Projects Secret Ingredients- Award-winning food business consultant In India

Project:

Qavalli

Location:

Aerocity,
New Delhi

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Qavalli is a space that showcases the best of Indian flavours and hospitality, a testament to the grandeur of bygone eras, featuring authentic tastes and culinary techniques passed down through generations.
With the success of Chica, well-known restaurateur Dinesh Arora engaged us to build another F&B space in the city. With extensive market research, the concept of Qavalli came into being.
A concept that takes you back in time and transports you to royal courts of the Mughals, filled with spellbinding experience of ghazal singing and 'Qavalli Nights'.
To further the experience, we created food & beverage menus honouring lost recipes and ingredients of the bygone era combined with modern innovations and techniques - from dishes like Dahi ki Potli, Salmon Boti to Lagan Ki Batair.
The cocktails are an ode to botanical infusions, elixirs, and tinctures, like Bhaang, Madira, Huzoor, Begum perfectly floral and aromatic in every sip.

Project:

Ledor World

Location:

MG Road,
New Delhi

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

The client came to us with a vision to create a café / bakery along with his established gourmet chocolate brand Ledor. He wanted to expand and create the space with chocolates at its centre. Secret Ingredient was instrumental in finding an ideal location at M.G. Road, New Delhi, nestled perfectly between premium home décor stores.
We coordinated with the architects to ensure an efficient layout, planned the kitchen and service juice bar station. We recruited a team through multiple channels to ensure we have a dedicated, yet specialized team. Our team of culinary specialist along with the client's preferences, curated a menu which brings old world parisian charm with offerings like croissant wheels, galettes, and petite tarts. A bougie café menu offering artisanal coffees setting the vibe for the space, a global menu with taste at its forefront.

Project:

Koyo Koyo

Location:

Hyatt Centric,
Chandigarh

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Koyo Koyo is an iconic space in the Chandigarh food scene, it has been one space that has the city captivated with its food and beverage offerings.
With intensive research, we saw a gap in the market for a high-energy Asian restaurant focusing on the quality of food with modern presentation and the idea for Koyo Koyo came into being.
We pushed the envelope in terms of crafting a place that is great for lunch and a night out for friends in the evening. Secret Ingredient curated the menu keeping in in the vibe of the space, traditional Asian food with a modern approach.

Project:

Notorious

Location:

Jalandhar

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Notorious is Jalandhar's newest restaurant & speakeasy Instagram worthy spot, located in the heart of the city it is a space designed to make a statement. Beautifully done up to have four different seating areas which are modern and chic.
The aim for this space was to transform it into a place that serves up the best food and cocktails that the city has ever seen. Our main focus for this was presentation and instagrammability.
The food menu features dishes from around the world - Ebi Tempura, Crispy Chicken Burger, Lamb Ragu Pappardelle along with few favourites from the city - Bhatura Bites, Notorious Butter Chicken, Beer Battered Amritsari Fish.
The speakeasy bar programme is fun, trendy, and quirky with two different bar menus that feature drinks with amazing taste and presentation. Modern and innovative bar techniques like flavour blaster, sous vide infusions, etc., drinks coming to the table in miniature bathtub with rubber duckies, baby sipper bottles to flavour blaster butterflies, the restaurant has ticked all the boxes to give competition to some of the best bars in the country.

Project:

Bomba

Location:

MG Road,
New Delhi

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Bomba is a project that is very close to home, it is the first ever Secret project. A project owned by Kula & Sid it combines two of the best things ever, Pizza and Tacos!
Started with a simple thought, we followed with extensive research and trends analysis to pick the most suitable spot in the city. With the thought of combining our love of pizzas and tacos in mind, Kula with our culinary team curated this BOMB menu for the space. From the branding to the interiors it is a vibrant multicultural space that signifies our love of hospitality and feeding people.
Secret Ingredient worked to establish a graphic identity that makes the space stand out. To widen the horizon and for a refreshing take on not serving alcohol, we made a fun boozeless drinks menu.
Bomba is a dynamic space that now also features a small seasonal pasta menu that changes with the weather and produce.
We brought a team of talented and visionary people together, trained them and gave the space to think and come up with ideas to keep making the space better. We closely work with Bomba to evolve the offerings and make operations efficient.

