Scotching all rumours

Scotching all rumours

In the past decade, Indian single malt whiskies have emerged from under the shadow of Scotch to claim their place on the global stage—driven by a potent mix of innovative…
Say cheese!

Say cheese!

Rooted in the time-honoured Neapolitan techniques, obsessive sourcing and joy of sharing authentic food, Bengaluru’s Serious Slice offers a perfect ode to Naples with its delish fare.Food: The open-kitchen restaurant…
A veggie paradise of taste

A veggie paradise of taste

Perched amidst the verdant embrace of Timbertales Luxury Resort in Coorg, Twisted Basil stands out as a feast for both the eyes and the palate—a pure‑vegetarian sanctuary where plant‑based cuisine is…
Menu of magical memories

Menu of magical memories

Can Sadhya—the quintessential Kerala meal with 24-28 dishes—be compressed into a bite-sized delight? While most would say, not possible, “why not”, thought chef Himanshu Saini. At his Dubai restaurant Tresind…
Bot Appétit

Bot Appétit

When Yatin Vrachhia moved to Bengaluru with his wife, he faced a common urban lifestyle dilemma: long work hours, little energy to cook, and a market flooded with unhealthy food…
Food for thought

Food for thought

It is not just AIDS. Jaipur-based Café Vitthal’s founder Ashish Vitthal, says it isn’t easy to run operations with differently abled people on board. “I have been running this cafe…
Marwar meets the world

Marwar meets the world

Perched against the backdrop of the Aravalli range, Taraksh—Sanskrit for ‘starry-eyed’—stands as the culinary home of Sayaji Udaipur resort. The restaurant pays homage to Rajasthan’s rich artisanal legacy. With over…
For those flirty days

For those flirty days

Scarlett House is perched in a quiet bylane tucked away from the cacophony of Bandra’s bustling markets. Malaika Arora’s first hospitality venture along with son Arhaan, the restaurant is nestled…
A peek inside pistachio shells

A peek inside pistachio shells

Making and productionIn 2022, the US emerged as the world’s largest pistachio producer with nearly 4,00,070 metric tonnes, majorly from California, followed by Iran (2,41,669 metric tonnes) and Turkey (2,39,289…
Savour the seaside

Savour the seaside

Perched above the golden sands of Anjuna Beach, Jolene By The Sea is more than a destination—it’s a feeling, an ode to indulgence and aesthetic living. Co-founded by Amrita Arora…
Japan on the table

Japan on the table

That realisation led Kumar to creating Gingko. While the establishment offers approachable Japanese cuisine—ramen, karaage, sushi, gyoza—designed for both first-timers and familiar palates, it is the lesser-known aji fry (panko-breaded…
Chakka Alias Jackie!

Chakka Alias Jackie!

Fruits with powerful fragrances have a unique way of connecting with our brains, evoking memories and sensations. Even sans their physical presence, the thought of their fragrance or the texture…
Punjabi heaven

Punjabi heaven

Comforted by an old-school charm, Ikk Panjab serenades you with rustic dishes of yore. This is not a place if you are looking for chicken tangdi and butter chicken (though…
Livin’ la Vida Roca

Livin’ la Vida Roca

As Josep puts it, “We are a family which loves to share the joy of good food and good wine.” The tasting menu, a tapestry of local Catalonian ingredients intertwined…
The AI has It

The AI has It

Daredevilry in dining marks a dramatic upswing in experientials, wooing savvy travellers through a stunning mix of 3D dining and AI-powered specials. Forget molecular gastronomy, zany dining experiences are winning…
Sip and savour

Sip and savour

The new menu at Byg Brewski is a treat for all those who crave for global flavours with freshly crafted beers.Food: The extensive menu with an array of starters is…
Tokyo Meets Dubai

Tokyo Meets Dubai

Zesty tataki, plump dim sum, and sleek interiors set the mood. Founder Sahil Sambhi balances fine dining and spirited revelry transforming a former Gurugram office into a minimalist haven with…
Not Just Vindaloo by the Bay

Not Just Vindaloo by the Bay

Vibrant, like the setting sun, speckled with mustard seeds and fragrant with the aroma of coconut, the ambadyache sasav/ross is a revelation, a sweet and sour mixture of coconut, hog…
Olive It or Not

Olive It or Not

Making olive oil is difficult, one has to put their nose to the grindstone. Traditional farmers take a long pole to shake the tree and collect the fallen olives in…
Absolutely Smashing!

