Koushur Saal: Chef Rahul Wali Brings the Flavours of Kashmiri Pandit Cuisine to Sheraton Hyderabad

Koushur Saal: Chef Rahul Wali Brings the Flavours of Kashmiri Pandit Cuisine to Sheraton Hyderabad

By Hariharan U

Published on November 13, 2025

Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel is all set to take guests on a flavourful journey through Kashmir with ‘Koushur Saal’, a special dining experience curated by Chef Rahul Wali, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef known for reviving traditional Kashmiri Pandit cuisine. The five-day pop-up will be hosted at Feast, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.

True to its name Koushur Saal, meaning “Kashmiri Feast” the event brings to Hyderabad a cuisine that’s elegant, rare, and deeply rooted in heritage. Unlike the widely known Wazwan, Kashmiri Pandit cuisine stands out for its gentle use of spices like fennel and asafoetida, and for its signature style that avoids onion and garlic. It’s a fine balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, featuring local favourites such as Haakh, Knolkhol, Amaranth leaves, and lotus stem.

The specially designed menu offers a beautiful mix of flavours from the aromatic Rogan Josh, Mutz (minced meatballs), Qaliya, and Kabargah to vegetarian delights like Chaaman Qaliya, Dum Aloo, Mujj Gaad (fish with radish), and Nadru Yakhni (lotus stem in yoghurt curry). No Kashmiri meal is complete without Haakh and a soothing cup of Kehwa, which rounds off the experience perfectly.

Chef Rahul Wali shared his passion for bringing this culinary heritage to Hyderabad, saying, “With Koushur Saal, we’re inviting Hyderabad to taste nuance, not noise. I want to break myths about Kashmiri cuisine and help people understand that our traditional food isn’t spicy, doesn’t rely on dry fruits in every dish, and represents one of India’s oldest culinary traditions dating back to 326 BCE. The cuisine even finds mention in the Nilamat Puran, an ancient text dedicated to the Kashmir region.”

image

Adding to this, Chef Satya Kumar, Executive Chef at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, noted, “A Kashmiri Pandit cuisine pop-up is a unique experience for a city like Hyderabad. Today’s diners seek more than just food—they look for stories, experiences, and cultural connections.”

In a city known for its bold and rich flavours, Koushur Saal offers something refreshingly different, a reminder that food can be gentle, soulful, and still unforgettable. The pop-up invites diners to slow down, savour, and connect with a culinary tradition that has quietly endured for centuries.

Event Details:
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM |

Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 

Reservations: +91 7337358581

About Chef Rahul Wali

Based in Dehradun, Chef Rahul Wali has over 24 years of experience across India and abroad. A Le Cordon Bleu graduate from Adelaide, he specialises in Kashmiri Pandit cuisine and has represented India on several international stages, including Delicious Uzbekistan 2019, where he won Silver and Bronze medals from the World Association of Chefs Societies. In 2023, he was honoured with the Historian Award by the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations for reviving this rare cuisine. Most recently, he showcased Kashmiri dishes at the Indian High Commission in Nairobi during Republic Day celebrations.


Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Vivanta Miramar has introduced Verre, a new rooftop glasshouse concept that brings together handcrafted cocktails, global cuisine, curated music, and immersive storytelling, set against sweeping views of the Goan coastline.

Positioned as more than a rooftop bar, Verre is designed as a “parallel universe” experience where familiar archetypes are reimagined as playful characters, creating a layered and evolving social space. The venue transitions naturally from relaxed sundowners during sunset to high-energy nightlife as the evening progresses.

At the centre of the experience is a cocktail programme inspired by celestial themes, drawing from the sun and moon to create drinks that combine classic mixology techniques with global influences and experimental ingredients. The beverage offering is complemented by a contemporary menu featuring Asian, Mediterranean, and Indian flavours, along with curated shareable plates and a live sushi bar.

Music plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere at Verre, beginning with lounge and ambient sounds at sunset before shifting into upbeat and club-driven sets later in the night. This gradual transformation is designed to mirror the changing energy of the space as guests move from evening relaxation to late-night celebration.

A defining element of the concept is the introduction of “Verre Characters,” a storytelling feature that assigns playful personas inspired by everyday human traits. From dreamers to socialites and collectors, guests are invited to identify with these characters, adding an interactive narrative layer to the experience.

According to Ranjit Philipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa, IHCL, Verre has been designed to go beyond traditional dining and drinking formats. He noted that the concept blends design, music, storytelling, and mixology to create a more immersive and memorable social experience in Goa’s evolving hospitality landscape.

With its combination of panoramic views, evolving atmosphere, and experiential storytelling, Verre positions itself as a distinctive addition to Goa’s rooftop and nightlife scene


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting guests to experience the flavours of coastal Italy with A Taste of the Italian Coast, a specially curated brunch designed to bring together authentic Italian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Hosted at Food Exchange, the brunch celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy’s coastline through a menu featuring classic favourites and fresh creations inspired by the region’s vibrant food culture.

Designed as a leisurely Sunday dining experience, the brunch offers families, friends, and food enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a carefully crafted selection of Italian dishes in a welcoming and elegant setting.

With its focus on comforting flavours, quality ingredients, and the laid-back charm associated with coastal Italy, the experience aims to transport guests on a culinary journey while offering a memorable afternoon of dining and hospitality.

The brunch will be available every Sunday in June 2026, except 21 June, at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport
  • Dates: Every Sunday in June 2026 (except 21 June)
  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM


Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Café Delhi Heights (CDH) has announced the opening of its newest outlet at Central 50, Noida, further expanding its presence in one of the city's emerging lifestyle destinations. Designed as an all-day dining space, the new café offers a welcoming atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from casual daytime gatherings to relaxed evening experiences.

Spread across 1,680 sq. ft. and accommodating up to 69 guests, the outlet has been thoughtfully designed to create the feel of a modern neighbourhood café. The interiors feature a soothing mix of terracotta and lime tones, complemented by warm wooden finishes, brick-tiled details, and rattan accents. Carefully placed black highlights add contrast, while large windows allow natural light to create changing patterns throughout the day.

image

Speaking about the new opening, Vikrant Batra said, “We wanted this space to feel calm, comfortable and effortlessly welcoming, a place that truly speaks of comfort, where you can drop in for a coffee during the day or unwind in the evening. Central 50 is an exciting new destination in Noida, and it gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with a diverse, evolving audience.”

Located within Central 50, the café is expected to attract a wide range of guests, including corporate professionals, families, and young urban diners. Its flexible layout and relaxed ambience make it suitable for everything from informal meetings and quick coffee breaks to leisurely meals and evening catch-ups.

Over the years, Café Delhi Heights has built a strong reputation for offering comfort-focused dining experiences across India. Since opening its first outlet in Gurgaon, the brand has expanded across multiple cities while maintaining its signature approach of creating spaces that feel both familiar and unique.

The launch at Central 50 marks another step in the brand’s growth journey. With a focus on combining thoughtfully designed spaces and enjoyable dining experiences, Café Delhi Heights continues to strengthen its presence in key urban markets across the country.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.