A Journey Through India's Street Food
There’s an undeniable connection between rainy weather and a craving for hot, crispy street food. Tapping into this nostalgia, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road is hosting “Monsoon Express – A Street Food Journey Across India.” This festival extends its
buffet at The Square, taking inspiration from famous train journeys and the diverse street foods found along the way. The setup features stations reminiscent of railway platforms, offering beloved classics like Vada Pav, smoky Roasted Bhutta, Galouti Kebabs with Roomali Roti, and various pakoras, all best enjoyed with a classic cutting chai. It’s an experience designed to evoke the comforting feeling of travel and the simple joy of street-side delicacies during a downpour.
Celebrating the Royal Kitchens of North India
For those with a taste for the finer things, The Leela Ambience Gurugram is presenting a gastronomic showcase from the royal kitchens of Lucknow and Hyderabad. Scheduled from July 20th to 26th, this event, curated by Indian Master Chef Bobby Jaiswal, delves into the time-honoured techniques and treasured recipes that define these iconic cuisines. The menu is a lavish spread of signature kebabs, aromatic curries, rich biryanis, and artisanal breads. It highlights the distinct flavours that have been passed down through generations, offering a truly royal dining experience perfect for a special monsoon meal for either lunch or dinner.
The Undiscovered Cuisines of the Northeast
Shifting focus to lesser-known culinary landscapes, the Radisson Hotel Delhi MG Road is paying tribute to the tribal and highland cuisines of the '7 Sisters' states. Running until July 21st, this festival at the Lore restaurant, led by Executive Chef Kush Koli, features unique ingredients and dishes from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and beyond. Guests can explore exotic delicacies prepared with fermented bamboo shoot, axone (fermented soybean), fiery bhoot jolokia, and black sesame. The experience is a bold, flavourful dive into the heart of Northeastern food culture, a region whose culinary identity is deeply connected to its unique climate and landscape.
A Modern Take on Regional Classics
Pop-up events are also a huge part of this seasonal trend. The acclaimed Gurugram restaurant Comorin recently brought its ingredient-driven, contemporary Indian menu to The Leela Palace Jaipur for a two-day event in early July. Chef Dhiraj Dargan presented an inventive menu featuring dishes like Andhra Gongura Chicken, Champaran Mutton, and Banarasi Aloo Papad. Similarly, at Taj Agra, a special monsoon menu puts a modern spin on rainy-day favourites. Diners can find a Jamun Chaat Tart and Malabar Spiced Pomfret with Tropical Mango Salsa, blending familiar comfort with refined culinary techniques. These events show a growing movement to not just preserve, but also reinvent regional dishes for a modern palate.
Punjabi Comfort and Telugu Heritage
The monsoon brings a universal desire for comfort food, and many establishments are leaning into hearty, familiar flavours. In Delhi, Kikli is celebrating the season with a special Punjabi menu from Chef Amninder Sandhu, featuring nostalgic favourites like Chicken Pakode, Bhatti Da Murga, and Patiala Shahi Paratha. Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is hosting “Trilogies of Telugu Cuisine” from July 10th to 16th. This festival, curated by Chef Sravani, shines a light on the bold and diverse flavours of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Telangana with dishes like Nellore Chepala Pulusu and Gongura Mamsam.
