Tea and coffee in fine dining? Chef shares beverage pairing rules, Indian dishes to go with, and brew types
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Chef Sagar Sarkar, Corporate Head Chef, Bellona Hospitality, shared how tea and coffee are rising as beverage options for fine dining.
Talking about the rapid surge in popularity, he elaborated, 'On the contemporary fine dining platform, tea and coffee are fast becoming modern pairing alternatives that wine once enjoyed. From New York to New Delhi, iconic chefs and sommeliers are crafting non-alcoholic pairing menus featuring these scented beverages back to health-aware consumers, cultural traditions, and increased emphasis on responsible use.'
But before we head on to explore the nitty-gritty of tea and coffee pairing, let's address the elephant in the room with this popularity- whether tea or coffee might replace the most popular beverage, wine, in fine dining pairings.
The chef, however, assured that wine is here to stay and clarified, addressing the cultural nuances. Sagar said, "Though not substituting for wine, tea and coffee have become suitable pairing partners at fine dining. They bring flavour interest, temperature contrast, and cultural interest, particularly in cultures where alcohol would not be served with the meal. Their addition demonstrates an intention to move towards inclusive meals that every palate can enjoy. But the tea and coffee combination is more than a craze, it's a new culinary experience. Whether at a high-end restaurant or at home with your own dinner party, these modest beverages are revealing new flavour bases for experience."
Chef Sagar Sarkar shared a detailed guide, covering all the essentials, from the rules of beverage pairing and Indian foods to pair with, to the ideal brew types for each pairing:
Similar to wine, tea and coffee pairings are based on a number of fundamental principles:
Balance flavour to reach harmony (delicate desserts with floral jasmine tea), or contrast to reach sophistication (sweet pastries with bitter coffee).
No sommelier is necessary to perform this at home. Begin by determining your dish's prevailing flavours, then pair with the coffee or tea that complements or counterbalances them. Here are a few hot Indian pairings:
ALSO READ: Tired of your same old coffee? Try these trending recipes for a delicious upgrade
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
From learning Hindi to turning vegetarian and using jet spray: American mum shares how India changed her life
Four years ago, an American mother made a bold decision that would completely reshape her daily routine, mindset, and even her wardrobe—she moved to India. Today, she says her life looks nothing like it did back in the States, and she wouldn't have it any other way. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared the 10 most significant changes she's experienced since settling down in India—and they go far beyond just food and of the first things she learned after moving was how to cook Indian food. She admitted that she still has a lot to learn, but believes she is off to a great major shift came in her daily commute. In the US, she never used public transport—cars were the default. But in India, she regularly hops into cabs, rickshaws, metros, and trains, appreciating how accessible and affordable they are. Then there's her mode of transport: a scooter. In the U.S., scooters are illegal on most roads, but in India, they're a daily convenience. 'I love how easy it is to get around by scooter here,' she too, has taken a desi twist. She now proudly wears Indian clothes and is working on perfecting her saree draping skills. 'I love the fashions and the feel of the clothes here,' she unexpected perk? Fresh food. 'No more week-old produce that has been trucked across the country,' she noted. Now she buys local, farm-fresh ingredients from street vendors. Her move also sparked a major dietary shift—she's now a vegetarian. And surprisingly, she thanked India's vast vegetarian options, finding the switch both easy and integration came with its own set of challenges and triumphs. One of the most notable? Learning Hindi. She said that Hindi is hard, but she is still learning. She also praised India's education system. While private schools were far too expensive back in the U.S., she's now able to send her children to one in India—and she's thrilled with the quality of education they're newfound joy? Bargaining at local markets. Unlike fixed-price shopping in the U.S., she finds negotiating prices in outdoor bazaars 'just so fun.'And finally—perhaps most tellingly—she ended her list with the humble jet spray. 'I have fully adapted… and I am never going back,' she declared, calling it a far cleaner and more logical alternative to toilet paper.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
When Seoul meets Mumbai: The K-beauty revolution through an Indian lens
From Crash Landing on You to glass skin obsession, how Korean beauty brands are reshaping Indian youth's skincare routines and challenging desi beauty standards. Picture this: Your college bestie who once swore by her grandmother's besan-turmeric face pack is now explaining the difference between first and second cleansers like she's defending her thesis. Welcome to the K-beauty revolution in India, where the land of Ayurveda is embracing the 10-step Korean skincare routine with the same enthusiasm we reserve for cricket matches. The numbers don't lie - K-beauty's market value in India jumped from ₹3,200 crore in 2021 to a projected ₹8,500 crore by 2032. That's more growth than most startups dream of! But here's where it gets interesting: the brands killing it globally aren't necessarily the ones Indians are actually buying. Laneige might be selling one Water Sleeping Mask every 12 seconds worldwide, but in India, it's the emerging brands like Torriden and COSRX that are truly winning hearts. Why? Because while the world falls for K-beauty's Instagram-worthy packaging, Indian consumers are doing what they do best - digging deep into ingredients, comparing prices, and making informed choices. When East Meets West - The Great Beauty Philosophy Clash Here's something that would make your sociology professor proud: Indian and Korean beauty philosophies are like distant cousins who grew up in different households. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo We Indians have always been the "matte finish, bold lipstick" crowd - think of how we apply kajal thick enough to survive monsoons, or how red lipstick is our go-to for every festival. Meanwhile, Koreans perfected the art of "glass skin" - that dewy, almost-wet look that makes you wonder if they've been blessed by some skincare deity. The contrast is fascinating. While Indians traditionally focus on bold, statement makeup, Koreans master the art of looking naturally flawless. We're talking about cultures where Indian women would overdraw their lips to make them appear fuller, while Korean beauty celebrates the "bitten lips" look that's subtle enough to pass for natural. But here's the plot twist - Indian Gen Z and millennials are saying "why not both?" They're mixing their grandmother's neem face packs with snail mucin serums, creating hybrid routines that would make both beauty cultures proud. It's like fusion cuisine, but for your face. The Real Winners - Brands That Actually Get the Market Let's talk about the elephants in the room - or should we say, the brands actually flying off shelves. While global lists might crown Glow Recipe as the K-beauty queen with 412.2K monthly searches, the real action is happening with brands that understand the psyche. COSRX has become the poster child for this success story. Their Snail Mucin Essence at ₹1,650 and Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser at ₹800 hit the sweet spot between "effective Korean innovation" and "won't break the bank". Compare that to a fancy dinner at a 5-star hotel, and suddenly Korean skincare seems like a steal. Missha deserves a special mention for playing the long game. Their Time Revolution First Treatment Essence sells one every 10 seconds because they cracked the code - give premium ingredients at prices that don't require EMIs. It's like getting a business class experience at economy prices. Meanwhile, Sulwhasoo remains the luxury exception, appealing to those who appreciate the brand's ginseng-based traditional approach - something that resonates with our own Ayurvedic heritage. When a Korean brand uses ancient Asian wisdom, it feels familiar rather than foreign. From Boroline to 10-Step Routines - The Cultural Shift Remember when Boroline and Nivea cold cream were the ultimate skincare arsenal for most families? Those days feel like a different era now. The Hallyu wave didn't just bring us crash-landing heartthrobs and addictive K-dramas - it completely rewired how young Indians think about skincare. Research shows that 39% of women now incorporate at least 25% K-beauty products in their routines. That's a massive shift from the traditional CTM (Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize) approach our mothers swore by. Suddenly, ingredients like snail mucin, propolis, and bamboo extract - once exotic enough to raise eyebrows - are as common as rice in beauty conversations. The cultural bridge makes perfect sense when you think about it. Both traditions emphasize natural ingredients and holistic wellness. While we've been using turmeric and neem for centuries, Koreans perfected volcanic ash and rice water. It's like two ancient beauty philosophies finally having a conversation. The Price Reality Check - When K-Beauty Meets Budgets Let's address the elephant in the room - money, honey. The average consumer is price-conscious in ways that would make Korean chaebols sweat. But here's what's brilliant about the K-beauty invasion: it's not just about premium pricing. A Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Serum at ₹1,450 costs less than a weekend movie date with snacks. ROUNDLAB's 1025 Dokdo Toner at ₹1,000 is cheaper than a decent pair of earphones. These brands understood that consumers want efficacy without the luxury tax. The really expensive stuff? YSL's Rouge Pur Couture lipstick at ₹3,000 might be tempting, but it's competing with an entire month's mobile recharge. That's why mid-range Korean brands are absolutely crushing it - they offer the innovation and quality people crave at prices that don't require financial planning. Beyond the Hype - What This Means for Beauty Culture Here's where it gets really interesting from a cultural perspective. The K-beauty boom isn't just about skincare - it's about changing beauty ideals. For a country that's historically struggled with colorism and rigid beauty standards, the Korean emphasis on "healthy skin over perfect skin" is quietly revolutionary. Youth are moving away from the fairness cream obsession that dominated previous generations. Instead, they're embracing the Korean philosophy of skin health, hydration, and natural glow - regardless of skin tone. It's like a gentle rebellion against decades of problematic beauty messaging. The ripple effects are everywhere. Dedicated K-beauty stores are opening in areas like Humayunpur, Delhi - right next to Korean restaurants and fashion stores. Korean beauty clinics are offering treatments like snail mucin facials that would have sounded like science fiction just five years ago. Looking Forward - The Future of Beauty Diplomacy As we look ahead, the K-beauty phenomenon represents something bigger than skincare trends. It's about cultural exchange, about young people feeling confident enough to adopt global practices while maintaining their roots. The market is expected to grow at 9.4% annually through 2026, driven by Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers who see skincare as self-care rather than vanity. These aren't just consumers - they're cultural ambassadors who are redefining what it means to be beautiful in contemporary times. The real winners will be brands that understand this nuanced landscape - those that respect price sensitivity while delivering on the innovation promise. Brands that can bridge the gap between Seoul's glass skin perfection and Mumbai's practical beauty needs. In the end, the K-beauty revolution isn't about choosing between turmeric and snail mucin. It's about creating a beauty culture that celebrates both - where ancient wisdom meets modern innovation, and where healthy skin is the ultimate goal, regardless of which continent inspired your routine.
