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Masala Zone Soho: Regional Indian Food At It’s Best in London

Masala Zone restaurants are part of a unique collection of London’s best Indian restaurants. It was created in 2001 in London out of a passion to convey to diners the sort of food Indians in India eat on the street or at home. The ethos was and is to offer discerning diners a menu with options to enjoy proper Indian food as eaten by Indians daily across India. An exclusive feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Until the creation of Masala Zone Soho, the mid-market space was occupied with by the Bangladeshi-owned curry houses which did not serve genuine Indian food. Masala Zone Soho pioneered by bringing that into that London restaurant scene at an affordable price point. It was the first restaurant in the UK to bring authentic food from the streets of India into London restaurants space. Since then, the Masala Zone restaurants have moved to the top-end of the informal dining scale. 

The first Masala Zone restaurant, in Soho, rapidly became one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the UK. There are now 4 Masala Zone restaurants in London. Each Masala Zone restaurant strives to present real Indian cuisines, attentive and friendly service along with a strong design element when it comes to the restaurant decor, with each being visually unique.

Masala Zone Soho has been widely praised since the time it opened in 2001. Evening Standard has rated them as one of London’s six best Indian restaurants, Zagat Restaurants Survey as London’s Most Popular Restaurant Group; Daily Telegraph as one of London’s best restaurants.

At their Soho location you cannot miss their dramatic makeover. The carefully orchestrated furniture and sophisticated lighting across the restaurant highlight the verve with which traditional food is dressed for a modern and global audience. The interiors have been redone to breathe exotic glamour and ooze plush sophistication.

Many of the walls of the restaurant are adorned with a unique collection of fine carvings, dazzling mirrors, bold paintings and rich tapestry. This is highlighted by glittering chandeliers and understated chic furniture. Every corner of the dining areas too weaves in the art and craft of traditional India in an charming setting.

When you visit you can enjoy a signature cocktail in their glamorous new Bangle Bar which has given the restaurant a theatrical facelift, or grab a lightly spiced grill at one of the bold stone tables with handmade wooden chairs sourced from the city of lakes in India, Udaipur.

Oh, and don’t leave without a quick peek into the loos too, to glimpse the iconic Beverly Hills Martinique wall paper and post box red taps!

Masala Zone Soho’s intimate and inviting private area combines the unique tribal art murals, sophisticated lighting and exotic decorations. It can be separated from the main restaurant by a handsome curtain. It seats up to 24 or can take 40 standing; but it is not available on Fridays & Saturday for dinner. Exclusive use of private room generally requires a party size of 15 & above or an equivalent spend. Menu prices per person are Dinner £32 – £45; Lunch £25.50– £40.50.

From the starters, mains, sides and desserts I tried and while all were extraordinarily good, and the menu offerings are an exhaustive list from across India, but my topmost favourite was the lamb slider from the starters where the pao is also made by the restaurant in-house, it has caramelised onions and perfectly spiced lamb patty, it’s just so full of taste and flavour, each bite is culinary perfection! The food offerings over time have expanded to span a panoramic range of proper Indian food, including flavourful grills, regional curries and biryanis in addition to a unique ciollction of street food from all across India, as well as the thalis. 

Having trail blazed at the top end of Indian restaurants  with the creation of Chutney Mary in 1990 and the successful reincarnation of Veeraswamy in 1997, Masala Zone Soho was created out of a pioneering passion to bring the real taste of India into London. At the heart of the menus are also the thalis, a collection of various small dishes on a circular tray. This is the way in which Indian food is eaten in the homes with the balanced and healthy thali providing a combination of nutrition, texture, flavours and colours.  Fresh cooked vegetables that are served in the Thali, change daily. The cooking of these dishes is executed by highly experienced specialist master chefs from India who cook without short cuts, including halwais, with complete heritage culinary integrity – each only cooking authentic food from the region of India from where they belong. 

“The defining features of our Masala Zone restaurants are an unparalleled range of real Indian food from all the main Indian cuisines, glamorous interiors which integrate fine Indian visual themes with contemporary design, hospitable service, and  affordable prices. This unique combination has struck a powerful chord with a large number of discerning customers from across the world. Our ambition therefore is to build on this recognition by expanding in those parts of the world where these features will be appreciated.” Ranjit Mathrani, Chairman and Co-owner, MW Eat

Masala means spice, which is the very heart and soul of Indian cooking. Uniquely, with their passion to do the best, at Masala Zone they select their key spices from the best spice farms after the spice harvest in India and then get it shipped here to UK. Unlike UK curry houses and most Indian restaurants, their dishes are then prepared using a complex combination of these spices in a carefully orchestrated sequence.

Masala Zone have sourced tightly guarded recipes from the most well regarded traditional cooks of India and 22 years later since the first Masala Zone was set up, they are serving these with a contemporary spin and a touch of original flair. This is combined with decor which for the first time combined Indian decorative themes and idioms with Western contemporary design.  The brand has been all about affordability and honest value for money. A warmth and friendliness of service with a personable multicultural team defines the brand.