Absolutely Smashing!

Once considered diner staples, burgers are now canvases for global reinvention, with chefs tapping into childhood memories and fast-food nostalgia. The smash burger’s renaissance is a story of creativity meeting…
Hitting the Bullseye

Hitting the Bullseye

The Tham brothers, Ryan and Keenan, take their most delicious Asian food format in KOKO to the city of Nizams. Hyderabad’s fascinatingly complex cosmopolitan palate is ready to do justice…
Hitting the bullseye

Hitting the bullseye

The Tham brothers, Ryan and Keenan, take their most delicious Asian food format in KOKO to the city of Nizams. Hyderabad’s fascinatingly complex cosmopolitan palate is ready to do justice…
Absolutely Smashing!

Absolutely Smashing!

Once considered diner staples, burgers are now canvases for global reinvention, with chefs tapping into childhood memories and fast-food nostalgia. The smash burger’s renaissance is a story of creativity meeting…
Flavours of Fusion

Flavours of Fusion

Celebrated for his seamless blend of French culinary techniques with Indian flavours, renowned Chef Priyam Chatterjee recently unveiled a nine course whisky-paired menu in Bengaluru, redefining the landscape of contemporary…
Danish the way to do it

Danish the way to do it

Think Denmark, think Danish pastries. Buttery, flaky, light-as-air, a Danish is a multilayered, laminated sweet pastry in the viennoiserie tradition. Typically pigeonholed into a small slot across the world, a…
Canvas and cuisine

Canvas and cuisine

Damien Hirst’s Cherry Blossom prints greet you as soon as you step out of the elevator. Inside, works by Sameer Kulavoor, Takashi Murakami, and Jennifer Guidi grace the walls while…
What’s in A name?

What’s in A name?

In my childhood, I always wondered why the chole that we made at home was called ‘Pindi chole’ in restaurants. It was the usual, smaller-sized Kabuli chana in a spice…
Pasta palate

Pasta palate

Say hello to the new restaurant that celebrates native culture with its handmade pasta and other traditional delicacies even as it doffs its hat to South Italy’s rich gastronomic traditions.…
Hits and misses

Hits and misses

The six-year-old brand that has successfully built a loyal following in Delhi-NCR, is not scared of charting a new course. Its recent outings in Gurugram and Khan Market, prove as…
Market on the sands

Market on the sands

Soaking in the sights, sounds and smells of the food markets of Galle, a charming European-style city in southern Sri Lanka, is immersive. The Rathgama Wella Fish Market sprawled along…
Recipes of the heart and home

Recipes of the heart and home

Ask him about his favourite local Omani dish and he promptly says, “Shuwa, a slow cooked Omani goat or lamb dish. Its slow-cooked tenderness reminds me of Indian slow-cooking traditions.…
Cocktail custodians

Cocktail custodians

Bars in Goa are no longer content with just serving the usual cocktails. The drinks have to be innovative and memorable. Bonus points if they make for good Instagram pictures.…
A rosy affair

A rosy affair

A rose by any other name is supposed to smell as sweet. It holds true for this cosy café in South Delhi. Run by a mother-daughter team, the Rose café…
Packing for a train journey

Packing for a train journey

Perched beside curved glass windows, we spoke with Nitin Lochab, general manager, operations, Aroon Food Services Pvt Ltd — the company which built the restaurant. “This is a discarded rail…
Ekaa: Desi-style dive bar

Ekaa: Desi-style dive bar

The concoctions from the bar bring in Swadeshi Sips, a banger spin on Indian liquors, and the tequila-powered Lallantop with bel leaves. Niyati’s father and his friends in Kolkata, in…
Sweet and Shapely

Sweet and Shapely

From Bento modak cakes to lachha rabdi or gulab jamun cheesecake to jalebi caviar the sugar darlings this festive season are flooring tastebuds. Aditi Dugar, founder-director, Urban Gourmet India, is…
Deliciously vintage

