Culinary Traditions and Innovations Shine Across Telangana and Rajasthan

Culinary Traditions and Innovations Shine Across Telangana and Rajasthan

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 26, 2025

The Indian culinary landscape continues to evolve with a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation. This week, two landmark events—one in Telangana and the other in Rajasthan—brought chefs, food lovers, and industry leaders together to celebrate culture, creativity, and community.

In Hyderabad, the Telangana Chefs Association (TCA) marked its 6th anniversary with a vibrant Culinary Conclave 2025, themed "Roots to Robots – The Evolution of Culinary Craft." Held at The Park, Hyderabad, the event was inaugurated by Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and attended by top chefs, academicians, global dignitaries, and budding culinary students from across Telangana.

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Key guests included Chef Vijayabaskaran, Chef MS Gupta, Chef Sudhir Sibal, Chef Dharmendra Lamba, Chef Vimal Dhar, Chef Nimish Bhatia, and marketing and cultural leaders like Mr Kamal Krishnan and Ms Maud Miquau. One of the most talked-about segments was the panel discussion "AI – Ruin or Rule the Kitchen?" which explored the balance between technology and traditional culinary wisdom.

TCA also hosted the Telangana Culinary League 2.0, where Regency College of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management clinched the Overall Champion title. Students from tier-2 cities stole the spotlight, showcasing the emerging talent across the state. The conclave also featured engaging sessions on regional cuisine, chef wellness, branding, and mindful cooking, adding immense value to the professional community.

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Adding a warm social touch, TCA felicitated Youngistan Organization and Regency College for their life skills training for children in government safe homes. The day wrapped up with lively student performances, a grand award ceremony, and a much-applauded live culinary performance by Chef Sanjeev Kumar Patra.

Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, Rajasthali Resort & Spa unveiled a culinary renaissance at its signature restaurant, Jharokha. With a reimagined menu steeped in royal flavours, the resort is offering guests a taste of regal Rajasthan—revamped for the modern palate.

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Dishes like Laal Maas, Jungli Maas, Ker Sangri, and Gatta Curry honour Rajasthani tradition, while globally-inspired offerings like Chicken Parmigiana and Mediterranean Quinoa Mix add a contemporary twist. For dessert lovers, Kesari Rasmalai and Moong Dal Halwa serve up nostalgic sweetness with a refined touch.

“This new chapter at Jharokha is a culinary tribute—crafted not just for the appetite, but for the soul,” said Mr. Vichin Sehgal, Vice President of Rajasthali Resort & Spa.

From the streets of Telangana to the palaces of Rajasthan, India’s kitchens are buzzing with passion, purpose, and pride—preserving traditions while boldly embracing the future.


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.


B Natural Launches 'Coconut Cola', Creating a New Beverage Category

B Natural Launches 'Coconut Cola', Creating a New Beverage Category

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2026

ITC Foods has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of B Natural Coconut Cola, introducing what it describes as a first-of-its-kind drink in India. Combining the familiar taste and fizz of cola with the goodness of coconut water, the new beverage is designed for consumers looking for lighter, everyday refreshment without compromising on taste.

Built around the brand proposition 'Refreshingly Simple', B Natural Coconut Cola contains Zero Caffeine, Zero Added Sugar, and just 9 kcal per serve. The launch reflects the growing demand for beverages that offer both enjoyment and better-for-you choices.

According to ITC Foods, changing consumer preferences have created a need for drinks that feel lighter while still delivering a satisfying experience. With Coconut Cola, the company aims to address this gap by creating a new beverage category, a hydrating cola that blends indulgence with wellness.

The launch also highlights B Natural's continued focus on innovation, with the brand introducing products that align with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Coconut Cola marks the latest addition to its portfolio of differentiated beverage offerings.

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Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vivek Kookkal, Vice President and Business Head - Dairy and Beverages, Foods Division, ITC Ltd, said:

"Coconut Cola is rooted in a simple consumer insight that indulgence does not need to be over engineered to be enjoyable. With this unique launch, we aim to encourage consumers to rediscover the value of simplicity through a thoughtfully crafted beverage experience - combining the familiar taste of cola with coconut water, we are offering an alternative that is both enjoyable and refreshingly simple"

The product has been developed in collaboration with ITC's Product Development and Life Sciences & Technology Centre (LSTC) teams. Their combined efforts have ensured that the beverage delivers the familiar cola experience while maintaining its wellness-focused proposition.

B Natural Coconut Cola is now available in a 250 ml can priced at INR 60. The product will be rolled out across leading retail outlets and quick commerce platforms in key metro cities, including Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.


Ironhill Bengaluru Launches 'The Monsoon Affair' Seasonal Dining Experience

Ironhill Bengaluru Launches 'The Monsoon Affair' Seasonal Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Ironhill Marathahalli has announced the launch of The Monsoon Affair, a seasonal culinary celebration that brings together comforting flavours, nostalgic recipes, and immersive dining experiences to mark the arrival of the monsoon in Bengaluru.

Running from July 15 to August 31, the limited-period menu has been curated to capture India's enduring love for monsoon comfort food through a selection of hearty dishes inspired by regional flavours and seasonal indulgences.

Among the highlights are the Smoky Sigdiwala Bhutta, Madras Curry, Lamb Fry, and Haleem Bun with Mutton Marag, each offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional comfort food while celebrating the warmth and richness associated with the rainy season.

Complementing the food is a selection of refreshing beverages designed for the season, alongside a monsoon-inspired ambience and interactive experiences that enhance the overall dining experience.

With The Monsoon Affair, Ironhill aims to transform the rainy season into an occasion for guests to gather, unwind, and enjoy flavourful dishes in a vibrant setting. The seasonal promotion reflects the restaurant's focus on creating themed culinary experiences that combine comfort, hospitality, and memorable moments.

The Monsoon Affair will be available at Ironhill Marathahalli until August 31, offering diners an opportunity to savour specially curated seasonal dishes throughout the monsoon.

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