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India is a land of festivals, with celebrations taking place almost every month. Different regions observe various festivals, often known by different names in regional languages, but with similar cultural or religious significance. One such widely celebrated festival is Poila Baisakh, also known as Pohela Baisakh. It marks the first day of the Bengali New Year according to the Bengali calendar.

For those unfamiliar, Poila or Pohela means “first”-referring to the first day of the month of Baisakh in the Hindu calendar. Apart from West Bengal, this festival is also celebrated with enthusiasm in Tripura, Assam, and Bangladesh. On this day, Bengali communities organise processions (Shobhajatra), fairs, and cultural events, and spend quality time with their families. Being a harvest festival, it shares a connection with similar regional celebrations such as Baisakhi in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, and Vishu in Kerala.

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar. The day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parshurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Along with the ritual of buying gold and silver, people also whip up delicious dishes to offer as bhog to the deities on this sacred day. This year, Akshaya Tritiya will be observed on Wednesday, April 30. If you are looking to add some festive flavours to your kitchen, here are some must-try bhog recipes for Akshaya Tritiya:

Light, comforting, and full of subtle flavours, Sabudana Khichdi is a classic fasting dish made with soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls) and mild spices. It is often served with a side of creamy curd or paired with simple vegetable curries. Click here for the recipe.
Looking for the perfect companion to Sabudana Khichdi? A bowl of hearty Mixed Vegetable Curry is just what you need. Packed with the goodness of a variety of fresh vegetables and flavorful spices, this dish is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Recipe here.

On World Whisky Day today, we are celebrating the most loved alcoholic beverage in India. A glass of whisky is much more than just a drink. It’s a symbol of status, legacy, culture, connection, and good times. In fact, many Indians are introduced to alcohol through whisky. I personally grew up watching my dad, uncle and grandfather sipping whisky with soda and water on Sundays, sharing jokes and snacks with a drink or two, and feeling absolutely delighted like it was the highlight of their entire week. The whisky bottle would be kept safe like a prized possession, treated with utmost care, and always promised a great evening. I believe this is true for many Indian households. 

“Scotch whisky still dominates the Indian market and it has to do with the fact that it was one of the first entrants as a spirit that came into India,” says Minakshi Singh, CEO, Co-Founder at Sidecar, Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy, Cafe Lungta, Bhumi Farms, The Brook, India Bartender Week.

Explaining whisky’s huge connection with India, Minakshi adds, “The British introduced Scotch whisky to India, and it was one of the first International spirits to be brought here. It became a symbol of status, success, good taste, discernment, and since then, it has stood by those pillars. Even today, our shelf is dominated by 60-65 per cent of whisky and the remaining are other spirits and liquors and wine and beer.”

Happy International Tea Day to all tea lovers. Tea is a beverage with roots tracing back to around 2700 BC in China. According to legend, Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled water. Some leaves from the tree drifted into the pot, and Shen Nung, a renowned herbalist, decided to try this accidental infusion. The result was tea. Since then, tea has gained popularity across the globe. Today, tea enthusiasts enjoy a wide variety of types of tea, each with a unique flavour profile and cultural history. But did you know that your favourite tea could reveal personality traits and preferences? This International Tea Day, find out what your preferred brew says about you.

Most Indians are introduced to tea through masala chai at home. This hot, comforting cup is made by brewing tea in water with milk. Many people enhance the flavour with their favourite spices such as ginger, peppercorns, fennel seeds, carom seeds, lemongrass, and more for an extra kick.

Masala chai fans love conversations over a warm cup. They love to talk about their day and exchange life updates with their friends and loved ones. They know how to read a room and connect with people from all walks of life.

Festivals are at the core of Indian culture – from Raksha Bandhan to Ramadan, we witness and celebrate some festivals almost every month. If your calendar is full of meetings or exam dates, a festival on a random Wednesday provides a welcome break from our busy schedule and encourages us to make time for prayer, spend time with our family, and participate in the festivities. Families come together to celebrate these special days with delicious food and fun. Festival days are the perfect opportunity to take a break from our simple roti-sabzi diet and feast on our favourite snacks, elaborate meals and most importantly, sweets. No joyous festival is complete without having ‘kuch meetha‘. In fact, there are some timeless Indian sweets people enjoy at many festivals. Let’s take a look at these iconic sweet delights.
Kheer is one of the most iconic sweets prepared at home during festivals. You can make it with rice or seviyan, and include lots of dry fruits and a touch of saffron to make a deliciously comforting bowl of kheer. Some people enjoy eating it warm, while others prefer a chilled bowl of milky kheer. No matter what your preference, a bowl of kheer makes the festivities extra sweet. Click here to learn how to make delicious kheer at home.

Barfi or burfi is a fudge-like Indian sweet that has a milky and melt-in-mouth texture. It is primarily made with khoya and can be enhanced with a variety of flavours such as almond barfi, kaju katli, moong dal barfi, coconut barfi, besan barfi and even chocolate barfi. The scope for experimentation is limitless. You can find a variety of flavours in your favourite sweet shop and order online or make barfi at home using our easy recipe.

