Vishnupriya
2025 is here, and with it comes a wave of fresh excitement for food lovers! India’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, brimming with new menus, creative fusion experiments, and boundary-pushing flavours. From reviving regional treasures to embracing global influences, there’s something for every palate to explore. Food festivals, in particular, have become the perfect playground for chefs and diners alike, celebrating the country’s rich and diverse food culture. Ready to indulge in all things delicious? Let’s dive right in!
Delhi-NCR
Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi
Shangri-La Eros New Delhi is delighted to welcome you to an exclusive celebration of the Chinese New Year. Throughout the five-day affair, Shang Palace will present a specially curated a la carte menu for both lunch and dinner, designed to pay tribute to the rich culinary traditions of China while incorporating modern techniques and local influences.
The culinary expert at Shang Palace has curated a selection of splendid dishes that define authentic Chinese flavours. Highlights from the menu include Lobster Broth with Mushroom, delicate Butter Garlic Saffron Har Gao, and the bold Sichuan Chili Whole Red Snapper. Other stellar offerings include the crispy Crackling Prawn, the cumin-infused Chicken Floss, and the vegetarian delight of Spicy Tofu Broccoli with Garlic Stock.
Guests can expect a series of unforgettable courses featuring classic Chinese staples such as Xiang La Chicken, Marble Pork, and Sanchen Spiced King Oyster Mushroom. The menu also features signature creations such as Radish Puff Dim Sum, Cumin Chicken Floss, and Stir-Fried Stem Lettuce with Celery Chilli. Rice and noodle lovers can enjoy Bean Thread Noodles or Deo Fried Rice with Egg, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Five Spice Creme Brulee promises a perfect finale to the meal, combining rich flavours with a delicate finish. Each dish, crafted with the finest ingredients and techniques, invites guests to savour the lively, complex flavours that are a hallmark of Chinese cuisine.
Where: 19, Ashoka Rd, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
When: January 29th to February 2nd, 2025
Photo: Shangri-La
The Oberoi, New Delhi Celebrates Chinese New Year Celebration
Baoshuan at The Oberoi, New Delhi, is celebrating the Chinese New Year with an exclusive five-course set menu. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to embody the auspicious symbols and flavours of the Chinese zodiac, promising a dining experience that is both traditional and unique.
Begin your culinary journey with Wen Si Tofu Soup or Xi-Hu Chicken Soup, symbolising nourishment, balance, and completeness. Continue with the Prosperity Salad, where noodles represent longevity and good health. The Fortune Dim Sum Collection pays homage to ancient gold ingots, symbolising wealth and prosperity-perfect for the festive spirit. For a vegetarian palate, enjoy Crystal Mushroom Truffles, Vegetable Potstickers, and Edamame Snow Peas. Meat and sea-food lovers can savour a selection of Chicken and Chives, Lamb Potstickers, and Lobster Prawn Dim Sums.
For the mains, relish the delicately Steamed Seabass, symbolising abundance, as the Chinese word for fish resonates with “surplus.” Alternatively, indulge in the bold flavours of Wok-Tossed Dry Cumin Sliced Lamb. The Cantonese-Style Vegetables represent renewal and progress, while Longevity Hakka Noodles signify wishes for a long and prosperous life.
Conclude your meal on a sweet note with Nutty Sichuanese Cherry (v)-a harmonious blend of hazelnut creme, Sichuan cherry compote, nutty sponge, and lemon sorbet.
Where: The Oberoi, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi 110003
When: Dinner on 28th January and Lunch on 29th January 2025
Photo: The Oberoi
Kamei Celebrates the Year Of The Snake, Chinese New Year 2025 with a Traditional Chinese Menu
Kamei prides itself in celebrating all the cultures that constitute the menu at the restaurant. The team at Kamei has created a special menu to honour the tradition with a classic Yu Sheng salad, also known as a Prosperity Salad Toss, also known as Lo Hei, this is eaten during Chinese New Year to symbolize abundance, good fortune, and a long life. Traditionally this salad is tossed together with family and friends, who say auspicious phrases and wish each other well. The menu also features the Ham Sui Gok, savoury Chinese fried dumplings and a silky Cheung Fun which are steamed rice roll dumplings. For the mains, the Black Pepper Xi’an Prawns is a stir fry with fresh and unique ingredients. The menu uses typical Chinese ingredients that are associated with the Lantern Festival, like Green Pepper, Sichuan Chilli, Mochi and Chrysanthemum Flowers which are in season at this time of the year.The bar menu is prepped to add to the celebrations with cocktails like Ming & Qing, a blend of vodka, jasmine and lemongrass tea, and spiced honey; Anhui, featuring gin, peppercorn, and galangal; Celestial Breeze, made with gin, capsicum, and basil shrub; and Mist, a mix of tequila, shiitake, and truffle.
