Ahmedabad: The Food for Thought Fest, commenced today at the Sabarmati Riverfront in the city. Organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in association with SAAG (South Asian Association for Gastronomy), the festival is a delightful fusion of flavors, culture, and conversations.

The Food for Thought Fest was inaugurated by Minister of State for Co-operation, Jagdish Vishwakarma in the presence of Ahmedabad West MP Dr Kirit Solanki, Rajya Sabha MP Narhari Amin, Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain, and others.

Delivering the welcome address, Maneesh Baheti, Founder, SAAG, said, “It is our privilege to organise the Food for Thought Fest, India’s best-known luxury gastronomy event, in Ahmedabad. It is a unique event not just for food lovers, but also a one-of-a-kind forum for culinary conversations, cuisines, and a celebration of all things food. We have master chefs from all over India and the subcontinent who will showcase their unique culinary skills. We invite the people of Ahmedabad to witness the rich culinary heritage of South Asia.”

The inaugural day was marked by an engaging panel discussion featuring renowned personalities such as Padma Shri Dr Pushpesh Pant, Rohini Rana from Nepal, Chef Rajith Abeysekara from Sri Lanka, and Nahid Osman from Bangladesh.

A captivating panel discussion on the topic “Conservation of Royal Culinary Heritage” featured Anshu Khanna, Founder of Kitchen of the Kings, in conversation with the royal families of Balasinor, Chota Udepur, Nepal, and Chhatari.

Taking place from March 8 to 10, the Food for Thought Fest is a multifaceted experience with three broad segments – Food Fest, Thought Fest, and Fun Fest. Participants can indulge in a culinary journey through South Asia, featuring talks, cookery demos, food courts, bazaars, and live entertainment.

The Food Fest is also showcasing two exciting themes – A Taste of Luxury and The Regional Flavour – wherein luxury hotels are providing a taste of luxury and showcasing their top dishes, and curated street food vendors serving regional dishes.

 

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The festival also comprises three distinct culinary pavilions, including the Royal Pavilion showcasing the cuisines of royal families, the Spiritual Pavilion, serving food offered as Bhog in Puri’s Jagannath Temple and Vrindavan’s Radha Raman Temple. The third is the Wellness Pavilion, serving modern Indian cuisines inspired by Ayurveda prepared by Celebrity Chef Gautam Mehrishi.

The Coffee Pavilion by Sutra Coffee is another must-visit, especially for coffee lovers, where they can experience the journey of coffee, right from the farm to the cup.

The participants were treated to two cookery masterclasses by India-born British restaurateur and owner of Darjeeling Express Restaurant in London Asma Khan, Chef Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Chef at ITC Hotels, and Celebrity Chef Suvir Saran.

The day also featured the launch of Rohini Rana’s latest cookbook “108 Recipes from Nepal” and an enticing dance performance of Shiv Tandav by award-winning Chhau performer Govind Mahato. Curtains came on the first day with an electrifying performance by noted Sufi artist Farhan Sabri.

The next two days of Food for Thought Fest also feature interesting panel discussions, cookery masterclasses, live entertainment, and much more. DeshGujarat