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Hospitality
My knife is the secret sauce of my culinary magic
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.
In celebration of UAE Flag Day, RX Coffee Apothecary is introducing a limited-edition Qahwa Soft Serve, offering a contemporary take on one of the region’s most cherished flavours. Available exclusively from 1 to 7 November 2026, the special creation pays tribute to the UAE’s rich cultural heritage through a unique dessert experience.
Inspired by the traditional Arabic coffee, Qahwa, which holds a special place in Emirati hospitality and culture, the limited-edition soft serve reimagines familiar flavours in a refreshing new format. Blending tradition with a modern twist, the creation reflects RX Coffee Apothecary’s approach to bringing creativity and innovation to its offerings.
As the UAE comes together to celebrate Flag Day, a symbol of unity, pride and national identity, RX Coffee Apothecary invites guests to mark the occasion with a sweet treat that celebrates the flavours of the region. The Qahwa Soft Serve will be available across all RX outlets, including Dubai Mall, Jumeirah, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Al Zahia.
From Scratch by The Coffee Lab is introducing a special Saturday morning experience, bringing the simple pleasure of freshly baked croissants straight to guests’ tables. Taking place exclusively at its Last Exit Al Khawaneej location every Saturday at 10:30 AM, the experience transforms a classic breakfast favorite into an interactive weekend ritual.
Adding a playful touch to the weekend, the experience begins with the ringing of a bell, signaling that a fresh batch of croissants has just come out of the oven. A dedicated serving table then makes its way around the café, bringing the freshly baked treats directly to customers and turning an everyday breakfast favorite into a memorable weekend ritual.
Prepared in-house by From Scratch Concept, The Coffee Lab’s fully operational kitchen, the croissants reflect the brand’s focus on freshness, craftsmanship and quality. Paired with The Coffee Lab’s specialty coffee, the experience offers guests a delicious reason to slow down and savour their Saturday mornings.
What began as a container café along the Port Rashid waterfront has evolved into a multi-floor destination at Marina Views, Mina Rashid. Today, The Coffee Lab brings together an in-house coffee roastery, a specialty coffee bar, From Scratch Concept and Cocoa Pod, its dedicated bean-to-bar chocolate studio, under one roof.
Through this new Saturday morning ritual, From Scratch by The Coffee Lab continues to create memorable dining experiences that bring together freshly baked croissants, specialty coffee and a sense of community.
Experience Details
- What: Saturday Croissant Experience | Where: The Coffee Lab, Last Exit Al Khawaneej, Dubai | When: Every Saturday at 10:30 AM | Highlight: Freshly baked croissants served through a live tableside experience, announced by the ringing of a bell
A night of dark romance, dinner and dancing awaits as La Niña dresses in black for Halloween
This Halloween, La Niña invites guests to embrace the darker side of romance with The Black Wedding, a one-night-only celebration bringing together dinner, music and late-night revelry in an atmosphere of mystery and drama.
Taking place on Friday, 30 October from 8:00 PM onwards, the evening will see La Niña transform for a Halloween affair dressed entirely in black, setting the scene for an unconventional wedding celebration where dark romance meets the dancefloor.
Guests are invited to begin the evening over dinner, experiencing La Niña’s signature cuisine before the atmosphere shifts as the night unfolds. DJs will take over the soundtrack, carrying the celebration into the late hours and turning dinner into a full Halloween night out.
In keeping with The Black Wedding theme, guests are encouraged to arrive in all-black mourning attire, with veils, lace and dramatic details setting the dress code for the evening.
Elegant yet mysterious, The Black Wedding offers an alternative to the traditional Halloween party, bringing La Niña’s distinctive character to the occasion through food, music and a touch of theatricality. Gather for dinner. Stay for the celebration. Dress to kill.
EVENT DETAILS: Date: Friday, 30 October 2026 Time: 8:00 PM onwards | Dress-Code: All-black mourning attire – veils, lace and a touch of drama Venue: La Niña, Dubai | Location: ICD Brookfield Place – DIFC – Dubai
RX Coffee Apothecary Celebrates UAE Flag Day with Limited-Edition Qahwa Soft Serve
From Scratch by The Coffee Lab Introduces a New Saturday Morning Croissant Experience
LA NIÑA PRESENTS “THE BLACK WEDDING” THIS HALLOWEEN
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