Where: G9F, Ground Floor, Eldeco Centre, Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110017
When: January 28 to February 3, 2025.
Photo: Kamei
Punjab Grill Celebrates The Legacy of Indian Kebabs ‘Kebab Di Kahaniya’
Punjab Grill brings its much-awaited festival, Kebab Di Kahaniya, which celebrates the evolution of kebabs. The festival features an exquisite selection of kebabs, each crafted with care and passion to offer a journey through India’s rich culinary landscape. You can expect several dishes including succulent Bihari Dabba Chicken, inspired by the Champaran region of Bihar, slow-cooked in earthen pots sealed with dough to lock in rich flavours and juices and The Quinoa Kaladi Kebab – a unique vegetarian creation, featuring Kaladi cheese from Jammu and Kashmir, offering a tangy, cheese-filled experience that pairs perfectly with the crispness of quinoa.
For seafood lovers, the Black Garlic Prawns deliver jumbo prawns marinated in black garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, cooked in the traditional tandoori style. The Kalmi Kebab, made with Chatkara chicken and marinated with Gongura leaves, offers a tangy, bitter-sweet flavour, evoking the essence of ancient Indian flavours. The Tempeh Roll brings together Indonesian and Indian influences, with crispy fried tempeh, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs wrapped in a tortilla.
The Chapli Kebab, originating from the British Raj era, offers a delicate balance of freshly ground spices and tender meat, making it a perfect fusion of old and new. To conclude the culinary journey, guests can indulge in the Chenna Poda, a popular Odia dessert with a subtle tangy sweetness, offering a delightful finish to the meal.
Where: All Delhi NCR and Mumbai restaurants
When: 5th January to 16th February
Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Introduces An Enticing Culinary Experience With Its Lohri Week Celebration
Step into the heart of Punjab as Spice Art at Crown Plaza brings the warmth and vibrancy of the harvest festival to life with its Lohri Week Celebration. Guests can indulge in the authentic flavours of traditional Punjabi cuisine in a rustic, village-inspired setting. Relish Amritsari Fish and paneer Tikka for starters, followed by hearty mains like Sarson ka Saag and Makki ki Roti, Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Chole Bhature, and Baingan Bharta. Top off your meal with indulgent Punjabi sweets like Gur ka Halwa, Til Laddoo, and Pinni. Moreover, sip on Lassi, Thandai, and Masala Chai to complement the flavours of the season.
Where: Chowk Institutional Green, Surajpur, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306
When: 3rd – 14th January 2025
Ring in the Year of the Wood Snake with Royal China New Delhi
Get ready to slither into good fortune as Royal China New Delhi invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with a Lunar New Year experience. Indulge in a captivating menu, starting with dim sum selections such as Mock Duck Poached Dumpling, a delicate creation filled with savory mock duck flavors; Truffle Mushroom Cheese Dumpling, and the crowd-favorite XO Prawn Dumpling, served in the bold and umami-rich XO sauce. For starters, diners can indulge in options such as Crispy Chicken Cheung Fun, featuring crispy fried dough wrapped in silky rice rolls, and Salt and Pepper Squid, a crunchy and flavorful delight. The main courses offer a variety of exquisite dishes, including Sichuan-style Spicy Tofu, top choice for lovers of bold and fiery flavors, and King Prawns in Sweet Chili Sauce, combining sweetness and spice in perfect harmony. Non-vegetarians can relish Stir-Fried Chicken in Black Bean Sauce, a rich and aromatic dish ideal for the season.
