Hospitality

My knife is the secret sauce of my culinary magic

Published

2 years ago

July 4, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Integrator Media had an exclusive interview with Chef Kunal Kapur

What inspired the concept behind PINCODE, and how does it reflect the diversity of Indian cuisine?

We feel the best of Indian food is cooked & served in lanes & by lanes of streets in India. These streets or swad ki galiyan are best defined by their Pincodes. We simply picked some of these interesting Pincodes along with their dishes and brought them together to make the menu at Pincode. At Pincode we serve regional Indian food & celebrate the regional bounty our country has to offer.

Can you share a signature dish from PINCODE that every guest must try?

For the vegetarians I recommend Avocado Jhal Muri which is the classic Bengali or Odia Jhal Muri with a twist of Avocados, Aam Panna and Mustard oil. And for non vegetarians do try Kerala Fried Chicken it is simply irresistible. And of course finish off the meal with our home made Kulfi or Boondi Cheesecake.

How do you ensure the authenticity of flavors from different regions of India in your restaurant?

Over the years I have traveled my country and with every travel my endeavour has always been to unlearn a few things and learn a few things. One of the key things to keep the authenticity of any cuisine is in sourcing the right ingredients. Lucky for us that we are in Dubai where we get some of the best Indian produce.

What challenges did you face when bringing traditional Indian cuisine to a global city like Dubai?

Dubai is very open & very energetic market. People of UAE not just Dubai love Indian food so the concept of Indian cuisine is not alien. However the deeper we go with our regional dishes the more of explaining (while introducing new lesser known dishes) is required. So it takes time for people to understand and order dishes beyond the usual.

Who has been your biggest culinary influence, and how have they shaped your approach to cooking?

My travels and home cooks that I have eaten with on the way have really inspired me in the last couple of years in my style of cooking. For me cooking is now about using seasonal local produce, keeping it fresh & simple.

What was a pivotal moment in your career that helped define your path as a chef?

I think I was always someone who enjoyed creative arts. I was an average student academically and was more inclined to subjects that really open up your mind. My decision to go against the wishes of my family to become a banker was the pivotal moment that shaped my career so far.

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. How does PINCODE stand out in this competitive environment?

We are a regional indian restaurant where years of research has given us the edge to stand out with our menu where we offer local Indian flavours that may be lesser known but are sure to delight. We cook everything in-house and change our menus with season. So there is always something new to try and something new to appreciate.

What role do you believe Indian cuisine plays in the global culinary scene, and how does PINCODE contribute to this narrative?

Indian cuisine holds a significant place in the global culinary scene and its impact is profound, offering a window into the country’s vast cultural heritage through its food. Indian cuisine is much more than just a gastronomical delight; it’s a sensory journey that encapsulates the essence of India’s history, geography and spirituality.

With Pincode we try to give an experience to our patrons of the history and techniques behind Indian cooking, further deepening the appreciation for the cuisine. This educational approach helps demystify Indian cooking and encourages culinary experimentation.

Hospitality

TIMES SQUARE CENTER FOSTERS COMMUNITY TOGETHERNESS THIS EID WITH MR. KIND

Published

6 days ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Times Square Center will mark Eid Al Fitr with a three-day family experience from 20–22 March 2026, running 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily, featuring the beloved mascot Mr. Kind.

Under the theme “LOVE EID – A Day of Caring, Sharing & Fun!”, the event invites families to experience a lively programme of interactive shows, creative workshops, and engaging activities designed to entertain children while sharing positive messages around kindness, courage, and friendship.

Young visitors will also receive a complimentary Mr. Kind’s Book of Missions, packed with activities, badge stickers, and access to a library of transformational songs and missions that extend the fun beyond the event.

Event schedule

Mr. Kind Village Workshop (Creativity corner) : 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Ground Floor
Mr. Kind Show + Meet & Greet: 4:15 – 5:00 PM & 6:00–6:45 PM | Ground Floor
Mr. Kind Parade: 5:15 PM – 5:35 PM | Roaming throughout the Mall

With music, performances, and interactive experiences throughout the day, Times Square Center aims to provide a friendly space for families to connect and share meaningful moments together.

At Times Square Center, the safety and wellbeing of our community remain a priority. We encourage everyone to follow any guidance or protocols issued by the relevant authorities.

Hospitality

BKRY PARTNERS WITH BROOKI BAKEHOUSE FOR EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION CROOKIE

Published

6 days ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Ramadan, bkry unveils an exclusive collaboration with Australia’s cult-favourite Brooki Bakehouse by introducing the bkry Brooki Crookie. Priced at AED 39 per piece, this special edition pastry will be available daily until the end of Ramadan in limited quantities exclusively at the bkry pop-up in Marsa Boulevard.

Thoughtfully developed as a celebration of shared creativity and experimental baking, the collaboration brings together bkry’s artisanal approach with Brooki Bakehouse’s globally renowned flavours. Designed to be enjoyed as a moment of indulgence after sunset, the Crookie reflects both brands’ craftsmanship, curiosity, and comfort-led baking.

At the heart of the collaboration is the Crookie: a buttery, flaky croissant filled and topped with wholewheat brown-butter cookie dough, and enveloped with Tanzanian milk chocolate. Baked until golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, gooey centre, the Crookie offers a layered textural experience that combines richness with subtlety.

To mark the official launch, bkry Founder and Head Chef Kameel and Brooki Bakehouse Founder Brooke Bellamy will be present at Marsa Boulevard on Saturday, 28 February at 8:00 PM, celebrating the partnership and their shared passion for innovative baking.

Founded by Brooke Bellamy, Brooki Bakehouse is an Australian-born bakery known for its indulgent, cult-favourite baked goods and playful approach to classic flavours. What began in Brisbane has grown into a globally recognised brand with a loyal international following, driven by Brooke’s distinctive style and community-led storytelling. Celebrated for bold flavours, generous textures, and modern comfort baking, Brooki Bakehouse brings a globally relevant perspective to the collaboration, making it a natural partner for bkry’s experimental, craft-led approach.

Available throughout Ramadan at bkry’s Marsa Boulevard pop-up, the bkry x Brooki collaboration reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to meaningful partnerships and thoughtful experimentation – bringing together global influence and local craftsmanship in moments designed to be shared and savoured, setting the tone for a collaboration everyone has been waiting for.

Hospitality

THE BILTMORE VILLAS DUBAI INTRODUCES EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE VILLA STAYCATIONS THIS EID

Published

6 days ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The Biltmore Villas Dubai unveils a limited-time Exclusive Private Villa Staycation, inviting guests to indulge in a rare blend of seclusion, sophistication, and resort-style living within one of Dubai’s most prestigious luxury villa resorts.

Conceived for discerning guests who appreciate privacy and understated luxury, the fully serviced villas offer the spaciousness of a private residence complemented by the attentive service and refined amenities of a world-class resort. Each villa is appointed with a private temperature-controlled swimming pool, an in-villa cinema, and secure underground parking with direct access to the residence, all set within a gated enclave with round-the-clock security.

Guests booking during the promotional period will enjoy a curated collection of premium benefits:

25% off the Best Available Rate
AED 1,000 daily resort credit
Underground secure parking
Complimentary 60-minute daily padel session
Complimentary daily fitness classes
Complimentary daily laundry service

The experience offers an elegant urban retreat where privacy, generous living space, and personalized hospitality come together to create an exceptional staycation in the heart of Dubai.