From Camera To Culinary: How Kusha Kapila And Rhea Wadhawan Baked Up TORTE

Kusha Kapila and Rhea Wadhawan have been inseparable for almost two decades- college buddies turned business partners, sharing career changes and life transitions. They’ve transitioned from delusional startup founders at 23 to corporate professionals at 27, and now, bold entrepreneurs in their 30s.

Their latest venture, TORTE, is not just a dessert bar—it’s a culinary experience that blends indulgence, aesthetics, and social media appeal.

When Rhea, a trained pastry chef, declared she wanted to open a boutique dessert café, Kusha’s response was classic: “Tu kar, behen.” And today, that belief has materialized into one of Gurgaon’s most talked-about eateries.

The TORTE Experience: More Than Just Desserts

TORTE isn’t a bakery; it’s a contemporary dessert destination where flavour and art intersect. The menu is crafted to deliver a sensory experience, highlighting handcrafted desserts, plated sweets, and bold pairings.

Signature Offerings at TORTE

Flourless Chocolate Torte – A rich, gluten-free indulgence.
Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake – A perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a delicate burnt top.
Berry & Pistachio Mille-Feuille – Layers of buttery pastry, tangy berries, and pistachio cream.
Torched Smores Tart – Nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores in a gourmet tart.
Dessert & Cocktail Pairings – A signature concept where desserts are paired with artisanal cocktails.

Every dish is crafted to be as photogenic as it is delicious, catering to both food lovers and Instagram enthusiasts.

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The Bollywood Connection: When Celebrities Turn Restaurateurs

Kusha and Rhea are not the first personalities to venture into the food business. Celebrities and influencers have, in recent years, acknowledged the strength of experiential dining.

Some notable examples:

Shilpa Shetty co-owns the upscale Bastian in Mumbai.
Priyanka Chopra launched SONA in New York, bringing modern Indian cuisine to a global audience.
Virat Kohli is behind One8 Commune, a chain of stylish eateries across India.
Badshah partnered with Zorawar Kalra to develop the luxury dining concept BOHO.

Why do these ventures thrive? They can use star power, social media, and experiential marketing to attract customers. TORTE uses the same formula, bringing Kusha’s online clout and Rhea’s culinary know-how together to create an abuzz name in the sector.

Instagram: The Ultimate Restaurant Influencer

In today’s digital age, people don’t just choose restaurants based on word-of-mouth or reviews—they pick places that look great on Instagram.

Aesthetic Matters – Beautifully plated food attracts more customers. TORTE’s desserts are designed to be “Instagrammable” to maximize online traction.
Location Tagging & Discovery – Many diners search Instagram before heading out. TORTE’s strategic social media presence ensures high visibility.
Influencer Collaborations—Instead of traditional marketing, TORTE relies on food bloggers, lifestyle creators, and Kusha’s enormous audience to create buzz.
Viral Trends = More Customers – Whether it’s limited-edition desserts, interactive plating, or trendy ingredients, staying ahead of Instagram food trends gives restaurants a competitive edge.

While Instagram has transformed the food industry, it also brings challenges—restaurants must constantly innovate to remain relevant in a fast-moving digital landscape.

Why TORTE is Poised for Success

TORTE is more than just a passion project– it’s a carefully crafted brand built on:

Great storytelling – The story of two best friends going on a leap of faith makes it accurate and engaging.
Digital-first marketing: Capitalizing on Kusha’s influencer nature gives it an organic reach that no paid advertising campaign can offer.
Creative Menu – With gluten-free, traditional, and adventurous desserts, TORTE appeals to varied taste buds.
Experiential Dining – Emphasis on plated desserts & cocktail pairings takes it above the level of a run-of-the-mill bakery.

The Road Ahead

As TORTE enters its next phase, the brand aims to:

Expand its menu with seasonal and experimental desserts.
Collaborate with other influencers & chefs to drive new audiences.
Host exclusive dessert-tasting events to establish itself as a premium experience.

With culinary innovation, social media mastery, and genuine friendship, TORTE isn’t just a new dessert café—it’s the start of a dessert revolution.