To conclude the meal, the desserts promise to be just as enchanting, with options such as Sticky Rice Cakes, symbolizing togetherness, and luscious Golden Custard Buns, a melt-in-the-mouth treat that adds a sweet touch to the celebrations. Guests can also sip on signature Royal China cocktails like Jade Fizz, a tropical blend of pandan-infused vodka, jasmine syrup, lime, and sparkling pandan-jasmine soda; or indulge in the luxurious Crimson Fig, combining fig-infused vodka, Campari, limoncello, vermouth, and fresh cream. The Umami Old Fashioned, made with sesame-infused whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters served over charcoal ice, offers a bold and sophisticated twist. For a savory delight, the Bacon Sipper combines bacon-infused whiskey with Amaro Montenegro and cherry bitters, while the Elysium Cream, a mix of vanilla-infused vodka, heavy cream, and pistachio syrup, adds a sweet and decadent finish to the celebration.
Where: LG03, The Chanakya Mall, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
When: 15th – 29th January 2025
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel Presents An Exquisite Jamavar Pop-Up At Diya
Prepare to explore a world of culinary opulence as Mumbai’s Jamavar takes over Diya at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences. Sous Chef Virendra Singh’s menu will transport diners across India, from the succulent Raan-e-Jamavar and creamy Murgh Tikka Makhani to the coastal decadence of Malabar Pomfret Curry. Complementing these signature dishes are Diya’s beloved creations like Tandoori Jhinga and Majlisi Kebab. The experience will feature Indian instrumental music and a themed ambience, enhancing the luxurious dining experience.
Where: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residence, National Highway 8, Ambience Island, DLF Phase 3, Sector 24, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
When: January 20th to 26th, 2025
Explorers Club Comes To Gurugram with a Weekend of Spirits, Music & 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 introduces an incredible blend of curated spirits, and culinary delights. With a lineup of premium gin, tequila, whisky, rum, liqueurs, AND more, guests are invited to explore a world of luxury flavors. Expect to sip on homegrown and international brands like El Cristiano Tequila, Bushmills Whiskey, Camikara Rum, Don Julio Tequila, Roku Gin, Samsara Gin, SKYY Vodka, and the iconic Old Monk, among others.
Catering to every palate, Explorers Club features an array of food. From the country’s go-to restaurants like Kofuku and Burma Burma to the finest home kitchens serving up flavors rooted in tradition, such as Vietnam-ease Caphe and Mood Kitchen, the festival is a gastronomic paradise. But that’s not all; the star of the food curation is a BBQ lover’s dream! At a signature pit, guests can enjoy a grilled, smoky winter brunch while sipping on classic cocktails. Coffee aficionados will have the opportunity to explore the dedicated Coffee Souk, featuring artisanal brands like First Coffee, Kaffa, and Bili Hu, curated carefully to ensure there’s something for everyone to sip on.
Where: DLF World Tech Park, Gurugram
When: 11th and 12th January, 2025
Photo: Explorers Club
Radisson Blu Greater Noida Brings Flavours of Royalty With Awadh Food Festival
Experience the royal flavours of Awadh as Radisson Blu Greater Noida brings you to an exquisite culinary journey filled with rich aromas decadent dishes, and timeless traditions at their Awadh Food Festival where every bite has a taste of regal heritage. Treat yourself to a Royal Sunday Feast with an Awadhi-themed brunch at Cross Avenue, Radisson Blu Greater Noida. Known for its delicate flavours and slow-cooked preparations, Awadhi cuisine offers a delightful range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Savour dishes like Nihari Gosht, Subz Shahi Zeera Shorba, Shalgam Meat, Aloo Gobhi ki Tehri, Murgh Shahi Korma and Doodhi Halwa curated by Chef Anuj Kapoor, Culinary Director and discover the regal heritage of Awadhi cuisine.
Where: Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noid
When: 10th January to 18th January (7:30 PM – 10:30 PM) & 19th January (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
Photo: Radisson Blu Greater Noida
Mangalorean Pop-up Festival Comes To Chor Bizarre
After serving authentic signature Kashmiri dishes for years, Chor Bizarre is back with a new pop -up menu. From January 17th, Mangalorean cuisine shall take centre stage at Chor Bizarre. Mangaluru-based chef Shriya Shetty is known for her unique take on Mangalorean and other South Indian dishes. She is dedicated to preserving the foundations of traditional recipes while giving them a new avatar.
