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.

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.

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.

Bengaluru’s CAHOOTS is inviting guests to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day in style with a refreshing treat and a touch of sweetness. On Friday, August 15, 2025, patrons can enjoy a 25% discount on all Hoegaarden beer on tap—the perfect way to raise a toast to freedom.

To make the celebration even more memorable, every meal comes with a complimentary Tiranga-themed dessert, adding a patriotic flair to the experience.

Located at Ground Floor, No 48/1, Brigade Road, near McDonald’s, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, CAHOOTS promises a lively ambience, great food, and refreshing drinks—making it the ideal spot to enjoy the spirit of independence with friends and family.

This Independence Day, gather your loved ones and join CAHOOTS for a celebration filled with flavour, freedom, and fun.

Dolci is bringing patriotic flavors to the table this Independence Day with two exclusive offers designed to celebrate India’s spirit of freedom. Guests can enjoy unique tricolor-inspired delicacies, while Army families are honored with a heartfelt tribute through a special discount.

In appreciation of the armed forces, Dolci is extending a generous 79% discount on the total bill value for Army personnel and their families. This offer, available on August 15, 2025, at all three Dolci outlets, can be availed by presenting an Army dependent card during billing.

For those looking to savor the day’s spirit through food, Dolci’s Independence Day Indulgence Package offers a vibrant three-course journey inspired by the Indian tricolor. The experience begins with a Tri-Color Welcome Drink, a refreshing combination of orange, tender coconut, and mint mojito, beautifully layered to represent saffron, white, and green.

The centerpiece is Dolci’s Tri-Color Pasta, featuring three kinds of ravioli: Spinach Ravioli symbolizing prosperity, Cottage Cheese Ravioli representing peace, and Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli embodying courage. These are served in a rustic cheese sauce that unites the flavors in perfect balance.

The celebration concludes with the Kesar-Pista Mascarpone Lime Cake. Golden kesar reflects saffron, pistachio adds the green, and mascarpone lime forms the white layer, blending Indian and European dessert traditions in a truly memorable finale.

Both the Independence Day Indulgence Package (at a special price) and the Army family discount will be available exclusively on August 15, 2025, at Dolci’s Cunningham Road, Lavelle Road, and New BEL Road locations.

This Independence Day, Dolci invites everyone to experience a “Taste of Freedom” with dishes crafted from the heart and seasoned with patriotic pride.