Chef Surendra Rawat Showcases Uttarakhand Cuisine at Veggie Fest Chicago 2025

Chef Surendra Rawat Showcases Uttarakhand Cuisine at Veggie Fest Chicago 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2025

Veggie Fest Chicago, one of the largest vegetarian food and wellness festivals in the United States, welcomed over 40,000 attendees this year for a weekend of plant-based flavors, health-focused workshops, and cultural exchange. Among the culinary highlights was the participation of Chef Surendra Rawat, Executive Chef at India Palace Restaurant in Wheaton, Illinois, and an active member of the American Culinary Federation, Indian Culinary Forum, and Chefs’ Guild of India.

With over 15 years of professional culinary experience, Chef Rawat used the festival’s stage to bring the lesser-known cuisine of Uttarakhand to an international audience. His live demonstration featured three traditional dishes: instant vegetable pickle, Himalayan Heritage Bread stuffed with Black Lentils, and mushroom masala. These dishes reflected his dedication to preserving regional flavors while promoting the health benefits of traditional Indian ingredients.

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Himalayan Heritage Bread Stuffed with Black Lentils

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup ragi (finger millet) flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • ¾ cup water (or as needed)
  • ½ cup black lentils, soaked overnight
  • Pinch of red chili powder
  • Pinch of ajwain (caraway seeds)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ tsp minced garlic

Method:

  1. Prepare the dough by mixing ragi flour, whole wheat flour, and water until smooth and pliable.
  2. Drain the soaked lentils and grind coarsely. Mix with red chili powder, ajwain, salt, cilantro, and garlic to make the stuffing.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls, flatten slightly, and place a spoonful of stuffing in the center. Seal and roll out gently into a roti.
  4. Cook each roti on a hot griddle for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve hot.

Mushroom Masala

A hearty dish made with mustard seeds, garlic, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and a blend of traditional Indian spices, cooked until the mushrooms absorb the rich flavors. The result is a vibrant, aromatic preparation that’s perfect with Indian breads or rice.

Instant Vegetable Pickle

A quick, tangy, and spicy side dish prepared using fresh vegetables, mustard oil, and an assortment of ground spices. This pickle delivers a punch of flavor and is a perfect complement to any Indian meal.

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A Culinary Ambassador for Uttarakhand

For Chef Rawat, events like Veggie Fest Chicago are more than just cooking demonstrations—they are cultural showcases. Through his dishes, he introduces audiences to the diversity of Indian vegetarian cuisine and the nutritional benefits of native ingredients. His culinary outreach extends beyond festivals to nonprofit organizations, public libraries, and professional chef associations, where he has conducted numerous educational cooking sessions.

Currently working on his debut chef memoir, Chef Rawat aims to document his journey from his village roots to the professional kitchens of America, blending personal stories with traditional recipes.

“Indian cuisine is so much more than butter chicken and naan,” he says. “I want the world to know our grains, our greens, our mountain spices, and our stories.”

At Hospitalitynews, we recognize Chef Surendra Rawat as a passionate custodian of North Indian culinary heritage. His presence at Veggie Fest Chicago stands as yet another milestone in his mission to bring the flavors of Uttarakhand to the world—one demonstration at a time.


Burger King India Turns Up the Heat with New Limited-Time Peri-Peri Fest

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 17, 2026

 Burger King India has expanded its flavour-packed menu with the launch of its Limited-Time Peri-Peri Fest, bringing a fresh line-up of burgers, sides and value meals inspired by the globally loved Peri-Peri flavour. Available across Burger King restaurants nationwide from July 7, the new menu continues the brand's signature Dunking experience following the positive response to its Korean Kimchi Fest.

The Peri-Peri Fest menu is available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery. Customers can also choose from exclusive Peri-Peri combos and meal upgrades for a complete flavour-packed experience.

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The limited-time menu features nine new offerings, including Peri-Peri Veg Whopper, Peri-Peri Chicken Whopper, Peri-Peri Paneer Burger, Peri-Peri Cheese Burger, Peri-Peri Chicken Burger, Peri-Peri Chicken Wings, Peri-Peri Boneless Chicken, Peri-Peri Chicken Nuggets and Peri-Peri Fries.

To mark the launch, Burger King India has introduced a colourful campaign inspired by the African and Portuguese roots of Peri-Peri, blended with a Gen Z-inspired style. The campaign features an original musical film filled with vibrant visuals, music and cultural influences, celebrating the bold flavours in a distinctly Burger King way.

Commenting on the launch, Kapil Grover, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Burger King India, said:

"Peri-Peri has emerged as one of India's most loved flavour profiles, fuelled by consumers' growing appetite for bold and exciting flavours. With Peri-Peri Fest, we're taking that love a step further by bringing consumers an experience that's rooted in the true origins of Peri-Peri. Our signature Dunked Peri-Peri platform delivers richer, bolder flavour in every bite, offering a distinctive Burger King experience that's both craveable and memorable."

Sharing the creative thought behind the campaign, Anupama Ramaswamy, Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer, Havas Creative India, said:

"The product itself has a natural sense of theatre as it's dunked for full flavour. We wanted the campaign to mirror that same exuberance. Instead of simply talking about flavour, we turned it into a musical celebration with an original soundtrack that's catchy, energetic and impossible to forget. Every beat, visual and movement was crafted to make audiences feel the joy of going all in."

To support the launch, Burger King India is rolling out a nationwide 360-degree campaign across digital platforms, out-of-home advertising, social media, influencer collaborations, in-restaurant branding and local activations.

As part of the celebration, customers purchasing select Peri-Peri x Sprite Meal Combos through the Burger King App will get a chance to win a free trip to Korea through a lucky draw. The app also offers exclusive Crazy App Deals for dine-in guests, making the Peri-Peri Fest even more rewarding.


