Tag: recipes

Social

₹40 Meals in Arijit Singh’s Hometown: A Family Restaurant That Stays Rooted

Tanisha Cardozo

In a time when celebrity entrepreneurs often make headlines for luxury cafés and high-end restaurant chains, a quieter and more grounded story is unfolding in Jiaganj, in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Here, the family of celebrated playback singer Arijit Singh runs a modest restaurant that serves vegetarian thalis for ₹40 and offers a special student price of ₹30.

The eatery is not positioned as a celebrity attraction. It is a longstanding family business reportedly managed by his father and has been functioning well before recent social media attention brought it into wider focus. Reports since 2023 and again in May 2025 have highlighted how the restaurant continues to maintain affordable pricing despite inflation and rising food costs.

Open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., the restaurant serves straightforward, home-style meals. The menu includes mix veg, shahi paneer, chicken korma and biryanis, along with the budget-friendly vegetarian thali that has drawn admiration. The emphasis remains on nourishment rather than presentation, practicality rather than prestige.

In an economy where dining out has become increasingly expensive, a ₹40 thali feels almost symbolic. For students in particular, the ₹30 option makes a tangible difference. Affordable eateries like this play an important social role in smaller towns, offering dependable meals to daily wage earners, families and young people managing tight budgets.

The contrast with celebrity-owned premium cafés — where a single beverage can cost several hundred rupees — has not gone unnoticed by fans. Many see the restaurant as reflective of Arijit Singh’s public persona: understated, grounded and connected to his roots. Known for avoiding excessive limelight despite his massive success, the singer has consistently maintained a low-profile lifestyle, and the family’s continued involvement in a simple local business aligns with that image.

For the people of Jiaganj, however, the restaurant is less about celebrity association and more about daily life. It is a place to sit, eat and share a meal without financial strain. It is part of the town’s rhythm, serving food steadily from morning until night.

Sometimes, impact does not come through scale or luxury. Sometimes, it comes through consistency. In a small town in West Bengal, a ₹40 thali continues to be served every day — quietly, reliably and without fanfare — proving that staying rooted can be just as powerful as rising to fame.

Special Occasion

National Pizza Day: A Slice of History, A Day of Pure Happiness

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Pizza didn’t start in fancy restaurants or trendy cafés. Its story goes back to Naples, Italy, where people once topped simple flatbread with tomato sauce and cheese to create a quick, filling meal. It was humble, affordable, and meant for everyday people. Imagine someone spreading sauce on warm bread for the first time, adding a handful of cheese, and sliding it into a hot oven. They probably had no idea they were creating a dish that would travel across continents and generations.

By 1905, pizza had crossed the ocean and reached New York City, where Lombardi’s became the first licensed pizzeria in the United States. That moment helped transform pizza from a local Italian staple into a global phenomenon. Today, you’ll find pizza in almost every corner of the world, adapted to local tastes and traditions. From roadside stalls to gourmet kitchens, the love for pizza remains the same.

National Pizza Day, celebrated on February 9, is a tribute to this universally loved dish. It’s a day when people don’t overthink calories or toppings. Instead, they simply enjoy the comfort of a hot, cheesy slice. Some people swear by thin, crispy crusts, while others prefer thick, fluffy bases. Some stay loyal to the classic margherita, while others pile on toppings like mushrooms, olives, paneer, chicken, or even chocolate.

Pizza has evolved into many styles across the globe. There’s the soft and authentic Neapolitan, the deep and hearty Chicago style, the crispy Detroit square, the foldable New York slice, and the rich Sicilian version. Each style has its own fans, and each bite carries a different story.

The toppings debate is just as lively. Some people insist pizza should be simple, with just cheese and tomato. Others love experimenting with bold flavors. And of course, the world continues to argue over one famous question: does pineapple belong on pizza?

Fun facts only make the celebration better. In the United States alone, hundreds of pizza slices are eaten every second. Yet, surprisingly, Norway leads the world in pizza consumption per person. At the luxury end, there’s even a pizza in Italy that costs thousands of dollars, topped with lobster and caviar—though most people are perfectly happy with their favorite neighborhood slice.

