Eat Your Way Through Summer

Eat Your Way Through Summer: The Coolest New Menus And Pop-Ups to Know

As temperatures rise and the pace of the season begins to soften, restaurants across India are reimagining their menus with a clear shift towards lightness, freshness, and flavour-forward dining. From sun-soaked lunches in Bengaluru to leisurely brunches in Delhi and cocktail-led evenings in Gurugram, this wave of new menus and pop-ups reflects a more intuitive way of eating, one that balances indulgence with ease.

Across cities, chefs and mixologists are leaning into seasonal produce, tropical notes, and cooling formats. Think citrus-led cocktails, fruit-forward desserts, delicate sushi, and plates designed to feel refreshing yet satisfying. Whether it’s a thoughtfully curated Japanese spread, a protein-forward brunch menu, or a Tex-Mex kitchen doubling down on authenticity, each offering captures a distinct mood of the moment.

More than just new dishes, these menus are about experience, long lunches that stretch into evenings, café stops that turn into lingering conversations, and dining spaces that invite you to slow down. The focus is not just on what’s on the plate, but how it makes you feel: light, energised, and ready to savour the season.

Here’s a curated look at the most exciting new menus and dining experiences to explore right now.

The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa, Chandigarh presents a distinguished culinary showcase this April, bringing the celebrated India Jones from Trident Nariman Point for an exclusive, limited-period pop-up at Anant Mahal.

From 7th to 12th April 2026, this collaboration offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the refined, travel-inspired flavours of India Jones in the tranquil, immersive setting of The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa. Known for its authenticity and depth, India Jones draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea and Japan each dish reflecting a journey across Asia, interpreted with precision and elegance.

At the heart of this showcase is a thoughtfully curated menu that brings together signature India Jones dishes with the philosophy of Anant Mahal – where seasonality, provenance and mindful cooking define the dining experience. The menu presents a sophisticated interplay of bold Asian flavours and refined techniques, featuring highlights such as Chicken Krapaw, Mala Spiced Chicken and Prawn Chilli, alongside delicately balanced dishes like Steamed Grouper in Soy Ginger Sauce and Honey pepper glazed lamb. The vegetarian selection, including Corn Kernels, Mapo Tofu and Chinese Greens, ensures a well-rounded offering. The experience concludes with desserts such as Date Pancake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Tab Tim Krob, offering a refreshing and textural finish

Leading the culinary experience is Chef Ashish Singh of India Jones, whose expertise in authentic Asian cuisine is defined by precision, discipline and a deep respect for regional techniques. With extensive experience at India Jones, he brings a nuanced understanding of ingredients, wok cooking and flavour balance, ensuring that each dish remains true to its origins while reflecting the refined ethos synonymous with the restaurant. His presence at The Oberoi Sukhvilas marks a seamless extension of India Jones’ culinary identity into a new destination.

Anant Mahal, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, provides an elegant and intimate setting for this collaboration. With its emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a culinary approach rooted in authenticity, it offers a fitting canvas for this distinctive showcase. The convergence of India Jones’ vibrant, travel-inspired cuisine with Anant Mahal’s understated sophistication creates a dining experience that is both immersive and memorable.

The experience will be available for both lunch and dinner and will be open to resident as well as non-resident guests.

For reservations, please contact: +91 160 272 0000.

This season, Shoyu presents a thoughtful selection of signature dishes that complement this mood, spotlighting clean, vibrant flavours perfectly suited for summer.

The menu leans into bright flavours and playful contrasts. Salads are designed to refresh and uplift, the Crispy Quinoa & Avocado Salad pairs cool crunch with a gentle sweetness from pineapple wafu, while the Baby Potato & Edamame Salad brings a subtle kick through its wasabi chilli lime dressing. The Japanese Spinach Salad, finished with sesame gomae and a touch of togarashi, and the Chicken & Avocado Salad with tangy plum notes round out a line-up that feels wholesome yet flavourful.

Small plates follow a similarly light yet indulgent approach. The crudo selection—from Pepper Pizzette to Tuna & Truffle Pizzette—balances crisp textures with soft, layered toppings. Carpaccios of salmon, hamachi, tuna, and avocado remain clean and elegant, lifted with just the right touch of acidity. Sushi continues to anchor the experience. The Classic Crunchy Summer Maki Roll—with cucumber, avocado, and green apple—is light and refreshing, while the Dragon Sushi Roll adds a playful twist with shiitake and dragon fruit. The Classic Seafood Maki Roll keeps things minimal, celebrating freshness, while nigiri like Truffle & Peppers and Kappa & Wasabi maintain balance without excess.

For those who prefer warm dishes, there’s depth without heaviness. Water Chestnuts & Snow Peas in Yellow Bean Sauce and Steamed Fish with Oyster Sauce & Truffle deliver comfort while staying light. The dim sum selection mirrors this philosophy, with Vegetable Crystal Dumplings and Spinach & Water Chestnut dim sum offering subtle, textural indulgence.

Available on: Swiggy and Zomato

Price for two: ₹1200+

The kitchen at Paper & Pie is in full summer mode, presenting a refreshed menu that celebrates seasonal produce and balanced flavours. The focus is on dishes that feel cooling and easy while retaining the café’s signature comfort.

Mango features prominently across desserts, from a tender coconut and mango panna cotta to a mango cloud cake, both designed to keep flavours light and not overly sweet. The almond orange torta offers a citrus-forward, gluten-free option, while a lemon and rhubarb tart adds sharper contrast. A jaggery coffee éclair rounds out the selection with deeper, nostalgic notes.

