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.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Celebrates Independence Day with Special Brunch

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Celebrates Independence Day with Special Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2026

Marking India's 80th Independence Day, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is hosting a special Independence Day Brunch at S Café on 15 August 2026, bringing together festive flavours, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly experiences under one roof.

The brunch has been curated as a tribute to India's rich culinary heritage, offering an extensive vegetarian menu featuring regional favourites alongside international dishes. Guests can enjoy Indian specialities such as Nizami Paneer Tikka, Navratan Korma, Peshawari Paneer, and Soya Nihari, complemented by global flavours including Laksa Soup, Minestrone Genovese, Thai Corn Cake, and Spinach & Cheese Tartlets.

Adding to the experience are live cooking stations serving freshly prepared Paneer Shawarma and Chilli Paneer Bao, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy dishes made to order.

The festive atmosphere will be enhanced with tricolour-inspired décor, live music, and a dedicated Kids' Activity Zone, creating a memorable celebration for families and friends.

With a combination of authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and a vibrant setting, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore invites guests to celebrate the spirit of India's 80th Independence Day over a memorable brunch experience.

Event Details

  • Event: Independence Day Brunch

  • Venue: S Café, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore

  • Date: 15 August 2026

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Revives Nizami Culinary Heritage with Sixth Edition of ‘Lost Cuisine’ Series

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Revives Nizami Culinary Heritage with Sixth Edition of ‘Lost Cuisine’ Series

By Hariharan U

Published on August 10, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun invites diners to embark on a culinary journey through the royal kitchens of Hyderabad with the sixth edition of its ‘Lost Cuisine’ series on 9th August 2026 at Food Exchange.

The exclusive one-day brunch experience aims to revive the forgotten flavours and timeless traditions of Nizami cuisine, offering guests in Vijayawada a rare opportunity to explore the rich culinary legacy of Hyderabad’s royal kitchens.

Rooted in a blend of Persian, Turkish, Mughlai, and Deccani influences, Nizami cuisine is celebrated for its slow-cooking methods, balanced spices, and intricate layers of flavour. Over generations, it has played a significant role in shaping Hyderabad’s food culture and remains one of India’s most cherished culinary traditions.

Curated by the culinary team at Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the specially designed menu brings back traditional recipes and iconic dishes, featuring a selection of royal delicacies including Haazma-e-Zam Zam, Lost Nizami Mutton Maraq, Asaf Jahi Shamiya Kebab, Pathar Ka Gosht, Roohani Kachhi Yakhni Biryani, Bagara Khana, Meetah Gosht, Hyderabadi Lagan Ka Murgh, and the classic Khubani Ka Meetha with Gaadi Malai.

Speaking about the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, “The Lost Cuisine series is our way of celebrating India's diverse culinary heritage by bringing regional food traditions to our guests. With the sixth edition, we are presenting Nizami cuisine, which continues to be recognized for its history, craftsmanship, and enduring influence on Indian gastronomy.”

A signature initiative of Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the Lost Cuisine series focuses on preserving India’s diverse regional food traditions by reviving authentic recipes and sharing the stories, techniques, and cultural significance behind them.

Event Details

Event: Lost Cuisine Series – Nizami Cuisine Brunch
Date: 9th August 2026, Sunday
Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Vijayawada Varun


Osama Jalali Brings India's Forgotten Recipes to JW Marriott Kolkata

Osama Jalali Brings India's Forgotten Recipes to JW Marriott Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

JW Kitchen at JW Marriott Kolkata is set to host the Osama Jalali Food Festival, bringing India's forgotten recipes and rich culinary traditions to the table. Celebrated food historian and author Osama Jalali will showcase a selection of heirloom recipes, regional delicacies and traditional cooking techniques, offering diners an opportunity to explore lesser-known flavours from different parts of India.

Running over ten evenings from 14–23 August 2026, the festival will feature specially curated dinner menus inspired by royal kitchens, historic food traditions and regional home cooking.

More than just a food festival, the experience aims to connect diners with the stories and traditions behind India's diverse cuisine. Each dish reflects a different part of the country's culinary heritage, giving guests an opportunity to discover authentic flavours and recipes that have been passed down through generations.

For food lovers and those interested in India's culinary history, the festival offers a chance to explore traditional Indian cooking through a specially curated dining experience.

Event Details

  • Venue: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Kolkata
  • Dates: 14–23 August 2026
  • Time: Dinner from 7.00 PM Onwards.

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.