Category Archives: Food

Samosas, Tea, and Crime: Anirban Chakrabarti on what fuels detective Eken Babu’s cases on Sony SAB

Sony SAB is all set to introduce audiences to one of India’s most unique detectives with the Hindi debut of Eken Babu featuring the iconic performance by Anirban Chakrabarti. While Eken Babu’s genius lies in his laser-sharp focus and analytical skills, Anirban reveals that there’s a vital, and rather quirky, secret to the detective’s success: his food routine.

Anirban Chakrabarti shares that maintaining the detective’s high level of concentration requires him to be fueled with tasty dishes, making his eating habits a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of his process. Unlike modern day detectives, Eken Babu is not fueled by fancy coffees or dramatic power drinks, however, his brain craves Samosa. His love for food isn’t just about taste; it’s about a quick, satisfying break that allows him to pause his complex thoughts and reset his focus before tackling the next piece of evidence. Eken Babu must have at least three cups of perfectly brewed, strong tea during any long investigation. This routine forces a moment of quiet, during which his mind often connects previously unrelated clues. While on a case, Eken Babu often relies on classic Bengali comfort dishes. This helps ground the character in familiarity and stability while the world around him is steeped in chaos and mystery.

Speaking about his character’s love for food, Anirban Chakrabarti shared, “Eken Babu is intensely focused, but at the same time easily distracted. I realised that for his mind to work at that speed, he needs constant supply of food. I often joke that if Eken Babu skips a meal or afternoon snack, the case is guaranteed to stall! Snacking on samosas and tea isn’t a habit—it’s a crucial tool that helps him pause, reflect, and finally find the genius solution hidden in plain sight.”

This unique insight ensures that when viewers tune in to the Hindi version of ‘Eken Babu’ on Sony SAB, they are not just watching a detective solve a case; they are watching a fully realized, quirky character who proves that sometimes, the biggest clues can be found over a simple cup of tea.

Indulge in a Heartwarming Thanksgiving Feast at Anise, Taj Coromandel, Chennai

Thanksgiving is a time to get together with loved ones, reflect on the year’s blessings, and indulge in a delightful feast! This Thanksgiving, Anise, the all-day dining restaurant at Taj Coromandel, Chennai invites guests to come together in a warm and festive setting to honour the spirit of gratitude over an indulgent, season-inspired buffet.

At the heart of the feast is a beautifully Roasted Turkey, perfectly seasoned and served with all the classic trimmings. Complementing this centrepiece are comforting dishes such as Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole, a creamy Classic Gratin, Maple-roasted Root Vegetables, and a refreshing Green Bean and Onion Salad. Seafood lovers will enjoy the delicately Grilled Prawns, adding a touch of coastal elegance to the holiday table.

No Thanksgiving is complete without desserts that evoke nostalgia, and the dessert counter at Anise promises to do just that. Guests can indulge in a delightful selection featuring Pumpkin Pie with a Walnut Crust, rich Walnut Pecan Pie, traditional Mince Pies, and an inviting array of Cheesecakes.

This Thanksgiving, join us at Anise and create lasting memories around a table filled with warmth and exceptional flavours.

A Citrus-Led Autumn Celebration: The Fall Brunch at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Mumbai, Nov 20: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar unveils The Fall Brunch, a one-day autumn-inspired brunch experience taking place on November 23, 2025 at JW Café. Created around the idea that orange is not just an ingredient but an atmosphere, the brunch captures the warmth, glow, and golden comfort of the season. Guests can indulge in a citrus-forward menu featuring brioche with whipped orange butter, burrata topped with charred mandarin and chilli honey, tangerine-lifted pumpkin soup, blood-orange cured salmon, citrus-glazed mains, and roasted vegetables infused with bright, zesty notes. Every dish is designed to carry a touch of citrus, either bold, subtle, or textural, turning the brunch into a sensory journey through flavour and colour.

An elaborate dessert bar extends the theme with burnt orange crème brûlée, orange blossom tres leches, kumquat parfaits, and mandarin-glazed carrot loaves, offering a warm, nostalgic finish to the meal. Enhancing the experience are freshly blended orange juices, a curated Campari trolley, and understated seasonal décor with jars of oranges as centerpieces, adding an authentic, autumnal charm to the space. 

