Taste Idukki with Chennai's Yura gelato by ITC Grand Chola

The Hindu

10-05-2025

Brightly lit and thoughtfully designed, ITC Grand Chola's gelato bar, named Yura – Artisanal Scoops, is inspired by the Japanese word that literally means 'beautiful dream', and offers an imaginative selection of gelatos, frozen yoghurt, sugar-free options and sorbets.
Pastry chefs at ITC Grand Chola, Chef Sridhar Manickam and Chef Deepthi Joji who curated the menu, explain that the 10 flavours were the result of extensive experimentation, trial and error. 'We wanted to create desserts that resonate with all age groups, including international guests,' says Chef Deepthi, adding that they will be launching softies next.
To support this vision, ITC has brought in state-of-the-art equipment from Italy. 'The stages of pasteurisation, mixing, homogenisation and ageing, are completely automated and precisely controlled. We take great care to ensure we use only the best ingredients, while consciously supporting local produce wherever possible. For example, in our Idukki vanilla flavour, the vanilla is directly sourced from farmers in the Idukki region of Kerala,' says Chef Sridhar.
Yura's current offering includes Alphonso mango sorbet, French raspberry sorbet, blueberry yogurt, filter kaapi, miso caramel, chocolate (64% dark), Idukki vanilla gold, cookie and toffee, saffron and apricot and Sicilian pistachio. The sugar-free category features vanilla and chocolate. 'We have adapted the Japanese miso flavour, which traditionally uses fermented soy bean and ensured the salty flavour lends itself well to the gelato texture and taste. Blueberries are slow-cooked for over three hours before they go into our yoghurt. All our gelatos are vegetarian and we do not use additives or preservatives,' says Chef Sridhar.
After sampling the range, cookie and toffee emerged as the personal favourite, instantly evoking a sense of childhood nostalgia. A close second was the saffron and apricot, which delivered a rich and wholesome experience, and the filter coffee which carried a warm, familiar appeal. Among the sorbets, the mango stood out with its bright, refreshing flavour.
Yura – Artisanal Scoops is at ITC Grand Chola, Guindy. Call on 9840486009. The range of artisanal gelatos and sorbets are available for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery via Swiggy and Zomato.