Are you ready to welcome the winter season with a blast? November and December are packed with vibrant food festivals across India, celebrating everything from regional flavours to lip-smacking gourmet delights. From the cultural charm of Delhi to the bustling vibes of Mumbai to the fusion of flavours of Bengaluru, each event showcases the essence of our culinary heritage. Whether you are a passionate foodie or just like to explore a variety of local foods, these festivals offer a feast for all senses. So, check out what these handpicked food festivals have to offer you this time!
Photo Credit: Zanotta at The Leela Ambience Gurugram.
Here Are Some Must-Visit Food Festivals In November-December 2024
Delhi-NCR
Enjoy 2-Michelin-Key at Zanotta, The Leela Ambience Gurugram
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences invited you to experience an iconic pop-up featuring Villa Cora, a two Michelin-key hotel from Florence. This exclusive experience is set to take place at Zanotta and will be piloted by Executive Chef Alessandro Liberatore. The menu showcases authentic Italian gastronomy, presented with a contemporary flair that elevates every bite into an art form. To complement this fine dining experience, an exceptional selection of wines has been curated to pair with each course. Every glass has been chosen to enhance the nuances of the ingredients, creating a symphony of flavours that unfolds throughout the evening. The menu will feature signature dishes of Chef Alessandro Liberatore, taking diners on a flavorful journey through Italy’s most beloved region.
When: November 22nd and 23rd, 2024
Where: National Highway 8, Ambience Island, DLF Phase 3, Sector 24, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
Nirvana Feast Pop-Up Comes To The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi
The Westin Gurgaon will present a 10-course tasting menu in the first-ever pop-up in North India by Kerala’s celebrated Chef Suresh Pillai. The menu is designed to showcase the depth and vibrancy of Kerala’s cuisine, with Chef Pillai’s renowned Fish Nirvana as its crowning feature. Enjoy this exclusive pop-up, experiencing and capturing the essence of Kerala’s culinary richness!
When: November 15th November 2024
Where: Story Club & Lounge, The Westin Gurgaon
Street Foods by Punjab Grill Launches Biryani Festival
Street Foods by Punjab Grill is launching its Biryani Festival, a month-long festival that brings to life the authentic flavours of India with a diverse selection of biryanis that celebrate the depth and variety of regional culinary traditions.
Among the non-vegetarian offerings, the Awadhi Murgh Dum Biryani stands out, featuring tender, marinated chicken cooked with long-grain Basmati rice, yogurt, and Lucknowi spices. This delicacy is slow-cooked in a leather pot, imparting a rich, earthy aroma that elevates the dish. Another favorite, the Tandoori Tangari Biryani, combines tandoor-roasted chicken drumsticks with subtly spiced, smoky rice for a uniquely bold flavor profile. Meanwhile, the Chandni Chowk Chicken Tikka Masala Biryani offers a taste of Old Delhi with boneless pieces of spiced yogurt-marinated chicken, cooked in the tandoor and layered with fluffy, aromatic Basmati rice.
Vegetarian diners can indulge in the Purani Delhi Subaz Dum Biryani, which blends exotic vegetables with a spice mix and Basmati rice, traditionally cooked over an open fire in a leather pot for a hearty and authentic experience. The Paneer Tikka Biryani provides a rich Mughlai experience, combining paneer with fragrant spices, herbs, and Basmati rice, while the Amritsari Soya Chaap Biryani captures the flavors of Punjab’s street food scene with mock meat marinated in Amritsari spices and layered with aromatic rice.
Where: All Street Foods by Punjab Grill outlets
When: November 15th to December 15th
China XO meets Spectra for an exclusive event
The renowned China XO from The Leela Palace Chennai elevates Spectra’s vibrant seven-kitchen setting at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences into an enticing atmosphere from November 15th to 17th. The restaurant’s offerings shine in its handcrafted dim sum-from the delicate folds of Hargov Dumplings to the luxurious pairing of truffle and edamame. These creations, along with signatures like the Singapore-style Chilli Crab and expertly crafted Kung Pao Chicken, have earned China XO its distinguished reputation.
Each dish emerges from the kitchen with its own story-whether it’s the Hong Kong-style Pan-fried Angus Rib Eye, enhanced with red wine tomato sauce, or the nuanced Braised Tofu with assorted vegetables, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience China XO’s culinary artistry in a new setting.
Where: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences
When: November 15th to 17th.
