Author: Khwaish Jain

-By B Swaminathan (swami@imaws.org) French fries are rarely described as an engineering challenge. But talk to someone who works in the category seriously and the picture changes fast. Getting a fry to stay crispy through the journey from fryer to delivery bag, to hold its crunch when reheated in a combi oven, to perform identically whether it’s produced in one of 27 factories across the world — these are problems that require genuine industrial precision. Lamb Weston has spent 75 years working on them.At a recent industry event, Kitchen Herald spoke with Idy Chua, Assistant Trade Marketing Manager at Lamb…

-By B Swaminathan (swami@imaws.org) The restaurant business has always been visual. From hand-painted boards outside a neighbourhood cafe to glowing LCD panels in a hotel lobby, how food is displayed shapes how guests feel before they have taken a single bite. But something has been quietly broken about the digital signage revolution for years — and most operators have simply accepted it. Walk into almost any modern food service outlet and you will find screens running continuously: broadcasting videos nobody is watching, cycling through promotions that could just as easily sit on a printed sheet. “When you go to a…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has significantly tightened the nation’s food safety ecosystem during the fiscal year 2025-26. Through a coordinated effort with State and Union Territory governments, the regulator has transitioned from a purely advisory role to an intensive, enforcement-led strategy to curb food adulteration and ensure compliance across the supply chain. This aggressive push comes in response to evolving challenges in the food sector, including the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing complexity of globalized food production. Key Pillars of the FY 2025-26 Enforcement Drive: Unprecedented Surveillance: State authorities…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Sarovar Hotels, a leading name in Indian hospitality, has announced the opening of its sixth hotel in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The new property, Presidium Sarovar Portico, is located in the scenic vicinity of Dal Lake, Srinagar, marking a strategic expansion of the brand’s upscale “Portico” line in one of India’s most iconic travel destinations. The expansion comes at a time when the region is witnessing a significant resurgence in domestic tourism, driven by improved connectivity and a growing appetite for premium leisure stays. Key Features of Presidium Sarovar Portico: Prime Location: The…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Popeyes® India, operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, has officially unveiled its first-ever television campaign tailored for the South Indian market. The campaign features National Crush and acclaimed actor Rashmika Mandanna, a strategic move aimed at deepening the brand’s connection with consumers in its strongest-performing Indian territory. The high-energy commercial focuses on the brand’s global bestseller, ‘The Sandwich’, highlighting its signature 12-hour marination process and hand-breading techniques. By partnering with Mandanna, Popeyes® aims to localize its global “Louisiana-style” identity, making it more relatable to the youth and families of South India. Key Campaign Highlights: Celebrity Partnership: Rashmika…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) After establishing a strong foothold in Mumbai’s competitive dining scene, the popular vegetarian Punjabi restaurant brand Oye Kake has officially expanded into South India with its first outlet in Bengaluru. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Jayanagar, the new establishment aims to bring the authentic, unadulterated flavors of Amritsar to the city’s diverse community of food enthusiasts. The brand is widely recognized for its commitment to traditional cooking techniques, including the use of clay tandoors and ingredients sourced directly from Punjab to maintain flavor consistency. Key Highlights of the Oye Kake Bengaluru Launch: Authentic Amritsari Menu:…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced an ambitious growth roadmap for the Indian market, aiming to expand its portfolio to 160 operational hotels and approximately 19,500 keys by the end of 2026. Nikhil Sharma, the Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President for South Asia, confirmed that the group is currently ahead of its internal growth targets, supported by a strong domestic travel surge and increased regional connectivity. The group’s strategy centers on “deepening its footprint” beyond major metropolitan hubs, with a significant portion of the new pipeline directed toward Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. This expansion…

-By B Swaminathan (swami@imaws.org) Gen Z is ditching alcohol, black coffee is staging a comeback, and local chains in India and China are redefining what a coffee brand looks like. Kerry Asia Pacific’s Eloise Dubuisson explains why the next decade belongs to operators who think globally but act locally — and why your syrup supplier should feel more like a business partner.  The Signature Drink Is No Longer Optional Walk into any competitive coffee market today and the pressure is immediately visible: every counter, every menu board, every social media feed is racing to offer something nobody else has. The…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Kathmandu: In a major move to enhance regional tourism synergy, the Hotel Association of India (HAI) has officially partnered with the Nepal Tourism Promotion Program. The collaboration, announced on May 1, 2026, is designed to foster a robust tourism corridor between the two neighbors, focusing on shared cultural heritage and the growing demand for high-end destination events. The initiative comes at a time when Indian hospitality players are aggressively expanding their presence in Nepal, recognizing the country’s potential as a premier year-round destination for Indian travelers. Key Strategic Focus Areas: Wedding Tourism Hub: A primary objective…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The city’s vibrant culinary and cultural hub, Andheri, has welcomed a new landmark with the opening of Rumbabaa, an all-day coffee and vinyl-led social space. Designed to be more than just a café, Rumbabaa positions itself at the intersection of artisanal beverage craft and the analog music revival, offering a sanctuary for those who appreciate high-fidelity sound and high-quality brews. The venue is structured as a multi-sensory environment where the crackle of vinyl records provides the backdrop for a sophisticated “all-day” dining and drinking experience. Key Highlights of Rumbabaa Mumbai: The Vinyl Connection: A core feature…