There’s nothing quite like a Mumbai sunset. Wherever you may be watching it from, even amidst the city’s usual chaos, there’s comfort and calm to be found in watching the sun slip below the horizon. Perhaps the only thing that can enhance its charm is delicious food and drink. Mezzo Mezzo, a sea-facing restaurant, offers one such experience. Moreover, since it’s located within JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, one is truly free to enjoy the offerings away from the bustle outside. Mezzo Mezzo recently reopened after an extensive revamp of its space and menu. It now serves European and Mediterranean-inspired fare along with innovative cocktails. The kitchen is led by Italian Chef Roberto Apa, who draws inspiration from the flavours of Greece, Spain, Italy, Turkey and beyond.
Belgrade-based Zoran Dzunic Design has given Mezzo Mezzo its charming ambience and layout inspired by coastal towns in Italy, France, and Spain. There’s an al-fresco area with retractable glass windows, making it a perfect spot for sundowners. There are also decorative nooks, shared tables, private dining rooms, and other seating options in this expansive restaurant. After sunset, there’s a change in the energy of the space as it transforms into a relaxed yet refined dinner destination.

Belgrade-based Zoran Dzunic Design has given Mezzo Mezzo its charming ambience and layout inspired by coastal towns in Italy, France, and Spain. There’s an al-fresco area with retractable glass windows, making it a perfect spot for sundowners. There are also decorative nooks, shared tables, private dining rooms, and other seating options in this expansive restaurant. After sunset, there’s a change in the energy of the space as it transforms into a relaxed yet refined dinner destination.

Stepping into EnCanto feels like leaving behind the chaos of the city and entering a warm corner of Tulum. A beautiful blend of rustic Mexican charm and contemporary Indian vibrance, this new Latin restaurant is the brainchild of Anant Bali and Tusheeta Khanna. The earthy textures, ivory walls, terracotta hues, and pops of bougainvillea add a soft, floral touch. By evening, the space takes on a moody glow with amber lighting, deep green accents, and a large bar that becomes the focal point.

But the real magic happens on the plate

Encanto’s menu is a celebration of Mexican soul food with a modern twist. I liked almost every dish I tried. My absolute favourite was the Slow-Braised Lamb Tlacoyas – tender, juicy, and packed with flavour in every bite. Another standout was the Shrimp Quesadilla, soft and bursting with flavour. The Grilled Butter Prawns Tostada may have just been the best thing on the table – crisp, fresh, and generously loaded.

There’s something incredibly comforting about discovering a place where everything just clicks- ambience, food, drinks, vibe. That’s exactly what Addoni’s in Green Park, Delhi, manages to deliver. I recently visited Addoni’s for a weekend dinner,r and the place felt both luxurious and lived-in. It’s a rare balance that this new entrant in Delhi’s dining scene nails with effortless charm. Addoni’s is a thoughtful blend of world cuisine, cocktail culture, and design sensibility, born from Riccardo Addoni’s globe-trotting culinary adventures. 

I began my evening upstairs at The Long Bar by Addoni’s, a cosy, English-style bar that surprises you with its unexpected pairing of Japanese food and top-tier cocktails. The vibe? Intimate yet energetic. Soft lighting, plush seating, and enough couches and bar stools to perch yourself with a view.

From the bar bites, the Salmon Volcano sushi was decent, but the Prawns Plancha stole the show- juicy, buttery, and layered with white wine and chilli butter goodness. Cocktail-wise, the Heatwave (a spicy tequila-based drink) was a knockout. It was bold, balanced, and just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. The Scarlet Tranquility is for those who like their cocktails sweet and fruity. 

Delhi’s food scene doesn’t know how to sit still-and honestly, I’m not complaining. Every month there’s a new spot, a new menu, or a fresh reason to ditch your usual places and go exploring. Bomba, already a favourite for its punchy flavours and fun vibe, has now opened a new outlet in Greater Kailash 3 (GK3). Along with it comes a shiny new Bar and Tapas menu. Naturally, I had to go see what the excitement was about. The new menu is all about small plates and big flavours-the kind that make you want to order everything and then share (or not!). I started with the Truffle Wild Mushroom Pate, served with parmesan shavings and tortilla crisps. Earthy, creamy and rich without being overwhelming, it was a great opener for what turned out to be a very indulgent meal

Next came the Pulled Chicken Tostada, topped with tajin onions and a light tahina sour cream. This one hit all the right notes-fresh, tangy and with a nice little crunch from the base. But honestly, the one that really made me pause for a second (mid-bite) was the Baja Fish Tostada. With a layer of creamy avocado puree, a hit of salsa macha and chipotle mayo, this one was messy in the best possible way. It had that satisfying mix of creamy and spicy with just enough heat to keep things interesting.

Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes around the globe. No matter which city or country you’re in, you’ll easily find a pizza wherever you go. Nothing compares to the comfort of biting into a freshly-baked pizza with a crispy crust, topped with veggies or meat and oodles of cheese. This beloved dish was first invented in Naples, Italy, as a fast and affordable meal for working-class Neapolitans on-the-go. Over the years, it has been made popular by US pizza chains after the Second World War. Today, this Italian staple has become so popular that you’ll find a pizza lover in every part of the world. Considering this, here we have curated a list of 7 most popular pizzas to create your own travel bucket list of pizzas to try around the globe. Take a look.

Neapolitan pizza, also known as Naples-style pizza, is a traditional type of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. This type of pizza is prepared with simple and fresh ingredients such as raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves and olive oil. One thing that sets it apart from other types of pizzas is that there is often more sauce than cheese in it. They are generally smaller in size and are cooked at very high temperatures.