Discover the essence of Wazwan at The Leela Palace New Delhi’s Kashmiri Food Festival
Experience a truly unique culinary journey straight from the valleys of Kashmir as The Leela Palace New Delhi hosts a Kashmiri Food Festival at The Qube. Showcasing the intricate flavours of traditional Kashmiri cuisine, each dish in the buffet spread is crafted by renowned Chef Tariq Ahmed. The highlight of this experience is the traditional slow-cooking techniques that ensure each delicacy retains its balance of flavours, nutrients, and aromas, turning every bite into a remarkable sensorial journey.
The meticulously crafted menu offers a sumptuous selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kashmiri specialties, spanning from appetisers to mains, and paired with traditional accompaniments and beverages. Guests can begin with a hearty soup, followed by the signature Kashmiri delicacies like Nadru Churma, Paneer Kanti, Mutton Tabakh Maaz and Mutton Badam Qurma, Kashmiri Waza Saag, Mujj, and Al-Hachi. The experience is complemented by the refreshing Kashmiri Kahwa and traditional accompaniments like Kashmiri Anchar Chutney and Perish, resulting in a true culinary journey into the heart of Kashmir.
Where: The Leela Palace New Delhi
When: 8th November to 17th November 2024
Crowne Plaza Today Gurugram Presents Kashmiri Pandit Food Festival ‘Jhelum’
Crowne Plaza Today Gurugram is thrilled to present Jhelum, a unique food festival celebrating the exquisite flavors of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine, curated by renowned Chef Rahul Wali and Executive Chef Sandeep Saini. Patrons are invited to immerse themselves in the rich culinary traditions of Kashmir, featuring a blend of delicate spices, bold flavors, and authentic recipes such as Rogan Josh, Nadir Kebab, Warimuth Kebab, and Kabargah Mutton that have been cherished for generations.
Where: Kaansa & Cafe G, Crowne Plaza Today Gurugram
When: November 14th – 23rd, 2024
Cafe Delhi Heights Presents PASTA LA VISTA PASTA FRESCA Festival
Come and experience Cafe Delhi Heights’ PASTA LA VISTA PASTA FRESCA – which brings the finest handmade, fresh pasta to food lovers, offering a range of authentic Italian dishes that can be customized to your preference. You can indulge in various pasta options, including fettuccine, spinach and goat cheese ravioli, linguine, cannelloni, and lasagna, each made fresh for the festival. To complement the pasta, the menu features a wide selection of sauces, from the spicy kick of Arrabiata to the creamy richness of Carbonara. Whether you choose a light Pomodoro sauce, the earthy notes of truffle with mushrooms, or a tangy Frutti di Mare with seafood, every dish is crafted to deliver bold, unforgettable flavours. For meat lovers, there are tempting add-ons like grilled chicken, minced lamb, bacon, and smoked chicken, which can be paired with your choice of pasta and sauce. The options are endless, ensuring every visit to Cafe Delhi Heights during this festival is a new experience for the palate.
When: 15th Oct to 15th Nov, 2024
Where: All Cafe Delhi Heights Outlets
Photo Credit: Cafe Delhi Heights
Mumbai
Swaad by Ishaara: An Ode To India’s Culinary Heritage
Photo Credit: Ishaara
Ishaara is hosting an exclusive pop-up this November that food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. We had the chance to attend a preview dinner for Swaad by Ishaara, a 7-course dining experience curated by celebrated culinary expert Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal. Each course is rooted in specific ingredients, flavours or a sense of taste, evoking the rich histories of how food has evolved over centuries. Chef Rushina spotlights lesser-known delights, through foraged ingredients and ancient recipes that are given amazing twists. Our meal begins with “Katu” (Bitter/Astringent), a course that features a restorative broth made more delicious with the seasonal addition of fresh turmeric. Next is Namak (Salt), spotlighting Patra Shaka, Australian Salt Bush, and Uttarakhand’s Pisyoon Loon. It is served with Chef Rushina’s two signature types of salt that we proceeded to pair with every dish that came later! The Khatai (Sour) course – one of our favourites – showed us just how diverse tanginess can be through the yumminess of Gondhoraj butter, Australian lemon myrtle, and Ladakhi Seabuckthorn with Apricot Chutney. It was followed by the Mirch (Spice) course, featuring the long pepper (Pipali) and the fiery Naga chilli served with a barnyard millet porridge from Uttarakhand.
