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The Ramanath Payyade College of Hospitality Management Studies in Kurla, Mumbai became an unexpected theatre of culinary dreams on 1st November 2025. As over 150 food enthusiasts gathered for the debut of Slurrp Great Indian Cookout 4.0, the air was thick with anticipation, the aroma of spices, and something else, the quiet hum of innovation reshaping how we think about home cooking. Presented by USHA and co-presented by Aashirvaad, with Associate Partner Foodies Only and Streaming Partner OTT Play, this event was designed to be a celebration of the city’s most iconic flavours and their innovation potential.
The 'Gully to Gourmet' theme challenged contestants to elevate street food into refined cuisine,a task that requires not just skill and imagination, but the right tools. This is where USHA's role transcended traditional brand partnerships. Their experience zone wasn't simply a display area; it morphed into a hands-on laboratory where attendees could experiment with technology designed to make ambitious cooking achievable.
Chef Amrita Raichand makes Pav Bhaji Fondue in the USHA Blender Heater
Take the blender heater, for instance. While Chef Amrita Raichand demonstrated her Pav Bhaji Fondue on stage, visitors in the USHA zone were creating their own soups and experimenting with homemade nut milks. The appliance's Quadra Noise Reduction Technology meant conversations could continue uninterrupted,a small detail that speaks volumes about understanding the Indian kitchen, where cooking and conversation are inseparable. The 100W copper motor and steam mode for easy cleaning addressed practical concerns that home cooks face daily, turning tedious tasks into manageable ones.
The USHA Experience Zone at GIC Mumbai
The air fryer proved equally popular, churning out crispy samosas and fries that disappeared as quickly as they emerged. These weren't just product demonstrations; they were moments of discovery, where home cooks realised that achieving restaurant-quality results at home wasn't as daunting as they'd imagined.
Speaking on the success of the debut edition, CEO and co-founder of HT Labs, Avinash Mudaliar says, "As we celebrate the 4th edition of the Slurrp Great Indian Cookout in Mumbai, I am profoundly humbled by the extraordinary spirit, imagination and culinary brilliance on display. My deepest gratitude goes to our visionary partners USHA, Aashirvaad, and Foodies Only, the masterful chef-judges such as Neha Deepak Shah, Amrita Raichand and Akanksha Saigal your energy, enthusiasm, and erudition about food and culinary craft are the heartbeat of this gathering."
The partnership between innovation and tradition extended beyond USHA. Speaking about this partnership, Anuj Rustagi, BU Chief Executive Staples, Foods Division, ITC Ltd. said, "At Aashirvaad, we have always believed in being part of our consumers' cooking journeys, helping them create dishes filled with authenticity, trust, and love. We are truly delighted to be a part of Slurrp's Great Indian Cookout, a platform that celebrates India's incredible diversity of flavours and homegrown culinary talent. As a co-presenting partner, we are proud to support home chefs as they bring their creativity to life using Aashirvaad products, showcasing how the right ingredients can elevate every meal."
Home Chefs explore the USHA Experience Zone
When Shobha Halkati's Beetroot Tart with Rasmalai Filling was crowned the winner, it symbolised what the entire event represented, respect for tradition coupled with fearless innovation. Her journey from one of 9,000 online entries to Mumbai's champion mirrored the broader narrative USHA embodies: that with the right support and tools, extraordinary achievements are within reach of ordinary home cooks.
The Mumbai edition of Slurrp GIC 4.0 proved that celebrating culinary heritage doesn't mean being bound by it. As the competition moves to other cities, it leaves behind a powerful message, the future of Indian cuisine is being written in home kitchens, one innovative dish at a time, supported by brands like USHA that understand that true partnership means enabling dreams, not just selling products.
