Get ready for delicious delicacies! This September and October, there are many food festivals in India that will keep your taste buds entertained. Be it the hustle and bustle of the streets of Delhi or the spectacular views of Bengaluru, each festival represents our rich culinary culture. Whether you are a foodie or a culture lover relishing traditional cuisine, these events have a treat for every kind. Join us and attend the best food festivals of this season, where the food tastes are mouth-watering and the secret treasures of culinary art are galore.
Photo Credit: iStock
Here are some must-visit food festivals in September-October 2024
Delhi – NCR
Lucknowi Dastarkhwan returns to Crowne Plaza New Delhi
Enjoy a delicious meal in Nawabi style as Crowne Plaza New Delhi brings back its Lucknowi Dastarkhwan Food Festival at Infinity. Themed “Mezab Kadardana Khansam”, the festival invites its patrons to enjoy the Nawabi hospitality and culinary excellence of Lucknow. Expect a specially created ambiance to transport you to the city’s iconic attractions like Hazratganj Chowk, Qaiser Bagh Palace and Aminabad Food Street. What else? Enjoy Lucknow’s most loved delicacies including Galouti Kebab, Murgh Awadhi Korma, Gosht Nalli Korma, Daal Gomti, Aloo Bukhara Kofta served with breads like Mughlai Parantha, Sheermal, Warqi Parantha and Ulta Tawa Parantha.
Highlights include street food like Tokri Chaat, Aloo Tikki Pani ke Batasha as well as excellent Awadhi Biryani with Burani Raita, Kathal Nehri, Mahi Nawabi Tikka, Peshawari Paneer, Murgh Badam Shorba, Dingri Dolma and Gulab Mastani Sherbat. End your meal on a delightfully sweet note with traditional desserts like Shahi Tukda, Badnam Kulfi, Malai Gilauri and Jalebi.
Where: Infinity, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar
When: September 6 – September 15, 2024
Biryani festival resumes at Gulati restaurant
Gulati Restaurant, known for its famous culinary outlet on Pandara Road, is all set to bring back its Biryani Festival with a host of new dishes. Expect at least 11 signature Dum Biryanis at both locations, including popular choices like Butter Chicken Biryani, Tawa Chicken Biryani, Paneer 65 Double Tadka Biryani, Mutton Biryani and Jackfruit Biryani. Each biryani is served with the quintessential “Mirch Ka Salan” and a delicious “Burani Raita” made with roasted garlic cloves, which enhances the experience of these aromatic dishes. The authentic Hyderabadi Dum Pukht Biryani is prepared using the traditional Dum Pukht method, where the biryani vessel is sealed with wheat dough and cooked completely on low flame, allowing the Hyderabadi spices to infuse into every grain.
Location: Gulati Restaurant, Pandara Road, Gurugram
When: September 4 – September 22, 2024
Enjoy Ramen delicacies at Cafe Delhi Heights
This September, Cafe Delhi Heights, Ikigai by Cafe Delhi Heights and Neighborly by Cafe Delhi Heights are launching a ramen festival. The festival will feature a variety of ramen dishes, each made with a miso or sesame broth. From the wholesome Silken Tofu Ramen Bowl, which is filled with ramen noodles, shiitake mushrooms, edamame beans, sprouts, bok choy and silken tofu, to the hearty Katsu Chicken Ramen Bowl, which features a rich soy sauce and miso broth with toppings like bok choy, boiled egg, shiitake mushrooms, nori and scallions. Seafood lovers can enjoy the Shrimp Tempura Ramen Bowl, which is topped with crispy shrimp tempura, nori, boiled egg, green onions and sesame oil sauce.
The Chasu Pork Ramen Bowl offers a taste of Japan with its melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork belly, while the Tenderloin Ramen Bowl offers a non-traditional yet delicious twist with succulent pork tenderloin. For those looking for bold flavours, the Lamb Meatball Ramen Bowl is a must-try, featuring crispy nori, boiled egg, bok choy and green onions. The Goma Dare Ramen Bowl, with its rich and creamy seafood blend, completes this diverse menu, ensuring there is something for every taste. The Ramen Festival at Cafe Delhi Heights Group promises to be a feast for the senses, inviting food lovers to immerse themselves in the comforting and complex flavours of these exquisite ramen bowls.
Where: All Cafe Delhi Heights outlet
When: September 1 – September 20, 2024
Photo Courtesy: Cafe Delhi Heights
Lodhi introduces Thai alchemy at Perbako
Lodhi New Delhi proudly presents Thai Alchemy, a three-day culinary pop-up celebrating the rich heritage of Thai cuisine. Thai Alchemy promises a gastronomic adventure with a thoughtfully crafted menu—starting with appetizers, such as the Thod Mun Haw Pli Khao Phod, a delicate red curry cake made with banana blossoms and American corn, or the fragrant chive dumplings, Kuy-Chai, drizzled with garlic oil. Chef Boro’s selection of aromatic soups includes Tom Yum Gai, a spicy and tangy chicken broth infused with exotic herbs, and Tom Kha Phak, a comforting coconut cream soup with mushrooms and tofu. Guests can then enjoy refreshing and vibrant salads—the delicious Som Tam Mamuang provides bursts of flavor, followed by the main courses, which feature a delightful range of curries and stir-fried dishes. From the spicy southern-style soft-shell crab curry, Pu Nim Kang Lahuang, to the rich and hearty Massaman curry with tender lamb, each dish showcases the perfect harmony of Thai spices and fresh ingredients. The gastronomic experience ends with the traditional Thai dessert, Tub Tim Grob, a classic fresh dish made from coconut and red ruby water chestnuts, cooked with pandan leaves, providing a sweet finale to a vibrant feast. This unique blend of cultures and cuisines at Perbaco promises a dining experience that is both memorable and truly special.
