Pan-Asian bistro restaurant Honk brings new menu

Chinese Wok, India’s largest Chinese QSR chain, has launched its own take on the beloved street-food classic—Chowmein—bringing the bold, smoky, and spicy essence of Kolkata’s iconic noodles to a modern, hygienic quick-service format nationwide.

Inspired by Kolkata’s unique Indo-Chinese culinary heritage, the dish features wok-tossed noodles, crunchy veggies, and umami-rich sauces. Crafted for Gen Z and millennials, it delivers authentic street-style flavor with the consistency and quality of a QSR experience.

 “With the launch of Chowmein, we are bringing a piece of India’s culinary nostalgia into a format that’s accessible, hygienic, and scalable. Our goal was to recreate the familiar smoky, spicy experience that so many of us grew up loving and present it in a way that resonates with today’s young, fast-moving consumer. This launch represents everything Chinese Wok stands for: bold flavours, affordable indulgence, and modern convenience,” said Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director, Lenexis Foodworks. 

The launch is backed by a vibrant digital-first campaign featuring teasers, influencer collaborations, and eye-catching visuals to drive discovery, trials, and social buzz. Tapping into the current cricket mania, Chinese Wok has introduced cricket-themed packaging and match-day offers—reinforcing its young, energetic, and culturally in-tune identity.

This rollout marks a key milestone in Chinese Wok’s expansion, as the brand scales rapidly across India while deepening its roots in regional culinary traditions. By bringing a beloved street-side favorite into the QSR space, Chinese Wok is strengthening its presence in East India and offering a nostalgic, flavor-rich experience to audiences nationwide.

Fiori has launched a new Matcha Menu in partnership with Yūzen Matcha, introducing ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Japan to its beverage offerings. This collaboration aims to enhance the café's product lineup while tapping into the growing demand for premium, experience-driven drinks in India’s evolving café culture.

The curated selection is designed to highlight both the complexity of matcha and its appeal to a diverse customer base—from enthusiasts to first-time consumers. The menu draws creative influence from the work of renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her visual language centered on repetition, infinite patterns, and layered detail.

Each item on the menu connects with specific themes in Kusama’s art. The Iced Matcha Latte, referencing “NO. F, 1959”, incorporates a classic presentation with nuanced layers of flavor. The Mango Matcha, inspired by “Polka Dots”, blends tropical fruit notes with matcha’s earthy base. The Apple Matcha Cloud, linked to “Infinity Nets”, uses gradients of juice and foam for a balanced composition. Matcha + Blueberry Jam, inspired by “Infinity Mirrors”, combines the sharpness of matcha with the sweetness of fruit preserves for a more contemplative taste. The Matcha and OJ, drawing from “Fireflies on the Water”, merges orange juice with matcha for a more citrus-forward option.

According to the brand, the collection is positioned as part of a long-term strategy to develop matcha as a cultural category within India’s beverage sector. The partnership with Yūzen Matcha is aimed at maintaining product authenticity while also offering innovation in flavor.

The launch reflects a broader industry trend in hospitality, where cafés and F&B venues are focusing on specialty beverages and thematic menu design to engage younger and more experience-driven consumers. Fiori’s approach aligns matcha consumption with art, wellness, and cultural storytelling, elements that continue to gain traction in urban markets.

Chingari has introduced a new menu that traces the evolution of Awadhi cuisine, highlighting how traditional dishes have developed over generations. The menu is structured into three phases—1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations, illustrating the transformation of flavors and techniques over time.

The progression begins with Dal Ka Shorba in the first generation, which evolves into Gosht Shorba, and later becomes Awadhi Yakhni Shorba with Smoked Chicken. The bread selection also follows this pattern, starting with Roomali Roti, moving to Pudina Paratha, and culminating in French Onion and Cheddar Kulcha.

In the appetizers, the Reshami Kebab transitions into Nawabi Tikka before taking on a modern twist as Makhana-Crusted Chicken Kebab. The main course follows a similar path, with Nalli Ki Nihari evolving into Nalli Gosht and later transforming into Sous Vide Chicken Roulade with Nihari Sauce.