Where: Hotel Broadway, 4/15A, Asaf Ali Rd, Chatta lal Miya, Chandni Mahal, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110002
When: Date & Time: January 17th, 18th & 19th
Lunch: 12pm & 2pm | Dinner: 7pm & 9:30pm
Mumbai:
Bumipura’s Festive Fare Brings Lunar New Year Traditions
Bumipura invites you to ring in the Year of the wood Snake with a menu that celebrates tradition, prosperity, and togetherness. Drawing from the rich cultural tapestry of Chinese communities in Singapore and Malaysia, this special Chinese New Year Seasonal Menu is specially curated around the idea of prosperity, a theme woven into every element of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The Auspicious Orange cocktail takes its cue from Mandarin oranges, cherished symbols of good fortune and wealth during Lunar New Year. The vibrant blend of Dewar’s 8 Japanese Smooth Whiskey, Nagpur Orange Distillate, Cardamom, Simple Syrup, and Citric Acid is finished with a festive orange chewy. It’s bright, refreshing, and rooted in tradition.
Bumipura continues to push boundaries with another non vegetarian cocktail invention. The Porky Prosperity is a bold nod to Singapore’s iconic Bak Kwa, a barbecued pork jerky that’s synonymous with abundance and generosity. This adventurous creation combines bacon fat-washed Patron Silver Tequila with Campari, Agave Syrup, Fresh Lime, Soya Sauce, and Chilli, topped with a slice of authentic Bak Kwa from Bee Cheng Hiang. It’s a daring and memorable mix that captures the essence of celebration and indulgence.
The menu also offers two vegetarian dishes that bring comforting flavours with a festive twist. The Turnip Cake, made with radish, mushroom, and soya chaap, is a beloved dim sum staple that symbolises good fortune and prosperity. Meanwhile, the Lotus Leaf Rice-jasmine rice steamed with mushrooms, cashew nuts, and pumpkin and wrapped in a fragrant lotus leaf-represents unity and celebration, essential values of the Lunar New Year.
Where: Kamala Mills, Trade Tower, Unit No.1, B Wing, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
When: 14th January to 9th March 2025
A Feast of Flavors Awaits at Nine Dine’s Special Anniversary Edition
Nine Dine at Jio World Drive invites you to step into a cosy haven where the season comes alive with flavours, music, and magic. The carefully curated Winter Menu complements Mumbai’s winter – comforting yet vibrant. Commence your journey with Indigo Deli, serving the crunch of Crispy Brussels sprouts and the heartwarming Roasted Pumpkin Soup. Experience the rich traditions of Neel with the quintessential Sarso ka Saag with Makai ki Roti and the delicious Gajar ka Halwa, a nostalgic nod to wintry nights. From the bustling kitchens of Kofuku, relish the soul-soothing Miso Ramen Chicken and the delicate warmth of Gyouza Dumpling Soup. Let Arbab transport you to Mediterranean shores with Hummus Avocado with Crispy Bread and the creamy embrace of Broccoli Creamy Soup, while Grandmama’s cafe delivers the punch of Hot and Spicy Chicken Pizza and the indulgent drama of Trash Can Nachos. Beyond the table, Nine Dine evolves into a spirited winter carnival. An interactive installation adds an artistic take, while a nostalgic retro jukebox sets the tone with tunes that make you sway.
Where: Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai.
When: 13th-26th Jan
Spring Festival Comes To Radisson Goregaon
Pan Asian Restaurant Goma at Radisson Goregaon will be hosting the Chinese New Year Food Festival for you – marking the end of the winter season. The festival begins on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends with Lantern festival which is on the 15th day. The Chinese calendar is represented by twelve different types of personalities and there are many stories about the origins of the Chinese Zodiac. This season is dedicated to the Snake. The Chinese New Year Food Festival would feature specialities like Bok choy mushroom and kolrabi (Quick blanched Chinese Bok simmered shiitake), Silken Tofu Spinach & sweet corn water chestnut (Steamed Silken tofu spinach sweet corn & water chestnut), and Stuffed tofu (pan-fried tofu blocks stuffed with a mix vegetable and mushroom filling, and served with an umami-rich sauce). Moreover, brace yourself for some other exciting dishes like Peppery fish (Tossed fish in ginger scallion peppery sauce), Sichuan braised eggplant (Braised with pickled chilles, fermented bean paste , black vinegar, scallions, ginger and garlic), Guilin chilly Garlic Chicken (Salted chilli and bean) and Longevity Noodles with Shiitake, and Enoki Mushrooms (Tossed noodles, soya sauce). Finally, end your meal with Apple Bundt Cake – a moist spiced cake with chunks of fresh apple baked to perfection.