Project:

Kaansa

Location:

Crowne Plaza,
Gurgaon

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

A project with the IHG group of hotels, Kaansa is a contemporary Indian dining space that stays true to Indian flavours but elevates them with modern and eye-catching presentation.
Sitting peacefully at the lobby level of Crowne Plaza, Gurugram, Kaansa was conceptualized to give the space a sense of modern luxury whilst staying true to the most loved flavours from the around the country.
Our culinary team crafted and helped execute a menu that featured dishes which resonate with the same values, classic flavours with a touch of nostalgia - Butter Chicken with the addition of freshly churned white butter, Bullet Mutton Seekh, Apricot Bejewelled Malai Kofta, Kolkata's famous Prawn Malai Curry and pulled version of a classic Nalli Nihari.
We created the cocktails to be fun, flavourful, and nostalgic, like the Gulab, Musa Mule and Rani.
All of these things were put into action with extensive trials and trainings that involved briefings, service mock ups and food tastings.

Project:

Lyrah

Location:

Trident,
Gurgaon

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Featured in the top 30 bars of India, Lyrah is a beautiful alfresco bar in the Trident Gurugram.
We were called upon to see the space, we envisioned it to be a green oasis for the city, warm and inviting scapes with lush greens to take away from the daily stresses and hustle bustle.
We were actively involved in the market positioning and brand design for the space.
The bar menu was expertly crafted to carry the same concept, flavourful infusions with the finest liquors, botanical smokes, clear ice garnishes and stamps with taste notes that take you down the memory lane and give you joy. The food menu was set to complement the cocktails, a mix of global and familiar flavours in a new and innovative format.
Lyrah rightfully owns a place in the top bars of the country, swaying between being a chill hang out spot to a formal setup for drinks and business.

Project:

Chica

Location:

New Delhi

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Chica is located at One Golden Mile, Bhikaji Cama Place, the newest gram worthy spot in town that is designed to resemble a French garden. Here we were focused on the concept, creative direction, food and beverage identity. Training played a major role in such a big establishment having a large number of tables, 2 bars churning out cocktails and multiple kitchens.
From the Nori Harissa Chicken Wings, to Jackfruit Gyro, to Lebanese Lamb Flatbreads with Sichuan, to Four Cheese Dumpling with Chilli Sambal to Grilled Tiger Prawns with Tom Yum Risotto, one things is for sure â€“ you will experience flavour like never before. The community boards match visual excellence with handpicked produce, and the perfect accompaniment for a night of drinks, or possibly the best conversation starter.
Chica is recognized for its innovative approach to mixed drinks that utilize techniques to aid in the story of each cocktail on its list.

Project:

The Khyber
Resort

Location:

Gulmarg,
Kashmir

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Khyber Resorts, one of India's most iconic and busiest hotels approached us in order to take over their F&B strategy & execution. From the buffet, to breakfast to private dining, to coffee programs to new restaurants, they wanted to level up their food offerings. Khyber is Indiaâ€™s one and only luxurious ski resort located 8825 feet above sea level in range of Himalayas.
We first started with the all-day dining, where we implemented a new menu and focused on improvisation on the food styling and crockery. Furthermore, we assisted in hiring key people in the kitchen, conducted training sessions with the service team & resolved their supply chain issues. Our focus then shifted to the coffee shop and the sheesha lounge, where a new coffee program was initiated with the best coffee brands in the country customizing Khyber blends, with a new dessert display.
Presently, we are creating a new specialty restaurant for the hotel; an integration between the Western Himalayas, the Apennine and the Alps, we will bring the mountains to you â€“ on a plate, on a skewer, or in a fondue pot!

Project:

F&B Advisor for
SWIGGY

Location:

Multiple (Pan
India)

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Swiggy is a privately owned and fully funded, leading national food delivery aggregator - operating across India. THE BOWL COMPANY was the company's first and most ambitious project in the food delivery space, and the brand went on to expand across the country. TBC freshly prepares world comfort food, conveniently packed and delivered to you.
We worked closely with the client to conceptualise the brand, led on feasibility and kitchen planning, before going on to execute culinary development, name and identity, presentation, packaging, guest experience and kitchen team training.
We have continued to work extensively with their senior management team on developing the positioning and branding of several of the company's cloud kitchen brands including:

THE BOWL COMPANY
HOMELY
CANTEEN CENTRAL
ISTAH

Project:

Ditas

Location:

New Delhi,
Mumbai &
San Francisco

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

We were engaged by the well-known Khaitan family to help with their first ever F&B venture. The location is a central spot in the Ambawatta One complex in Mehrauli, surrounded by luxury apparel showrooms and overlooking Qutab Minar.
Mehrauli attracts an elite clientele due to its connectivity with upscale neighborhoods in South Delhi and Gurgaon. Keeping the target segment in mind, we created a concept based on the travel experience of the client. Through extensive food and drink trials, we curated the best of the best for their menu.
We were also involved in graphic design and hiring key staff members. Once the restaurant opened, they decided to retain our services.
We provided ongoing operational guidance to improve bottom-line and remove inconsistencies through audits and training.
We were involved in the ideation of their marketing and PR strategy as a part of which we also created special menus for various promotional events.
The brand quickly gained immense success. We went on to help them with expansion of this brand to new locations in Mumbai & San Francisco.