The Fall Brunch promises a Sunday afternoon that feels vibrant, comforting, and beautifully reflective of the season. A glowing tribute to autumn, crafted in every shade, flavour, and feeling of orange.

Date: November 23, 2025

Venue: JW Cafe, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Timing: 1pm – 4pm

Warm Up with Soul-Soothing Ramens at Nasi and Mee

As the days turn cooler, warm up with Nasi and Mee’s exclusive, limited-time Ramen menu, which is a celebration of Japan’s most comforting noodle bowls.

Experience two classic styles, the popular Tonkotsu and the spicy, nutty Tantanmen. Each offered in two tempting variations, with both vegetarian and chicken options available to suit all preferences.

Tonkotsu ramen features a rich, creamy broth (choose vegetarian or chicken), topped with bok choy, spring onion, and fragrant chilli oil. The non-vegetarian version includes ramen egg and narutomaki for added authenticity.

Tantanmen brings a bold, creamy, and spicy broth enriched with sesame (gomae) paste, roasted peanut, and fresh vegetables. The vegetarian version uses oat milk for extra silkiness.

Each bowl is crafted for soul-soothing comfort and packed with flavor, ideal for the nippy days ahead

Price starts from INR 565

Date: Available till 31st December

Location: Nasi and Mee, Bangalore – Convent Road, Manyata Tech Park, Yelahanka, Bellandur, and Koramangala

Brewing Trust, One Cup at a Time: Amruta Tea Blends Tradition with Innovation

Mumbai, Nov 19:  In a market dominated by long-established players, Amruta Tea has emerged as a refreshing homegrown brand that’s redefining how India enjoys its favourite beverage. Rooted in authenticity and driven by innovation, the company’s philosophy revolves around trust, quality, and a deep understanding of local tastes.

“At Amruta Tea, we’ve always believed that a strong tea brand operates on trust and sincerity; says Ishita Malpani, Managing Director, Amruta Tea. “Our strength lies in adaptability and creativity. We’ve combined traditional tea knowledge with modern brand thinking to deliver high-quality, emotionally resonant products.”

Consumer preferences, Malpani notes, have changed significantly post-pandemic. People are more conscious of ingredients and are seeking blends that support wellness. “We’ve seen two key trends: nostalgia and purposeful experimentation. Consumers want comfort in familiar flavours while exploring new ones. Health and transparency are now as important as taste,” she adds. Amruta Tea has been quick to respond with functional blends designed for both pleasure and purpose. The company is investing in R&D to create teas infused with natural herbs and botanicals that aid digestion, relieve stress, and support immunity.

Behind every cup lies a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. Amruta Tea works closely with growers to ensure ethical sourcing, fair trade, and consistency in quality. The brand is also leveraging technology  from automated blending and packaging to AI-led taste analysis ensuring that each batch meets exacting standards. Expanding rapidly across India, the company is now eyeing global markets with a growing Indian diaspora. “We’re exploring exports and private-label collaborations with like-minded brands. Our goal is to make Amruta Tea synonymous with trust and taste both at home and abroad,” says Malpani.

Sustainability also extends to its packaging. The brand is transitioning to recyclable and biodegradable materials and exploring minimal-plastic alternatives.

Looking ahead, Malpani envisions Amruta Tea among India’s most loved homegrown names. “Five years from now, we see ourselves as a brand that’s trusted for quality, celebrated for innovation, and respected for our commitment to people and the planet,” she concludes.

A THANKSGIVING FEAST OF FLAVOURS AND TOGETHERNESS AT THE LEELA AMBIENCE GURUGRAM HOTEL & RESIDENCES

Gurugram, Nov,17  – This Thanksgiving, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences invites guests to relish a delectable dinner at Spectra, the hotel’s award-winning all-day dining destination on 27th November 2025. Diners can expect an evening presenting the warmth of the season through exceptional flavours and an atmosphere that defines The Leela’s hospitality.

Known for evolving every meal into an experience, Spectra brings together a world of culinary excellence under one roof with its seven live kitchens, where master chefs craft dishes inspired by global cuisines. This Thanksgiving night, the restaurant invites guests to gather for a lavish dinner buffet serving the flavours that blend traditional festive favourites and contemporary creations. Live entertainment will set a cheerful yet elegant tone for the evening, creating the perfect atmosphere to celebrate with family and friends.