National Pizza Day is also about creativity. Some people order their usual favorite. Others try new toppings or styles. Many gather friends and family for pizza parties, turning a simple meal into a shared experience. Some even head into the kitchen to make pizza from scratch, kneading dough and experimenting with sauces and toppings.

Restaurants often join the celebration with special deals, limited-time flavors, and tasting events. But at its heart, pizza is less about promotions and more about people. It’s movie nights, birthday parties, office lunches, late-night cravings, and road-trip stops. It’s comfort in a box and joy in every slice.

In the end, pizza is more than just food. It’s a shared experience, a universal language, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest happiness. So this National Pizza Day, the only real question is: what’s on your pizza? 🍕

Travel

From Kebab to Bibimbap: Air India Refreshes Its Inflight Dining with a Global Gourmet Menu

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Air India announces the introduction of a refreshed global inflight menu across its fleet, drawing inspiration from India’s rich culinary traditions while incorporating flavours from international cuisines. The new menu reflects the airline’s focus on enhancing customer experience as part of its ongoing transformation, offering thoughtfully curated meals that cater to diverse tastes and preferences of global travellers.

The menu takes inspiration from India’s culinary landscape, ranging from the royal kitchens of Awadh to the coastal flavours of southern India, while also featuring Pan-Asian dishes, European bistro selections and geo-specific star offerings. It is introduced on several international ex-India routes, including flights from Delhi to London Heathrow, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and Dubai, as well as services from Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco and Mumbai to New York. The rollout continues progressively across all international sectors and domestic routes.

Travellers in First Class enjoy gourmet meals with artisanal breads, signature desserts and bespoke wine and champagne pairings. Business Class features multi-course gourmet meals with customisable options and curated beverages, while Premium Economy and Economy cabins receive upgraded meal trays with balanced options, familiar regional flavours and improved presentation. The menu includes signature Indian dishes such as Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda, Murgh Massalam and South Indian platters, alongside international offerings like Japanese Teppanyaki bowls, Mediterranean tapas and Korean-inspired Bibimbap.

The refreshed menu also introduces Gen Z-inspired desserts, homestyle comfort food options and a wide range of plant-based and special dietary meals, including vegan, gluten-free and allergen-conscious choices. Guests can select from over 18 special meal types, reinforcing Air India’s commitment to inclusivity and personalised dining experiences.

Curated by Chef Sandeep Kalra, who recently joined Air India, the menu reflects both traditional Indian flavours and global culinary trends that resonate with modern travellers. The airline’s cabin crew undergo specialised training to further enhance the onboard dining experience, ensuring attention to detail in service and presentation.

Air India also strengthens its focus on sustainability through responsible sourcing, eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction initiatives. The airline prioritises locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to support farmers and reduce food miles, while adopting compostable utensils, paper meal boxes and reduced single-use plastics. With these initiatives, Air India continues to reimagine inflight dining by combining taste, care and culinary excellence, reinforcing its vision of being a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.

Spotlight

Lily Catering Services: Redefining Wedding Experiences Across Goa with Flavor, Warmth, and Passion

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey for Lily Catering Services, traveling across every corner of Goa and curating unforgettable experiences for weddings and events. Each event brings new learning, new people, and the joy of sharing good food. What has touched the team most is the warmth and acceptance they’ve received from clients all over the state. Along the way, they’ve discovered Goa’s many cultures and traditions, and with each event, they’ve grown more connected to the people they serve.

The menu at Lily Catering Services reflects a perfect balance of Goan heritage and global influence. Signature dishes like BBQ Pork Ribs, Pork Belly in Hunan Sauce, and Shepherd’s Pie bring together comfort and creativity, while desserts such as the Dark Chocolate Marquise, Baklava Cheesecake Roll, and Tender Coconut Kheer add a distinct and memorable finish to every celebration.

When planning a wedding, the goal is simple—to create a menu that stands out. Whether it’s a Goan celebration or a modern themed event, the team curates dishes that surprise and delight guests. They often suggest fusion menus that mix Goan favorites with international flavors, and the joy on guests’ faces as they try something new makes it all worthwhile.

Each menu is personalized to reflect the couple’s taste and personality. Tasting sessions help finalize dishes, and dietary requirements like vegan, gluten-free, or Jain meals are handled with utmost care. The team works closely to customize dishes, brief the service staff, and ensure every guest feels included and cared for.