Project:

Mama Miso
for Heritage
Resort

Location:

Goa

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

We were engaged by The Heritage Group to work on the overall food strategy across their locations & resorts. Mama Miso is a restaurant we created for Heritage Village Resort in Goa. Surrounded by beautiful lush greens and a 2 minute walk from the beach, this iconic resort has been running successfully since 1996.
Based on our market research, we found that there was an upcoming culture of Pan Asian food in the city, and options in the South of Goa were limited. We created a concept based on the client segment through extensive research, competitive analysis and food & drink trials.
Working closely with the team, we were able to come up with a restaurant that held it's own set of customers, drew visitors & locals, and also gave the hotel residents an opportunity to try some authentic Pan Asian food. The pastel pink & wood ambience adds to the experience, along with a focus on plating & presentation.

Project:

Basco & Fry

Location:

Bangalore

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Karan and Ritika (owners) were extremely passionate about bringing an upgraded version of Americana cuisine to Bengaluru. We helped them bring this dream to fruition in the form of a delivery kitchen located in the heart of the city, Indiranagar. Basco & Fry quickly became a cult hit, and is now known as the benchmark for American cuisine in the city.
With intensive recipe research and food trials, we executed a menu with highlights like Truffle Buffalo Wings, Nashville Hot Chicken, Philly Cheesesteak Burger and so on. Recreating true American flavours, we stuck with classic cooking techniques like slow BBQ and avoided any shortcuts.
We created and helped execute an effective marketing strategy focused on online media, by guiding the relevant agencies on brand language, content ideas and channels. Being a delivery kitchen, targeted online marketing along with word-of-mouth were key factors for success.

Project:

Akari &
Koko

Location:

Kathmandu,
Nepal

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Akari & Koko stand proudly on the rooftop of Kathmandu's newest hotel property, Taj Vivanta. We were brought in on day one, and had to come up with a concept for this iconic space.
After spending time in Nepal, and doing the research, we found that there was an opportunity to create an affordable fine dining restaurant and rooftop bar.
The views helped, and we started to put together the concept of a Pan Asian restaurant with a Japanese design & sensibility, and worked closely with the graphic & interior designers.
Thereafter came the menu, and we also hired and trained the main team members including the Chef & Mixologist. This joint venture with CG Group took off from day one, and continues to be relevant and popular.

Project:

Anardana

Location:

New Delhi,
Chandigarh,
Gurgaon,
Ranchi

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

We were approached by doctor and serial entrepreneur, Dr. Ritesh Malik in 2017 to create a scalable Indian cuisine restaurant brand for him. With immense success of the pilot branch in Karkardooma, New Delhi, Dr. Malik decided to quickly expand to new locations and formats.
We continued our relationship with Anardana, customizing the brand offering based on customer preferences in different locations, while keeping the soul of the brand intact. Anardana opened in Chandigarh, South Delhi and will soon open in Gurgaon. We went on to create multiple cloud kitchen brands for the group also.
As part of our sustained and fruitful relationship with the group, we constantly work with their team on aspects like marketing strategy and ideas, new locations, audits, problem solving, and many more.

Testimonial from Dr. Ritesh Malik:
Secret Ingredient has been instrumental in helping create the successful Anardana brand, from the first restaurant opened in 2018, to the quickly expanding multi-city F&B group with 3 restaurants and 5 cloud kitchens. With no prior experience in this industry, I could not have asked for a better team to guide me.

Project:

F&B Advisor for
Select CITYWALK

Location:

New Delhi

Scope:

Create Food Court (My Square)
Curate Food Mix
Menu Engineering
Hygiene Check
Food Tasting and Reviewing
Mystery Shopping
Lead Generation
Marketing Activities
Social Media Posts
Campaigns
Website Audit
Industry Update

Select Citywalk needs no introduction. Possibly the most sought after mall in the country, SCW has raised the benchmark for the industry, with many key brands choosing them as their first location in India (including H&M, Zara, Burger King, CBTL).
We were approached by them in late 2013 for a specific need, the revamping of the food court. From the brand selection, to positioning, menu suggestions and price guides, to layouts, to services, Secret Ingredient was involved with all the parts that finally came together as My Square. Today My Square does almost 6x revenues versus it's old avatar, and probably the highest grossing food court in the country per square foot.
After that, we engaged as their Food Consultants for the entire mall, overseeing & advising them on food curation, restaurant introductions, brand assessments & meetings, events, food programming, technology in restaurants, audits, marketing & social media ideation, research report and all things food.
We completed 5 years of our partnership with Select in 2019.

