Latest news with #MinakshiSingh
NDTV
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Under A 100-Year-Old Banyan Tree In Kathmandu, 'The Old House' Makes A Case For Slowing Down
When a mixologist known for India's most celebrated cocktail bar opens something abroad, the expectations come stirred, not shaken. And while The Old House in Kathmandu is not exactly new - it has long stood quietly behind a leafy canopy on Durbar Marg - what it is now feels more confident, more composed, like someone who has finally grown into their skin. Reimagined by Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh - the award-winning duo behind Delhi's Sidecar (a regular on the World's 50 Best Bars list), as well as The Brook and Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy in Gurugram - this is their first international project. And this version of The Old House is not built for spectacle. It is built for pace. For quiet calibration. And perhaps that is what makes it worth sitting with a little longer. From Sidecar to Kathmandu If you have ever sipped on a Zing Thing at Sidecar in Delhi or found comfort in the moody ease of Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy in Gurgaon, you already know what this team is capable of. Minakshi and Yangdup are not chasing trends - they are building spaces that last. "The Old House is set to become a regulars' joint with great live bands and the same laid back ease that our bars are known for," says Minakshi Singh. And it shows. The interiors are warm without trying to be rustic. The bar is elegant but not sterile. And while the city outside moves fast, The Old House invites you to slow down. A Tribute To Newari Architecture And Culture The design pays tribute to the Newari way of life - not in a themed or theatrical way, but through textures and structure. You will see dhalin (closely spaced joists), terracotta tiles, and woodwork that references traditional craftsmanship without overwhelming the senses. The flooring features a layer of fine yellow clay, and the back bar stretches like a piece of lived-in art. Everything feels deliberate. There is nostalgia, but not sentimentality. The space nods to the Kathmandu of the 1970s and '80s, but it feels current, too - grounded in its heritage, without being caught in time. As Yangdup puts it, "Born and brought up in Darjeeling with roots in Nepal, I have always had a special affinity for the region, its rich heritage and beautiful produce, it almost feels like a homecoming." The Cocktails Are Rooted In Memory There is a clear throughline between the drinks you find here and the ones you might have tasted at their other bars, but this is no copy-paste menu. The programme brings together some of their OG hits: the Zing Thing, Cilantro, Foghorn, and Duk Ley - familiar names that regulars of Sidecar and The Brook will recognise. But they sit differently here. There is a sense of stillness to how they are served. The space and pace of Kathmandu shape the experience. This is still a bartender's bar. But instead of trying to impress with speed or spectacle, the cocktails focus on clarity, comfort, and a sense of place. Food That Leans Into The Local Dhendup Lama, the force behind the food, makes it clear that this is not fusion for the sake of it. "We are translating staples from the Newari kitchen in a refreshing new narrative without losing out on the heart of the Kathmandu cuisine." The menu pays attention to the idea of sekuwa, a traditional barbecue technique where marinated meats are grilled hot and fast over a pit. This shows up in dishes that are rich, smoky, and built for conversation. The food does not try to outdo the cocktails, but holds its own with confident, quiet flavour. And if you are not drinking, the bar has not forgotten you. There is a robust tea selection, fresh coffee by the Nepal Coffee Company, and a few well-thought-out zero-proof drinks made with ingredients from the region. Built For Locals, And For Those Who Stay Long Enough The Old House is not trying to be a tourist bar. It is not overly designed or obsessed with getting that one perfect Instagram angle. It is the kind of place where you can sit through an afternoon and not be asked to leave. A place that feels intimate even when it is full. Desal Lama, a local partner in the project, perhaps says it best: "I am so proud and happy to partner with the best in the world, and share that with my home, Kathmandu... We are also excited to share our Newari heritage and storytelling." That storytelling is what holds this space together. It is not just in the cocktails or the clay tiles. It is in the music, the conversations, the light through the leaves at 5 PM. The Old House is back - not as a reboot, but as a quieter, more rooted version of itself. And that might be what makes it matter most.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Here are the Indian bars that feature in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 extended list
The Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 has released its extended 51-100 list. Three bars from India have made the cut. Sidecar in Delhi is on 62, The Bombay Canteen in Mumbai at 69, and Goa's Hideaway at 94. The list is voted on by Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, made up of a group of 300-plus industry professionals and connoisseurs. This extended cut is released two weeks before the top 50 names will be announced. Sidecar is an award-winning bar led by mixologist Yangdup Lama. It has been on the list previously. It has also topped the list for the Best Bar in India. The extended list has this to say about the bar, 'Bar legend Yangdup Lama and business partner Minakshi Singh's bar, Sidecar, has become a household name in India. Positioned as a 'friendly neighbourhood bar' in the style of a speakeasy in the heart of New Delhi, signature creations and beautiful iterations of its namesake are all noteworthy, alongside a great food menu to pair.' Mumbai's The Bombay Canteen is 'all about celebrating the diverse pantry of the Indian subcontinent. Seasonality guides the food and drink offering, with dishes taking a contemporary approach to Indian cuisine, and cocktails opting for a more traditional route of reimagined classics, such as its bee's knees made with Himalayan honey.' The Lower Parel-based restaurant was also on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants extended list at number 91. 'Part cafe, part music venue, part bar: Hideaway has it all. Music is a core focus of the bar, with a rotating showcase of jazz and contemporary artists, but its cocktail offering is just as notable, with drinks such as the Babylon (vodka, passion fruit, coconut water, lemongrass oil) a delicious reflection of local flavours,' the list says about Vagator-based Hideaway. Apart from the Indian bars, the list has 14 new entries from across Asia. The list cover 23 cities, with six bars from Singapore, and Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Tokyo represented by four bars each. The top 50 Best Bars in Asia list will be released at live awards ceremony in Macau on July 15. Watch this space for more
