Vaarta: Goan Nostalgia & Street Food
Nestled within a 160-year-old Goan residence in Sangolda, Vaarta offers a refined yet accessible approach to Indian street food. Founded by Neha Mehta,
this establishment moves beyond typical chaat stalls or themed cafes. Instead, it provides a curated dining experience that elevates street food by imbuing it with emotion, memory, and the spirit of conversation, all within a historic setting. Vaarta distinguishes itself through its integration of interactive nostalgia. Guests are greeted with a live puchka counter, where each bite is prepared fresh. They can select from various fillings like Aloo Masala, Aloo Dum, Dahi Aloo, and Churmur, accompanied by house-made flavored waters such as Jaljira, Tetul, Saunth, and Pudina, recreating the excitement of a street-side ritual in an intimate, heritage environment. Further enhancing the interactive element is a "Make Your Own Barf Ka Gola" cart, brought directly to the table, allowing diners to customize flavors, textures, and spice levels, transforming a childhood favorite into a shared, engaging experience. This unique concept offers a memorable dining adventure for approximately INR 2000 + taxes for two, operating daily from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
BARE: A Hybrid Hospitality Hub
Located at Raheja Altimus in Worli, BARE is an innovative hybrid hospitality venue conceptualized by Pooja Raheja of Eat Drink Design. This thoughtfully designed space seamlessly integrates multiple experiences, featuring a culinary-focused cocktail bar, an exclusive 11-seater Chef's Table, a dynamic rotating art gallery, and an espresso bar by Boojee Café. Each component is designed to complement the others, fostering a harmonious environment. BARE embraces a collaborative spirit, evolving every three months with new guest chefs, updated menus, distinct cocktails, and fresh art exhibitions. The current culinary direction is guided by Chef Aman Singhal, with desserts curated by Prateek Bhaktiani. The bar program emphasizes minimalist, essence-driven cocktails. Collaborating with A&H Colab, founded by Amrita Kilachand and Hina Oomer Ahmed, the gallery space showcases contemporary art and design, ensuring a constantly refreshed visual and gastronomic experience.
ButterBrews Aundh: Specialty Coffee Haven
ButterBrews has expanded its presence with a new, larger-format café in Aundh, designed for daily patronage. This new establishment, the result of extensive planning and experimentation, boasts a refined layout, a comprehensive all-day menu, and a significant emphasis on specialty coffee, which remains a cornerstone of the ButterBrews brand. The menu offers a premium all-day selection focusing on fresh ingredients, including breakfast items, nutritious bowls, and wholesome meals, with dedicated vegan options. Specialty coffee is a major draw, utilizing 100 percent Arabica beans. Alongside their own blends, ButterBrews Aundh collaborates with Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters for manually brewed coffee selections. Freshly baked goods and desserts are prepared on-site in their own bakehouse, with popular items like the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls being significant highlights.
Together: Delhi's Hidden Bar
Tucked away in an unassuming alley in Delhi, Together is a hidden bar that promises a unique nightlife experience, drawing inspiration from Tokyo's renowned kissa listening cafés. The establishment is built upon the principles of discovery, indulgence, and fostering quiet connections. The entrance is discreet, complete with a resident cat, setting a tone of intimacy and intrigue. Designed by Manav Dangg of Studio Dangg, the interiors feature warm wood, textured mirrors, and cobbled walls, illuminated by soft red lighting that creates cozy nooks. The absence of a grand entrance or neon signage makes finding Together an integral part of the experience. The cocktail menu is thoughtfully structured, progressing from low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options to more complex concoctions. Lighter drinks like Rum Whisper and Golden Hour are available alongside adventurous blends featuring ingredients such as yuzu, basil, miso butter-washed scotch, grape brine, wasabi-washed rum, mango, and clarified coconut milk. Classic cocktails like the Dirty Martini, Sidecar, and Old Fashioned are also offered. The food menu is designed for sharing, featuring small plates, dips, and crisp tempuras, including dishes like edamame hummus, Bangkok guacamole, miso tahini, vegetable tempura, cornflake-crusted onion rings, chicken karaage, prawn tempura, gomae salad, gyoza, and vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandos.
The Hazelnut Factory: Varanasi's Heritage
The Hazelnut Factory (THF) has inaugurated its 16th outlet in Varanasi, a city renowned for its profound cultural and historical significance. In a remarkable gesture of heritage preservation, THF has meticulously restored Narayani Koop, a historic well constructed in 1883 by Maharani Narayani Devi in memory of her husband, Maharaja Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh of Banaras. Built on a shared passion for culinary innovation and creating everyday moments of joy, THF has significantly influenced the Indian dessert landscape. The brand is recognized for its artisanal khoya-free mithai, single-estate coffees, and globally inspired desserts. A signature creation is 'Labon,' a trademarked fusion of laddoo and bonbon, embodying THF's inventive approach. Their beverage selection, including the Espresso Martini, Espresso Sangria, and Coconut Jaggery Latte, further demonstrates a commitment to creative excellence and high quality.
