As we enter a brand new month, the culinary scene across India’s bustling metro cities clearly seems to be bursting with new energy and seasonal offerings. On that note, here are a volley of fail-safe recommendations that are equal parts delightful and innovative. What’s more, these millennial-esque spots work just as fine for weekend dinner dates as they do for quick weekday treats. 

Explore Japanese Cuisine With A Twist At Shifuku

Housed in the heart of Andheri, Shifuku—Asian Dining & Cocktail Bar is a quaint, freshly-launched pan-Asian venue that offers a slew of exciting Japanese delicacies with a saucy spin. Reminiscent of myriad flavours and culinary practices from across Asia, peppered with design elements from Japan, Shifuku is the place to be if you wish to dig into soft baos, fresh dumplings, and crunchy sushi rolls. 

Where: G-3,103, Morya Landmark 1, Off New Link Road, Veera Desai Rd, Andheri West, Mumbai
Timings: 12 pm to 1:30 am
Call:+918591352505

Ekaa’s Chef Niyati Rao and Chef Salangyaner Jamir Conjure Up A Naga Feast

In an attempt to unearth hidden treasures of India’s rich culinary scene, Chef Niyati Rao and Chef Salangyanger Jamir have collaborated to conjure up a menu that showcases the best of Nagaland cuisine through an exclusive pop-up event at Ekaa. Some of the dishes on this special menu are Chicken Soup For The Naga Soul (a simple yet flavourful soup made of chicken, bamboo extract, and floss), Axone (fermented soybean) served with smoked duck or pumpkin, accompanied by jungle juice made with secret condiment, micro potatoes with smoked pork, kholar beans, and Naga mountain pepper.

Where: Ekaa, 1st Floor, Kitab Mahal, D Sukhadwala Rd, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai
Timings:12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, 7 pm to 12 am
Call: +919987657989

Cafe Duco Launches Innovative Mango Additons To Its Menu 

Light yet season-specific, Café Duco has rolled out a variety of mango-inspired dishes, with refreshing specials like The Sunny Sour Chop’t salad (a refreshing blend of glass noodles, raw mango, cherry tomato, spiced cashews, and a tantalizing chili honey ginger dressing), The Looks Llike Summer salad (made using fresh mango, avocado, mixed leaves, puffed grains, and a red chili mango dressing), and The Alphonso & jalapenos salsa (a  tangy and spicy delight with tomato, onion, cilantro, and house hot sauce served with crispy tortilla chips) among several others.

Where: Kalpitam chamber, 16th Rd, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Timings: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Call: 091370 76462

Check Out Mamagoto’s Limited-Edition Menu 

Mamagoto, the capital’s happening spot has rolled out a limited-edition menu just in time for summer. With experimental dishes like lamb chops, along with smoked pimentos, grilled sweet potatoes, and the decadent pistachio puree, street-style spicy dumplings to Chiang Mai Train Station noodles, to fried calamari, and more on the new menu, there’s something for everyone. 

Where: 53, 1st Floor, Middle Lane, Opposite Raghuvendra Rathore Store, Khan Market, New Delhi
Timings: 12 pm to 11 pm
Call:+911145166060

House Of Boho Opens A New Outlet At Delhi’s Ansal Plaza 

A newly opened spot in South Delhi, House of Boho brings a fusion of bohemian aesthetics and modern comforts, with a menu featuring a decadent range of handcrafted beverages, aromatic coffees, scrumptious fusion dishes, and innovatively made desserts. Nosh on plates like Harvest Quinoa salad, Golden Apple Arugula, avocado toast, and truffle cheese among many others.

Where: BG 7, Ansal Plaza, Khel Gaon Marg, New Delhi 
Timings: 12 pm to 1 am
Call: +919773771588

Say Yes To Poetry By Love & Cheesecake In Safdarjung 

Since it’s always a good time to take some time out and unwind at a cafe, the new outlet of the widely-loved Poetry by Love & Cheesecake in Safdarjung is the place to be this weekend. Known for their efficient service and feel-good ambiance, the must-haves on the menu include Mango Chicken Diabolo, Grilled Chicken Spicy burger, and succulent chicken breast marinated in a special lemon dressing and coated in a cream and lime dressing, served with herb rice and veggies. What’s more, with the Instagrammable interiors, Poetry’s 24th outlet aims to give patrons exactly what they crave: a jolly good time.

