Winters bring in the much needed slowness to life. We long for unhurried mornings, starting the day with hot cups of tea and coffee. Winter essentials are pulled out from the trunks. Soft rugs, throws and blankets make homes a cosy haven to come back to after a tiring day’s work. Winters also become the perfect time to have shared meals over long soulful conversations.
Infact, the winter season heightens the cravings for hot broths, slow-cooked gravies, open-fire grills, and indulgent hot chocolates, and desserts. If you are looking for the best places near you to have the winter specials like, here’s a winter-special food guide. From fresh off the tandoor Pomfret, seasonal ice-creams like Him-Paat chikoo, hearty biryanis, to nourishing Cilantro soup and Chicken Zafrani Kebab, these culinary offerings capture the essence of winter in every bite.
LOYA, Taj West End, Bengaluru
LOYA at Taj West End brings a refreshed seasonal menu inspired by recipes that have been passed through generations. The highlights are a nod to India’s culinary heritage including the Chukandar Rajgire ki Seekh where beetroot meets puffed amaranth, and Kadam Muj, a delicate kohlrabi galette. Heartier dishes like Galgal Paat Murg scented with lemon leaves, and the slow-cooked ones like Chaulai Shikaar bring soulful depth. For those who love home-style dishes, try your luck at Chaunk Wali Arbi tempered with onion, coriander roots and jhakiya or the tender Pathyud rolls. Seafood lovers can savour the fiery Jwala Macchi while the nourishing Bedu Roti made with black lentils, ginger, and Himalayan garlic, ties the entire meal together. The house-made Him-Paat chikoo ice cream made of seasonal fruits is perfect for a refreshingly delightful finale. LOYA also debuts Vriksh, a nature-inspired cocktail menu mapping the journey of a tree from root to fruit, featuring ingredients like saffron,truffle, ginger and betel leaf for botanical cocktails.
Soul Pantry, Andaz Delhi
Soul Pantry at Andaz Delhi ushers in winter with a thoughtful new menu. Expect warming comfort plates such as Rosemary Baked Ricotta with candied walnuts, velvety Butternut Squash Soup topped with amaretti, and the earthy Cornucopia Cannelloni along with baked treats like the Manakeesh. To brighten winter afternoons, the luxury café unveils a decadent Hot Chocolate Menu, featuring flavours like Lavender Dream, S’mores, Matcha–Dark Chocolate, and a tropical Pandan blend turning your winter brunches into a lingering sit-down.
Also Read: The Newly Opened Concept Fine Dine Silq Brings Flavours Of The Legendary Silk Route
By the Blue, Grand Mercure Bengaluru
By the Blue in Koramangala welcomes the winter season with offerings that honour classic Indian flavours. Begin with a comforting warm Chowringhee Murgh Badami Shorba, enriched with almonds and saffron. Dive into winter-special grills with Palak Moongphali Seekh, Ulti Tangdi and the Tandoori Pomfret made with season’s ingredients like spinach, peanuts and mustard oil to tempt your palate in cold evenings. End with the familiar flavours of Masala Chai Toddy, a soothing after-dinner cocktail inspired by India’s favourite winter beverage — the tea.
OCHO, Bandra Mumbai
Head to OCHO Bandra for a specially crafted Sunday Brunch that blends global inspiration with local comfort. Enjoy vibrant plates like the Chimichurri Cottage Cheese Slider, Farmers Market Flatbread, and Chicken Sloppy Joe Slider for quick bites. You can also try their new variety of small plates like Paneer Popcorn with Ranch, Pulled Jackfruit Tostadas and Loaded Truffle Mac & Cheese. Desserts like Ocho Tres Leche and Seasonal Crumble Cheesecake complete the indulgence with cocktails like margaritas, sangrias and house wines to elevate the afternoon.
Persian Darbar, Mumbai & Pune
No winter outing is complete without having a taste of Mughlai flavours. The Persian Darbar comes to the rescue with seasonal offerings including rich selections like Mutton Raan Tandoori Dry, the crowd-favorite Chicken Zafrani Kebab, and the smoky Lasooni Paneer Tikka. You can also opt for signature biryanis like Mutton Dum and Chicken Kepsa for a hearty meal. Sign off with a soft bed of syrupy Kunafa and silky Phirni for a blissful finale.
Eve Santacruz, Mumbai
If you love to share bowl meals with your loved ones opt for Eve Santacruz has got you covered. Have nourishing bowls like Cilantro Soup, soft Dumpling Soup for starters, followed by handcrafted dim sums and mains such as Garlicky Butter Chicken and Edamame & Blue Pea Fried Rice. Warm up with coffee favourites including the Tiramisu Cappuccino, Flat White, or Cortado for slow-paced winter afternoons.
Geist Brewing Co., Bengaluru
Soups and shorbas remain the topmost winter favourites for their warm pours. And Geist Brewing Co. knows that best. The Bengaluru based restaurant and bar brings a winter special menu featuring cocktails like Tuscan Ember, spice-forward Mumbai Masala Toddy, fruity Tropical Blush to the warm notes of Thai Spiced Rum. The soup lineup has global sips like Minestrone, French Onion Soup to Chicken Shorba and the famous Tom Yum Goong.
Also Read: The Quiet Reinvention Of Rajasthani Cuisine in Jaipur
Nara Thai, BKC Mumbai
Nara Thai celebrates the winter season with The Golden Table, a festive menu that channels Thailand’s communal spirit through diverse flavours and flame-grilled cooking. The menu opens with grilled favourites, including the Pak Yang Platter, Grilled Baby Potatoes in a Thai chilli emulsion, and Corn on the Cob brushed with lemongrass butter. Classics like Gai Yang and Goong Yang bring aromatic depth while the Whole Grilled Lobster, glazed with spicy Thai herbs is ideal for sharing. Try the menu with their recommended wine pairings for a luxe winter course.
