Zen at The Leela Palace Bengaluru Introduces Refreshed Pan Asian Menu

Zen at The Leela Palace Bengaluru Introduces Refreshed Pan Asian Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on September 3, 2026

Zen at The Leela Palace Bengaluru has introduced a refreshed Pan Asian menu that brings together the distinct culinary traditions of Japan, Thailand and China, combining time-honoured techniques and regional flavours with a contemporary approach to presentation and dining.

The new menu comes as The Leela celebrates 25 years of shaping Indian luxury hospitality and marks a new chapter for Zen, which has established itself as a destination for Pan Asian dining in Bengaluru.

Rather than changing the restaurant's culinary identity, the refreshed menu builds on what Zen is known for while adding greater depth and contemporary expression. Japanese precision, the layered flavours of Thai cuisine and the bold, wok-driven character of Chinese cooking are presented distinctly across the menu.

The selection spans sushi and sashimi, Japanese grilling, Thai curries, salads and Chinese wok preparations, allowing each cuisine to retain its individual character while coming together as part of a cohesive dining experience.

Led by Chef Constantine, with Thai culinary expertise from Chef Piched Paoleng, the menu places emphasis on ingredient quality, flavour balance and culinary craftsmanship. Contemporary elements have been incorporated into the presentation and execution while retaining the traditional foundations of each cuisine.

Among the highlights is the Zen Signature Sushi & Sashimi Platter, which brings together a selection of Japanese preparations in a signature presentation. The Chu Chi Kae Thai Lamb Chop combines tender lamb with the aromatic depth of Thai red curry, while the Katsu Curry pairs a crisp Japanese-style cutlet with fragrant curry and rice.

The Yam Sen Mee Gai, a Thai glass noodle salad featuring chicken, fresh herbs and a vibrant dressing, adds freshness and brightness to the menu. Shira Ae, meanwhile, showcases the delicate and understated character of Japanese cuisine.

Speaking about the refreshed menu, Nishant Agarwal, Vice President & General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, said that Zen has a distinct place in Bengaluru's culinary landscape and that the new menu represents an evolution of the restaurant's identity.

He added that the focus remains on preserving the traditions and flavours that define Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisine while offering guests a fresh perspective on how these cuisines can be experienced today.

Chef Simran Singh Thapar, Executive Chef, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, said the team approached Zen as a complete dining experience, focusing on how each dish, flavour and element contributes to the restaurant's overall identity. The objective, he noted, was to retain the familiarity associated with Zen while introducing new layers to keep the experience fresh and relevant.

According to Chef Constantine, the intention was not to change Zen's character but to bring greater depth and clarity to its culinary offering. He highlighted the importance of preserving the individual techniques, ingredients and flavour profiles of Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisines while introducing contemporary elements through the way the dishes are brought together and presented.

With the refreshed menu, Zen continues to build on its legacy as a Pan Asian dining destination in Bengaluru. The offering brings together Asian culinary traditions, skilled craftsmanship and The Leela's hospitality, inviting diners to experience familiar classics through a more contemporary lens.

Fact Sheet

Restaurant: Zen, The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Cuisine: Pan Asian | Chinese, Japanese and Thai
Menu: Refreshed Pan Asian Menu
Lunch: 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm


Hangyo Launches Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream as a Year-Round Flavour

Hangyo Launches Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream as a Year-Round Flavour

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 2, 2026

Hangyo has launched Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream, bringing a much-loved Indian milk sweet into a frozen dessert format. The new flavour is a permanent addition to its range, allowing consumers to enjoy the familiar taste of Kunda beyond festive occasions.

Known by different names across India, the sweet is called Kunda in Karnataka, Paalkova in Tamil Nadu, Khava in Marathi-speaking households and Mawa across much of North India. While the name varies by region, the traditional milk-based sweet remains a familiar favourite in many Indian homes.

Fresh milk cake is generally best consumed within around 48 hours. By transforming the sweet into ice cream, Hangyo aims to extend the enjoyment of its traditional taste, making it available as an everyday dessert rather than a short-lived treat.

The company spent years balancing milk, sugar and milk solids to recreate the original sweet's texture and caramel depth. Instead of offering an ice cream with a simple Kunda-style flavour, the aim was to capture the character of the traditional dessert in a new format.

Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream is also the first product in Hangyo's planned range of traditional Indian sweets reimagined as ice cream.

The flavour is available in 100 ml tubs for individual consumption and 4-litre bulk packs. It will be available across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala and Goa. The product is made with real milk.


UK-Based Oodles Wok Enters India as Its Fifth International Market

UK-Based Oodles Wok Enters India as Its Fifth International Market

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2026

UK-founded Asian fusion quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand Oodles Wok has announced its entry into India, marking its fifth international market. The brand has partnered with FranGlobal, the international business arm of Franchise India Group, to support its expansion through franchise development and local partnerships.