Location: Perbaco, The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
When: September 6 – September 8, 2024
Mumbai:
Enjoy Pan-Asian cooking at Kembara
Kembara, BKC’s Pan-Asian restaurant, invites you to enjoy a sumptuous brunch. The Sunday brunch menu at Kembara will feature a great selection of appetizers, sampler salads, mains and desserts. Some of the highlights include the comforting Chinese Wine Hot & Sour Soup (V), the crispy and delicious Crystal Vegetable Dumpling (V), and the succulent Chicken & Prawn Suimai and Wild Mushroom Bao. Discover a symphony of flavors with their salad sampler, the fiery Hot & Sour Shredded Potato, the bold Numbing Sichuan Chicken and the fragrant Crispy Sea Bass with Thai herbs. Try the Crispy Delight signature Kembara Shrimp Tempura Roll, a harmonious blend of crunchy tempura and succulent prawns in every bite! For those seeking a lighter option, the Hot & Sour Shredded Potato (V) and Chengdu Potato, Scallion & Onion (V) salads will surely satisfy. To complete the experience, the iconic Kung Pao Chicken, Thai Style Fried Rice and refreshing Lemongrass Cheesecake (a creamy and delicious dessert) will be available to tempt the taste buds.
Along with the great food, Kembara will also serve a variety of refreshing cocktails. Choose from the classic Kembara Sling. A vibrant blend of gin, cherry liqueur and citrus, topped with soda and garnished with pineapple and cherry. The Espresso Martini, a bold blend of espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur, providing a smooth, caffeinated kick, or the sophisticated Campari Highball, a blend of Campari and sparkling water with a citrus twist, providing a refreshing, bitter-sweet taste.
Address: Shop No. 11, Kembara, Ins Tower, Opposite Indian Oil Petrol Pump, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai
When: Every Sunday
Bangalore
Southern Spice Food Festival was organised at Salt Indian Restaurant
Enjoy the rich flavours of South India as Salt Indian Restaurant brings the Southern Spice Food Festival. The menu specially curated for this festival, prepared by Chef CV Chandran, includes a variety of dishes that will surely entice your taste buds. Start your culinary journey with the crispy and delicious Uragai Podi Idli, followed by the tender and spicy Vaazhappu Cutlets. For seafood lovers, the Meen Pollichathu and the mildly spicy Meen Moilee are a must-try. Meat lovers will enjoy the tangy flavours of Chicken Miriyalu, while those with a sweet tooth can conclude their meal with our signature desserts, Elaneer Payasam and Kasi Halwa. For the main course, enjoy hearty curries like Makka Cholam Keerai Masala and Pachkari Ishtave and for those looking for a delicious rice dish, the Ambur Mutton Biryani is a must-try. finally, satisfy your sweet cravings with creamy elaneer payasam and delicious khubani ka meetha.
Where: Salt Indian Restaurants Kammanahalli and UB City Mall outlets
When: UB City Mall (September 5 – September 15) and Kammanahalli (September 19 – September 29)
Onam Celebrations:
Celebrate Onam at Dakshin, Sheraton New Delhi
Dakshin, Sheraton’s South Indian restaurant, is all set to bring the true essence of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through a special Onam Sadhya, a traditional vegetarian feast. The carefully crafted menu includes a variety of classic dishes such as Aviyal, Pyaru Thovaran, Erusar, Kootu Curry and Kalan, among others, prepared under the expert guidance of our skilled chefs to bring the authentic flavours of Kerala straight to your plate. Guests can expect a warm and festive ambiance with traditional music, floral decorations and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the joyous celebration of this harvest festival.
Where: Dakshini, Sheraton New Delhi
When: September 06 – September 15, 2024
Photo Courtesy: Sheraton, New Delhi
Enjoy an Onam feast at Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks
Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks invites you and your loved ones to welcome Mahabali with a grand Sadhya. Enjoy timeless classic dishes like delicious Neyyappam, wholesome Aviyal, Kootu Curry, Thoran, Olan, Kalan, Pachadi, Inji Puli and Erissery, each prepared with the perfect balance of spices to awaken your senses and enjoy the delicious flavours of Parippu, Matta Rice and Sambar and Rasam, all served on a traditional banana leaf. End your Sadhya on a sweet note with desserts like Paal Payasam.
Where: Ministry of Finance, Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks
When: September 15
Enjoy authentic Sadya at Quattro, The Leela Bharati City
The Leela Indian City is all set to celebrate the vibrant Onam festival with a special Onam Sadya feast at its restaurant Quattro on September 14, 2024. Menu highlights include Sharkara Varatti (banana chips coated in jaggery), Kumbalanga Pachadi (ash gourd and coconut in mustard gravy), Beetroot Pachadi (a flavourful combination of sweet beetroot, coconut, mustard and homemade curd), Vendakka Theeyal (Kerala-style okra curry cooked in roasted coconut paste), and Paal Ada Payasam (rolled sheets of rice dough steamed and cut into squares, cooked in coconut milk and sugar). The menu also includes traditional dishes like Vazhakka Upperi, Kerala Pappadam, Rasakadali Pazham, Naranga Achar, Pulli Inji, Vellarikka Kichadi, Kondattam, Pineapple Pulissery, Valli Payar Thoran, Kootu Curry, Kalan, Olan, Aviyal, Chenma Rice, Nei Parippu, Varutharacha Sambar, Sambharam and Parippu Pradhama. Onam Sadya at Quattro is much more than just a meal; it is a celebration of love, sharing and togetherness – the essence of Onam.
Where: Quattro, Leela Bharati City Bangalore
When: September 14, 2024