On the savoury side, the watermelon and feta salad with mint and pesto is fresh and hydrating. The pistachio cherry French toast balances richness with acidity, while a creamy leek and miso fettuccine (vegan) adds savoury depth. A slow-braised lamb ragu conchiglie offers a heartier option without overwhelming the palate.

Designed for all-day dining, the menu is now available across all outlets.

Price for two: ₹1000

At PHURR in Bengaluru, the summer menu focuses on light, cooling dishes that balance the heat, ideal for long lunches and relaxed meals.

The Watermelon Feta Cheese Salad is hydrating and refreshing, while the Glass Noodles Salad offers a citrus-led, light yet satisfying option. Mains like the Coastline Kofta Curry and Khao Suey in Udon Noodles bring warmth without heaviness.

The Tender Coconut Fritters stand out as a tropical small plate, while dessert is led by Phurrrrr (Malaiyo), an airy, melt-in-the-mouth finish.

The drinks menu complements the food with refreshing options like the citrus-forward Orange Owl and the Penguin Potion, combining pomegranate, basil, lime, and sabja.

Available at: Indiranagar and Jayanagar

Price for two: ₹1500 (approx.)

At The PRIMO in Ahmedabad, the summer curation spans multiple cuisines while maintaining a focus on light, composed dishes.

At Sahtain, chilled cucumber and kefir soup and laban bil khiar bring cooling, balanced flavours. Sora offers fruit-forward plates like mango ceviche and floral drinks such as Hanami. At Vyanj, dishes like bocconcini moilee and hass avocado bhel combine comfort with lightness.

Price for two: ₹3500–5000

Congo introduces a bold, experiential cocktail menu inspired by the wild. Signature drinks like Jungle Fest, Ash of Ferry, Twilight in the Congo, Green Temple, and Rain Chant explore tropical, smoky, and umami-forward profiles.

Price per cocktail: ₹950+

Dirty Good launches a protein-forward breakfast and brunch menu designed for mindful mornings. From overnight protein oats and chia puddings to smoothie blends, pancakes, and egg-based dishes, the menu balances indulgence with nutrition.

Price for two: ₹1500

Raifu’s summer specials highlight light sushi, sashimi, and reimagined ramen with lighter broths. Donburi bowls and seasonal omakase offerings keep the experience fresh and balanced.

Price for two: ₹2000

EEST presents a vibrant menu of elevated Asian classics, from salads and sushi to dim sums and indulgent mains like Sichuan lamb chops and grilled prawns, designed for variety and exploration. 15th April onwards

Price for two: ₹3500 (approx.)

In Gurugram, Popes’ Southwest Cantina introduces a bold Tex-Mex menu featuring handmade tacos, tamales, tostones, and churros, with a strong focus on authenticity and technique.

Price for two: ₹1500 (approx.)

HIKKI celebrates its anniversary with Sakura in Bloom, a seasonal menu inspired by Japanese spring. Highlights include Black Rice & Pomelo Salad, Miso Truffle Chicken, and Sakura Tres Leches, alongside floral, citrus-forward cocktails.

Price for two: ₹3500+

Somewhere Nowhere introduces its ‘Shun’ Spring Equinox Menu, featuring delicate, Japanese-inspired cocktails like Sakura Martini, Matcha Highball, Hōjicha Old Fashioned, and Plum Blossom Spritz.

In Delhi, Monique’s summer specials bring a Parisian café vibe with pastries, crêpes, sandwiches, and seasonal beverages like fig latte and peach iced tea.

Price for two: ₹1800

Call Me Ten launches Karaage & Beer Wednesdays, pairing Japanese fried bites with beer-led cocktails for a relaxed midweek experience.

Price for two: ₹3000+

Anvaya introduces a refined spring menu featuring seasonal courses, from velouté to cappelletti and petit gâteau, emphasising elegance and slow dining.

Café Fleur presents a fresh spring-summer menu featuring salads, pastas, pizzas, and desserts, blending comfort with seasonal freshness.

Price for two: ₹1800 (approx.)

Ristorante by Dali launches a refined Sunday brunch with a grazing table and multi-course Italian menu, set in a Tuscan-inspired space.

Bringing comfort to warmer days, Magnolia Bakery introduces a range of handcrafted ice creams across all its outlets in India. The menu features indulgent sundaes and loaded jars like the Chocolate Lover’s Sundae, Roasted Strawberry Sundae, and Banana Pudding Ice Cream, alongside classic flavours such as Vanilla, Chocolate, Pistachio, and Salted Caramel.

Price: ₹180++ onwards

Maverick & Farmer launches a refreshing summer beverage menu featuring creations like the Cloudburst with orange zest and ginger foam, Matcha Aam Panna, Tender Coconut Cold Brew, and Matcha Malai, blending bold coffee with tropical, cooling elements perfect for the season.

Price: ₹350++ onwards

Shiro’s summer menu focuses on light, crisp, and citrus-forward dishes, with offerings like Raw Papaya Salad, Chilled Salmon with Chilli & Lime, and Thai Watermelon Salad. These are paired with refreshing cocktails and rounded off with a sweet finish of Mango Sticky Rice.

Price for two: Approx. ₹2,000

Chinita introduces a vibrant summer menu with fresh, fruit-forward dishes such as Mango Guacamole, Mango Corn Salsa, and Spicy Jalapeño Salad. These are complemented by refreshing drinks like Mango Margarita and Watermelon Agua Fresca, and finished with a classic Flan.

Price: ₹340++ onwards

Circa 11’s summer dinner menu, Besigey, brings together bold, seasonal flavours with dishes like Melon and Burrata, Sea Bass Ceviche, Duck Tourte, and Biang Biang Noodles. The experience is complemented by refreshing desserts such as Mango Mille-Feuille and Passionfruit Pavlova.

Price for two: Approx. ₹2,500

Source: News18
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