From luxury ice cream to buzzy rooftop clubs, India’s dining scene is brimming with exciting new openings. Here’s a look at the freshest launches across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Nandhini Opens Grand New Outlet on St. Mark’s RoadWhere: Bangalore Bengaluru’s iconic Andhra dining destination, Nandhini, has unveiled its latest and most ambitious outlet yet on St. Marks Road, opening September 10th. Spanning 6,000 sq. ft. with a 250-seat capacity, this marks one of the brand’s most significant projects to date. Designed by Reshma Raju & Nishant Raju of Abstract Design Studio, the space blends tradition with contemporary flair, inspired by Bengaluru’s T2 Airport and its “Garden City” identity. The outlet offers thoughtful experiences, such as the Biryani Bell ritual and Polaroid giveaways, alongside two private dining rooms for intimate gatherings. Guests can enjoy Nandhini classics, including Andhra Meals, Chilli Chicken, and Nellore Biryani, as well as exclusive new dishes such as Gunpowder Popcorn, Paneer Ghee Roast Biryani, Appam with Mutton Chops, and more. A refreshed bar menu featuring beer on tap and signature cocktails complements the fiery Andhra flavours. With 18 outlets in Bengaluru, Nandhini now sets its sights on national and international expansion, bringing Andhra cuisine to the global stage. SALT Restaurant All Set To Launch Its Second Outlet Where: Hyderabad Adding to the city’s evolving dining scene, SALT is set to open its second outlet in Hyderabad, offering a fine-dining experience that celebrates Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Already loved in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune, SALT lives up to its tagline “Indian Food Made Interesting” with Chef Balachander leading the charge. The menu spans across India, from Galouti Kebabs and Butter Chicken Lollipops to Alleppey Fish Curry and Masaledar Prawn Biryani, complemented by inventive mocktails like Kala Khatta and Turmeric Maple Hot Toddy. The new space

Diwali is a festival of lights, laughter, and above all flavours that bring families and friends together. From age-old mithais to inventive fusion bites, the festive table is as much a celebration as the fireworks in the sky. This year, we bring you chefs who open their recipe books and hearts, sharing dishes that add sparkle to your celebrations. Whether you’re planning an elaborate spread or looking for quick festive fixes, these recipes promise to make your Diwali truly memorable. CHEF MALVIKA HADA KUMAR About Malvika: Malvika Hada Kumar is a recipe developer and food content manager with over eight years of experience in curating engaging culinary content. What began as a passion for cooking soon turned into The Spicy Story her platform dedicated to simple, creative, and approachable recipes. In just two years, she has built a vibrant community of over 1 million followers, inspiring food lovers with flavours, traditions, and stories from her kitchen. About recipe – Mathe Wale Aloo A rustic Rajasthani-style potato curry simmered in buttermilk, infusing it with an earthy aroma and a comforting taste. What makes it truly special for Diwali is its simplicity! After all the decadent sweets and heavy festive dishes, this simple curry with garma garam pooris feels like home on a plate. Mathe Wale Aloo Recipe 👇🏻 Ingredients – 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/4 tsp hing 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped 2 green chillies, finely chopped 2 tbsp besan 1 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 2 tsp coriander powder 1/2 cup water 2-3 boiled potatoes, slightly mashed 1-1/2 cups buttermilk Salt, to taste 1 tsp dry mint 1/2 tsp garam masala powder 1 tbsp coriander, finely chopped Instructions: Heat oil. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, hing, and cook for a

Durga Puja is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura. The festival, which honours Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, is marked by grand pandals, cultural programs, traditional rituals, and of course, food. While Bengali delicacies like khichuri, luchi, aloor dum, and mishti doi usually dominate the festival menu, this year, why not add a unique twist by embracing the rich flavours of South India? South Indian cuisine is known for its aromatic spices, diverse vegetarian options, and comforting flavours. Adding these dishes to your Durga Puja celebrations not only introduces variety but also showcases India’s culinary diversity. Imagine enjoying your bhog with crispy dosas or finishing a cultural evening with a steaming bowl of payasam it’s a fusion that blends tradition with innovation. One of the simplest yet most flavourful dishes to include is lemon rice. Light, tangy, and quick to prepare, lemon rice can be served as part of the bhog or as an evening snack for pandal hoppers. For a richer dish, bisi bele bath, a wholesome mix of rice, lentils, tamarind, and spices, brings comfort food vibes with a festive flair. Its hearty texture and aromatic seasoning make it a perfect counterpart to traditional khichuri. When it comes to snacks, South India offers endless options. Medu vada, the crispy lentil doughnut, pairs beautifully with coconut chutney and sambar. These golden delights can easily be served at community gatherings during Puja evenings. Another great option is masala dosa crispy crepes stuffed with spiced potatoes, served with chutneys. It’s a crowd favourite and can be adapted to large gatherings. Of course, no festival is complete without sweets, and South India has plenty to offer. Payasam, made with rice or vermicelli, simmered in milk and flavoured with cardamom

Hashtag Magazine explores the biggest wedding food trends for 2025, where tradition meets innovation. From sustainable menus to immersive dining experiences, discover how couples are redefining wedding celebrations with unforgettable culinary delights. 1.What are the biggest wedding food trends you’re seeing for 2025? Weddings in 2025 are all about minimal elegance and pastel-inspired setups, with menus that balance global influences and progressive Indian cuisine. Couples are seeking innovation with comfort, familiar dishes presented with a fresh twist alongside interactive experiences like live stations and sustainable, seasonal menus. 2.Are couples leaning more towards traditional Indian menus or global fusion cuisine? Couples aren’t choosing between traditional Indian and global fusion, they’re blending both. Classics anchor the rituals, while progressive Indian and global flavors elevate cocktail nights and receptions, creating a menu that feels both rooted and modern. 3.What are the top three “wow factor” food presentations or setups couples are asking for? One big wow factor we created was a dessert landscape, a flex printed with circles as placeholders where chefs designed patterns using edible paints, sauces, and garnishes before placing the desserts. Another unique idea has been edible jewellery, where guests could actually wear and eat the creations. Couples love these because they turn food into both art and experience. 4.How are sustainability and locally sourced ingredients influencing wedding menus this year? Couples today are embracing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, not only for their freshness, but also to support farmers, reduce waste, and pair them with eco-friendly packaging and serve ware. It’s a mindful shift that makes weddings feel both luxurious and responsible. 5.What’s trending in wedding desserts? Plated dinners are generally reserved for VIP sections and remain an option, but at weddings, live and interactive counters continue to be the highlight. They bring energy, engagement, and variety, which is why