The Tadka course, while celebrating the art of tempering, also gave us the chance to taste the enriching earthiness of Pahadi-style wild tubers. The mains in Svada are inspired by recipes from the Pakadarpana of Nala, a legendary Indian treatise on cooking. The sweet finale – Sugandha – was a lip-smacking one. The layers of kurmura chikki, malai and gajak are a reference to offerings mentioned in the Ramayana, nodding to tradition in a beautiful way. Each element of every course has been not cooked with passion, but also sourced in ways that pay homage to their origins. This is a meal we’re not going to forget for a long time and we highly recommend you experience it while you still have the chance. — Toshita Sahni
Dates: 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd November, 2024 (Dinner Only)
Venue: Ishaara Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Mumbai
Time: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Price: Rs 2950 (all-inclusive)
India Cocktail Week Comes To Jio World Garden
A weekend full of flavour and fun is back as India Cocktail Week kicks off with its 5th edition in Mumbai. The two-day festival is set to shake things up with mastery of mixology, live music performances, creative drinks and fun games. For curious tasters, it’s a weekend of sipping and savouring the best cocktails, while those who want to learn to invoke these sensory delights can join the mixology masterclass. There’s also an exciting lineup of live musical performances from Rivo, Anyasa, Nightmares On Wax, When Chai Met Toast, Teho (live set) and more to shake and groove to. Adding to this vibrant ambience, eclectic bar pop-ups will feature bartender guests from the World’s Top 50 Bars. So get ready to experience cocktail magic in every glass. India Cocktail Week is set to showcase over 30 brand experiences, featuring top-tier names in the spirits industry like Absolut, Bacardi, Baileys, Beefeater Breezer, etc.
Where: Jio World Garden No 3 & 4, Jio Garden Public Gate, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051, India.
When: 30th November – 1st December
Sofitel Mumbai BKC Brings A Special Malaysian Food Festival
Sofitel Mumbai BKC is announcing an exclusive Malaysian Food Festival that will feature the expertise of Chef Aping and Chef Irwan, two culinary maestros from Sofitel Kuala Lumpur. The festival will feature a rich array of Malaysian dishes, showcasing a medley of textures, spices, and flavors unique to this Southeast Asian cuisine. Guests can savor iconic specialities like the spicy, coconut-based Laksa, the tantalizing Mee Goreng Mamak, and the fragrant Rendang Curry. Other highlights include Apam Balik, a sweet and savory folded pancake; Ayam Percik, a succulent grilled chicken; Roti John, a Malaysian-style stuffed bread; and the layered, flaky Murtabak. The culinary journey is complemented by refreshing Rojak Dalat, a Malaysian-style salad that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
Alongside these delightful dishes, guests can enjoy an exclusive selection of cocktails crafted with Japanese spirits, adding an innovative twist to the dining experience. These include the Toki Highball, blending Toki Suntory Whiskey with a hint of grapefruit; the refreshing Roku Natsu Gin Hai with Roku Craft Gin, coconut water, and elderflower syrup; and the elegant Haku Yugen Highball featuring Haku Craft Vodka and yuzu. Each cocktail has been thoughtfully curated to pair with the robust flavors of Malaysian cuisine, offering guests a harmonious and elevated dining experience.
When: November 15th to November 23rd
Where: Pondichery Cafe, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, C 57, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051
Le Cafe Celebrated Its 20th Anniversary With Week-Long Festivities
Le Cafe is turning 20 on November 6th, and we’re throwing a week-long celebration to thank our cherished community of food lovers. To celebrate the journey, they are bringing back 20 fan-favorite dishes from years past, offering a special nostalgic menu that promises to satisfy every craving. As a token of appreciation, they are teaming up with Mumbai Foodie to surprise 20 lucky diners with exclusive meal vouchers, and for those who share their anniversary year, if your 20th birthday falls during our celebration week, you’re invited to enjoy a complimentary cake with them! The festivities kick off in style and feature live music and handcrafted cocktails to set the perfect mood for a night of celebration. From signature appetizers to mouth-watering pizzas, indulgent mains, and divine desserts, the anniversary menu is filled with dishes that have delighted guests, including our famous French Onion Soup, stuffed mushrooms, Quatre de Pizza, Beetroot Fettuccine, and Jamaican Spiced Rum Cake.