The menu also emphasizes vegetarian dishes, featuring the Badami Paneer in the first generation, which develops into Paneer Tikka Masala and then Cottage Cheese and Jalapeño Kofta in Spinach Gravy.

For desserts, the classic Seviyan is elevated to Warqi Angoori Rasmalai before evolving into Saffron and Fennel Crème Brûlée in the third generation. With this menu, Chingari presents a structured approach to Awadhi cuisine, maintaining its heritage while introducing contemporary elements.

In India, K-Pop, K-Dramas, and K-Beauty have won millions of hearts; it's time for K-Food to do the same. WestlifeFoodworld, the company that owns and runs McDonald's India (West & South), is bringing the strong and alluring flavors of Korea to McDonald's India with a Limited-Time Korean Range of Burgers, Sides, and Drinks. This Limited-Time Offering (LTO), which draws inspiration from India's common passion for all things Korean, is the ideal way to savor a little piece of Hallyu, one mouthful at a time.

With prices starting at just ₹69, customers can now add some flair to their regular munchies with McDonald's brand-new Korean line. With their preferred menu choices, such as the Korean McAlooTikki Burger, Korean Chicken Surprise, Korean McSpicy Chicken, Korean McSpicy Paneer Burger, and Korean McEgg Burger, they can now "Make it Korean."WestlifeFoodworld, the company that owns and runs McDonald's India (West & South), is bringing the strong and alluring flavors of Korea to McDonald's India with a Limited-Time Korean Range of Burgers, Sides, and Drinks. This Limited-Time Offering (LTO), which draws inspiration from India's common passion for all things Korean, is the ideal way to savor a little piece of Hallyu, one mouthful at a time!

McDonald's India is using its new Korean Spice Mix to give even more flavor. Customers in South America may now enjoy a new Shake-Shake experience by turning their favorite fries, chicken McNuggets, and McSpicy Chicken Wings into a Korean-inspired delicacy. The business has also included the revitalizing Korean Yuzu-Pop in this new line. It completes the true Korean dining experience at McDonald's and wonderfully balances the fiery flavors. This line claims to add authentic Korean flavors to the McDonald's experience, regardless of whether patrons are casual foodies or die-hard followers of Korean culture.

Arvind RP, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald's India (West & South), said, “Korean culture has been having asignificant impact on Indian consumers, from music and fashion to food. With our new Korean range, we are bringing that authentic experience to life through taste. At McDonald's India (W&S), we have always believed in bringing in new global experiences and hence be relevant to our customers' ever-evolvingtastes and preferences. We believe that the new Korean Range is a bold, flavourful way for fans to enjoy the best of Korea, right here at McDonald's India.”

This Limited-Time Offering is available at McDonald's outlets across West and South India. Guests can visit their nearest McDonald's or order on McDelivery to experience the Korean deliciousness.

Nandhini Deluxe, the popular Andhra restaurant chain has announced that the brand will celebrate Sankranti with a lavish traditional feast on January 14 and 15, 2025, The harvest festival is honored while showcasing Andhra Pradesh's rich culinary tradition.

Nandhini Deluxe was established by N. Anand in 1989. With 15 cutting-edge locations throughout Bangalore, the brand has been providing authentic Andhra food for more than thirty years. 

"Our Sankranti special menu is a tribute to the agricultural abundance and cultural richness of South India. Each dish in our feast has been carefully selected to represent the traditional harvest celebrations," commented Dhanush, Director at Nandhini Deluxe. 

Festival favorites like Sweet and Kara Pongal are served at the unique Sankranti feast, along with traditional fare like Dal Holige, Akura Pappu, and Munakayi Dosakai Sambar. Traditional dishes like Yellu Belam, home-style chutneys like Gongura and Mamidikyi, and genuine Guntur specialties are all served in the traditional manner during the full feast. Following Andhra traditions, the dinner ends with a banana and traditional paan (beeda).

