Brands
Noto scoops up Bandra buzz with launch of Meltshop, its first-ever dessert flagship outlet
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s dessert scene just got a serious sugar rush. Noto Ice Creams & Desserts opened the doors to its first-ever physical scoop shop—Meltshop by Noto—in Bandra. Known for pioneering guilt-free indulgence in the digital delivery world, the brand has now gone brick-and-mortar, and it’s not holding back on flavour.
Positioned as more than just an ice cream parlour, Meltshop introduces the Notoverse—a dessert destination designed to blend comfort with creativity. At its core is a cheeky, joy-filled menu featuring 15 artisanal scoop flavours, a signature softy, and six single-serve sundae creations crafted for dessert maximalists and minimalists alike.
Among the must-tries: Trip to Thailand—a combo of mango swirl ice cream, sticky rice and popping boba—and Coffee Biscoff with a sneaky cocoa finish. Other highlights include fruity favourites, Matcha Raspberry and Pistachio. For loyalists, Noto’s packaged ice cream range remains available on-site, bridging the brand’s online roots with its new offline identity.
“With Meltshop by Noto, we didn’t just want to create a place to eat ice cream, but we wanted to build a joyful escape”, said Noto co-founder Varun Sheth. “A space where our community can enjoy both the healthy and indulgent sides of Noto in their most fun and feel-good form. We see you—bad day, good day, or just a boring old Monday, we’re here with the scoop.”
Visually, Meltshop doubles as a dopamine hit. The store is painted in bold hues, fitted with playful touches and corners seemingly designed for Instagram. But behind the photogenic flair lies serious scoop intent. Whether you’re in for a casual fix or a full-blown dessert spree, Meltshop serves it up with what the brand calls “Big Scoop Energy”—high on flavour, low on guilt.
For Mumbai’s dessert crowd, Noto’s Meltshop is not just a new place to eat—it’s a feel-good mood with a sprinkle of indulgent rebellion.
Brands
India’s food culture takes a bold turn in 2025
From fusion desserts to experiential dining, four trends reshape how the nation eats.
MUMBAI: India’s plates just got a serious upgrade in 2025 because when tradition meets TikTok and fusion meets fitness, even the humble samosa starts feeling trendy. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 predicted several shifts in Indian eating habits, and the past year proved the forecasters right. From reimagined desserts to immersive dining experiences, Indian consumers showed they want authenticity, convenience, global flavours and health in equal measure.
Here are four trends that truly came alive in 2025 and are now shaping how India eats and dines:
1. Indian Desserts Get a Modern Makeover Traditional mithai found fresh life through fusion experiments. Cheesecakes, truffles and plated desserts inspired by classics like gulab jamun and rasgulla gained popularity, while chocolate-forward, fruit-led and lower-sugar options appealed to younger diners. According to the How India Eats 2025 report, desserts and ice-cream parlours were among the fastest-growing segments in organised food services. Examples: The Bombay Canteen’s Coffee Rasgulla Sundae and Le Chocolate Cakes and More’s Gulab Jamun Cake. Chef Aarohi Sanghavi of Maki Patisserie noted the shift toward seasonality and fresh Indian produce, while Chef Heena Punwani of Maska Bakery highlighted the appeal of flexible, weekend-special menus.
2. Social Media Becomes the New Menu Food discovery went fully digital. Instagram Reels, YouTube reviews and creator-led content heavily influenced dining choices, with food remaining one of the most consumed categories on social media. Restaurants began designing visually striking dishes specifically for shareability, while many diners found new spots through viral videos rather than traditional advertising. The How India Eats 2025 report revealed that over 75% of marketing spends by leading QSR chains now go toward digital channels. Cafes like Mokai and Candies became creator favourites, and brands such as Bastian Hospitality curated highly shareable pop-ups and events. Kavita Rajwade of IVM Podcasts emphasised how long-form storytelling helps decode food’s cultural and economic layers, while Pranav Joshi of Floydian Cookery admitted his page grew far beyond expectations.
3. Snacking Culture Goes Mainstream India’s love for snacks evolved into a full grazing lifestyle, with many opting for multiple small bites throughout the day instead of three structured meals. This shift spurred innovation in formats—from gourmet chips and fusion street food to protein-packed options. Restaurants responded with small-plate menus designed for sharing. The How India Eats 2025 report noted that late-night orders grew nearly 3x faster than dinner. Brands like The Whole Truth Foods and Green Snack Co. popularised clean-label snacks such as protein bars and roasted nuts. Madhushree Basu Roy of Pikturenama Studios predicted a mix of convenience, health consciousness and global influences, while freelance food writer Sharmila Vaidyanathan observed that consumers want the best of both worlds healthy options for routine snacking and traditional treats for special occasions.
4. Dining Becomes an Experience, Not Just a Meal The most noticeable shift was the rise of experiential dining. Consumers increasingly sought restaurants that offered more than good food, they wanted immersion, storytelling and chef-driven concepts. Venues like Papa’s in Mumbai (intimate tasting menus), Bombay Daak (theatrical regional flavours) and Masala Library (modernist presentations) turned meals into memorable events. Tasting menus, themed pop-ups and chef collaborations became more common, transforming dining out into entertainment. The How India Eats 2025 report highlighted how experience-led formats and storytelling are key to attracting younger diners. Chef Karan Upmanyu of ParTTwo in Bengaluru observed that new outlets are breaking away from rigid formats, focusing instead on creating relaxed spaces where people simply enjoy spending time.
As 2026 unfolds, these trends suggest India’s food culture is no longer just about what’s on the plate, it’s about how the plate makes us feel, connect and remember. From a quick Reel-inspired snack to a full theatrical dining experience, Indian diners are voting with their forks for food that is both rooted in tradition and unafraid to experiment. The table, it seems, has never been more exciting.
