India on a Plate

Food festivals in hotels are shining the spotlight on lesser-known and hyper-local cuisines that are giving them a fillip.

- By Bindu Gopal Rao

Food festivals at hotels are being promoted not just as events but as cultural experiences. The idea was always to create a sense of discovery, and hotels are making sure that unusual cuisines are being presented on a pedestal.

Cuisine Cues

Several conscientious hotels consistently curate food festivals that spotlight hyper-local and unusual cuisines. Anish Shrivastava, GM - Operations, Sayaji Resorts & Spa, Udaipur, says, "Most recently, we introduced Daastan-E-GT Road: The Highway Tales, featuring regional favourites such as Amritsari Fish, Kabuli Pulao, and Murthal ke Paranthe—dishes rarely found in mainstream restaurants. Our thought process was to move beyond the expected and revive dishes of cultural and historical significance that are gradually fading from everyday dining. We believe food is one of the most powerful storytellers of a region, and by showcasing these unique cuisines, we offer our guests a deeper connection with the destination. It is as much a celebration as it is a preservation of our culinary heritage."

Being Prepared