On January 14th and 15th, 2025, the festival special meals will only be served during lunchtime (10:30 AM to 3:30 PM). While takeout alternatives are available for INR 799, guests can enjoy the full meal experience for INR 359 per person. Customers can also place orders via well-known food delivery services for convenience. All 15 outlets of Bangalore's Nandhini Deluxe restaurants will serve the special menu.

Toast & Tonic is cranking up the taste dial, with a completely new menu that is as bold as its cocktails and as lively as its customers. A gourmet symphony that is funky, fresh, and full of unexpected twists, this is not your typical menu update.

The new menu was launched on 19 November. Those who want innovation in their plates and glasses have long turned to Toast & Tonic, which is tucked away in the center of BKC, Mumbai. Now that their new redesigned menu has been unveiled, they aim to demonstrate the eating experience.

In the menu, bold flavours meet global inspirations with their Tangy twist to Caremalised Apple and Beetroot salad, for the sweet touch they have unique range of gelatos. In Beverages segment, the major highlight is Caramel Popcorn with gin and much more.

“Our vision with this new menu was to surprise our guests and give them a reason to fall in love with dining out all over again. We’ve mixed comfort with a little chaos, and the result is a menu that’s fun, delicious, and unapologetically original, said Chirag Makwana, Head Chef, Olive Bar & Kitchen Bandra, Toast and Tonic. “

Hard Rock Cafe India is bringing its new limited time menu with a mélange of flavours from around the globe. Available between May 1, 2019, to June 30, 2019, the exclusive menu includes sliders and burgers.

The menu is offering new dishes like Tango Salsa Sliders; The Quesadilla Burger; Cheese Fries; All-American Sliders; Whiskey Bacon Jam Sliders; Buffalo-Style Sliders; Southern BBQ Sliders; Katsu Chicken Sliders; and Tex-Mex ‘Taco’ Burger.

Chef Cyrus Irani, Culinary Director, Hard Rock Cafe India, said, “Hard Rock Café has always been known to reinvent and experiment with their offerings to appease to evolving consumers. The idea of this menu is to transport your taste buds to different geographies without having you to physically globetrot. And all of this prepared by the ‘local’ culinary craftsmen who understand your preferences like no other.”

“This menu boasts of some interesting additions like the southern flavours of USA with Southern BBQ Sliders and a twist to the typical tacos and burger with the Tex-Mex ‘Taco’ Burger. For vegetarians, we have introduced options like The Quesedilla Burger to let them explore the essence of Mexican food right here in India. We also understand that the joy of food is best attained when shared and so, sliders and burgers dominate our new limited-time menu,” he further stated.

DineOut is testing differential menu pricing and in-restaurant food ordering. The company’s move is aimed towards expanding its product offering beyond deal discovery, table reservations, and in-restaurant payments. 

Sahil Jain, Co-Founder of DineOut, said, “The biggest problem the restaurant industry faces is that they still don’t recognize any customer walking into the restaurant and hence, there is no opportunity to personalize the experience.”

DineOut, which competes with Zomato and LimeTray in certain business offerings, is also planning to expand to Indonesia and the Philippines. The company has already started operating across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and East Africa. In India, it is eyeing to expand to smaller towns and cities like Lucknow, Indore and Surat. 

The company processes an annual gross transaction value of $1 billion, which is about 1% of the overall organized restaurant industry. It is aiming to scale up by 10 times in the next 18 months.

Ankit Mehrotra, CEO and Co-Founder, stated, “The company, which has grown to seat 12 million diners annually and 15,000 restaurants on its platform, has seen ten-fold growth over the last two years. We are on track to seat 40 million diners through our platform. Across our B2C and B2B platforms (inResto and Torqus), we process about 10 million diners on a monthly basis.”

Mumbai based restaurant in cloud service Holachef has raised Rs 20 crore Series A funding from Kalaari Capital.

Anand Lunia’s of India Quotient will also be participating in this investment.

“The investments will help us in fueling our infrastructural expansions that will enable better preparation and delivery of the food. This will help us penetrate deeper into Mumbai as well as other cities in India,” said Saurabh Saxena, Co-Founder, Holachef.