Masala Zone’s  passion is to serve the best food in London from across India…and so they do. The restaurants between them with their impeccable service, inviting ambiance and outstanding menu offerings with flavours that are on point and portion sizes which are generous, it is not surprising that they now have several hundred thousand customers a year making their way through their doors! Very Highly Recommended!

ALSO READ: Pumpkin and Spice and All Pizza’s Nice at Eco Clapham

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Pumpkin and Spice and All Pizza’s Nice at Eco Clapham

This Halloween will see South London’s favourite pizzeria, Eco Clapham, serving up the ultimate Halloween flavours with a limited-edition pizza and pasta dish. Both dishes will be infused with pumpkin and spice (chili) and will ensure you have a spooktacular taste sensation says columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

With Eco celebrating 30 years of service this October, Halloween will be another reason for them to celebrate their creativity and treat customers to their delicious creations.

Over the last 30 years, the quality of the pizzas and dishes has not changed one bit. No less than four different flour types are combined to create naturally fermented dough. This living, breathing organism is then left to rise in two stages (the first for a minimum of 12 hours) before being cooked at 400 degrees for around 90 seconds. The result? A full-flavored, crispy base that is light and easy to eat.

The toppings are equally irresistible. All pizzas are baked with organic tomato sauce, created from the finest Italian tomatoes that are chosen six months in advance, the best fior di latte mozzarella, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Proud to have given its customers a totally different dining experience for three decades, the team is always striving to create dishes that their customers will be raving about and this Halloween is no different!

Trick and treat yourself to the limited-edition Pumpkin and Spice dishes from 29th October – 1st November.

About Sami Wasif

Sami Wasif was born in Beni Suef, Egypt, a farming town on the West Bank of the River Nile. Part of a large family, he was particularly close to his grandfather, Gerges, who, according to the Pharaonic farming calendar, was responsible for the blessing and distribution of sourdough to the local townspeople during the Spring Equinox.

After graduating from university in Sudan, Sami travelled throughout Europe and became obsessed with authentic Italian pizza.

In 1976 he moved to London and was unimpressed by the pizza he found there. Drawing on what he had learnt from his grandfather, Sami then spent years perfecting his own secret sourdough recipe. He brought all his skills to bear on his first business, the iconic Pizzeria Franco – the establishment that inspired the famous Franco Manca chain – which he purchased from Franco himself in 1989.

Under Sami and his wife Laura, the restaurant was a huge success, so much so that when the opportunity arose to build a larger eatery in Clapham Common, the couple jumped at the chance.

For three decades, Eco, has stayed true to its neighbourhood feel, still using the authentic sourdough recipe that Sami has evolved from the one he first witnessed over half a century ago in Beni Suef.

ALSO READ: 40 Dean Street: Extraordinary Italian Cuisine in Soho, Londo

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Eco: Three Decades as Clapham’s Favourite Italian Restaurant

It was the year 1993. Boyzone made their debut. Jurassic Park was number one at the box office. Manchester United had become champions of the brand-new FA Premier League. And Eco opened in Clapham High Street! An immediate sensation, it was voted ‘trendiest restaurant in London’ by Time Out magazine upon opening. Since then, this legendary family-run, multi award-winning pizzeria – named after Umberto Eco’s novel-turned-film ‘The Name of The Rose’ which was then playing at the Clapham Picture House next door – has conquered every adversity. Whether it’s recession, Brexit and even a global pandemic, nothing has got in the way of its success. An exclusive feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International. 

The restaurant has not only survived but thrived, unlike so many of its competitors. To celebrate their 30 year milestone of Eco, owner Sami Wasif, whose passion for superior ingredients and Mediterranean style hospitality have been at the heart of Eco’s success, offered customers the chance to step back in time and dine out at 1993 prices on their 30th anniversary day!

Through the years what hasn’t changed is the quality of the pizzas. No less than four different flour types are combined to create naturally fermented dough. This living, breathing organism is then left to rise in two stages (the first for a minimum of 12 hours) before being cooked at 400 degrees for around 90 seconds. The result? A full-flavoured, crispy base that is light and easy to eat.

The toppings are equally irresistible. All pizzas are baked with organic tomato sauce, created from the finest Italian tomatoes that are chosen six months in advance, the best fior di latte mozzarella, fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Proud to have given its customers a totally different dining experience for three decades, Eco looks forward to another 30 years as Clapham’s favourite eatery.

A meal experience at Eco is extraordinary, friendly and welcoming staff; charming relaxed interiors; quick and attentive service; excellent tasting food; very generous portion sizes; freshest tasting ingredients; decadent desserts…surely will be a meal to remember! Very Highly Recommended.

About Sami Wasif

Sami Wasif was born in Beni Suef, Egypt, a farming town on the West Bank of the River Nile. Part of a large family, he was particularly close to his grandfather, Gerges, who, according to the Pharaonic farming calendar, was responsible for the blessing and distribution of sourdough to the local townspeople during the Spring Equinox.

After graduating from university in Sudan, Sami travelled throughout Europe and became obsessed with authentic Italian pizza.

In 1976 he moved to London and was unimpressed by the pizza he found there. Drawing on what he had learnt from his grandfather, Sami then spent years perfecting his own secret sourdough recipe. He brought all his skills to bear on his first business, the iconic Pizzeria Franco – the establishment that inspired the famous Franco Manca chain – which he purchased from Franco himself in 1989.