News18
12 hours ago
- News18
Urban Sanctuaries: How Organic Cafes Are Redefining Conscious Dining in Mumbai
Last Updated: In the heart of Mumbai, cafés like Cafe Saar and Paashh are redefining conscious dining through slow living, soulful menus, and nature-inspired spaces. In a city that never stops, where the rhythm is fast and the noise constant, two thoughtful spaces have emerged to offer Mumbai a breath of calm, one nourishing meal at a time. Café Saar and Paashh are not just cafes—they are sanctuaries that nurture the soul, celebrate sustainability, and honour slow living in the most conscious ways. A Breath of Calm in Bandra's Buzz Tucked amidst the green heart of Bandra, Café Saar feels like an oasis of peace. A place where lush foliage wraps around you and every corner whispers serenity, it redefines vegetarian dining through its focus on nutritious, calming meals served in harmony with nature. Designed to dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, Café Saar invites patrons into open seating under trees, with sunlight filtering through leaves and tables surrounded by flourishing plants. From its coffee menu to its soul-nourishing food, everything at Café Saar is curated with intention. Think: velvety cinnamon-vanilla lattes with oat or almond milk, raw mango rasam soup that tingles your senses, and Truffle Khichdi that comforts like a hug. Every bite and sip is a celebration of balance, health, and joy. Signature offerings like the Overnight Oat Bowl, All About Nuts Panjiri, and vegan-friendly small plates showcase a dedication to fresh, plant-based ingredients. From Soil to Soul, Now in Mumbai Meanwhile, Paashh, already a beloved name in Pune for its slow living philosophy has opened its tranquil doors in Mumbai. This isn't just a cafe; it's a pause. It's the long exhale in a world that breathes too fast. At its core lies the vision of founder Vaishali Karad, a wellness-focused marathoner who believes true luxury is living intentionally. 'Paashh was born from a personal journey," shares Vaishali. 'I wanted to create a space where slow, conscious living isn't a luxury; it's a way of life." From handcrafted brassware to seasonal, local produce, every element of Paashh is rooted in care. Their vegetarian menu is not only organic and predominantly vegan but also driven by the principles of traditional Indian food wisdom. Dishes like the Terrain salad, Soil to Soul raw mango curry with ragi bhakri, and Kothimbir Wadi with shakarkandi labneh echo regional flavours with contemporary consciousness. Chef Vinod Warade, who leads the kitchen, treats food as ritual. Minimal sugar, zero artificial additives, and slow cooking methods preserve the life force of ingredients. Every dish is deeply nourishing, in taste and intention. Paashh also houses an in-house fashion label working with handloom artisans and natural textiles, and its curated pantry offers ethically sourced lifestyle products, from A2 ghee to saffron honey. All of this is set against an aesthetic backdrop of earthy tones, botanical textiles, and sunlight-washed interiors that invite quiet reflection. A New Chapter for Conscious Dining What Café Saar and Paashh represent is a shift in how urban India consumes. No longer are cafes just places to eat. They are becoming ecosystems of intention—where wellness, sustainability, aesthetics, and community meet. Whether you're sipping an Orange Zest Mocha in the greenery of Bandra or indulging in a mindful meal at Paashh's serene retreat, these spaces are not just feeding the body. They're nurturing a lifestyle, gently asking us to pause, breathe, and return to ourselves. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