India Today
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Cheers! Four Indian bars on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 extended list
Four Indian bars have been featured in the extended list of Asia's Best Bars, unveiled by the acclaimed '50 Best', a leading organisation known for recognising hotels, bars, and restaurants through its annual the top 50 restaurants will be announced at an awards ceremony in Macau on July 15, the company has revealed the results for the 51st to 100th rankings. The list features four celebrated bars from Goa, Delhi and a look at the bars that made it to Asia's 50 Best Bars extended list:94th rank: Hideaway, Goa69th rank: The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai62nd rank: Sidecar, New Delhi55th rank: Bar Outrigger, GoaAll these bars except Bar Outrigger have previously featured on the Outrigger, known for its maritime-themed interiors, is a rum-forward on the other hand, offers live music, great cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere in Goa's Vagator. Its cocktail menu stands out for being bold and punchy. One of them is End of Day, which is made with house-blended rum infused with banana, coffee liqueur and a black rice tincture. You would also see a use of unconventional cocktail ingredients such as white chocolate and bell Bombay Canteen, which also ranked 91 in Asia's Best Restaurants, also got recognised for its bar. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Bombay Canteen (@thebombaycanteen)Sidecar, one of Delhi's most revered bars founded by Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh, is a regular on the list and climbed up 22 spots to secure 62nd rank this year. Don't be surprised to see quirky ingredients like titaura (a Nepalese snack), Karachi biscuit, Roohafza and supari in the cocktail menu. Or else, you can always trust the bartenders there to spruce up drinks to your palette and surprise you with each ranking for 50 Best Bars in Asia is created by the votes of the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy: a well-travelled, gender-balanced group of 300-plus industry professionals, including bartenders, bar proprietors, drinks journalists, and cocktail connoisseurs who vote for venues they believe offer the best bar experiences in the bar culture is growing and so is the Indian diner's appetite for bold and intentional bar menus. A run-of-the-mill selection featuring Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, Bloody Marys, and Whisky Sours just doesn't cut it anymore. A testament to this shift is the booming craft gin movement and a cocktail scene that's becoming increasingly adventurous across the country. The rising trend of international bar takeovers wherein bartenders and mixologists from renowned global bars bring their signature menus and mixology to Indian venues is yet another waiting for the top 50 list to be unveiled soon!- EndsMust Watch
NDTV
17-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
World Whisky Day 2025: Experts Decode Why Whisky Will Never Lose Its Charm In India
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. But have you ever wondered why do we love whisky so much? This World Whisky Day, NDTV caught up with experts from the Indian beverage industry to find out why Indians are so loyal to whisky, and perhaps will always be. How Whisky Came To India And Never Meant To Leave "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." Tequila Fad Is Here, But People Are Not Leaving Their Single Malts The No. 1 cocktail in the world is old-fashioned, made with whisky, shares Navjot Singh, Beverage Director at Lair New Delhi and Lair Gurgaon. "I think even with the rise of other spirits, India will never lose that charm of drinking whisky. The loyalty to whisky is still there, and people are not leaving their single malts, even if many are now moving to other spirits like aged tequila." Explaining the deeply rooted love for whisky in the heart of Indians, Navjot Singh says, "There is a lot of cultural legacy here as whisky has been associated with the status of celebration and tradition in India for decades. It is the go-to drink for a lot of people, especially the older generations." "I still remember people holding on to a whisky bottle which somebody had gifted, and they saved it for a special occasion in the future. I know a few clients and guests who say 'I am going to drink this bottle with my son or great-grandson.' Whisky is an emotion, which we cannot change." The Taste, While Important, Is Still Secondary Whisky has an inimitable charm. It doesn't have competition nor needs validation, notes Magandeep Singh, Sommelier, Writer and Beverage expert. "For Indians, their love for whisky extends beyond just the stuff in the glass. It's connected to freedom, Bollywood, family occasions, college times, vacations, important ceremonies and almost a rite of passage." Explaining the importance of whisky in Indian culture and society, Magandeep Singh concludes, "To this end, the taste, while important, is still secondary. What matters more is how one associates with a brand and feels connected to it, or rather, how one perceives that a particular brand represents them and their lifestyle choices. Which is why brand loyalty runs extremely deep with this brown spirit, thereby elevating it from being just an alcoholic drink to a symbol of many personally relevant elements." On World Whisky Day 2025, let's raise a glass to celebrate the drink that is undoubtedly the most loved alcoholic drink in India. Cheers!