Under Sami and his wife Laura, the restaurant was a huge success, so much so that when the opportunity arose to build a larger eatery in Clapham Common, the couple jumped at the chance.

For three decades, Eco, has stayed true to its neighbourhood feel, still using the authentic sourdough recipe that Sami has evolved from the one he first witnessed over half a century ago in Beni Suef.

One of eight brothers and sisters, Sami Wasif was born in Beni Suef, Egypt, a farming town on the West Bank of the River Nile. From a young age he was involved in his father’s business fabricating and merchandising leather products sourced from the commercial streets of Cairo.

Sami and family

It was Sami’s grandfather, Gerges, who during the Spring Equinox festival would produce and distribute the annual bread ‘starter’, also known as the ‘mother dough’, and distribute it to the villagers on the first day of the new season. As part of the process, he would gather the morning dew for his recipe and then pray

over the dough every day for seven days before it was ready.

Gerges in turn passed his knowledge on to Sami’s father, and the story of his skill and dedication never quite left his grandson.

Sami left home to attend university in Cairo, where he took on an increasingly important role in his father’s business.

After graduating, he travelled throughout Italy where he became obsessed with authentic pizza. In 1976 Sami moved to London and was disappointed by the pizza he found there. Drawing on what he had learnt from his family and community, he spent years perfecting his own recipe. Aside from the ingredients and the actual process, he also accounted for changes in the season, the atmosphere, the water and even the hands that make it in his determination to bring authentic sourdough to the UK.

Sami brought all his skills to bear on his first business, the iconic Pizzeria Franco – the restaurant that inspired the famous Franco Manca chain – which he purchased from Franco himself in 1989.

Under Sami and his wife Laura, the restaurant was a huge success, with queues regularly snaking around the block. When the opportunity arose to convert, refurbish and rebrand a larger eatery on Clapham High Street – a former branch of Morley’s Fried Chicken – the couple jumped at the chance.

Since then, the restaurant has not only survived but thrived, staying true to its neighbourhood feel and still using the authentic sourdough recipe that Sami has evolved from the one he first witnessed over half a century ago in Beni Suef. Eco is just part of Sami’s extensive hospitality empire.

In 2000 he began working with Wagamama founder Alan Yau, becoming the major shareholder in the Michelin starred restaurants Hakkasan and Yauatcha. Sami was additionally responsible for project managing, refurbishment and design, together with the marketing of numerous remarkable, one-off London based concepts.

Sami continued to be the second largest shareholder in The Fulham Shore PLC – which bought Franco Manca and The Real Greek in March 2015 – until April of this year when The Fulham Shore itself was sold to Japanese company Toridoll for £93 million. By this stage there were 70 Franco Mancas across the UK and 27 Real Greeks. Remarkably it was Sami himself who only 15 years earlier had brought the first two Franca Manco restaurants to the table, namely Brixton and Chiswick.

He also owns The Pepper Tree, a hugely popular Thai Restaurant close to Clapham Common which was founded in 1994, and the Camden Bakery, which he took over in 2013 but which was established as The Little Baker in 1972.

Sami successfully piloted London pop-up, Cairo Kitchen, and is currently working with acclaimed Egyptian street food brand Zooba which has seven branches in Cairo and one in New York City. In addition, he continues to broaden his extensive residential and commercial property portfolio.

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40 Dean Street: Extraordinary Italian Cuisine in Soho, London

40 Dean Street offers an authentic Italian meal experience as a small, family run restaurant who are dedicated to providing incredible food at incredible prices. Their set menu boasts a variety of sensational dishes built around fresh, seasonal produce and has customers coming back on a daily basis. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover  for Asian Lite International.

Their à la carte menu is a favourite ranging from Risotto with porcini mushroom, Ravioli lobster which is ravioli filled with fresh lobster meat in a shellfish bisque sauce, Spaghetti vongole made with clams, chilli and white wine sauce et al,  with their regulars, the media crowd and tourists alike. Their drinks menu too deserves a special mention especially their house cocktails along with their classics, the bar tender is surely very talented! And make sure to save room for their decadent home made desserts which are top-notch too. 

The service is attentive, friendly and welcoming to one and all. The staff helpfully can make suggestions too if requested. The food portion sizes are very generous. The decor is evocative of quaint restaurants across Italy and has a charming, cozy vibe. 

They have a special Xmas menu too for those looking for a festive season fix soon and some highlights range from cream of mushroom and truffle soup, served with homemade garlic crostini, citrus cured salmon with rocket, pickled shallot, capers dressed with a tomato vinaigrette; Smoked chicken & leek tart with crispy curly kale; Deep fried brie accompanied with cranberry jam; pan fried fillet of seabass, chive mash potato, saffron and mussel cream, topped with keta caviar; to desserts like Warm panetone pudding served with rum & raisin cream. Vanilla pannacotta topped with our homemade mixed berry compote. Lemon tart with raspberry sorbet and fresh raspberries. Chocolate fondant served with vanilla ice-cream.

So for you next most amazing Italian meal out check out 40 Dean street- very highly recommended!