Founded in Leicester, UK, in 2010, Oodles Wok began as a family-owned restaurant with a focus on making freshly prepared, flavour-led Asian fusion food accessible to a wider audience. Over the past 16 years, it has grown into a multi-award-winning international restaurant franchise with more than 50 locations across the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada and Qatar.

India will become the brand's fifth market as it looks to extend its international footprint and tap into the country's established quick-service restaurant sector.

Bringing the Oodles Wok Experience to India

A key feature of the brand's offering is its signature Build Your Own Box concept, which allows customers to customise meals by selecting from a range of bases, sauces and freshly wok-prepared dishes.

The format combines live cooking, customisation and Asian-inspired flavours within an accessible QSR dining model. Oodles Wok aims to bring this experience to Indian consumers while building a presence suited to the local market.

Through its partnership with FranGlobal, the company will focus on franchise development, identifying local partners and establishing a foundation for long-term growth. Further details about its launch plans and expansion roadmap in India are expected to be announced in due course.

Commenting on the expansion, Shoyab Umar, Founder and CEO of Oodles Wok, said, "Expanding into India as our fifth market is another huge milestone for us, especially with its incredible food culture and appreciation for bold flavours. We're looking forward to introducing Oodles Wok to a whole new audience and continuing our journey as a global brand."

Ismail Patel, Co-Founder and COO of Oodles Wok, added, "As we enter this vibrant market, our focus is on building strong local partnerships, delivering the Oodles Wok experience and creating a brand that Indian customers can connect with."

Strengthening Its International Franchise Network

The India expansion forms part of Oodles Wok's wider strategy to strengthen its position as an international Asian fusion QSR franchise. Its existing presence across four markets provides a base for further growth through franchise partnerships.

For the Indian market, the partnership with FranGlobal will be central to developing the brand's franchise network and identifying opportunities for expansion. The approach will need to bring together the brand's established menu concept and operating model with local market requirements.

With more than 50 locations across its existing markets, Oodles Wok is now looking to build its next phase of international growth in India.

About Oodles Wok

Founded in Leicester, UK, in 2010, Oodles Wok is an Asian fusion quick-service restaurant brand specialising in freshly prepared, wok-cooked dishes. Its signature Build Your Own Box concept allows customers to customise meals with different bases, sauces and ingredients. The brand currently operates more than 50 locations across the UK, UAE, Canada and Qatar


Quattro Opens Second Mumbai Restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali

Quattro Opens Second Mumbai Restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2026

Quattro has opened its second restaurant in Mumbai at Sky City Mall, Borivali, bringing its premium pure-vegetarian Italian and Mexican cuisine to the western suburbs. The opening marks 15 years of the brand's culinary journey and introduces a refreshed dining experience with redesigned interiors and an enhanced menu.

The new restaurant offers 66 indoor seats and 43 outdoor seats on a terrace overlooking the surrounding area. Designed to complement the mall's contemporary setting, the space features abundant natural light and striking interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere for family meals, social gatherings and special occasions.

image

The addition further strengthens Sky City Mall's food and beverage offering, giving visitors another dining option alongside its retail and lifestyle experiences. Located in Borivali, the mall caters to residents and visitors across Mumbai's western suburbs, including those looking for vegetarian dining options.

For Quattro, the opening marks a new phase of growth as it builds on the success of its Lower Parel restaurant. The brand has reworked its identity, interiors and menu while continuing to focus on authentic Italian and Mexican flavours, quality ingredients and consistency.

Speaking about the launch, Aditya Gupta and Anuj Gupta, Founders of Gupta Brands, said, “Quattro was born from the idea to give an authentic Italian and Mexican premium dining experience to the guest. We didn’t want to give the same Indianized version of the cuisines to guests. We spent months sourcing ingredients like tomatoes from Italy, chillis from Mexico and then subsequent months of trials to get a unique dining experience that did justice to the cuisines. We went to great lengths to source our cheese without animal rennet. Chocolate was sourced from Belgium to give it the rich deep flavours of real chocolate in our desserts.

“With the success of Lower Parel, we are excited to bring the brand to Borivali. After 15 years of the brand, we have spent months redesigning and reimaging the brand, to bring a completely new dining experience for the guests, whilst retaining the same brand values and quality. We hope to become a restaurant that guests think of not just for celebrations, but for everyday dining with family and friends.”

Tanu Prasad, CEO – Malls, Oberoi Realty, said, “At Sky City Mall, our vision is to create a vibrant destination that brings together retail, dining and lifestyle experiences for the community. The arrival of Quattro further strengthens our evolving food and beverage offering, bringing its distinctive take on Italian and Mexican vegetarian cuisine to our rooftop, which is emerging as a lively destination for dining and social experiences. We look forward to welcoming Quattro and giving visitors yet another reason to make Sky City Mall a destination for dining, socialising and spending quality time with family and friends.”

The launch reflects Sky City Mall's continued focus on expanding its dining options and creating spaces where visitors can shop, dine and spend time with family and friends.

Following the opening in Borivali, Quattro is preparing for further expansion, building on its 15-year journey and the response to its Lower Parel restaurant.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.