This May, two celebrated hospitality brands are stirring up culinary excitement with thoughtfully curated food festivals designed to transport guests on flavorful journeys.

At DoubleTree by Hilton, Panaji, Goa, the spotlight shines on Italy with 'Viva Italia – A Culinary Journey Through Italy', running from 16th to 25th May 2025. Curated by Masterchef Ritesh Raje, the festival offers a rich exploration of Italy’s regional delicacies, featuring handcrafted pastas, artisanal pizzas, regional classics, and indulgent desserts. A special highlight is the wine and cheese pairing experience that adds an authentic Italian touch, making this festival a must-visit for food connoisseurs.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Novotel Mumbai International Airport brings guests a nostalgic culinary trip with 'Bombay Dobara', hosted at the hotel’s signature Gourmet Bar from 16th to 31st May 2025. Designed as a journey back in time, the event celebrates Bombay’s diverse food heritage from the 1800s.

The menu offers a creative reimagining of forgotten classics, such as Mini Bun Maska with Truffle Butter, East Indian Chicken Potato Chops, Bombay Mill Workers' Masoor Dal with Bhakri, Goan Xacuti Chicken, and Parsi Salli Boti with Ladi Pav. Dessert lovers can relish Irani Café Mawa Cake, Cutting Chai Crème Brûlée, and Britannia-Style Caramel Custard.

To complete the experience, a specially crafted cocktail list — featuring names like Carter Road Rhythm and Bombay Talkies Tonic — pays tribute to the city’s cinematic and cultural history. The ambiance, transformed with vintage decor and old-world tunes, brings 19th-century Bombay to life.

Whether it’s a taste of Italy or a slice of old Bombay, both festivals promise immersive and memorable dining experiences for guests seeking something beyond the ordinary.