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Top Cafes in India for Food and Instagram Enthusiasts

The interior design also incorporates original plants and intriguing antique replicas, such as typewriters and telephones, while quirky portraits with humorous captions add to the unique and inviting ambiance…writes Lothungbeni Humtsoe

The surge of new cafés in India is sprouting up in every nook and cranny, but is it only a haven for delicious cuisine or is it also a location worth checking out for Instagram?

Here we have selected some of the top cafes in India for you to visit for wonderful meals and beautiful photos. Exactly why not? Right!. 

As festive season begins let thy food sojourn begin for capturing priceless moments…

Blah, Mumbai

Blah (Mumbai, Maharashtra) Nestled in the heart of BKC, Mumbai, Blah is a casual all-day bar and cafe that exudes a unique charm. Designed by the ingenious architect Keith Menon and his brilliant team Spiro Spero, this cafe breaks away from the conventional norms of bars and cafes. With its high ceilings and flexible layout, Blah offers a soft and approachable vibe that invites guests to unwind and explore. Divided into four distinct sections, including a trendy bar and lounge area, a cozy private dining space, a delightful high tea setup, and an indoor garden-like oasis, this cafe promises a delightful experience at every turn. Don’t forget to marvel at their innovative indoor micro greens and herb setup, which not only adds a touch of greenery but also provides fresh ingredients for their culinary delights. With its captivating interiors adorned with exquisite cane weaving, lush plants, and intricate metalwork, every nook and cranny of Blah is an Instagram-worthy masterpiece waiting to be captured.

Address: Ground Floor, G-4, The Capital, G Block BKC, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051

Operational Time: 12pm – 1 am

Cost for two: Rs. 2000/- approx.

Café Corra, Mumbai

Cafe Corra offers a picturesque Bali-themed interior. Drawing inspiration from the serene and upscale cafes of Bali, Corra boasts a vintage wooden and white decor scheme. The cafe’s open coffee bar invites you in with its inviting ambiance.

This cafe exudes a socially sober and aesthetically minimal atmosphere, featuring bamboo-based decor elements throughout. From the seating to ceiling lamps and lush greenery strategically placed, Corra creates a tranquil and easy-going environment that transports you to the relaxing vibes of Bali.

ViVi Italian Bar & Kitchen, Thane

Situated within Thane Club, ViVi, designed by Ankita Sharma from Design Alma, offers a picturesque al-fresco dining experience next to an Olympic-size pool.

The interior welcomes you with an enchanting aisle adorned with red flowers, leading to a beautifully decorated space featuring a small chandelier, artificial greenery, and a charming creeper-covered lattice. White-colored surroundings house colorful chairs, marble tables, and poolside cane swings visible through glass walls with elegant curtains.

The interior design also incorporates original plants and intriguing antique replicas, such as typewriters and telephones, while quirky portraits with humorous captions add to the unique and inviting ambiance.

Shy Café, Chembur

Shy, an experiential brand new all-day cafe and bar is an amalgamation of vintage interiors, global modern cuisine, and craft cocktails, this new 4500 sq. ft space specialises in flawlessly combining global cuisines and providing a tantalizing experience. The modern vintage ambience is created by Tejal Mathur, the ace interior designer. Tejal Mathur’s Design aesthetic believes in the blend of handcrafted elements and specially sourced pieces to create the comfort of the organic and timelessness to the spaces designed for the way we live today.

Address: 2 & 3, Ground Level, Supreme Headquarters, Near Link Square Mall, 14th & 33rd Road, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai

Operational Time: 12pm– 12am

Cost for two: Rs. 1800/- approx

Harajuku Tokyo Café, Delhi


A Japanese-inspired QSR located at Select CityWalk, Saket and Ambience Mall, Gurugram. The most instagrammable cafe in town has been winning hearts across NCR with its gastronomical delights straight from the streets of Tokyo and Osaka that have been uniquely curated for the Indian audience.

Address: F40/41, First floor (above zara), Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi

Operational Time: 10 am – 11 pm

Cost for two: 1000/- approx.

QLA- Delhi

Nestled in the winding lanes of Mehrauli, Qla is sure to turn your frown into a smile when it comes to the best Instagram-worthy Cafe in town. Qla is an exquisite European caféoffers its guests a truly unique and unforgettable cafe experience with a majestic Qutub view. Every nook and corner of this establishment is carefully thought out, from the exquisite menu to the unique décor.

Address: 4-A, Seven Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg, Near Qutab Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi

Operational Time: 12pm – 12am

Cost for two:  Rs. 1000/- approx.

Diona, Jaipur

Diona, a never seen before experiential property in Jaipur. A project by Prime Hospitality, it is one of the biggest rooftop lounges of India, spanning over an area of 36,000 sq ft, with expansive indoor and outdoor venues. Diona Jaipur raises the bar -both literally and figuratively. It isn’t a place, but a lifestyle. The entire architecture and interiors of the lifestyle destination are reminiscent of a Grecian holiday. It can accommodate multiple private parties at a time with their 5 serving bars at different decks to facilitate the crowd and hosts a beautiful infinity pool on the 12th floor overlooking the city with a 180 degree wide view. The whitewashed walls, rustic open spaces, and the quintessential Santorini blue transport you to the Greek isle while you are in the heart of Jaipur. 

