Hotels

Celebrated chef and restaurateur Chef Kunal Kapur announces the launch of Pincode Bengaluru, the newest outpost of the michelin star restaurant that celebrates India’s culinary diversity through flavours, memories, and stories gathered from across the country. With its Bengaluru debut, Pincode continues to expand its footprint as a dining destination that honours regional food traditions while presenting them through a contemporary, experience-led lens. Conceptualised as a tribute to India’s vast culinary landscape, Pincode draws inspiration from Chef Kunal’s journeys through small towns, bustling cities, roadside eateries, and family kitchens. Over the years, these travels have shaped a deeply personal archive of tastes and memories, which now come together in a menu that reflects the cultural identity of different regions while remaining approachable, vibrant, and rooted in nostalgia. Each dish carries a sense of familiarity while being reinterpreted with thoughtful technique and modern presentation.   The Bengaluru opening holds particular significance for Chef Kunal, who spent a formative part of his early culinary journey in the city. Returning to Bengaluru marks a full-circle moment, shaped by memories of the city’s evolving food culture, its openness to experimentation, and its strong connection to regional traditions. The restaurant’s design further reflects this storytelling philosophy. Conceptualised by Chetana Vij and Vikram Sharma from IDAG, the space blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design influences. A striking veil installation at the entrance welcomes guests into an environment defined by rich textures and a vibrant palette of saffron yellows, indigo blues, ruby reds, and emerald greens. Thoughtfully curated artefacts and materials complete the setting, creating an immersive space that celebrates India’s cultural richness. The menu at Pincode Bengaluru reflects a thoughtful interplay of regional inspiration and contemporary expression. While dishes like Podi Idli Chaat, Pesto Burrata Pav Bhaji, and Kathal Galauti with Ulta Tawa Paratha offer playful reinterpretations of familiar flavours, classics such as Punjabi Kadhi Pakora and Mutton Nihari bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The experience is rounded off with fragrant pulaos and desserts like the interactive Pansari Kulfi, inspired by traditional paan flavours. Beyond the menu, Pincode Bengaluru reflects the brand’s philosophy of storytelling through food, where each dish becomes a conversation between regions, cultures, and personal memories. By bringing together flavours from across India under one roof, the restaurant invites guests to experience the country’s culinary diversity in a way that feels both immersive and intimate. “Bengaluru has always been a city that balances tradition with innovation,” says Chef Kunal Kapur. “Many memories of my early days as a chef are connected to this place. While working on this menu, I wanted to bring together my own childhood memories, my roots, and the strong regional identity that defines this city. The idea was to create food that feels nostalgic yet exciting, familiar yet new, while celebrating the diversity that makes Indian cuisine so extraordinary.” In preparation for the launch, Chef Kunal spent time revisiting Bengaluru’s diverse food landscape, exploring neighbourhood darshinis, traditional messes, coastal eateries, and conversations with local vendors and home cooks. These interactions shaped the restaurant’s culinary direction, reinforcing the city’s unique ability to embrace both hyper-local traditions and global influences. With the launch of Pincode Bengaluru, Chef Kapur continues his journey of celebrating India’s culinary heritage while building dining spaces that connect people, places, and memories through food.

Wednesday, 01.04.2026, Colombo: Marking the spirit of global celebrations that honour women and their achievements, Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection hosted an exclusive Signature Bar Takeover at Fuze Bar with acclaimed Indian mixologist Ami Shroff. The intimate evening invited guests to explore a specially curated cocktail menu, where classic flavours met inventive twists, accompanied by subtle flair bartending that added charm and movement to the bar. Set against the serene coastal backdrop of Bentota, the event balanced lively energy with a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging conversation and connection. Ami’s effortless presence behind the bar showcased the artistry of mixology, engaging guests with skillful displays that highlighted her craft without overshadowing the experience. The following day, Ami led a hands-on workshop for the resort’s Food & Beverage team and young hospitality enthusiasts, sharing insights on techniques, trends, and the fundamentals of cocktail making. Recognised as one of India’s pioneering female mixologists and an early advocate of flair bartending, Ami Shroff has built a distinguished career spanning over two decades. She has played a significant role in shaping India’s modern bar culture, blending performance artistry with technical precision. Her achievements include being named Mixologist of the Year at the INCA Awards in 2019, and she is widely regarded for championing innovation while carving a path for greater female representation within the industry. The two-day experience celebrated Women’s Day while highlighting mixology as a dynamic and collaborative element of modern hospitality.