Deliciously vintage

Step into the vibrant world of heirloom tomatoes, where each fruit carries a story as rich as its flavours. Rooted in tradition, farmers select the juiciest, sweetest, and most colourful…
A Platter you cannot refuse

A Platter you cannot refuse

If you are a regular at Delhi’s Lodhi colony, rejoice! There’s a new player in town—Dos—that gives your old favourites from across the globe—sometimes also your biggest rejects—an unexpected spin,…
A plate less ordinary

A plate less ordinary

Think Rajasthani cuisine and dal baati, churma, laal maas, safed maas, come to mind. In touristy places like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, restaurant menus often feature these popular dishes. However,…
A city for fun-gi

A city for fun-gi

I’m a fun-gi’ is embroidered in blazing red on a lime green mushroom-shaped hat; ‘You’re as cute as a button’, reads a greeting card with the image of a button…
Turning over a new leaf

Turning over a new leaf

Not sure if you’ve noticed, but the leaves have begun sporting an ochre hue, the winds are getting cooler, and the sun gentler. The shift in the season is evident,…
A glassy affair

A glassy affair

Mist swirling around tops of lush green mountains and rain-drenched streets provide a picturesque backdrop for the recently-launched Fiori in Lonavala. The restaurant is a welcome addition to the hilly…
Wrap and roll in Prague

Wrap and roll in Prague

The whiff of cinnamon and freshly baked bread tantalises the senses while walking down the Golden Lane in Prague. The seductive aroma is emanating from the unassuming window of a…
The shroom boom

The shroom boom

Health and Flavour: Proper seasoning, aromatics, and a balance of flavours, with a touch of fat to finish, can create a rich and satisfying dish. “In our Mushroom Toast recipe,…
From Dubai, with love

From Dubai, with love

Avatara opened in Dubai in early 2022 and bagged a Michelin star within a year, the only vegetarian Indian restaurant in the world to do it in style. It has…
DIY on Asian griddles

DIY on Asian griddles

Going out to eat in Japan is a pantomime. Visit an authentic Japanese okonomiyaki restaurant; here actions speak more than words. An okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) course begins with asssorted bowls…
Willy Wonkas on a Roll

Willy Wonkas on a Roll

Creating chocolate is an interesting mix of art and science. Precise temperature management in tempering, and achieving ingredient harmony for texture and taste are crucial. So is artistic flair. A…
Calm in a teacup

Calm in a teacup

Sri Lanka is slowly becoming the traveller’s cup of tea again. After Covid-19 hit tourism, it is banking on its signature teas to bring travellers back. The Pekoe Trail, a…
A rum affair with tiki cocktails

A rum affair with tiki cocktails

“Additionally, the Indian palate appreciates the balance of sweetness and complexity found in these cocktails,” believes Badh. Rum is a colonial hangover, pun intended, after the British officials started a…
Don’t say just cheesesteak

Don’t say just cheesesteak

Insta cuisine is eccentric at best and downright ridiculous at its worst. The ‘Everything is Cake’ trend is a beguiling social media trick of fantasy and reality: imagine you’re looking…
Frozen assets

Frozen assets

Often considered the “holy grail” of gourmet, French cuisine has a definite and strict set of rules that govern the flow of courses. For instance, in a multi-course meal, a…
Bulgur: A Mesopotamian mystery

Bulgur: A Mesopotamian mystery

Legends have forgotten legacies. Like for example the jewel of Middle Eastern cooking, bulgur. Loved by Chinese emperors and ancient Babylonians, this popular grain is made from durum wheat and…
A journey of taste

A journey of taste

Goa is where investion and innovation thrives. It is a tiny enclave of myriad habits and tastes, with food taking the prize. Like in Taupe, the latest addition to Assagao’s…
Utterly gheelicious

Utterly gheelicious

Chef Sarah Todd deftly splashes a generous spoonful of the intensely aromatic, caramel-hued fat every now and then over the slowly basting filet of pomfret. As the culinary executive and…
Devaras: The homecoming

Devaras: The homecoming

Restaurants don’t always use traditional family recipes. But when the Devarsetty family opened Devaras in Dubai in July last year, humble Andhra home fare was their calling card. They have…
Elements of Taste