Address: The Grand Anukampa, Elevated Ajmer Road Exit, Sodala, Jaipur

Operational Time: 5pm – 11 pm

Cost for two: Rs. 1800/- approx.

ALSO READ-OLLY: Olive’s Australian-style all-day cafe

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Blue Lotus – An Authentic Indian Gem of a Restaurant, Surrey

BLUE LOTUS as a restaurant venture has been opened  by a group of talented chefs ( Nand Kishor Semwal, Pradeep singh, Kushiram and Keshawananad Mamgai) with a collective vision of bringing authentic flavours of Indian food to discerning diners in UK by using time-tested, inter-generational passed down styles of cooking to showcase cuisines from different regions of India. They work tirelessly to ensure that Blue lotus dining experience is one of a kind. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

BLUE LOTUS is a modern Indian Restaurant with food that has robust flavours and spices. The portion sizes are generous, plating and presentation is top-notch, taste is outstanding and food quality is exceptional.

This Caterham based restaurant provides a range of dishes option that represents many regions of India made with signature ingredients prepared by a celebrity Chef Nand Kishor Semwal at the helm of it. Choose from their exhaustive wine list  that will compliment the delish dishes resplendent with robust flavours. 

BLUE LOTUS’S charming space with its vibrant modern look provides guests with a memorable dining experience. From the moment you enter their staff will make you feel welcome and they always take their guest’s suggestions to improve and excel while they strive to provide diners  with an ultimate Indian dining experience.

Blue Lotus restaurant can be the perfect venue  to celebrate life’s special moments as it offers delectable indian food, top-notch service and relaxed ambiance in caterham. Blue lotus has a vibe where absolute guest satisfacation is their highest priority.

Chefs have an aspiration which is to make Blue lotus no. 1 Indian restaurant in surrey. Chefs want to carry the flavours of regional indian cuisine to all over united kingdom and ultimately their vision is that  blue lotus makes it into the michelin guide.

Some of the dishes highlights include the following:

Samosa Chana Chaat

Crushed crunchy potato snack with  stuffed samosa topped with chutneys, yoghurt, onion, green chilli spices and coriander.

Costal lamb curry 

A simple yet soothing lamb curry from coastal areas of india, the dish gets rich with the aroma of coconut, curry leaves and spices in it.

Prawn moilee

Light, fragrant and utterly delicious south indian style curry, made with juicy prawns and tempered with coconut milk.

FALOODA

A dessert made with combination of rose syrup, chilled milk, cooked vermicelli, basil seeds and ice cream.

Paan ice cream

Sweet betel leaf and dates ice cream

Meet the chefs

Meet the chefs who create your favourite cuisine. Every dish they say is a team effort, the chefs at Blue Lotus are working together with care, precision and expertise to create extraordinary dishes which both look and tastes good. 

Chef Nand Kishor

Chef Nand is originally from Mumbai, where he started his culinary career working in Mumbai’s greatest kitchens. In 2003 Nand moved to England. Working for Trishna in London, a sister restaurant of a well-established seafood restaurant in Mumbai, before he became Head Chef at Gymkhana.

Chef Pradeep Singh

Specialising in authentic Indian cuisines, Chef Pradeep made his culinary debut during 2003 with Hotel Paradise Green, Gurgaon India.

With over 17 years of experience both in his home country India and reputable London restaurants; Chef Pradeep’s journey has inspired and influenced his cooking style and dishes. Cooking up a storm with both the traditional approach and innovative styles.

He is passionate on the importance of using quality ingredients to produce exceptional flavours delighting guests with his gastronomic specialities.

Chef Kushi Ram

With a flair for exquisite flavour and design, Chef Kushi Ram discovered his passion and began his career during 1996 with Hotel Residency, India. Through his culinary journey, cooking and the art of designing he united these qualities and has been surprising guests with his creativity over the decades.

Chef Kushi Ram’s journey has brought him to the UK where he continued to explore and venture out of traditional cooking styles to search for new inspiration to enhance his culinary skills with an impressive array of establishments to his portfolio from his country of origin India and London.

Chef Keshwanand Mamgai

Chef Keshwanand brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the kitchen together with vibrancy of his style of cooking. An experienced chef with a passion for creating cuisines.

Starting his career during 1991, with Dukes Retrete Khandala, Pune. He continued his career development and refined his culinary skills and techniques with nearly 30 years of experience.

Chef Keshwanand’s is well-versed in both local and western cuisines, staying relevant and creating inspiring fusion dishes.

Conclusively, the restaurant has amazing food, amazing ambiance, amazing service …highly recommended!

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Chutney Mary Awarded Prestigious ‘Restaurant of the Year London’

Chutney Mary, the highly acclaimed Indian restaurant in St. James’s in London, has been awarded AA Restaurant of the Year London (2024) at a glittering function of over 900 hospitality industry professionals at the Grosvenor House Hotel, states columnist Riccha Grrover, Asian Lite International.