Grand Mercure Bangalore Celebrates Gujarat and Rajasthan’s Culinary Heritage with Susheela Kankariya

Grand Mercure Bangalore Celebrates Gujarat and Rajasthan’s Culinary Heritage with Susheela Kankariya

By Hariharan U

Published on July 17, 2026

Grand Mercure Bangalore is bringing the rich culinary traditions of Gujarat and Rajasthan to the city through a special collaboration with Ms. Susheela Kankariya, who has dedicated herself to preserving authentic regional recipes passed down through generations.

The limited-time dining experience celebrates the warmth of home-style cooking, traditional flavours, and the stories behind India’s diverse culinary heritage. Inspired by recipes enjoyed across families over generations, the showcase offers guests an opportunity to experience the simplicity, richness, and authenticity of Gujarati and Rajasthani cuisine.

Curated using fresh local ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and time-honoured recipes, the special menu highlights the unique flavours of two of India’s most celebrated regional food cultures. From comforting everyday preparations to festive delicacies, each dish reflects the culinary identity, traditions, and hospitality of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The special menu will be available across two of Grand Mercure Bangalore’s signature dining destinations. Guests can enjoy an exclusive à la carte selection at The Verandah, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, while By The Blue will host a special Sunday Brunch featuring an elaborate buffet showcasing a wider variety of authentic Gujarati and Rajasthani favourites.

The specially curated menu features live stations offering favourites such as Mini Ragada Pattice, Papdi Chaat, Thepla, and Bajra Roti. Guests can also savour traditional delicacies including Khandvi, Handvo, Dhokla, Kachori, Khichdi Kadhi, Dal Dhokli, Gatte ki Sabzi, Gatte ka Pulao, Ker Sangri Pickle, Missi Roti, and Drumstick Thepla.

The culinary journey concludes with an indulgent dessert selection featuring Moong Dal Halwa, Mohanthal, Sweet Khichda, Lauki Halwa, Coconut Laddoo, Churma, and refreshing Mango Shrikhand.

Speaking about the collaboration, Parag Shah, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, “At Grand Mercure Bangalore, we believe food is one of the best ways to experience the culture of a place. Through this collaboration, we are delighted to bring the distinctive flavours of Gujarat and Rajasthan to our guests and celebrate recipes that have been passed down through families for generations. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy this special culinary experience across our restaurants.”

Ms. Susheela Kankariya added, “The food of Gujarat and Rajasthan is deeply connected to family, tradition, and everyday life. Every recipe carries a story and reflects the character of the region it comes from. I am delighted to collaborate with Grand Mercure Bangalore and share these authentic flavours with guests, giving them an opportunity to experience the true essence of these cuisines.”

Through curated culinary collaborations, Grand Mercure Bangalore continues to celebrate India’s diverse food traditions by bringing regional flavours, cultural stories, and authentic dining experiences to its guests.


The Leela Gandhinagar Brings Royal Indian Flavours to Life with Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya

The Leela Gandhinagar Brings Royal Indian Flavours to Life with Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya

By Hariharan U

Published on July 16, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating India’s rich royal culinary traditions with the launch of its Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya, the hotel’s signature Indian specialty restaurant. Running from 16th July to 31st July 2026, the festival invites guests to experience the timeless flavours, aromas, and craftsmanship of India’s royal kitchens through an exclusive selection of biryanis and kebabs.

Inspired by culinary traditions once enjoyed by royal households across the country, the festival brings together fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, slow-cooking techniques, and expertly grilled preparations that have made biryanis and kebabs iconic expressions of Indian fine dining.

As guests enter Diya, they are welcomed by the rich aromas of saffron-infused rice, roasted spices, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and traditional preparations crafted with precision. The festival celebrates the artistry behind these dishes, highlighting regional influences and generations of culinary knowledge passed down through India’s royal kitchens.

The specially curated menu features an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, including signature biryanis such as Hyderabadi Kathal Dum Biryani, Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani, and Murgh Dum Biryani. Each preparation showcases layers of fragrant rice, carefully balanced spices, and slow-cooked ingredients designed to create a rich and authentic dining experience.

The kebab selection reflects the diversity and sophistication of Indian grilling traditions with creations including Shahi Subz Akhrot Ki Seekh, Ulta Tawa Subz Galouti, Murgh Angar Bedgi, and Gosht Aur Hare Pyaaz Ki Seekh. Prepared by the hotel’s Master Chef, every dish combines traditional techniques with refined presentation, capturing the elegance associated with royal Indian cuisine.

The culinary experience is further enhanced by Diya’s luxurious interiors, featuring silver-adorned ceilings, handcrafted chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, and contemporary Indian design elements. The restaurant’s elegant ambience creates a setting inspired by royal dining chambers, allowing guests to enjoy the festival as an immersive gastronomic journey.

Whether for an intimate dinner, family gathering, or special celebration, the Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail offers guests an opportunity to explore India’s culinary heritage while experiencing the signature hospitality of The Leela.

Speaking about the festival, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Biryanis and kebabs carry a remarkable legacy of royal kitchens, regional craftsmanship, and generations of culinary artistry. Through this festival, we wanted to recreate the warmth and grandeur of those timeless traditions while offering our guests an experience that reflects the elegance and authenticity associated with Diya and The Leela.”

Through this celebration, The Leela Gandhinagar continues its commitment to showcasing India’s diverse culinary heritage through thoughtfully curated dining experiences. The Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail brings together tradition, craftsmanship, and luxury hospitality, offering guests a memorable journey through flavours that have adorned India’s royal tables for centuries.

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