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From the Heart of Indore to the World's Palates: Chef Vedant Newatia's Global Cocktail Odyssey

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/19 .. ef-vedant-newatia-s-global-cocktail-odyssey.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 4:57 GMT by Business Today

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From the Heart of Indore to the World’s Palates: Chef Vedant Newatia’s Global Cocktail Odyssey

Indore, the “City of Nawabs” in central India, is home to a culinary vision that is reshaping the city’s nightlife. Chef Vedant Newatia, the creative mind behind the bar at The Ganga, The Grand and the newly launched The Tasting Room, has taken the concept of cocktails beyond the usual mix‑and‑match. With a menu that feels like a passport, Newatia invites diners to sample a curated selection of spirits, ingredients, and techniques from every corner of the globe—all while staying rooted in the city’s rich food culture. This article distills the essence of his philosophy, his culinary journey, and the ways in which his innovative cocktail menu is redefining Indore’s gastronomic scene.

1. A Culinary Prodigy with Global Roots

Born and raised in Indore, Vedant Newatia’s fascination with flavors began in his parents’ kitchen, where traditional Rajasthani thalis met the aromatic spices of Gujarati street food. A keen observer of how taste travels, he pursued a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Pune, before honing his mixology skills at the renowned The Bar Academy in New Delhi. His career has been a mosaic of experiences—from serving as a sous‑chef in Mumbai’s famed Sea Breeze to interning at a Michelin‑starred kitchen in Paris—each adding a new dimension to his palate.

“Food and cocktails are narratives,” he says. “They tell stories about people, places, and the moments that bring us together.” That credo drives his commitment to authenticity and experimentation.

2. The Vision Behind the “Around the World” Menu

Newatia’s most celebrated project is a cocktail menu that literally traverses continents. He calls it the “Around the World” collection, and it is more than a gimmick; it is an exercise in cultural immersion.

• Ingredient Authenticity: For every cocktail, Newatia sources the key spirit or ingredient directly from its country of origin. A Chilean Pisco Sour uses 100 % Pisco from Iquique, while the New Zealand Mackenzie's Mule features a local gin infused with native Manuka honey.

• Technique Preservation: He collaborates with master bartenders from abroad to ensure that each drink is executed in its traditional style. For instance, the Sour of the Nile employs the classic Egyptian technique of “shaking the mix in a copper vessel” to achieve a perfectly frothy finish.

• Cultural Storytelling: The menu’s descriptions weave short anecdotes about the drink’s heritage. A guest of the Moscow Mule in the menu reads a snippet about the city’s 1920s jazz clubs, adding depth to the sipping experience.

The goal, Newatia explains, “is to turn a bar visit into a world tour—without leaving Indore’s boundaries.” The result is a menu that feels like a culinary passport, complete with stamps that appear on the glass when a cocktail is poured.

3. Signature Drinks That Bridge Cultures

While every drink on the menu has a story, a few stand out for their inventive twists and local flair:

Each of these cocktails showcases how Newatia marries international ingredients with a local sensibility. The use of regional spices—cardamom, Sichuan pepper, matcha—infuses a distinctly Indian touch into globally recognized drinks, thereby resonating with the city's diverse clientele.

4. The Venue: A Blend of Heritage and Innovation

The Tasting Room, located in the historic Pithampur Market complex, is a carefully curated space that reflects Newatia’s ethos. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow patrons to watch the bustling market below, while a minimalist interior features reclaimed teak tables and dim amber lighting, creating an intimate ambiance.

Bar layout is strategic: each station is dedicated to a specific region—Asia, Europe, Americas, Africa, and Oceania—allowing bartenders to showcase both the drink and its cultural backdrop. A digital wall displays short video clips of local producers from around the world, giving patrons an educational layer to their experience.

5. Community Engagement and Sustainability

Newatia is committed to responsible sourcing and community building. He partners with local farmers to grow the spices he uses, ensuring a direct supply chain that benefits both parties. He also runs a quarterly “Mixology Masterclass” where he invites local students to learn about global spirits, sustainable mixology practices, and the art of flavor pairing.

These initiatives are part of a broader sustainability agenda: the bar uses biodegradable stir sticks, recycles glassware, and incorporates a zero‑waste cocktail recipe program. In an age where environmental consciousness is paramount, such steps place the Tasting Room at the forefront of responsible hospitality in Indore.

6. The Future: From Indore to International Stages

With the success of his global cocktail concept, Newatia is eyeing expansions beyond Indore. He is in talks with several hospitality chains in Mumbai and Delhi to replicate the Around the World concept in new venues. Meanwhile, he is collaborating with international spirits distributors to create a limited‑edition line of “Indore‑Infused” spirits—such as a cardamom‑infused vodka and a matcha‑infused gin—intended for both domestic and export markets.

The chef is also exploring the world of “smart cocktails,” leveraging emerging technologies like augmented reality to let patrons see the origin story of each drink on their smartphones, further enhancing the educational element.

7. Takeaway: A Cocktail Menu That Tells Stories

Chef Vedant Newatia’s Around the World menu is more than a collection of drinks; it is a cultural bridge, a culinary passport, and a testament to the power of authenticity. By combining meticulous ingredient sourcing, traditional techniques, and local adaptations, he has crafted an experience that transcends geography and invites diners to explore flavors from around the globe—all within the confines of a single bar in Indore.

Whether you are a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious traveler, Newatia’s creation proves that the world’s best drinks can be discovered right at your table, if only you are willing to let the liquid stories unfold.