Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is set to bring the flavours of Kashmir to the city with a special Kashmiri Food Festival at Zaffran. Scheduled from 19th to 28th June 2026, the ten-day culinary event will celebrate the rich food traditions, distinctive spices, and time-honoured cooking techniques that have made Kashmiri cuisine one of India's most cherished regional culinary styles.

The festival will feature Celebrity Chef Abdul Hameed War (Vasta Waza), a renowned cultural ambassador of Kashmiri cuisine with nearly three decades of experience in preserving and promoting the region’s culinary heritage. Through a specially curated à la carte menu, guests will have the opportunity to experience authentic recipes inspired by traditional Kashmiri home kitchens and the valley’s celebrated food culture.

Known for its aromatic flavours and carefully balanced spice blends, Kashmiri cuisine reflects generations of culinary craftsmanship. The menu will include signature dishes such as Roghvan Josh, Gushtaba, and Zafran Yakhni Palao, offering diners an authentic taste of the region’s rich gastronomic traditions.

Sharing her thoughts on the festival, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort, said, "India's culinary landscape is incredibly diverse, and through Kashmiri Food Festival, we are delighted to bring the authentic tastes and traditions of Kashmir to our guests in Visakhapatnam. We are honoured to have Chef Abdul Hameed War (Vasta Waza) for this festival, whose presence helps bring the rich culinary heritage and distinctive flavours of the region to life in an authentic and engaging manner, and in result creating a memorable dining experience for our guests.”

To complement the culinary offerings, the venue will feature décor inspired by Kashmir’s cultural aesthetics, creating an atmosphere that reflects the beauty and traditions of the region. Guests visiting for lunch or dinner can enjoy an immersive dining experience that combines authentic flavours with cultural storytelling.

The festival is part of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach’s continued effort to showcase India’s diverse culinary heritage and introduce diners to regional cuisines from across the country. By bringing together traditional ingredients, authentic recipes, and expert craftsmanship, the event offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Kashmir without leaving Visakhapatnam.

• What: Kashmiri Food Festival
• When: 19th to 28th June 2026, 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Where: Zaffran, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
• Price: A la Carte.