The well-respected AA Restaurant Guide will mark its 30th edition with the 2024 book, although joint hotel and restaurant guides were established in the UK in 1967, and their awards of Rosettes were introduced even earlier in 1956. as the first nationwide scheme of recognition of excellence of restaurants and hotels. Each year, special Award winners in several categories are chosen as best in class following professional inspections, and verified by the AA’s Hospitality Awards Panel, with the results representing the very finest dining experiences.  

Commenting on Chutney Mary’s accolade, Simon Numphud, Managing Director of the AA Media Group, explained: “Chutney Mary is one of London’s finest restaurants and a class act.  It combines a wonderful stylish location and interiors, accomplished cooking, and delivering exceptional dishes with fantastic hospitality and service.  Such a great restaurant, loved by so many, is so deserving to be our AA Restaurant of the Year for London.”

Camellia Panjabi, Group Director of MW Eat, the owning company of Chutney Mary, said: “This award is completely unexpected, but greatly appreciated by my fellow Directors and the committed long-serving team at Chutney Mary. It is particularly noteworthy since Chutney Mary is a 33-year-old restaurant – to be acknowledged now for this significant and esteemed achievement is especially touching, considering the focus among media is so often on the newest restaurants, food trends and rising star chefs.”

To become a London institution, a restaurant must walk a tightrope between acknowledging its original foundation, while avoiding complacency, to embracing the very present, in order to meet the constantly evolving tastes and appreciation of its diners. Chutney Mary has made this journey effectively over the last three decades by concentrating on its cuisine’s originality, regionality and innovation alongside exceptional hospitality.

About Chutney Mary

After 25 years in Chelsea, the restaurant relocated to the more central location in St James’s in 2015. Its glamorous interior design is matched by its contemporary Indian cuisine, carefully curated drinks offering, and superb front-of-house service. It is open daily for lunch and dinner, including weekend brunch. There are two distinctive private dining rooms (for up to 32 guests) and the Pukka Bar not only serves cocktails but is also a dining bar with individual and small group capacity. Chutney Mary is part of the MW Eat group which also owns Amaya in Belgravia and Veeraswamy in Mayfair (both with Michelin stars), as well as four Masala Zone restaurants, including the recently opened Masala Zone Piccadilly Circus.

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ZENB: Plant Based Conscientious Eating

ZENB was founded by the Japan-based Mizkan Group over two centuries ago. ZENB exists to cultivate more mindful eating … for ourselves, our community, and the world around us. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

They take a plant-full approach as they re-invent everyday food using only real ingredients. Embracing the Japanese zenbu concept of WHOLE, they add less and waste nothing to unleash the flavor & nutrients of plants.

Their food development legacy stretches back over 200 years with a nature-driven, upcycling approach. Today, they are applying their expertise to unlock what plants can do with no compromise on taste & texture.

The company began by making vinegar using “sake lees”, the by-product of brewing sake which was normally thrown away. The sweetness and flavour of the Mizkan vinegar paired deliciously with sushi, as popular then as it is now, and many restaurants started using it.

Throughout its history, Mizkan has kept the philosophy of environmental consciousness at the centre of its core values while offering tasty and healthy choices.

To further pursue its philosophy, and inspired by its food waste history, Mizkan launched ZENB in the US and Japan in 2019, and in the UK in 2020.

ZENB’s hero product is its Yellow Pea Pasta. The UK’s first pasta to be made entirely from this small but powerful legume, it has become a key ingredient of many a diet since launching back in 2021. It is available in four familiar shapes: Spaghetti, Penne, Fusilli and Macaroni, plus their quick cook yellow pea pasta, Pasta Agile.

ZENB’s hero product is its Yellow Pea Pasta. The UK’s first pasta to be made entirely from this small but powerful legume, it has become a key ingredient of many a diet since launching back in 2021. Supremely flexible, this twist to a store cupboard staple gives a new dimension to a mid-week meal, offers a filling and satisfying alternative to the lunchtime sandwich and provides a protein-rich, post-gym meal.

Made from 100% yellow peas, the range illustrates the brand’s unique single ingredient, whole-plant approach.

Yellow peas come from the same family as green peas, but they dry to a golden yellow before they are harvested.

By having an impact on the total production of the crop rotation – helping other crops, such as wheat, get access to soil nutrients and reducing root diseases – they have been shown to increase soil microbial diversity. Peas also adapt well to where there is no access to irrigation, being more drought tolerant than cereals. 

Neither do they use as much water as other crops in rotation, with one study showing they use 34 mm less than high water crops like wheat. Thus more water is left over after the peas have been harvested, which then provides a benefit for the next crop in rotation.

A true superfood in every sense, they are also milder with a nuttier taste, and a rich source of fibre, protein, potassium, phosphorous and iron.

In simple terms this means that a ZENB pasta meal not only tastes amazing, with a subtle aroma and al dente texture, but will help maintain healthy bones and blood pressure and reduce fatigue.

But the ZENB experience doesn’t end with Yellow Pea Pasta. Also on offer is a range of equally tantalising pasta sauces, along with Agile Bowls that bring a whole new dimension to lunchtimes.

The entire ZENB range is also gluten free and in 2022, the brand announced a multi-year collaboration with FC Barcelona, that saw the footballing legends become ZENB’s Official Gluten-Free Food Partner in the UK.

