India has one of the most diverse culinary traditions in the world, but a large part of it is quietly disappearing. Recipes passed down through generations are being replaced by convenience, and the regional dishes that once defined entire communities are becoming harder to find in their most authentic form. Novotel Vijayawada Varun is doing something about that.

The hotel has launched Culinary Voices, a six-month Sunday brunch series dedicated to bringing forgotten regional Indian recipes back to the table. Once a month, the brunch will spotlight a different culinary tradition, each edition curated in collaboration with home chefs who carry generations of cooking knowledge within them. It's a thoughtful initiative that goes well beyond a regular food promotion, treating cuisine as what it truly is: a living record of culture, tradition, and memory.

The first chapter of Culinary Voices opens with Marwari cuisine from Rajasthan, and it's a strong start. The menu reads like a journey through the flavours of a Rajasthani home kitchen. Pyaaz Kachori and Kalmi Bada set the tone as starters, followed by the comforting depth of Panchmel Dal paired with Bajre Ki Roti. Gatte Ki Sabzi, a beloved speciality from the Mewar region known for its robust, rustic character, anchors the main spread. For dessert, Ghevar with Rabdi brings a festive sweetness to the meal, with Churma available for those who want an extra touch of indulgence.

Executive Chef Shivaramakrishna J shared what drives the initiative. "With Culinary Voices, we wanted to celebrate the depth and diversity of India's culinary heritage. Each edition of the Sunday brunch will spotlight a different set of heritage recipes, thoughtfully recreated in collaboration with home chefs who bring with them generations of culinary knowledge. This initiative further underscores our commitment to staying ahead of the culinary curve by constantly introducing guests to meaningful, culturally rooted dining experiences in a contemporary hospitality platform."

Over the next six months, the series will travel across India's regional food landscape, one brunch at a time. It's the kind of initiative that reminds you how much richness still exists in Indian cooking, and how much of it is worth preserving before it fades further into memory.
The first Culinary Voices brunch is scheduled for March 15th at Novotel Vijayawada Varun.