India’s New Culinary Formats to Watch in January 2026 | From Konkan Heritage to Japanese Sundowners

As 2026 begins, India’s leading dining destinations are shifting how they approach dining with a curated lineup of new restaurants, dining experiences, and chef-led programmes. 

From all-day dining rooted in local sourcing, to Japanese social hours reimagined for India, to heritage-driven regional showcases, these new launches signal how dining destinations are evolving.

We would love it if you would consider featuring these new launches and culinary highlights for your readers in the weeks ahead.

India debut of Gingerfire at Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa

Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa marks the Indian debut of Hilton’s Gingerfire concept with the launch of its new all-day dining restaurant, now serving as the resort’s primary dining destination. Conceived as the space where the resort’s culinary philosophy is expressed in full, Gingerfire brings together local sourcing, Asian culinary traditions and global influences in a format designed to operate seamlessly across breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With over 60 percent of its produce sourced locally, Gingerfire places strong emphasis on ingredient integrity and thoughtful menu development. The menu is shaped using Asian techniques such as wok, steam, wood-fire, and mortar pestle, creating dishes that are expressive, balanced, and rooted in distinct regional character.

This culinary approach is led by Executive Chef Athar Hussain, who brings over 16 years of global experience and a deep understanding of Asian flavours to the kitchen. The menu celebrates vibrant global influences while paying homage to Hyderabad’s culinary identity, with regional

favourites sitting alongside globally inspired dishes. Signature dishes include Darjeeling Chicken Momo, Chicken 65, Chepala Vepudu, Chukandar Ki Shami, Melon and Apricot Delight along with special offerings for breakfast such as Gongura Leaves Pancakes that spotlight the bold, tangy character of Gongura leaves, a staple ingredient in Telangana’s regional cooking.

For reservations, please contact: +91 87124 76662

Adrift Kaya introduces Sunday Sundown, Delhi’s First Japanese Aperitivo Hour by Michelin-Stared Chef David Myers

The modern Japanese Izakaya helmed by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers at JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity refines the Izakaya playbook in the country with a late-afternoon social format that bridges the weekend into evening.

This recurring Sunday experience, starting 18th January from 4 to 6 PM, is structured across two menus: an à la carte sundowner menu with individually priced small plates and sushi, and a curated set menu, designed as a complete aperitivo experience.

The curated social experience blends Japanese-inspired small plates, interactive sushi, and precision cocktails. The à la carte menu highlights warm bites and small plates such as assorted mini yakitori-style skewers, chicken karaage, tempura vegetables and compact sandos. Sushi hosomaki options include salmon, tuna and vegetarian rolls, served with house accompaniments. 

Cocktails anchor the experience at ₹850 each, highlighting signature creations like the Yuzu Whisky Highball, Hot Apple Toddy, and Tropical Pineapple Smash. These are complimented by Aperol Spritz, a concise selection of sparkling and still wines, light beers and chilled sake, picked for balance and repeatability.

For reservations, please contact: +91 92895 80051

Saraswat Flavours of the Konkan with Chef Gauri Apte at K3, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity

K3, New Delhi’s food theatre, brings the nuanced flavours of India’s Konkan coast to the capital with Saraswat Flavours of the Konkan, a limited-period culinary showcase curated by renowned Saraswat cuisine specialist Chef Gauri Apte. The promotion runs from Tuesday, 21 January to Sunday, 25 January 2025, featuring dinner service throughout the week and a special Sunday brunch.

Chef Apte, widely recognised for preserving and promoting Saraswat culinary traditions, brings her expertise and authentic approach to the showcase, shaping an experience that reflects the rich heritage of the Konkan coast. At K3, guests are welcomed with subtle Konkan-inspired décor, a soft Konkani playlist, and refreshing kokum-based beverages, setting the tone for the culinary journey ahead. The buffet features vegetarian classics such as Dalitoy, Tondli Bhaat, Tendlya – Mooga Ghashi, and Ukde Tandalachi Bhakri, alongside coastal seafood like Sungta Hooman, Tisrya Masala, Rawas Alle-Kadle Curry, Bombil Hirwa Curry, and a curated fish fry selection.

Pricing: Dinner Buffet ₹4099+ taxes per guest, Kids Dinner Buffet ₹2050+ taxes per guest, Non-alcoholic Brunch ₹4399+ taxes per guest, Alcoholic Brunch ₹5699+ taxes per guest, Kids Brunch ₹2050+ taxes per guest.

For reservations, please contact: +91 92895 80051