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
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
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
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
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
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
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
