Novotel Vijayawada Varun invites guests to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Thailand. Always at the forefront of celebrating global cuisines, the hotel is hosting a 10-day Thai Food Festival that promises a medley of bold flavours, fragrant spices and authentic culinary craftsmanship.

Commenting on the festival, Hotel Manager Manish Pathak said, “At Novotel Vijayawada Varun, we are committed to delivering curated dining experiences that combine international flavours with local sensibilities. Our goal is to offer guests a premium culinary journey that elevates the dining experience and reinforces our position as a destination for global gastronomy. This Thai Food Festival is designed to showcase and further that approach.”

Timed to coincide with the festive season, the event is ideal for gourmands seeking a sophisticated dining experience that excites the palate. Guests can expect an exquisite spread featuring spicy curries, stir-fried noodles, fragrant jasmine rice, tangy soups and an array of dishes crafted with fresh herbs, tofu, chicken and seafood.

Each preparation celebrates the delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours that define authentic Thai cuisine.  The meal begins with the fragrant and spicy Tom Yum soup, a perfect balance of lemongrass and chili. The bold Pad Krapow Kai, tossed with chili and basil, brings authentic street-style flavour, while Gai Phad Prik Grapao adds depth with hot basil and garlic. For curry lovers, the rich and aromatic Gaeng Massaman delivers comforting warmth and spice. End the meal on a refreshing, tropical note with Top Tim Grob, a classic Thai dessert of water chestnut rubies in coconut milk.

Hosted at Red Bowl, the hotel’s Pan-Asian speciality restaurant, the festival will be led by Chef Vikram from Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach. Renowned for his expertise in authentic Thai cuisine, Chef Vikram has meticulously designed a menu that captures the essence of Thailand’s culinary landscape.

With its lively ambience, aromatic dishes and festive energy, the Thai Food Festival at Novotel Vijayawada Varun promises an experience that delights every sense.

Venue: Red Bowl, Novotel Vijayawada Varun

Dates: 10 to 19 October 2025

Time: 12:30pm to 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm

This Diwali, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad joined hands with Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat to host a royal-themed sweet-making masterclass at Altair, its elegant banquet space, celebrating the rich confectionery heritage of the Deccan.

The event offered guests an immersive journey into the art of traditional Hyderabadi sweets — delicacies once prepared in royal kitchens during the Nizami era. The masterclass highlighted recipes and craftsmanship that Dakni Sweet Treats has carefully preserved since its founding in 1994.

Participants discovered the intricate process behind Dakni’s iconic creations, the Badam Ki Jali, made from almond dough layered with silver foil and shaped into ornate designs; the Hyderabadi Ashrafi, inspired by Nizam-era coins and made with saffron, almonds, and cashew; and the Badam Kund, rich with ghee, almonds, and saffron, finished with a touch of silver waraq.

The demonstration featured vintage tools such as brass cutters and engraved coin moulds, giving attendees a glimpse into authentic techniques passed down through generations.

“Influenced by Persian and Turkish traditions, the Badam ki Jali draws from marzipan techniques, while Ashrafi uses Persian coins to imprint sweets with Nizami inscriptions,” shared Naina, Director, Dakni Sweet Treats. “Gil-e-firdaus, maske ke lauz, and jauzi halwa are part of a significant legacy that must be preserved before they vanish from living memory.”

Adding to the cultural spirit of the evening, Ashwin Vaidya, General Manager at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, remarked, “Curating living Deccan traditions is central to our cultural programming. Altair was designed as a stage for craft, cuisine, and community—this masterclass brings that vision to life for Diwali, connecting guests with artisans and time-honored techniques.”

This festive collaboration between Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, Dakni Sweet Treats, and Sangat reflects a shared commitment to celebrating Hyderabad’s royal culinary heritage through modern, meaningful experiences.

About Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat

Founded in 1994, Dakni Sweet Treats Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to keeping alive the royal dessert traditions of Hyderabad. Known for preserving time-honoured recipes, it has helped elevate Hyderabadi sweets as a defining part of the city’s rich culinary identity.

Sangat is a Hyderabad-based cultural initiative that explores the art, language, and living traditions of the Deccan. Through storytelling and collaboration, it brings together people and ideas that honour the region’s plural heritage while shaping an inclusive cultural future.

Located in Gachibowli beside the Botanical Gardens, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad offers luxurious stays and contemporary event venues, including Altair, its signature banquet space. The property also houses Mazzo, a rooftop restaurant known for its global cuisine and refined dining experiences.

Papa Johns, one of the world’s leading pizza chains, has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of four new restaurants in Bengaluru, located in Indiranagar, Hennur, Electronic City, and Sarjapur Road. Operated by PJP Foods India Private Limited (a joint venture between PJP Investments Group and Ambrosia QSR), the brand aims to deliver on its iconic promise of “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.”, featuring a special Ghee Roast Pizza crafted exclusively for India.

All Bengaluru outlets are supported by a centralised Quality Control Center (QCC) in Hennur, where Papa Johns’ signature fresh dough is prepared daily to maintain quality and consistency across all restaurants.

To mark the launch, Papa Johns collaborated with actor and content creator Danish Sait, who appears in a vibrant launch video celebrating the brand’s entry into India with humour and local flair.

Speaking on the launch, Tapan Vaidya, Group CEO of PJP Investments Group, said,

“This is a proud moment for us as we deliver the Papa Johns experience to Indian customers. Our pizzas are crafted with fresh, never-frozen dough, premium toppings, and a focus on consistent quality. Bengaluru is a fitting city to begin this journey, and we look forward to expanding rapidly across the country.”

Ravi Thanawala, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President at Papa Johns, added,

“India is one of the most dynamic foodservice markets in the world, and we are delighted to open our first store in Bengaluru. Opening both our first restaurant and a Quality Control Center represents a strong foundation for long-term growth.”

Vish Narain, Managing Partner at Pulsar Capital and Chairman of Ambrosia QSR, shared,

“Our endeavour is to provide excellent quality pizzas at affordable prices, appealing to diverse Indian tastes.”

The launch highlights Papa Johns’ international growth strategy and its mission to bring premium-quality pizza experiences to customers worldwide, with plans for nationwide expansion already underway.