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.


Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a New Menu Inspired by the North-West Frontier

Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a New Menu Inspired by the North-West Frontier

By Hariharan U

Published on June 15, 2026

Jyran, the acclaimed Tandoor Dining & Lounge at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, has unveiled a thoughtfully curated new menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the North-West Frontier. Crafted by Master Chef Waris Qureshi, the refreshed offering pays tribute to heirloom recipes, royal culinary traditions, and time-honoured cooking techniques while embracing contemporary presentation and craftsmanship.

Known for its distinctive interpretation of Indian cuisine, Jyran's latest menu draws inspiration from the celebrated culinary cultures of Awadh, Peshawar, and Hyderabad. The new selection highlights the depth and diversity of these regional traditions through dishes that showcase authentic flavours and meticulous preparation.

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Among the standout additions are the Namak Mandi Gosht Ki Chaap, Murgh Al Qureshi, and Raan-E-Khushk Pardah, each reflecting the robust and nuanced flavours associated with frontier cuisine. Guests can also savour the restaurant's signature Dal-E-Qureshi, a slow-cooked delicacy simmered for over 48 hours to achieve its signature richness and depth.

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Complementing the savou ry offerings is a new dessert selection that blends tradition with innovation. Highlights include the Gulab Jamun Kunafa Nest, which combines familiar Indian flavours with Middle Eastern influences, and the Jyran Signature Kulfi Falooda, a refined take on a beloved classic.

Adding another layer to the dining experience is Jyran's entirely reimagined cocktail programme. Conceptualised around a narrative titled The Lost Love Returns, the cocktail menu transforms each drink into a storytelling experience. Through theatrical tableside rituals, immersive presentation techniques, and carefully curated flavour profiles, the programme aims to create memorable moments that extend beyond the plate.

The refreshed menu further strengthens Jyran's position as one of Mumbai's most distinctive Indian dining destinations, offering guests an opportunity to explore the culinary legacy of the North-West Frontier through a contemporary lens.

Guests can experience the new menu at Jyran from June 9 onwards, with lunch service available from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.


Mabruk at Sahara Star Unveils New Avatar with Refreshed Lebanese Menu and Immersive Dining Experience

Mabruk at Sahara Star Unveils New Avatar with Refreshed Lebanese Menu and Immersive Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on June 14, 2026

Mabruk at Sahara Star, long regarded as the “Soul of Lebanese Dining,” has unveiled its new avatar, introducing a refreshed identity that combines elevated interiors with a reimagined culinary experience. The transformation aims to offer guests a more immersive journey into Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern culture through design, food, and hospitality.

The redesigned 70-cover restaurant now features a richly detailed Arabic-inspired aesthetic, including grand archways, mosaic patterns, handcrafted motifs, lantern-style lighting, and layered textures. Overlooking Sahara Star’s signature tropical lagoon, the space has been curated to reflect warmth, opulence, and traditional Middle Eastern storytelling through design.

Alongside the new look, Mabruk has introduced a refreshed menu that balances authentic Lebanese classics with contemporary culinary interpretations. The menu includes vibrant dishes such as Jarjeer Salad and Root Harra, alongside reimagined favourites like Maqaneq. Innovative creations such as Asparagus Baklava add a modern twist, while traditional desserts like Umm Ali continue to anchor the experience in heritage flavours.

The culinary direction is led by Chef Jihad El Chami, who brings over three decades of experience across Lebanon and the Gulf region. Known for his long-standing association with Mabruk, Chef Jihad continues to focus on preserving authenticity while adapting select offerings for evolving guest preferences, including inclusive dietary variations.

The menu highlights a wide selection of signature Lebanese preparations, including Hummus Platters with multiple variations, Hummus Bil Laham, Pumpkin Kibbeh, Meshwi Mishakkal mixed grills, D’Jaj Meshwi with Avocado Salad, Jawaneh D’Jaj Bil Kozbara, Laham Khashkhash, and Spiced Squids. Each dish reflects a balance of traditional techniques and contemporary presentation.

Complementing the food offering is a curated beverage programme designed by mixologist Swapnil Shinde. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients, featuring creations such as Saffron Negroni, Ice Spice, Tropical Heat, Nuts & Cheese, and Green Mirage, each crafted with a narrative-led approach.

Speaking about the relaunch, Romie Dutt, Executive Director of Hotel Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City, said that the new avatar of Mabruk enhances its Lebanese culinary foundation with a more immersive and experiential ambience while retaining its core identity.

Chef Jihad El Chami added that the refreshed menu continues to celebrate Lebanese cuisine’s essence of simplicity, generosity, and soulful flavours, while adapting its presentation for modern diners.

With its renewed design language, curated menu, and immersive storytelling approach, Mabruk at Sahara Star reintroduces itself as a contemporary destination for Lebanese dining in Mumbai.


Soy Soi Brings the Traditional Indonesian ‘Rijstaffel’ Experience to Chennai

Soy Soi Brings the Traditional Indonesian ‘Rijstaffel’ Experience to Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on June 14, 2026

Soy Soi in Kotturpuram, Chennai has launched a special Rijstaffel Lunch Experience, introducing diners to one of Indonesia’s most celebrated communal dining traditions.

The term “Rijstaffel,” meaning “rice table,” refers to a multi-dish meal where an assortment of curries, sambals, satays, vegetables, proteins, and rice are served together, allowing guests to enjoy a broad spectrum of flavours in a single sitting. The concept originated during the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia and has since become a distinctive representation of Indonesian hospitality and shared dining.

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At Soy Soi, the experience is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menus, with the option to combine both for a more expansive tasting journey. The restaurant has positioned the offering as an ideal choice for family gatherings, corporate lunches, and relaxed weekday dining.

The menu features several regional Indonesian specialties, including Jackfruit Rendang, where young jackfruit is slow-cooked in coconut and spices; Rendang Kambing, a rich lamb rendang; Kari Sayur, a fragrant vegetable curry; Ayam Kalio, a Sumatran-style chicken curry; Terong Balado, crispy aubergine tossed in chilli sambal; and Ikan Goreng Nyat Nyat, fried fish finished with bold Indonesian spices.

The lunch experience has been designed around sharing and exploration, encouraging diners to discover the depth and diversity of Indonesian cuisine through multiple small-format dishes served together.

With this addition, Soy Soi continues to strengthen its focus on authentic Southeast Asian flavours and culinary storytelling, bringing lesser-known regional traditions to Chennai’s dining scene.

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