Some of the most memorable experiences have come from large-scale weddings—events that feel like organized chaos but end in triumph when everything flows seamlessly. Behind the success is a well-trained team, many of whom have worked together for years. Their shared experience and chemistry make the service smooth, efficient, and professional.

Communication is key, and the team maintains constant contact with wedding planners and venues through WhatsApp and calls to ensure every detail is aligned. Alongside food, Lily Catering Services also offers bar services, featuring cocktails and mocktails customized to the couple’s story—sometimes even recreating the first drink they shared together. Popular choices like the ‘Busy Bombay’ cocktail and their rotating seasonal creations keep guests delighted year after year.

Behind every dish is a skilled culinary team personally trained to uphold high standards. With flexible catering packages, including special discounts for upcoming seasons, Lily Catering Services ensures that great food is accessible without compromising on quality. Regular training sessions and workshops keep the team sharp, ensuring service that’s both warm and professional.

Feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests often praising the unique flavors and presentation. Even small, detailed feedback is valued—it reflects the company’s commitment to perfection. From the first consultation to the final event, clients receive hands-on support, ensuring that every element runs smoothly and stress-free.

When asked what makes the team special, the founder says they’re like a Shepherd’s Pie—a blend of many ingredients coming together to create something comforting and satisfying. The same spirit drives their work ethic and passion.

With new dishes and services launching every season, and a dream of catering beyond Goa, Lily Catering Services continues to grow. Their ultimate vision is to take their love for food and hospitality global—ensuring that no matter where they go, every meal carries a little bit of Goan warmth and a whole lot of heart.

Spotlight

Darshil Naik: The Soul Behind “Goan Heaven”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Darshil Naik is a computer engineer by profession, but his true passion lies far from the world of codes and circuits. He’s the heart and soul behind Goan Heaven, a platform that captures Goa’s rich food culture, local cuisines, and hidden culinary gems. What started as a simple love for photography has grown into a journey of storytelling — one that celebrates Goa’s flavors, people, and the emotions that food brings to life.

Darshil’s fascination with Goan food began at home, with the comforting Goan fish thali made by his mom. He fondly recalls fried Chonak, prawns, and Serradura as his all-time favorites. But it wasn’t just the food — it was the experience of family meals and local festivals that shaped his love for Goan cuisine. Every gathering had a special flavor, and every meal told a story of heritage and warmth.

Before Goan Heaven was born, Darshil used to wander through Goan streets capturing moments — from flowers to festivals. Photography was his way of preserving the essence of his surroundings. Gradually, his camera lens turned toward food, and that’s where he found his calling. Every restaurant he visited, every home-cooked dish he tasted, reminded him that Goan food deserved to be celebrated on a larger stage.

The name “Goan Heaven” came to him naturally. For Darshil, every Goan dish — from a plate of spicy prawns to a Sunday curry — feels like heaven on a plate. When he started posting, not everyone understood what he was trying to build. But his family believed in him, and as time passed, the same people who once doubted his efforts became his biggest supporters.

The journey wasn’t always easy. Traveling to shoots was tough in the beginning — Darshil didn’t even have his own bike. But his father’s gift of one changed everything, allowing him to explore Goa freely and document its hidden food stories. His unique storytelling style soon stood out — showing not just food, but the people, places, and emotions behind it.

One of his favorite things about Goan Heaven is the connection with his followers. Many suggest places he should try, and some of those recommendations have become his personal favorites. People often message him saying they tried a dish or visited a restaurant because of his posts — even his professors once asked him for food recommendations, which made him realize how far his work had reached.

Being recognized by the Government of Goa as a social media influencer was a defining moment in Darshil’s journey. It felt like a milestone — proof that his work was helping preserve and promote Goan culture. He dreams of taking Goan Heaven beyond Goa, to a national and international audience, so the world can experience Goa beyond its beaches — through its authentic food stories.

If his journey were a dish, Darshil says it would be “Susegad Curry” — full of calmness, flavor, and love, just like Goa itself. His story is one of passion turned purpose, a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful journeys begin with a camera, a plate of food, and a dream to share your world with others.

Through Goan Heaven, Darshil Naik continues to serve more than food — he serves stories, culture, and a taste of Goa that lingers long after the meal is over.