This pioneering deal reflects the role that great-tasting, plant-based, gluten- free foods that are high in protein and fibre are now playing in supporting and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, not just for elite athletes but us mere mortals too!

ZENB’s Yellow Pea Pasta range is available in four familiar shapes: Spaghetti, Penne, Fusilli and Macaroni.

Also on offer is the rather amazing Pasta Agile, a unique new shape with precision-cut surfaces to retain a tasty, al dente texture. The thin, curved walls also encourage flavour absorption and allow sauces to grip every nook and cranny. All that in two minutes of preparation.

In addition, the ZENB menu includes a collection of Gourmet Pasta Sauces: Cherry Tomato: slow cooked whole cherry tomatoes, combined with the aromatic flavourings of garlic and basil; Tuscan-inspired Red Pepper: roasted red bell peppers (including stems and seeds) with sautéed onions and olive oil and Sweet Carrot: slow cooked sweet carrots (with skin), combined with the smooth flavours of tomatoes and oregano.

Finally, why not bin the boring sandwich for an exciting new lunchtime offering in the shape of ZENB’s tasty and convenient Agile Bowls? Available in six irresistible flavours – Zesty Garlic Spinach; Vegetable Thai Curry and Cauliflower Tikka Masala among them – just add boiling water and enjoy!

Now this small but powerful legume takes centre stage in ZENB’s latest product line, Cracker Bites. Exclusively available online from the end of July, ZENB’s Cracker Bites tap into a rapidly growing demand for healthier snacks. In fact, a recent report by the bible of the food & drink industry, The Grocer, revealed that 65% of consumers are actively looking for more veggiefocused snacks while the pulse-based snack industry has doubled in the last few years.

Available in three varieties, Onion & Poppy Seed, Rosemary & Chia Seed and Himalayan Salt & Cracked Black Pepper, Cracker Bites are gluten-free and a source of fibre and protein. They use whole yellow peas as their base, adding into the mix only a handful of other ingredients.

ZENB’s Cracker Bites are also the first product in the brand’s ever-growing portfolio to have the cross grain logo, certified by Coeliac UK.

The new range tastes amazing too, presenting consumers with a smarter way to snack between meals on a healthy product that is not loaded with fat, salt and nasty additives.

Their new Cracker Bites already taking a giant nibble out of the snack market, this September finds disruptive plant-based food brand ZENB all set to debut yet another addition to its rapidly expanding portfolio: Veggie Mash.

For centuries, mashed potato has been a hugely popular staple in many cultures. No more so than in the UK where a recent poll by YouGov named it the nation’s 5th most popular dish. Yet making mash from scratch can be time-consuming, whilst the alternative option – the instant kind – is full of preservatives, sugar and salt.

So it was that the seriously talented creatives at ZENB decided to create a product that would disrupt the mash market by offering nutritional benefits not available in any other product.

ZENB Veggie Mash is high in fibre and protein; traditional mashed potato contains neither. It is also gluten-free, contains no added salt or sugar and can be made in just five minutes.

Available in two varieties – Cauliflower & Green Pea and Carrot & Red Lentil – ZENB’s Veggie Mash is a nutritious, convenient and timesaving complement to the classic British meal.

Like Cracker Bites, Veggie Mash represents an exciting broadening of the ZENB positioning, as this much lauded and hugely successful brand evolves from signature products like its yellow pea pasta – now found in food cupboards across the land – towards creating healthy whole vegetable food for all meal occasions.

ALSO READ: W Hotel London AFTERNOON TEA WITH ARTIST LOIS O’HARA: Bringing Palette to Plate

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

W Hotel London AFTERNOON TEA WITH ARTIST LOIS O’HARA: Bringing Palette to Plate

W London partners with artist LOIS O’HARA Unveiling colourful Afternoon tea: A fusion of Well-being, creativity And Culinary delights. An exclusive feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International. 

W London is proud to introduce an innovative collaboration with Brighton-based artist Lois O’Hara, redefining the traditional afternoon tea experience. This exciting partnership brings together Lois’ unique artistic vision with W London’s Pastry Consultant Leyre to create an afternoon tea experience that transcends the ordinary. 

Drawing inspiration from the realms of well-being and fostering positive mental health, the menu features five different desserts designed to inspire and delight. First up is “Zen,” combining passion fruit, mango, and matcha tea, evoking Asian cultures and tranquillity. “Clear Mind” offers the pure essence of orange and olive oil, a nod to Leyre’s Spanish roots. “Nature” celebrates the joys of a garden harvest with blueberry and lemon. “Connect” brings people together with the classic pairing of peanut and chocolate. Finally, “Creativity” ventures into uncharted territory with raspberry and black sesame, delivering a surprising and delightful flavour experience. 

“Joy” a curated cocktail is the perfect afternoon tea pairing. A fusion of Boxer Gin, Oolong Tea, pandan, vanilla and lemon to create a revitalising aperitif in a vibrant chartreuse hue. Bringing palette to plate, the colourful cakes are paired with an assortment of savoury sandwiches from beetroot-cured smoked Scottish salmon, cream cheese, dill and tobiko to smoked chicken with tarragon mayonnaise, cucumber and Dorset mint butter. Adding an element of British tradition, the afternoon tea also features freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jams.  