This Thanksgiving Dinner at Spectra is not merely a feast but a moment to celebrate in true Leela style.  

Elanpro Expands Glass Top Freezer Range for Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

ELANPRO EXPANDS GLASS TOP FREEZER RANGE FOR ICE CREAM AND FROZEN DESSERT INDUSTRY

New Delhi, 14 November, 2025: Elanpro, India’s leading commercial refrigeration company, has expanded its Glass Top Freezer range with ten new models designed to meet the evolving requirements of the ice cream and frozen dessert segment.

With ice cream retail increasingly driven by impulse and visibility, glass-top freezers have become integral to product presentation. Elanpro’s new range addresses this need through precise temperature control and robust insulation, ensuring that visual appeal is matched by reliable performance.

The next gen range features dual condenser technology for superior temperature management in high ambient conditions and 70 mm insulation that enhances temperature retention while reducing energy consumption. Capable of achieving pull-down temperatures of up to -30 degree C, the freezers help preserve product texture, taste, and consistency, minimising wastage and maintaining operational efficiency.

A key differentiator is the internal configuration, carefully designed to accommodate three layers of industry-standard 6×6-inch bulk ice cream packs ensuring optimal space utilisation and maximum display. This precision supports organised SKU arrangement and improved product visibility, allowing retailers and parlours to maintain neat, efficient displays that enhance customer experience.

To complement performance with design, the range includes five flat glass and five curved glass variants, offering operators the flexibility to choose between functional or premium aesthetics. The curved glass models are equipped with heated door frames that prevent condensation, ensuring clear visibility even in high humidity conditions. The product features an in-built drain system to manage moisture effectively, enabling uninterrupted product display in diverse retail environments.

With this expanded portfolio, Elanpro further strengthens its position as a solutions partner to the ice cream and frozen dessert industry, supporting brands and retailers with refrigeration systems that combine reliability, efficiency, and modern design.

Little Bites, Big Smiles: Healthy Treats for Children’s Day

Children’s Day calls for playful yet nourishing food. These recipes sneak in the good stuff with a twist, turning everyday healthy ingredients into kid-approved delights. From crunchy quesadillas to creamy chocolate mousse, these treats make mealtime both fun and wholesome.

1. Veggie Quesadillas

Whole-wheat tortillas stuffed with colorful veggies and cheese, grilled to crispy perfection.

Ingredients:

1. 2 whole-wheat tortillas
2. 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, green), finely chopped
3. 1/4 cup grated carrots
4. 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels (boiled)
5. 1/4 cup mozzarella or processed cheese, grated
6. 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
7. Salt and pepper, to taste
8. 1 tbsp tomato ketchup or mild salsa (optional)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix bell peppers, carrots, corn, salt, and pepper.
• Spread this colorful mix evenly over one tortilla, sprinkle cheese, and cover with the second tortilla.
• Brush with a little olive oil or butter on both sides.
• Grill on a tawa or in a Voltas Beko microwave grill mode until golden and crispy.
• Cut into triangles and serve hot, the perfect mix of crunch, colour, and cheesy goodness that kids can’t resist!

2. Cheesy Beetroot Pops

Mini beetroot and paneer balls baked into popsicle sticks for a fun, mess-free snack.

Ingredients:

1. 1 medium beetroot, boiled and grated
2. 100 g paneer, crumbled
3. 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (or roasted suji for a healthier twist)
4. 1 tbsp grated cheese
5. 1 green chili (optional), finely chopped
6. Salt and pepper, to taste
7. 1 tsp olive oil
8. Popsicle sticks

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix beetroot, paneer, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning.
• Shape the mixture into small round balls and insert popsicle sticks.
• Brush lightly with olive oil and place on a baking tray.
• Bake in the Voltas Beko Microwave with Convection mode at 180°C for 10–12 minutes until firm and slightly golden.
• Serve warm with mint yogurt dip or ketchup, a snack that’s bright, fun, and secretly healthy!

3. Choco-Avocado Mousse Cups

A creamy, chocolatey dessert made with avocados, cocoa, and honey topped with crunchy granola.

