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.


Rola Opens in Bandra as a New All-Day Diner for Every Occasion

Rola Opens in Bandra as a New All-Day Diner for Every Occasion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

 Bandra has a new neighbourhood dining destination with the opening of Rola, an all-day diner at Pali Hill that brings together breakfast, lunch, dinner, Neapolitan pizzas, home-style curries and specialty coffee under one roof.

Designed for different times of the day and different kinds of gatherings, Rola offers a menu that moves from morning coffee and breakfast to leisurely lunches and dinners. A coffee cart placed outside the diner adds to the lively neighbourhood feel, welcoming guests even before they enter the space.

The name Rola draws inspiration from the joyful sounds around a busy dining table, laughter, coffee cups, shared plates and conversations that continue long after the meal. The diner can accommodate 70 guests across indoor and outdoor seating, making it suitable for everything from catching up with friends and family gatherings to first dates and casual work meals.

“For me, hospitality has always been about people. Good food is important, but it's the conversations, the warmth and the feeling of wanting to stay a little longer that people remember. That's the experience we wanted to create with Rola,” says Puneet Anand, Founder, Rola.

The Food

Rola's breakfast and brunch menu sets the tone for the day with a mix of familiar flavours and creative combinations. The Breakfast & Brunch Club includes dishes such as Bombay Keema & Brun, featuring slow-cooked spiced mutton keema, a fried egg and buttered pav.

Another highlight, Benedict Goes Bandra, combines toasted brioche, grilled chicken salami, silky hollandaise and tandoori pineapple salsa.

The House Kitchen takes inspiration from home cooking, with recipes influenced by mothers, grandmothers and khansamas from across India. Khansama's Nihari brings together slow-cooked nalli nihari, marrow and fragrant spices, while Maa's Sunday Mutton Masala offers a comforting home-style curry served with buttered pav.

The Neapolitan pizza selection adds another dimension to the menu. The Kejriwal Pizza comes topped with a sunny-side-up egg, green chillies and cheese, while the Truffle Malai Chicken Tikka Pizza combines the flavours of an Indian favourite with a Neapolitan-style base.

Desserts include the nostalgic Chai & Parle-G Cheesecake and Basque Cheesecake served with raspberry compote.

The Coffee Program

Coffee is an important part of the Rola experience, beginning with the outdoor coffee cart and continuing with a dedicated menu inside.

Guests can choose from classics such as the Flat White and Hot Spanish Latte, along with house creations including the Mint Charcoal Mocha, Sea Salt Vanilla Mocha, Coffee Tonic and Affogato. Whether it is a morning coffee, an afternoon break or a casual catch-up, the coffee programme adds to Rola's identity as both a diner and a coffee destination.

At its core, Rola aims to become part of Bandra's everyday dining scene, bringing together thoughtful food, specialty coffee and a relaxed approach to hospitality. With its all-day format and varied menu, the new diner offers guests a space to gather, eat and spend time together.

Launch Details:

  • Launch Date: 17th August 2026
  • Where: Rola, Pali Hill, Bandra, Mumbai
  • Capacity: 70 guests across indoor and outdoor seating.

Azure Hospitality Begins Pre-Opening of Jhoom in Chandigarh

Azure Hospitality Begins Pre-Opening of Jhoom in Chandigarh

By Hariharan U

Published on August 18, 2026

Azure Hospitality has commenced the pre-opening phase of Jhoom in Chandigarh, marking the group's entry into the city with its first multi-cuisine restaurant concept.

Positioned as an immersive dining destination, Jhoom will bring together Indian, European and Asian influences alongside entertainment, nostalgia and contemporary hospitality. The concept is designed to offer diners a diverse culinary experience while creating a distinctive atmosphere built around food, music, culture and storytelling.

Leading the culinary pre-opening and launch preparations is Chef Kartik, Regional Brand Chef, Azure Hospitality. The project marks a significant milestone in his career, representing his 11th outlet opening with Azure Hospitality in two years.

Jhoom's menu is being developed across a broad range of categories, including Indian and European favourites, Asian small plates, artisanal pizzas, sushi, dim sum, wok preparations, international comfort food and contemporary desserts. The multi-cuisine format is intended to give guests flexibility while maintaining distinct culinary identities across different sections of the menu.

Beyond its food offering, Jhoom draws inspiration from nostalgia, travel, cultural exchange, music and the spirit of a bygone India. The concept aims to bring familiar memories into a contemporary setting through its interiors, ambience, entertainment and culinary experiences.

As Regional Brand Chef, Chef Kartik has been closely involved in the pre-opening process, overseeing menu development, culinary systems, kitchen readiness, operational planning, quality standards and team training. His role focuses on translating the restaurant's conceptual vision into a consistent and engaging guest experience.

Commenting on the project, Chef Kartik, Regional Brand Chef, Azure Hospitality, said the concept brings together flavours, techniques and memories from different parts of India and the world. He added that his focus during the pre-opening phase has been to ensure consistency and quality while retaining the character of the Jhoom concept.

The pre-opening marks Azure Hospitality's entry into Chandigarh's evolving dining landscape, with Jhoom positioned around culinary diversity, nostalgia and immersive hospitality. The restaurant is expected to offer diners a format where multiple cuisines, entertainment and experiences come together under one roof.


Horizon Brings a New Sunday Brunch to Bengaluru’s Skyline

Horizon Brings a New Sunday Brunch to Bengaluru’s Skyline

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 17, 2026

Bengaluru's skyline is getting a new Sunday dining experience as Horizon, the Pan-Asian rooftop destination at the Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, introduces its new Skyline Brunch. Starting 16 August 2026, the brunch will take place every Sunday on the hotel's 31st floor, bringing together Pan-Asian flavours, live cooking, music and views of the city.

The culinary team at Horizon has curated a menu featuring a selection of Pan-Asian favourites and chef-led preparations. Adding to the experience, live cooking stations will allow guests to watch dishes being prepared fresh, bringing an interactive element to the brunch. Guests will also receive a welcome pour of premium spirits, while live music sets the mood through the afternoon.

The rooftop setting remains one of the highlights of the experience. With its open-air location and panoramic views of Bengaluru, Horizon offers a relaxed backdrop for guests to enjoy a long Sunday lunch with good food, music and the city spread out below.

The new Skyline Brunch brings together food, drinks, live entertainment and the setting of one of Bengaluru's rooftop dining destinations, creating an easy-going Sunday experience for guests looking to unwind.

Event Details:

  • When: Every Sunday | Starting 16 August 2026
  • Where: Horizon – 31st Floor Rooftop, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

The experience includes:

  • Welcome pour of premium spirits

  • Chef-curated Pan-Asian menu

  • Live cooking stations

  • Live music

  • Panoramic Bengaluru city views.

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