Lois O’Hara’s artistic direction extends beyond the menu, setting this collaboration apart by delving into the seamless integration of art and gastronomy. A bespoke cake stand designed in her signature curved silhouette and limited-edition plates are served alongside the playful menu.

Lois O’Hara’s talent shines through her ability to harmonise colours and evoke positivity through her art. Her designs, characterized by fluid movement and unconventional colour palettes, encourage introspection and immersion. Her art brings vibrancy to the W Lounge, perfectly complementing the distinct identity of W Hotels. 

Pastry Consultant Leyre Pedrazuela, known for her commitment to simple and sustainable patisserie, has risen to the challenge of creating desserts that embody the essence of Lois’ art, while staying true to her ethos of using natural ingredients with reduced sugar content. Each pastry is a unique composition of flavours and textures, offering an unparalleled sensory experience. 

Leyre’s approach to each dessert is akin to crafting a work of art, ensuring that they not only look visually stunning but also provide an explosion of flavour and texture in every bite. This attention to detail is what makes the afternoon tea a truly remarkable experience. 

Lois O’Hara and Leyre comment, “We have something truly awesome here – a sensory journey that combines art, taste, and emotion, all set to captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your memory.” As an added luxury, Lois O’Hara will create a bespoke mural in W Lounge for Frieze London, celebrating her vibrant creativity and adding a further pop of colour to the afternoon tea experience.  

Rohan Almeida is the Head chef at W London with 17 years of experience in hospitality industry. “Our Afternoon tea menu at W london with Lois O’hara is a fusion of art, creativity and culinary delights. We have got bespoke stands designed, we serve traditional finger sandwiches with a modern flair with some open sandwiches, also pastries blend well with the design and pattern of artist’s strokes and this in my view makes this one of a kind afternoon tea experience even more unique, and complete with a toast of a cocktail that gives you many reasons to celebrate “JOY “- Chef Rohan 

The afternoon tea is served daily, from 1pm until 5pm. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian options are also available upon request too. The service is exquisite and servers helpfully abreast the diners with details of the wonderfully presented artistic afternoon tea, which is absolutely outstanding. The taste across the menu is top-notch, the presentation is alluring, the portion sizes are very generous, tea selection is exquisite, cocktail is on point, and all in all this is a must try afternoon tea experience. Very Highly Recommended! 

About W Lounge

Step into W Lounge at W London and be transported to a world of sophistication and elegance. The dark wooden flooring and walls create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the petrol leather booths alongside the window provide the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

About W Hotels   

Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With more than 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each travelers’ desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W.

ALSO READ: Knightsbridge Culinary Icon, Sumosan Twiga, To Reopen In September 2023

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GONZO: A New Must-Try Pan-Asian Restaurant in Delhi

GONZO, A neighborhood restaurant and bar inspired by the bucket cocktail vans of Bangkok, the vast array of dumplings found across the streets of Asia and sizzling stone bowls loved by many gave Gonzo a unique identity that the brand creators felt was missing in Delhi. An exclusive feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

The Character inspiration behind Gonzo is Dr Gonzo portrayed by Johny Depp in the movie Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. This is the kind of vibe you can expect coming to Gonzo.

As the name suggests, Gonzo, resonates with carefree adventure so the restaurant have tried to have every element and corner of the restaurant to reflect a little bit of the wild and crazy that can be in all of us! Discerning diners will find a one of a kind live dumpling market, a nostalgic arcade with the favourite games of the 90s and a neon red glow to excite the senses while they sip and eat. 

Walk into Gonzo and get nostalgic playing some super mario, order up some dumplings and a cocktail bucket with your crew. Share some stories, enjoy some music, fuel your pan-Asian food cravings and Gonzo is all about a delectable meal experience. The service is attentive, the restaurant interiors are charming and vibe is exceptional for a neighbourhood restaurant. 

Gonzo sure gives delhiites an instant teleportation to the streets of Bangkok having cocktail buckets, street eats and creating fun memories! 

Gonzo is the brain child of and conceptualized by one of India’s leading Restaurant and Food consultant , Raminder Bakshi. Raminder Bakshi is the founder and leading advisor, developer and deft-risk mitigator at The Art Culinnaire. Raminder Bakshi, has more than almost three decades of experience in the Hospitality and F&B industry. His decisive leadership qualities, expertise and passion for his art have helped him in setting up many a Food Court, Multinational QSR, Hotels, Restaurants & Resorts.

He presents himself as a one-stop solution for all F&B related requirements, having acquired such diverse experiences in domestic as well as international markets with a fair understanding of “International Business Standards”. International markets into which he has forayed with great success and left his indelible mark include Jordon, New York, London, Melbourne, and Dubai.

At present he owns THE ART CULINNAIRE which specializes in conceptualization and execution of restaurants / hotels / base kitchens / banquets / outdoor catering / air catering services / institutional catering / quick service restaurants and much more. TAC also provides services like upgradation and updating of operational restaurants, facility planning, and recruitment of food and beverage personnel, product development, operational setup, technical trainings to staff and retainer ship of the day-to-day running of the business.