Embassy of Sweden and L’Opéra Launch India’s First Alfred Nobel-Inspired Pastry in New Delhi

The Embassy of Sweden, in collaboration with L’Opéra, has introduced India’s first Alfred Nobel-inspired pastry, bringing together Scandinavian culinary inspiration, French pâtisserie craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury dining culture in New Delhi.

The dessert, created by L’Opéra Executive Chef Kevin Duthel, was unveiled during a curated evening celebrating the legacy of Alfred Nobel through gastronomy, art, and design. The launch also reflects a growing cultural dialogue between Sweden and India through food experiences that combine storytelling with craftsmanship.

Welcoming guests at the event, Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, spoke about Sweden’s long-standing tradition of creating desserts inspired by those served during the Nobel Prize Banquet. He shared that this marks the first time a Nobel-inspired pastry has been conceptualised and launched in India, expressing hope that the initiative will continue as an annual tradition.

Beginning 10 May 2026, the pastry will be available across all L’Opéra outlets. The evening also included the unveiling of a portrait of Alfred Nobel, now displayed at L’Opéra Art Cafe Bikaner House.

Chosen by the Embassy of Sweden for the collaboration, L’Opéra has long established itself within India’s premium culinary landscape for its commitment to authentic European baking traditions, refined French techniques, and elevated café experiences. The partnership reflects a shared appreciation for precision, creativity, and cultural expression through food.

Chef Kevin Duthel’s dessert draws from the philosophy of modern Scandinavian gastronomy, centred around ingredient-led flavours and regional inspiration. The pastry features sea buckthorn, cardamom, buckwheat, and an Assam tea crémeux, introducing an Indian element within a distinctly Nordic flavour profile.

Designed in a geometric triangular form, the dessert is finished with a dark chocolate royal spray and edible gold initials “AN,” referencing Alfred Nobel while also reflecting Scandinavian minimalism and contemporary European pastry aesthetics.

Speaking about the creative process, Kevin Duthel said Scandinavian cuisine has evolved globally over the last decade through its focus on local ingredients and natural flavours. He explained that the challenge was to balance elements such as berries, rye, smoke, and spice while maintaining a dessert that felt refined, structured, and connected to Swedish design influences.

Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of L’Opéra, said the brand was honoured to collaborate with the Embassy of Sweden on a project that celebrates culinary artistry and cultural exchange, adding that the team hopes the initiative evolves into a continuing annual tradition.

Founded in 2008 by Laurent Samandari, L’Opéra has become one of India’s most recognised names in luxury pâtisserie and café dining. From handcrafted pastries and Viennoiseries to refined all-day dining concepts, the brand continues to bring European culinary craftsmanship to India through its pâtisserie boutiques, Salon de Thé spaces, Le Café format, and Café du Jardin experiences.

The Embassy of Sweden, in collaboration with L’Opéra, has introduced India’s first Alfred Nobel-inspired pastry, bringing together Scandinavian culinary inspiration, French pâtisserie craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury dining culture in New Delhi.

The dessert, created by L’Opéra Executive Chef Kevin Duthel, was unveiled during a curated evening celebrating the legacy of Alfred Nobel through gastronomy, art, and design. The launch also reflects a growing cultural dialogue between Sweden and India through food experiences that combine storytelling with craftsmanship.

Welcoming guests at the event, Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, spoke about Sweden’s long-standing tradition of creating desserts inspired by those served during the Nobel Prize Banquet. He shared that this marks the first time a Nobel-inspired pastry has been conceptualised and launched in India, expressing hope that the initiative will continue as an annual tradition.

Beginning 10 May 2026, the pastry will be available across all L’Opéra outlets. The evening also included the unveiling of a portrait of Alfred Nobel, now displayed at L’Opéra Art Cafe Bikaner House.

Chosen by the Embassy of Sweden for the collaboration, L’Opéra has long established itself within India’s premium culinary landscape for its commitment to authentic European baking traditions, refined French techniques, and elevated café experiences. The partnership reflects a shared appreciation for precision, creativity, and cultural expression through food.

Chef Kevin Duthel’s dessert draws from the philosophy of modern Scandinavian gastronomy, centred around ingredient-led flavours and regional inspiration. The pastry features sea buckthorn, cardamom, buckwheat, and an Assam tea crémeux, introducing an Indian element within a distinctly Nordic flavour profile.

Designed in a geometric triangular form, the dessert is finished with a dark chocolate royal spray and edible gold initials “AN,” referencing Alfred Nobel while also reflecting Scandinavian minimalism and contemporary European pastry aesthetics.

Speaking about the creative process, Kevin Duthel said Scandinavian cuisine has evolved globally over the last decade through its focus on local ingredients and natural flavours. He explained that the challenge was to balance elements such as berries, rye, smoke, and spice while maintaining a dessert that felt refined, structured, and connected to Swedish design influences.

Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of L’Opéra, said the brand was honoured to collaborate with the Embassy of Sweden on a project that celebrates culinary artistry and cultural exchange, adding that the team hopes the initiative evolves into a continuing annual tradition.

Founded in 2008 by Laurent Samandari, L’Opéra has become one of India’s most recognised names in luxury pâtisserie and café dining. From handcrafted pastries and Viennoiseries to refined all-day dining concepts, the brand continues to bring European culinary craftsmanship to India through its pâtisserie boutiques, Salon de Thé spaces, Le Café format, and Café du Jardin experiences.