inspired by Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and the Dogra region. Each creation captures the traditions, seasonal ingredients and local practices that have been passed down through generations.

Traditional cooking methods remain at the heart of the dining experience. Techniques such as dhungar (smoke infusion), slow cooking and hand-pounding of spices have been carefully incorporated to preserve the authenticity and depth of flavour while presenting the dishes with contemporary refinement.

Among the highlights is Fazilka Launji Chaat, inspired by Punjab's border districts, alongside Bhey Kebab, a lotus stem delicacy from the Dogra region. Guests can also savour Doaba Mutton Curry, showcasing the rich flavours of Punjab's fertile plains, while Karari Phillauri Macchi presents freshwater fish with contrasting textures.

The menu further explores the Himalayan region through dishes such as Sirmouri Murg, prepared using fermented yoghurt and regional raw turmeric, and Yaji Wangun, a traditional Kashmiri preparation pairing walnut dumplings with baby brinjal in an aromatic gravy.

Complementing the main dishes are regional accompaniments including Tehar, a culturally significant Kashmiri rice preparation, and Bedwa Kulcha, a Himachali-style stuffed kulcha filled with spiced kulth dal that reflects the earthy flavours of the Pahadi region.

Adding an interactive element to the dining experience, Loya has introduced Kulfa, inspired by the streets of Amritsar. Presented tableside, the dessert combines phirni, frozen reduced milk, rabri and rose into a theatrical finale that blends nostalgia with culinary craftsmanship.

Commenting on the launch, Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President & Brand Custodian, IHCL, said, "Since its inception, Loya has remained obsessed with uncovering the untold food stories of the North. Through years of immersive research, our journeys have taken us deep into villages, the hinterlands, and the foothills and mountains of the Himalayas, documenting the food of the foot soldiers, farming communities and local households whose culinary traditions have endured through generations. This new menu is a continuation of that enduring pursuit, celebrating the richness of the North with authenticity, integrity and profound respect for its origins."

Sharing his thoughts on the culinary journey behind the menu, Rajesh Wadhwa, Grand Master Chef, Loya, said, "This menu is shaped by our journeys into the interiors of the North, by listening, observing and learning from those who continue to cook these dishes in their most authentic form. Our approach has always been to bring these stories to the table with care, while preserving their essence."

With its latest menu, Loya continues to strengthen its position as a destination for regional culinary exploration, offering guests an experience that goes beyond dining by bringing together heritage, craftsmanship and authentic storytelling through every dish.


Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Brings Authentic Balinese Flavours to Mumbai with Limited-Time Bali Food Festival

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Brings Authentic Balinese Flavours to Mumbai with Limited-Time Bali Food Festival

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar has introduced its latest culinary showcase with the launch of the Bali Food Festival, bringing the vibrant flavours and culinary traditions of Indonesia's tropical island to Mumbai. As part of its popular Across Asia series, the limited-time festival offers diners an authentic taste of Balinese cuisine through a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by the island's street food, home-style recipes and aromatic spices.

Following the success of its Korean food festival, the restaurant continues its exploration of Asia's diverse culinary landscape by recreating Bali's signature dishes, from comforting broths and charcoal-grilled delicacies to rich coconut curries and tropical desserts.

The festival begins with traditional soups, including the Balinese Pumpkin Coconut Soup and Soto Ayam Bali, offering warm, aromatic flavours that reflect the island's culinary heritage. Guests can also enjoy fresh and vibrant salads such as the Pomelo Bali Salad and Prawn Mango Bali Salad, showcasing Bali's emphasis on tropical produce and citrus-infused flavours.

The appetiser selection features a variety of authentic Balinese favourites, including Charcoal-Grilled Cottage Cheese Satay, Jagung Corn Fritters, Chicken Satay Lilit wrapped around fragrant lemongrass stalks, Fish Cakes Bali, and Kepiting Bumbu Bali, a traditional crab preparation cooked in a rich chilli and spice-based sauce.

The main course menu highlights the comforting flavours of Balinese home cooking. Signature dishes include Jackfruit Curry, Eggplant Sambal Curry, Massaman Curry, Seafood Kari Bali, and Lamb Rendang Bali Style, each prepared using coconut milk, aromatic herbs and traditional island spices.

For guests seeking a complete Balinese dining experience, the Bali Feast Platter offers an assortment of satays, nasi goreng, sambal, stir-fried greens, salads and crackers. Seafood lovers can opt for the Island Seafood Grill Plate, featuring grilled prawns, fish, squid, coconut rice and the classic sambal matah.

The culinary journey concludes with a selection of traditional desserts, including Dadar Gulung Coconut Crepe, Black Rice Coconut Pudding, Fried Banana with Palm Sugar Ice Cream, and the refreshing Es Cendol, one of Southeast Asia's most popular chilled desserts.

Commenting on the festival, Ewa Valia, Assistant Marketing Manager at Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar, said, "The response to our Across Asia series has been incredibly encouraging. Mumbai's diners are clearly eager to explore Asian cuisines beyond the familiar. After Korea, Bali felt like the natural next step, especially with the monsoon in full swing. There's something about rainy days in Mumbai that makes you crave Bali's warmth, its coconut curries and its comforting broths. We wanted to bring not just the flavours but the island's easy, laid-back spirit to the table, right when the city needs it most."

With its immersive menu inspired by Bali's rich culinary traditions, the Bali Food Festival offers Mumbai diners an opportunity to experience the island's vibrant food culture without leaving the city. The festival continues Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar's commitment to celebrating authentic Asian cuisines through thoughtfully curated dining experiences that blend tradition, flavour and cultural discovery.

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