Currently, Holachef is serving over 1000 orders per day across locations in Central and Western suburbs of Mumbai.

It receives over 65 per cent of orders through the mobile app on Android, iOS and rest from the desktop website. Holachef offers select signature dishes from professional and amateur, based on a dynamic daily menu. It ensures delivery of the meals at a pre-selected time slot by the customer.

Speaking about the investment, Vani Kola, MD, Kalaari Capital, said, “We are excited to be investing in Holachef. The team has a deep passion to offer great food and commitment to customer service. These are the ingredients to create a great company. We are pleased to be working with dedicated founders like Saurabh Saxena and Anil Gelra. We believe food tech will be a large opportunity in India.” The service was founded in September 2014 and had raised a seed fund of Rs 2 crore by India Quotient in February 2015. The investment was in the form of convertible notes, a short term debt that converts to equity when a startup raises Series A funding.

Anand Lunia, who is investing in the venture for the second time, said, “The fundamental idea behind Holachef is the fact that food for home delivery doesn't need to be cooked inside restaurants only. Holachef is creating an alternate food supply the same way Airbnb created a whole new inventory of high quality rooms. We see this much bigger than mere aggregation of restaurant menus for delivery.” On any given day, Holachef lists upto 50  options for lunch and dinner respectively along with some snacks. It offers starters, meals, desserts and soft drinks; catering to vegetarian and non-vegetarian customers. Regional Indian food to world cuisine, Holachef serves a good mix of dishes on a daily basis and delivers the food in a one-person meal format for nil or minimal wastage.

Taj Krishna located at Banjara Hills, Hyderabad is organising Telangana food fest from 2nd June till 8th June.

The customers can savour traditional delights from Telangana, a land seeped in rich cultural history.

As a tribute to its rich legacy the chefs have crafted a Grand Telangana Thali at Firdaus the fine dining specialty restaurant at Taj Krishna.

Firdaus offers a delectable array of traditional dishes accompanied with soothing renditions of classical music creating an unmatched experience where guests are served exotic fare rooted in tradition & nostalgia.

For us Indians, no festival is complete without savouring the mouth-watering delicacies, and Navratri is no different from the rest. But eating out during Navratri becomes quiet difficult for many who prefer pure vegetarian food during the puja.

The Ancient Barbeque is hosting a nine-day Navratri festival.  The restaurant is offering a special menu for these nine day long Navratri.

“We do not have out of the box special dishes but we assure that by indulging in our mouth-watering options available in starters, main course and desserts, one can definitely enjoy the festival in its true sense,” said Dharmendra Singh, Executive Chef and Owner of TAB.

The restaurant has designed a unique menu of cuisines without onion and garlic for all those people follows a strict regimen during Navratri.

The festive delicacies at TAB includes Paneer Malai Tikka, Tawa Fruit Chat, Kache kele ke pakore, Dahi ke Kebab and Aloo and Shakarkandi ki chaat(For Dinner) as starters.  To soothe one's taste buds, there is a wide variety of Main Course- from lip smacking Tamatri Lauki, Aloo Jeera to finger licking Paneer Makhana aur Kaju ka Sangam offered with Samak ke chawal and Kuttu aur singare ki poori. Adding a cherry on the cake, TAB has some special offers like Sabudane ki kheer, Fresh Fruit, ice cream and Cholai ke ladoo for those with a sweet tooth.  Sabudana papad, Aloo Papad, Pudine ki Chutney and Dahi ki chutney are few additional attractions to the fasting platter.

These delights are up for grabs with Lunch at Rs 349++ and Dinner at Rs 399++.

KFC has announced the launch of Rockin’ Burgers, a new addition to its existing menu.

The new launch is an addition to the range of mid-priced burgers. The Veg Rockin is priced at Rs 69, whereas the Chicken Rockin priced at Rs 75 onwards, stated a press release issued by the company.

Commenting on the launch, Dhruv Kaul, Director, Marketing KFC India, said, “The Rockin’ Burger has been specifically designed for the Indian market with spicy tangy sauce combined with the signature taste of KFC.”