The new year brings the excitement of some amazing food festivals to enjoy in the country. Let’s see what you get to see.
2025 is here, and with it comes a wave of new excitement for food lovers! India’s culinary landscape is constantly evolving, full of new menus, creative fusion experiments and flavors that break boundaries. From reviving regional treasures to embracing global influences, there’s something for everyone to explore. Food festivals, in particular, have become a perfect playground for chefs and foodies, celebrating the country’s rich and diverse food culture. Ready to enjoy all things delicious? Let’s dive right in!
Delhi-NCR
Punjab Grill celebrates the heritage of Indian kebab with ‘Kebab Di Stories’
Punjab Grill brings its much-awaited festival Kebab Di Kahani, which celebrates the evolution of kebab. The celebration features an exquisite selection of kebabs, each prepared with care and passion to offer a journey through the rich culinary landscape of India. You can expect a range of dishes, including the juicy Bihari Dabba Chicken inspired by the Champaran region of Bihar, slow-cooked dough in earthen pots that exudes rich flavor and juiciness, and the Quinoa Kaladi Kebab – a unique Vegetarian composition, featuring Kaladi Paneer. J&K offers a tangy, cheese-filled experience that pairs perfectly with the crunch of quinoa.
For seafood lovers, Black Garlic Prawns offers jumbo prawns marinated in black garlic, lemon and fresh herbs, cooked in traditional tandoori style. Made with charred chicken and marinated with gongura leaves, Kalmi Kebab offers a tangy, bitter-sweet flavour, capturing the essence of ancient Indian flavours. The tempeh roll brings together Indonesian and Indian influences, featuring crispy fried tempeh, caramelized onions and fresh herbs wrapped in a tortilla.
Chapli kebab, originating from the British Raj era, offers a delicate balance of freshly ground spices and tender meat, making it a perfect blend of old and new. To end the culinary journey, guests can enjoy Chenna Poda, a popular Odia sweet with a mild tangy sweetness, providing a delightful finale to the meal.
Where: All Delhi NCR and Mumbai restaurants
When: 5 January to 16 February
Crowne Plaza Greater Noida offers an exotic culinary experience with its Lohri Week Celebrations
Step into the heart of Punjab as Spice Art at Crowne Plaza brings to life the warmth and vibrancy of the harvest festival with its Lohri week celebration. Guests can enjoy the authentic taste of traditional Punjabi cuisine in a rustic, village-inspired setting. Enjoy Amritsari Fish and Paneer Tikka as a starter, followed by hearty dishes like Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Roti, Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Chole Bhature and Baingan Bharta. End your meal with delicious Punjabi sweets like jaggery halwa, til laddu and pinni. Also, enjoy lassi, thandai and masala tea to enhance the flavor of the season.
Where: Chowk Institutional Green, Surajpur, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306
When: 3-14 January 2025
The Leela Ambience Gurugram presents an exquisite Jamavar pop-up at Hotel Diya
Get ready to explore a world of culinary opulence as Mumbai’s Jamawar takes over Diya at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences. Sous Chef Virendra Singh’s menu will transport diners across India, from the juicy Raan-e-Jamawar and creamy Murgh Tikka Makhani to the coastal flavors of Malabar Pomfret Curry. These signature dishes include Dia’s beloved creations like Tandoori Shrimp and Majlisi Kebab. The experience will include Indian instrumental music and a themed ambiance, adding to the luxurious dining experience.
Where: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, National Highway 8, Ambience Island, DLF Phase 3, Sector 24, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
When: January 20 to 26, 2025
Explorers Club comes to Gurugram with a weekend of spirits, music and food
Mark your calendars for an exciting start to the New Year as Explorers Club arrives at DLF World Tech Park, Gurugram. This year, the festival offers an incredible mix of curated spirits and culinary delights. With premium gin, tequila, whiskey, rum, liqueurs and more, guests are invited to explore a world of luxury flavors. Expect to enjoy domestic and international brands such as El Cristiano Tequila, Bushmills Whiskey, Camicara Rum, Don Julio Tequila, Roku Gin, Samsara Gin, Skyy Vodka and the iconic Old Monk.
There is a range of food available at the Explorers Club, for every taste. From the country’s popular restaurants like Kofuku and Burma Burma to the finest home kitchens serving flavors rooted in tradition like Vietnam-Ez Capé and Mood Kitchen, the festival is a gastronomic paradise. But that’s not all; The star of food curation is a barbecue lover’s dream! At a signature pit, guests can enjoy a grilled, smoky winter brunch while sipping classic cocktails. Coffee lovers will have the opportunity to explore the dedicated Coffee Souk, featuring artisan brands such as First Coffee, Kaffa and Billy Hu, carefully curated to ensure there is something to drink for everyone.
Where: DLF World Tech Park, Gurugram
When: January 11 and 12, 2025
Photo: Explorers Club
Bengaluru:
Enjoy a week-long Persian Food Festival at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru
Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru’s dining restaurant Cosmo is hosting a week-long Persian food festival. In collaboration with Chef Mona Pourdaraynezhad, the festival will showcase the diverse and rich flavors of Persian cuisine, offering a range of traditional dishes prepared from authentic ingredients such as fragrant saffron, tart pomegranate paste and spicy dried lemons.
The menu begins with delicious starters like Jujhe Kebab and Kobeda Kebab, paired with hearty soups and delicious side dishes. Main courses include kofta kebab, flafil, flafil abadan, mahi aflatoun, koresh khalal almonds and morgh zirisk, each of which showcases the depth of Persian flavour. To further elevate the menu, there are additional offerings including Megu Dopyaza, Dal Sumac, Koresh Batanjan, Koresh Bamiyan, Morg Zerish Polo, Bagli Polo and Dill-Infused Polo. With exquisite menus for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, the Persian Food Festival promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience, offering a unique glimpse of Iran’s cultural heritage. With its diverse range of traditional dishes and authentic ingredients, this festival is a must visit for foodies in Bangalore.
Where: Cosmo, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, 43/4, Bellary Road, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560092
When: 10 January – 19 January
Photo: Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru
notes
About Nikita NikhilMeet Nikita, a passionate soul with immense love for two things in life: Bollywood and food! When she is not indulging in binge-watching sessions, Nikita can be found behind the lens capturing moments or expressing her creativity through painting.