Where: Le Cafe, Chembur, Mumbai
When: 6th-13th November, 2024
Slink & Bardot Hosts Handshake, Mexico In Mumbai
Get ready for an unforgettable night of cocktails as Handshake from Mexico City takes over the bar at Slink & Bardot, Mumbai. The takeover will feature four of Handshake’s most celebrated signature cocktails, crafted with artistry and precision. The Mexi-Thai cocktail offers a unique blend of Don Julio Tequila Blanco with coconut oil, Makrut leaves distillation, and a cherry tomato water cordial, topped with basil oil drops for an aromatic finish. In the Olive Oil Gimlet, the flavours of Don Julio Tequila Blanco are enriched with olive oil, Lillet Blanc, and a green apple juice cordial, making it a complex yet refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, garnished with olives.
The Orange Blossom cocktail introduces a mix of Don Julio Tequila Reposado with jasmine tea, vanilla, and a touch of orange blossom essence, resulting in a beautifully balanced milk punch. Lastly, the Jasmine cocktail blends Don Julio Tequila Blanco with jasmine tea and lemon, offering a smooth, refreshing milk punch that will leave an unforgettable impression.
Where: Slink & Bardot, Thadani House 329/A Opposite Indian Coast Guard Worli Village, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: November 14th & 15th
Saffron Celebrates The Master Of Indian Cuisine, Chef Gaggan Anand
JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu’s Indian restaurant, Saffron, is hosting a two days only culinary event by Chef Gaggan Anand. Saffron will embark on a transformative journey of grandeur and luxury with a spellbinding 14-course feast curated by the culinary maestro Chef Gaggan Anand. Mumbai, a city known for its culinary diversity, can anticipate pure alchemy as Chef Gaggan brings his magical skills to Saffron. This exclusive event promises to be a gastronomic sanctuary, where guests will savor the symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas meticulously curated by the genius himself.
Where: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu
When: 15th – 16th November 2024
Asia Seven Brings Asia Seven Rolls Festival
Asia Seven is excited to introduce the Asia Seven Rolls Festival, a month-long celebration of Asian street-style rolls available across our outlets nationwide. The vegetarian lineup features flavor-packed options, including the Street Style Vegetable Chowmein Roll, which wraps the vibrant flavors of vegetable chowmein in a soft roll, and the Chilli Paneer Roll, offering a spicy, satisfying bite of Asian-style paneer. For those looking for a sweet and spicy treat, the Honey Chilli Potato Roll wraps hand-cut, honey-chilli-tossed potatoes in a comforting embrace.
For non-vegetarian enthusiasts, the festival offers the Street Style Egg Chicken Chowmein Roll, a delicious fusion of egg and chicken chowmein in a convenient wrap, and the classic Chilli Chicken Roll, seasoned with our special Asian spices for an extra kick. The Stir Fry Egg Chicken Roll, wok-tossed with soy and garlic, completes this tempting non-veg selection, making the Asia Seven Rolls Festival a true feast for all tastes.
Where: All Asia Seven outlets
When: November 15th to December 15th, 2024
Jaipur
Ireland’s ‘Kai’ Restaurant, Embarks On A Sustainable Gastronomic Journey At The Leela Palace Jaipur
The Leela Palace Jaipur is thrilled to welcome the distinguished Kai Restaurant, a culinary marvel from Galway, Ireland for an exclusive two-day pop-up event. This curated event is a rare chance to indulge in the inventive and sustainable cuisine of acclaimed Chef Jess Murphy. This Farm to Fork event is within the ambit of The Leela Palace Jaipur’s commitment to sustainability, highlighting their core values of sustainable & mindful living. This two-day culinary collaboration with Chef Jess Murphy will be a gastronomical escapade, which will bring out the best of the season’s bounty with a distinctive twist in the menus. With Kai coming to The Leela Palace Jaipur, guests can enjoy a memorable dining experience, featuring a carefully crafted menu, designed to showcase the freshest seasonal ingredients that Jaipur offers. Each dish captures the spirit of Galway, taking diners on a journey through Ireland’s rich culinary heritage.
Where: The Leela Palace Jaipur
When: 22nd and 23rd November, 2024
Kolkata
Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata Brings “Bao Fest”
Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata is all set to celebrate the vibrant and evolving Asian culinary scene with the “Bao Fest.” Patrons can indulge in a delightful array of Asian flavors at the Bao Fest at TESS, offering a mix of vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian options. The vegetarian menu features tempting dishes like Spicy Sriracha Cottage Cheese Bao, Chili Paneer Bao, and Pea Edamame Sweet Chili Bao to name a few, along with vegan selections such as the Veg Tempura Spinach Bao and Shredded Tofu Spicy Mayo Bao. For non-vegetarian enthusiasts, highlights include the Japanese Chicken Katsu Sweet Chili Bao and the flavorful Tangra Chili Chicken Bao, among others.