Where: Veer Savarkar Flyover, Subhash Nagar, Goregaon West, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 24th January to 9th February
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Brings ‘Truly Malaysia’, a Malaysian Food and Cultural Festival
Embark on a culinary journey across the Malaysian culinary landscape as JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is honored to host ‘Truly Malaysia’, a Malaysian Food and Cultural Festival at JW Cafe. Guests will be treated to a surreal multi-sensory experience highlighting Malaysia’s vibrant culture, culinary diversity, and attractions. The festival will feature an exceptional Malay menu showcasing an array of traditional delicacies. Savor authentic Malay delicacies like the Assam Laksa Veg Soup, a delightful selection of appetizers like Malaysian Chicken Satay, Malaysian Broccoli Satay, Malaysian Lamb Satay and Malaysian Mushroom Satay along with artisanal salads like Rojak Salad and Kerabu Manga. The mains feature Vegetable Mee Curry, Char Kway Teow Noodles, Lamb Rendang Curry and Nasi Kerabu, amongst many others. Indulge in a sweet symphony of delectable desserts like Kuih Dadar, Onde Onde, Kuih Lapis, Sago Gula Melaka, Kuih Keria and Kuih Bahulu, and more.
Where: Truly Malaysia at JW Cafe, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
When: 27th January – 1st February, 2025
Pune:
Savour the Timeless Flavours of Peshawar at the Peshawari Food Festival, Conrad Pune
Enjoy the Peshawari Food Festival at Conrad, Pune, curated by the celebrated and fourth-generation Masterchef Chef Aleem Qureshi at Zeera and Coriander Kitchen. Immerse yourself in the heart of Peshawar’s dishes with dishes like melt-in-your-mouth Multan Seekh Kebab grilled to perfection with royal cumin and saffron, slow-cooked Karachi Nalli Korma, with its tender lamb shanks, and the fragrant dum cooked Gosht Peshawari Pulao which is a must try!
Vegetarians will delight in the Peshawari Aam Ka Paneer Tikka, cottage cheese where tangy mango pulp and red chili create an explosion of flavours and the spiced elegance of Paneer Dum Jahangiri. For the sweet finale, indulge in the Peshawari Kunafa, with its kesar shrikhand with pistachios.
Where: Coriander Kitchen and Zeera, Conrad Pune
When: January 10th – 19th, 2025
Bangalore:
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 Poordaryaeinezhad, the festival will showcase the diverse and rich flavours of Persian cuisine, presenting an array of traditional dishes crafted with authentic ingredients such as aromatic saffron, tangy pomegranate paste, and zesty dried lemon.
The menu begins with flavorful starters like Joojhe Kebab and Kobeda Kebab, paired with hearty soups and delectable sides. The main course includes Kofta Kebab, Flafil, Flafil Abadan, Mahi Aflatoon, Koresh Khalal Badam, and Morg Zeerishk, each showcasing the depth of Persian flavours. To further elevate the menu, there are additional offerings including Megu Dopyaza, Dal Sumac, Kuresh Batanjan, Koresh Bamiyan, Morg Zeerish Polo, Bagli Polo, and Dill-infused Polo. With an exquisite menu catering to vegetarians and non-vegetarians, the Persian food festival promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience, offering a unique glimpse into Iran’s cultural heritage. With its diverse array of traditional dishes and authentic ingredients, this festival is a must-visit for food enthusiasts in Bangalore.
Where: Cosmo, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, 43/4, Bellary Rd, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560092
When: 10th January- 19th January
Photo: Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru
Hyderabad:
Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel Brings INJA For An Exclusive Culinary Pop-Up Event
INJA debuts at Zega, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, for two exclusive nights. The popup will be led by award-winning Chef Adwait Anantwar, celebrated as one of India’s Top 30 Chefs in 2024. Guests can look forward to savoring INJA’s signature dishes such as Palak Paneer ‘Sarada’, Momo ‘Miso Soup’, Shiso Leaf ‘Tuna & Pomelo Chaat’, Lobster Rasam ‘Chawanmushi’, Kake Udon ‘Khasi Curry’ and more; alongside the vibrant ambiance of Zega. Celebrate conversations, camaraderie, and culinary artistry late into the night at this exclusive popup.
Where: Zega, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel
When: 31 January and 1 February 2025