Ingredients:

1. 1 ripe avocado
2. 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
3. 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
4. 2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
5. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
6. 2 tbsp granola or crushed nuts for topping

Instructions:

• Scoop out the avocado flesh and blend with cocoa, honey, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
• Spoon into small cups and refrigerate in the Voltas Beko Refrigerator with Multi-Air Flow Technology for at least 30 minutes to chill and set evenly.
• Just before serving, top with granola or nuts for a crunchy surprise.
• Creamy, chocolatey, and guilt-free, this dessert wins hearts (and smiles) from the first spoon.

With these playful and nutritious Children’s Day recipes, you can turn healthy eating into a fun activity. And with the right Voltas Beko appliances, your cooking becomes quicker, smarter, and effortlessly delightful making every little bite bring out those big smiles.

KFC Celebrates Champions Jemimah Rodrigues & Renuka Thakur

India, 06th November 2025: India’s mood after Sunday’s big win? Celebration MAX! Cricket sensations Jemimah Rodrigues and Renuka Thakur are keeping the party going. In a new video released today, the duo is seen celebrating over a table full of finger-lickin’ good chicken from KFC.

The reel captures their trademark camaraderie high-fives, cheers, and laughter because, as they say, “the celebrations are still going on!” The camera pans to reveal a feast from KFC’s Great Feastival menu, including the cheesy, crunchy Chizza, the all-chicken Double Down Burger, the Gold Zinger, and the 9-piece Chicken Meal that they just can’t get enough of.

Amid grooving, feasting, and celebrations, the duo enjoys the iconic celebratory anthem, “Ishq Tera Tadpave (Oh Ho Ho Ho).” For these trophy winners, the festivities truly don’t end.

The Great KFC Feastival menu is available at all 1,300+ KFC outlets across India for dine-in, takeaway, and via the KFC app, website, and leading food delivery platforms. Fans can pre-order through the KFC app while dining in to skip the queue and get straight to their finger-lickin’ good chicken.

Nagabhushanam Mess Achieves 7x Growth with Zomato’s Support

Nagabhushanam Mess, Hyderabad’s beloved homely meals brand, sees 7x order volume growth with Zomato platform’s support

Hyderabad, 06th November, 2025:  Nagabhushanam Mess, a homegrown Hyderabad brand known for its wholesome, affordable meals, has grown 7x in order volumes since onboarding on Zomato in May 2018. Focused on delivering hygienic, pocket-friendly food to thousands of customers, the brand continues to strengthen its presence in the city.

Speaking on their journey, Srinivas Reddy, Founder of Nagabhushanam Mess said, “We worked hard to set up our kitchen and get customers. However, we felt unsure about how to increase customer satisfaction and grow our restaurant further. Zomato has provided key insights for advancing our progress while keeping customers happy, and we are truly grateful for their support.”

Aditya Mangla, CEO – Food delivery business, Eternal, said, “It’s inspiring to see brands like Nagabhushanam Mess grow rapidly while also staying true to cultural roots. We feel privileged to be able to support their journey by offering the tools, aggregated insights, and visibility they need to serve their customers better. Helping restaurants grow on our platform is a top priority for us.” 

Nagabhushanam Mess’s journey began with a simple observation. In 2016, Srinivas was working as a medical representative at a hospital in Hyderabad when he noticed a recurring problem. Patients and their families often struggled to find hygienic, affordable and homely food near the hospital. Determined to fill this gap, he opened the first Nagabhushanam Mess outlet the same year. With no prior experience in running a business, Srinivas persevered through every challenge and stayed committed to his mission of providing wholesome meals at pocket-friendly prices. 

Since onboarding on Zomato, the brand has:

• Achieved 7X growth in yearly order volumes, increasing from over 5,400 in May–Dec 2018 to 36,200 in 2024
• Switched from paper to foil and container packaging to address spillage concerns
• Re-engineered the menu and introduced promotions and offers to expand customer reach
• Improved service quality by identifying weak spots in the supply chain and operations

To help small restaurants scale quickly, Zomato has introduced several initiatives in recent years. These include a DIY onboarding tool that helps restaurants get listed on the platform in just 15 minutes, and access to the Restaurant Services Hub, a curated marketplace of verified vendors offering licensing, staffing, and hygiene audit services. In select cities, new restaurants also benefit from 0% commission for the first 30 days, along with credits for ads and Hyperpure services. As of Q2 FY26, Zomato has an average of 327,000 monthly active food ordering and delivery restaurant partners on the platform.