From the bold flavors of spicy sriracha to the comforting tang of Cantonese-style pork, #HotBaoNanza is here to serve up a vibrant menu of soft, fluffy baos packed with flavors to thrill your taste buds. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or meat-lover, “Bao Fest” offers a unique opportunity to explore an exciting fusion of Asian-inspired flavors right in the heart of the city.
Where: Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata
When: 9th November – 17th November
Photo Credit: Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata
Bangalore
Tevar Progressive Indian Kitchen and Bar Come To Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru
Cosmo, at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, is collaborating with Tevar Progressive Indian Kitchen and Bar for a two-night bar takeover for a 5-course pre-set dinner experience. The culinary journey features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights. Vegetarian menu highlights include the Benarasi Samosa Taco amuse bouche, Achappam Tomato Tart, and the 100-Layered Paneer with Butter Masala Sauce, accompanied by Smoked Butter Dal and fragrant Birista Pulao. The non-vegetarian menu brings together bold flavors with dishes like Prawns Bhurji Taco, Guntur Chicken Cornetto, and a choice between Mutton Ghee Roast or Chicken Tikka Kofte, each served with flavorful sides. You can choose between the Coconut Jaggery Brulé or the Cardamom Cheesecake with Irani Chai Reduction-a fittingly indulgent finale to this memorable meal.
As for the drinks, the experience begins with Nilgiri Dew, a bold blend of aged rum, Bird’s Eye chili, and kaffir lime that introduces a spicy, aromatic profile. Pampore Pour combining kahwa-infused Irish whiskey with saffron tincture for a warm, earthy essence. Valley of Flowers offers a floral contrast with chamomile gin, Deodar wood, and a touch of lime. For a tropical twist, Konkan Pearl features tequila with coconut, pandan, and grapefruit soda, evoking coastal flavors.
When: 8th & 9th, November, 2024
Where: Cosmo, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, 43/4, Bellary Rd, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560092
Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru Presents A Unique Kashmiri Food Festival
Cosmo is collaborating with renowned celebrity Chef Mujeeb M Rehman to host a one-of-a-kind Kashmiri Food Festival. Guests can indulge in Gushtaba, tender meatballs simmered in a fragrant, aromatic gravy, and Rista, spicy lamb meatballs cooked in a flavorful sauce. Tabak Maaz offers succulent fried lamb ribs infused with delicate Kashmiri spices, while Dum Aloo presents potatoes slow-cooked in a creamy yoghurt-based gravy. Vegetarians can enjoy Kashmiri Haak, a comforting dish of traditional greens, and Nadur Kakhni, a curried lotus stem dish. The Rovgan Tsaman features spiced paneer in a savoury sauce, while Seekh Kebabs provide juicy lamb skewers with a delicate blend of spices. Kashmiri Pulao combines fragrant rice pilaf with saffron and dry fruits, and the experience concludes with Kong Phirin, a traditional dessert made from rice and milk, sweetened with saffron.
Where: Cosmo, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, 43/4, Bellary Rd, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560092
When: 22nd November to 1st December 2024
Experience A 3-Day Coffee Festival and Asian Breakfast Experience At Muro Cafè
Muro Cafè is excited to open its doors with an exclusive three-day coffee festival celebrating the finest estates of Karnataka- from Ratnagiri, Balanoor, and Devar Khan Estates, come for the classic coffees, signature coffees like Forest Honey Latte, Coffee Paloma, each day will feature micro lots from different coffee estates.This will also be the launch of its most anticipated Asian breakfast & bakery. Enjoy a breakfast experience like no other with Muro’s Thai and Cantonese culinary team serving Crab Omelettes, Hong Kong French Toast, Basque Cheesecake, and more.
Another highlight will be the master classes, each day will feature a different expert from Karnataka who will guide participants through the nuances of coffee preparation, from bean selection to brewing techniques. Discover the stories behind the coffee and learn how to elevate your morning ritual with specialists.
Where: Muro Cafè Bengaluru
When: November 8 – November 10, 2024
Photo Credit: Muro Cafe
