If you’re looking for a beachside spot in Morjim that mixes sundowner energy with inventive cocktails, Farzi Beach Goa is worth a stop. Part of Zorawar Kalra’s ever-growing stable of Farzified concepts, this laid-back restaurant at Mayfair on the Sea brings Farzi’s trademark playfulness to a breezy coastal setting, complete with live music and a front-row view of the Arabian Sea. Sip: Creative Cocktails by the Shore The bar menu is where Farzi Beach really sparkles. The KitKat Picante featuring tequila, fresh watermelon, Tabasco, and lime is an instant mood-setter, balancing sweet heat with tropical freshness. Picante lovers can also try the Wasabi Fistron, a sharp kick of wasabi, mint, and cucumber, or the Habanero Picante for a deeper spice hit. From the Farzi style creations, the Kokum Collins (Goan kokum puree, gin, citrus) is tangy and refreshing, while the Chuski Margarita riffs on the classic with an aam panna chuski perched in the glass. With an extensive cocktail list covering everything from fruity spritzes to smoky infusions, there’s something for every palate and every Instagram story. Bite: Fusion Plates & Familiar Comforts Farzi Beach’s food menu is extensive, featuring a diverse range of Indian, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern flavours. Tapas like Dahi Puchka Shots and Hibiscus Pani Puri are playful and photogenic the latter comes with a rose-rimmed edge and the option of spiking it with vodka. The Asparagus & Edamame Dim Sum is soft and fresh, while the Dal Chawal Arancini cleverly fuses homestyle comfort with Italian crispness. For non-vegetarians, the Chicken Changrezi Quesadilla stands out with its juicy filling and a smoky red-pepper sauce. Pizzas are crowd-pleasers too: the Tropical Temptation is all about sunshine flavours, and the Jasper Chicken Pizza piles pulled chicken, red paprika, and spring onion over a thin crust. If you’re looking

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