Paweena Withyasathien
Founder, Crimson and Clover Hospitality India Pvt. Ltd.
(Flo, CBD, Rasai, Cafe Del Sol, Bento Lab, Chat Chatore & Curry Express)
Paweena Withyasathien’s professional journey is a testament to creativity, adaptability, and perseverance. Beginning her academic pursuits in Interior Architecture, she later expanded her expertise by graduating in Construction Management from New York. These formative years laid a solid foundation in architectural design and problem-solving. Her career took a pivotal turn when she relocated to India, joining her husband, Baninder Singh, in his professional coffee roasting business.
Paweena soon recognized the potential of merging her newfound passion for bakery and chocolate with Baninder’s expertise in coffee roasting. This shared vision led to an exciting exploration of roasting cocoa and creating a synergy between coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate production. Bringing her international exposure and refined palate, she sought to introduce unique, high-quality offerings to the Indian market.
Educational Pursuits and Professional Growth
Paweena’s journey into the world of chocolate began with formal training. She pursued a Diploma in European Bakery and Pastry and a Professional Chocolatier Course under the mentorship of celebrated chef Vikas Bagul at the School of European Pastry in Mumbai. Determined to deepen her knowledge, she explored further education in Italy and Switzerland, graduating in Pastry Making in 2020. These comprehensive studies culminated in the launch of Savorworks the same year—a venture rooted in expertise and passion.
Savorworks: A Dream Turned Reality
Savorworks was born from meticulous planning, extensive research, and a shared vision between Paweena and Baninder. Their mission is to deliver exceptional coffee and chocolate experiences by combining craftsmanship, creativity, and international standards. The first Savorworks café introduced live coffee roasting and chocolate-making, setting a new benchmark for interactive culinary experiences in India.
Overcoming initial challenges, including educating the market about specialty coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate, the brand has grown steadily. Today, Savorworks boasts a flagship café in Greater Kailash 2, offering a curated space where customers can engage with the brand’s unique offerings and learn about its value propositions.
Innovative Design and Vision
Paweena’s background in architecture and design continues to influence her work. She views pastries and chocolates as forms of art, emphasizing aesthetics, flavor, and creativity. Savorworks revolutionized the Indian market with its intricate and visually appealing chocolate designs, moving beyond conventional shapes to deliver a premium experience.
This dedication to innovation extends to product development, where Paweena’s expertise and international perspective bring a fresh and unique dimension to the Indian palette.
Core Principles and Challenges
Despite initial hurdles, including limited awareness of specialty products and budget constraints, Savorworks has thrived by adhering to its core principles of quality and consistency. The brand has grown organically, relying on its products to speak for themselves and focusing on sustainable, profitable growth. Investments in high-quality equipment, like Swiss-imported coffee roasters, ensured a strong foundation for the business.
A People-Centric Approach
The success of Savorworks is deeply rooted in its strong relationships—with customers and employees alike. Paweena credits loyal customers, who acted as mentors and supporters, for shaping the business. The company also emphasizes building a team based on trust, appreciation, and mutual growth, fostering a culture of stability and opportunity.
Achievements and Growth
Since its inception, Savorworks has achieved several milestones:
● 2020: Launch of Savorworks and the first café featuring live coffee roasting and chocolate making.
● Subsequent Years: Expansion into chocolate roasting and the introduction of new product lines.
● 2025: Opening of the flagship café in Greater Kailash 2 and collaboration stores in Gurgaon.
By consistently investing in growth and innovation, Savorworks continues to set new standards in the premium food and beverage industry.
Looking Ahead
Paweena’s journey is one of determination and resilience. By blending creativity, craftsmanship, and a customer-first approach, she and Baninder have built Savorworks into a brand synonymous with quality and innovation. The future holds exciting possibilities as they continue to refine their offerings and expand their presence in the market, all while staying true to their mission of delivering exceptional coffee and chocolate experiences.