Elements of Taste

A mother and son walk into Erth Restaurant in Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi for lunch. They are just in time to occupy the last available table. While the boy…
The herbalcohol way

The herbalcohol way

Call it the American cilantro, the desi dhaniya or the Bambaiyya kothmir, coriander is one herb that we can’t seem to get enough of. Displaying its versatility in a tangy…
Healthy indulgence

Healthy indulgence

What better way to spread joy than by gifting healthy yet delicious chocolates? Akhil emphasises the importance of providing gifting options, stating, “We’ve introduced miniature versions of our chocolates, which…
In Wonka’s wonderland

In Wonka’s wonderland

As you enter the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich, Switzerland, be prepared to be awestruck by the sight of the world’s largest chocolate fountain. Standing tall at 30 ft,…
Haleem Dil se…

Haleem Dil se…

HYDERABAD : Ramzan has now become synonymous with haleem as people enjoy and relish this food—rich in nourishment and exquisite in taste—providing a distinct experience for those fasting. Pista House…
The healing magic of clove

The healing magic of clove

KOCHI: Cloves are one of the spices that are grown extensively in India. It’s a spice obtained from the dried unopened flower bud of the evergreen, medium-sized clove tree.When comes…
How to haleem?

How to haleem?

HYDERABAD: If you feel like you are stuck in Hyderabad for the next few days, whatever the reason — your visa got rejected, your onsite has been delayed forever, or…
Serving sumptuous suvai

Serving sumptuous suvai

CHENNAI: For the past two years, there has been a buzz during the Margazhi season. One made by the flavourful thanga thambalam that has had many a foodie throng the…
Fusion food at its finest

Fusion food at its finest

CHENNAI: Anglo-Indian cuisine is a heritage cuisine that is gradually disappearing from the food scene in recent days. This cuisine is a fusion food that developed primarily when the British…
The Buddha’s bowl

The Buddha’s bowl

The world is going crazy trying to clamber out of the chub rut, gobbling up slimming exercises on Insta feeds (24-inch waist in two weeks). Intermittent fasting is gaining cult…
Bean there, brewed that

Bean there, brewed that

Did you know that Coorg is regarded as the coffee cup of India?” naturalist Bindu Shree asks the motley group of nine who have accompanied her on a breezy day…
Melon Mania

Melon Mania

Nutritional benefitWatermelon has 92% water content and it keeps one refreshed and revitalisedLoaded with Vitamin A and C, it strengthens immunity, improves vision and nourishes from withinThe lycopene content promotes…
Japan’s Culture Kare

Japan’s Culture Kare

Italian ConnectionOne such culinary chimera that originated from the post-World War II era is the Itameshi style of cuisine. This unique culinary hybrid is responsible for intertwining the rich traditions…
Melon Mania

Melon Mania

Nutritional benefitWatermelon has 92% water content and it keeps one refreshed and revitalisedLoaded with Vitamin A and C, it strengthens immunity, improves vision and nourishes from withinThe lycopene content promotes…
A tryst with Tanjore

A tryst with Tanjore

The juicy baby lobster chilli fry gives fresh Goan seafood a delightful nod. Try the local fish chonak in an unbeatable piquant curry; the yummy Marina pork curry is slow-cooked,…
A sweet tour of India

A sweet tour of India

The unique business comes with its own challenges, especially transportation and the shelf-life of products sourced from the northern regions. Despite being aware of these risks, Karthik remained firm in…
A doughnut heaven in Kochi!

A doughnut heaven in Kochi!