Project:

Clubhouse &
Hoax

Location:

Amritsar

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

The small city of Amritsar features within top 5 tourist destinations of India due to presence of the iconic Golden Temple. With local players operating at low standards, the city lacked presence of an organized brand and a party place in the F&B space which the millennials & families could relate to.
Four dynamic entrepreneurs from different businesses partnered together and approached us. The brief was to create a landmark in the F&B space, and we executed our full scope of services.
16,000 square feet of barren land, holding an old and dilapidated factory work shed, is now known as â€œClubhouseâ€ & â€œHoaxâ€. Amritsar caters to a wide array of guests, so what is a warm family restaurant during the day, turns into a buzzy bar in the evening, and there's even a small private member's night club space for the more adventurous.
"Clubhouse" today proudly sits on the bucket list of every traveler to Amritsar, besides being the most loved local destination.

Project:

Mesa

Location:

New Delhi

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

We were approached by the promoters behind one of the largest wine import companies in India. Although they pivoted a while back into other categories, their passion, connections and knowledge of wines was a great starting point in creating a mood board and direction for a modern Wine Bistro. In this project, we covered almost all the aspects of building a restaurant, from idea to execution.
Based on market research, we found that there was an upcoming culture of wine in the city, and options were limited. We zeroed down on Aerocity as it has the perfect customer base with expats, business hotels and corporates. This was the perfect backdrop for this Modern European Wine Bistro with the largest range of wines by the glass in the city.
Interior design uses a palette which is refined, yet welcoming - plush shades accented by natural lighting, tropical plants, brass trimmings on a textured grey backdrop, purposefully creating a subtle & warm atmosphere - great for an all day wine and tapas affair. By creating a slight emphasis on Spanish delicacies like 'Paella' & "Cocas", we were able to create a niche and a unique factor that sets us apart .

Project:

F&B Advisor
for The British
School

Location:

New Delhi

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Apart from being one of the highest regarded international schools in the country, this project was a little more special for us, as half our team are alumni of The British School.
We started our association in 2013, where we curated all the F&B activities / stalls for the 50th Anniversary celebrations. And then we moved on to something much more ambitious - can we make the school a healthier place to send our children without compromising on taste, flavors, variety and quintessential school comfort food.
Starting from the Tuck Shop, we created a benchmark for quality, ensuring we have everything that kids want to see there, but removed all sugary drinks & highly processed foods, and replaced them with healthier versions. We then moved to the school canteen, and created an organic food offering. From finding potential vendors, to supply chain, kitchen planning, menu, trials, hygiene tests, and constant feedback monitoring, we were part of every process.
From the year we started, the school had the highest number of students on the meal program that it has ever seen, and every year they break their own record.

Project:

UNO

Location:

Noida
Bangalore
Kolkata

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Bar Program & Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

The Uno story begins in Chicago in 1943 when they developed the world's first deep dish pizza and opened a new type of restaurant at the corner of Ohio & Wabash - buttery 'out-of-this-world' crust that had a tall edge like a fruit pie. Uno now operates in over 140 locations across the globe.
For the India expansion, Uno was in unfamiliar territory and there was an ongoing requirement for general advice, brand acclimatization, processes and supply chain, menu guidance and finally delivering the product, for which we were retained.
The scope involved conducting detailed market feasibility to understand the opportunity and gaps before going on to work with the team to collaboratively develop an engaging and viable interpretation of UNO India, whilst keeping UNO's international brand values intact.
The result was a gloriously & vibrant family restaurant and bar, themed around prohibition era 1940's America - a soulful menu, an exciting drink programme and a guest experience that's all about good time delivered with warm service.

Project:

Kairali

Location:

Palakkad,
Kerala

Scope:

Internal Research & Feasibility Report
Concept and Creative Direction
Location Search & Confirmation
Architectural / Interior Execution
Kitchen / Bar Planning & Layout
Graphic Design Collaboration
Cuisine & Food Identity
Beverage Identity
Core Structure & Hiring
Training & Operations
Marketing & Social Media

Kairali is one of the most well-known Ayurvedic brands in India with a legacy of over 110 years. Run by a long family lineage of traditional Ayurvedic doctors, today the group is into various diversified domains such as Ayurvedic Products, Ayurvedic Centers, Training Programs and Hospitality.
We were engaged to re-invent the menu for their Ayurvedic Healing Village Resort in Palakkad. In line with the company's philosophy of authenticity, we dwelled deep into the science of Ayurveda and learnt about the prevalent ingredients and food practices.
Then, we factored the customer profile into this research. The final menu that we developed through food trials focused on healing and wellness, yet it was exciting and approachable.
We then went on to do the re-branding for their range of retail products including herbal teas and beauty products.