Where: Shop No. 1, C-11, opposite IIT Delhi, Block C 5, Safdarjung Development Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
Timings: 9 am to 11:45 pm
Call: +917666494925

Indulge In A Wholesome Sunday Brunch At Butter India

Since weekends are for lazying around and indulging in slow mornings, Butter India’s decadent brunches are ideal. If you’re in and around Pune, drop by this millennial-esque address that boasts of best-selling plates like chili-marinated shrimps aglio olio with toasted melba, Kung Pao chicken, and flavourful dim sums with a side of wine, or a cocktail of your choice. 

Where: V-18, Balewadi High Street, Opposite Cummins India Office Campus, Pune 
Timings: 12 pm to 1:30 am 
Call: 7770004728 / 7770004729

Drop By Kiki By The Sea For Good Food And Even Better Views

The newest kid on Goa’s culinary block happens to be Kiki— a breezy new spot that offers an array of impressive cocktails that make for the perfect accompaniment to European and Asian-inspired fare, with innovatively-done options like sizzling stone bowls, baos, pizzas, pastas, and the likes.                         

Where: Badem, Siolim, Goa                                                                                                                                                
Timings: 7:30 am to 12 am                                                                                                                                                   
Call: 09999994987

Brik Oven Rolls Out A New Brunch And Salad Menu

With two new launches this month, Brik Oven’s specially curated menu has a range of exciting offerings including personal-sized pizzas, Maritozzis, mango Tuscan salad (made using cherry tomatoes, toasted sourdough, refreshing mango slices, fragrant basil leaves, and delightful smoked vinaigrette) with a side of creamy burrata, along with several others made using exotic cheeses. 

Where: Indiranagar, Whitefield & all other Brik Oven outlets in the city
Timings:10 am to 5 pm
Call: +91 9606433655  

Dig Into Sante Spa Cuisine’s Summer Manifest Menu 

Bengaluru’s popular vegan cafe has rolled out ‘Summer Manifest’, an all-new seasonal menu for patrons. What to try: The roasted and marinated mushrooms, are served with barbecue drizzle, and with a light and fluffy waffle, which is served with oven-roasted potatoes on the side. If you’re in the mood for something local, the suggested dish includes Moong Dal Dahi Vada, a Santè rendition of the popular snack. Even high-protein Quinoa Mango tabbouleh, which is vegan, gluten-free, and Jain diet-friendly makes for a good choice.  For a more regional and coastal touch, The mango Mensakai, served with ragi mudde, is a must-try.

Where: The menu is available at Santè spa cuisine, Indiranagar only.
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
Call: +917702320859

Additional Dope 

Nosh on Louis Burgers’ Limited-Edition Menu 

Burger lovers are in for a treat this season, as Louis Burger has rolled out a limited-edition menu featuring craft burgers created as a tribute to the legend Louis Lassen for introducing burgers to the world. With the release of five new editions of items—Flaming Hot cottage cheese burger, Flaming Hot chicken burger, Flaming Hot fries, Flaming hot chicken wings, and Chicken tenders—called “Flaming Hot”, this edition is reportedly inspired by the authentic cooking style followed in Nashville, USA.

Tim Hortons Launches Two Outlets In Mumbai

Coffee lovers, here’s a piece of exciting news: Canadian coffeehouse and restaurant chain Tim Hortons launches two new outlets in Mumbai— Linking Road in Bandra West and Lokhandwala in Andheri. Coffee aside, Tim Hortons also serves a wide range of baked goods, including mouthwatering Timbits and hand-decorated doughnuts, including popular Mumbai snacks like Baida Roti Cigar rolls and Pinwheel samosas.

Cobbler & Crew and Copitas Collaborate For Eco-Friendly Bar Practices

Cobbler & Crew—dubbed the best sustainable bar by India’s Top 30 Bars— has joined forces with Copitas, Four Seasons, to showcase an exclusive evening of flavors and artistry on June 15th. Helmed by eminent bartending duo Mayur Marne and Aashie Bhatnagar, the experience strives to challenge conventional norms, while setting a new benchmark for eco-conscious practices within the Indian bar industry. Spoiler alert: Marne will be offering his signature drinks like Feelin Good, Midnight Blues, The Medley, and Crew Sabai at the event, which has been curated in keeping with their eye for sustainability.

Where: Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE, 8 Bellary Road, Dena Bank Colony, Ganganagar, Bengaluru.
Timings: June 15, 7 pm onwards
Call: +91 96064 87958