KOCHI: I was midway into a hearty Korean meal the first time someone mentioned ‘Choco Brown’. Specifically, their doughnuts. After the near-overwhelming culinary journey of the exotic, I yearned to…
Algorithmic Artistry

Algorithmic Artistry

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence could become your creative collaborator? Dive into the world of DALL-E 3, an AI art generator that’s ready to bring your imaginative prompts to life.…
Utterly Butterly Brown

Utterly Butterly Brown

Sadhu reveals another culinary secret: “Use your ears”. As moisture evaporates, the sizzling sound diminishes, indicating rapid browning. Once the desired colour is achieved, swiftly halt the cooking by adding…
The pulse of food

The pulse of food

Legumes in a way have been an important part of agriculture for centuries. These small beings even became as integral as grains, a commodity which is considered to be a…
Dumpling delight 

Dumpling delight 

CHENNAI: As Vinayakar Chaturthi is just around the corner, move over from your usual sweet and savoury kozhukattais, and indulge in these sumptuous alternative recipes. Home chefs offer a unique…
Cakes, bakes and beyond

Cakes, bakes and beyond

CHENNAI: For most of us, celebrations are synonymous with cutting cakes. The often round creations, richly spongy with fruits or cream, iced and decorated with different layers have unquestionably occupied…
The Chutney chronicles

The Chutney chronicles

ChhattisgarhThe kai or chapra chutney, made by crushing red weaver ants, is a staple among the tribal community of Chhattisgarh. In the Mayurbhanj region, these ants are found in abundance.…
Spice, and all things nice

Spice, and all things nice

World history was made by spices. The clamour for these now-uniquitous ingredients in Europe led to the quest for the elusive sea passage to the Indies, with everybody from the…
The big cheese of gurugram

The big cheese of gurugram

George Bernard Shaw had said with his typical Irish sense of humour: “There is no love more sincere than the love of food.” It certainly was the case for the original…
Just dough it

Just dough it

On the outskirts of Ahmedabad is a 35,000 sq ft factory that since last year has been open to visitors. But 2023, is an extra special year for the 250-…
Savour the Flavours

Savour the Flavours

HYDERABAD: The City of Pearls, known for its rich history, culture, and of course, its delectable cuisine, has welcomed a new culinary gem to its gastronomic scene. Dum Maaro Dum,…
Vegetarian delights

Vegetarian delights

Vegetarian HaleemGaurang’s Kitchen’s Vegetarian Haleem is a revelation, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan. Traditionally, haleem is a dish celebrated by meat enthusiasts, leaving vegetarians curious about the fuss.…
Kanji kronicles

Kanji kronicles

KOCHI: The humble dish kanji has always been a global dish. In England, it is porridge made of oats and in China, it is called congee, or more accurately zhou…
Culinary musings

Culinary musings

HYDERABAD: The rich tapestry of global cuisine often faces dilution in the fast-paced demands of modern life. However, a dynamic mother and daughter duo from Hyderabad, India have embarked on a…
A Royal Culinary Tour

A Royal Culinary Tour

Bringing the best of these two worlds is the ongoing food fest, ‘The Great Indian Odyssey’ at Avenue Regent on MG Road, Kochi. Upon entering the space, staff, donning multi-coloured…
The taste of transformation

The taste of transformation

Food is elemental; it is the nourishing essence of life. Yet, its significance extends far beyond mere sustenance. As we marked World Food Day on Monday, Vaishali Vijaykumar brings five…
A paper route to the plate

A paper route to the plate

In the bustling pace of today’s digital world, where the Internet reigns as our all-encompassing resource, there’s a treasure often overlooked — humble handwritten recipes and comforting cookbooks, lovingly preserved…
Local Tastes, Global Palates

Local Tastes, Global Palates

In High SpiritsFor a long time, India was unfairly judged for producing spirits that used molasses,” says Siddhartha Sharma, founder of Piccadily Distilleries, best-known for producing the Indian Single Malt…
A thoughtful journey

A thoughtful journey

HYDERABAD: Deciding to embrace a vegan lifestyle is a personal choice driven by various reasons. For some, it’s about a commitment to making mindful choices; for others, it’s a means to…
Of fasts, feasts & fiesta

Of fasts, feasts & fiesta

CHENNAI: Deepavali, the time when the light illuminates the nooks and crannies of the city, turning even the darkest corners into festive moods, is brewing in full force. Known as…
Flavours of the Orient

Flavours of the Orient

BENGALURU: Whether you like eating a steaming bowl of ramen on a cold day or just enjoy looking at beautifully designed and constructed sushi from your favourite Japanese anime, food…
The super Georgian Supra

The super Georgian Supra

The supra is a medium of culinary storytelling split into three distinct chapters, where following the cold food that whets the palate and eases it into a calm, the big…