Mantra Koodam, CGH Earth in Kumbakonam, has introduced Diraviyam, a unique culinary experience that celebrates the forgotten flavours, traditions, and communities of ancient Tamilagam. Designed as a journey through Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage, Diraviyam brings together historic recipes, indigenous ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques to offer guests an authentic taste of the region’s diverse food culture.

Continuing CGH Earth’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage through immersive experiences, Diraviyam explores the culinary identities of Tamil Nadu’s historic regions beyond the well-known traditions of Chola Nadu. While Chola Nadu cuisine continues to be showcased at Mantra Koodam’s signature restaurant Annaprasanna, Diraviyam highlights the distinct flavours of Thondai Nadu, Nadu Nadu, Kongu Nadu, and Pandya Nadu.

At the heart of the experience is a celebration of traditional food systems and sustainable practices. Following a farm-to-table philosophy, Diraviyam uses fresh vegetables, herbs, and ingredients sourced from organic gardens to recreate dishes inspired by rural Tamil Nadu’s culinary wisdom.

A key element of Diraviyam is its connection with local communities. Three women from neighbouring villages have been trained and involved in preserving and presenting traditional regional recipes. Their knowledge, personal experiences, and connection with local food traditions bring authenticity to every meal while helping sustain culinary practices passed down through generations.

Speaking about the initiative, Radhakrishna Shenoi, Assistant Vice President, CGH Earth, said, “A defining aspect of Diraviyam is its deep connection with the local community. Three women from neighbouring villages have been recruited and professionally trained to preserve and present traditional regional recipes. Their knowledge, lived experiences, and personal stories lend an unparalleled authenticity to every meal, ensuring that culinary traditions are not merely recreated, but meaningfully sustained.”

Remaining true to ancestral cooking methods, dishes at Diraviyam are prepared using traditional wood-fired stoves and earthenware pots. These techniques enhance flavours while preserving the essence of regional Tamil cuisine. The restaurant’s design further complements the experience, drawing inspiration from traditional Tamil villages with thatched-roof architecture, natural materials, rustic aesthetics, and an open-air setting.

Harish Venkatasubramaniam, General Manager, Mantra Koodam, said, “Remaining true to ancestral methods, dishes at Diraviyam are prepared over traditional wood-fired stoves and cooked in earthenware pots, techniques that not only enhance flavour and nutrition but also preserve the essence of regional Tamil cuisine passed down through generations.”

Guests at Diraviyam can experience a grand vegetarian feast featuring 28 carefully curated dishes representing Tamil Nadu’s diverse culinary regions. Served traditionally on banana leaves, the dining experience celebrates the timeless customs of Tamil hospitality and communal dining.

Beyond being a dining destination, Diraviyam aims to serve as a platform for cultural preservation, community empowerment, sustainable living, and culinary storytelling. Through authentic flavours, traditional practices, and meaningful connections, the experience allows travellers to discover the roots of Tamil heritage.

With Diraviyam, CGH Earth continues its focus on creating handcrafted hospitality experiences that honour local traditions, celebrate communities, and preserve the cultural identity of every destination it represents.

About CGH Earth – Experience Hotels

CGH Earth is a hospitality group built around the philosophy of creating meaningful experiences rooted in environmental sensitivity, community engagement, and local culture. Its portfolio includes uniquely designed resorts, retreats, villas, bungalows, and wellness experiences across India.

Inspired by local architecture, cuisine, traditions, craftsmanship, and community knowledge, CGH Earth creates immersive stays that connect travellers with the spirit of each destination. Through its properties and experiences, the group continues to preserve heritage while offering contemporary travellers authentic encounters with India’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

 Burger King India has expanded its flavour-packed menu with the launch of its Limited-Time Peri-Peri Fest, bringing a fresh line-up of burgers, sides and value meals inspired by the globally loved Peri-Peri flavour. Available across Burger King restaurants nationwide from July 7, the new menu continues the brand's signature Dunking experience following the positive response to its Korean Kimchi Fest.

The Peri-Peri Fest menu is available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery. Customers can also choose from exclusive Peri-Peri combos and meal upgrades for a complete flavour-packed experience.

The limited-time menu features nine new offerings, including Peri-Peri Veg Whopper, Peri-Peri Chicken Whopper, Peri-Peri Paneer Burger, Peri-Peri Cheese Burger, Peri-Peri Chicken Burger, Peri-Peri Chicken Wings, Peri-Peri Boneless Chicken, Peri-Peri Chicken Nuggets and Peri-Peri Fries.

To mark the launch, Burger King India has introduced a colourful campaign inspired by the African and Portuguese roots of Peri-Peri, blended with a Gen Z-inspired style. The campaign features an original musical film filled with vibrant visuals, music and cultural influences, celebrating the bold flavours in a distinctly Burger King way.

Commenting on the launch, Kapil Grover, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Burger King India, said:

"Peri-Peri has emerged as one of India's most loved flavour profiles, fuelled by consumers' growing appetite for bold and exciting flavours. With Peri-Peri Fest, we're taking that love a step further by bringing consumers an experience that's rooted in the true origins of Peri-Peri. Our signature Dunked Peri-Peri platform delivers richer, bolder flavour in every bite, offering a distinctive Burger King experience that's both craveable and memorable."

Sharing the creative thought behind the campaign, Anupama Ramaswamy, Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer, Havas Creative India, said:

"The product itself has a natural sense of theatre as it's dunked for full flavour. We wanted the campaign to mirror that same exuberance. Instead of simply talking about flavour, we turned it into a musical celebration with an original soundtrack that's catchy, energetic and impossible to forget. Every beat, visual and movement was crafted to make audiences feel the joy of going all in."

To support the launch, Burger King India is rolling out a nationwide 360-degree campaign across digital platforms, out-of-home advertising, social media, influencer collaborations, in-restaurant branding and local activations.

As part of the celebration, customers purchasing select Peri-Peri x Sprite Meal Combos through the Burger King App will get a chance to win a free trip to Korea through a lucky draw. The app also offers exclusive Crazy App Deals for dine-in guests, making the Peri-Peri Fest even more rewarding.

Grand Mercure Bangalore is bringing the rich culinary traditions of Gujarat and Rajasthan to the city through a special collaboration with Ms. Susheela Kankariya, who has dedicated herself to preserving authentic regional recipes passed down through generations.

The limited-time dining experience celebrates the warmth of home-style cooking, traditional flavours, and the stories behind India’s diverse culinary heritage. Inspired by recipes enjoyed across families over generations, the showcase offers guests an opportunity to experience the simplicity, richness, and authenticity of Gujarati and Rajasthani cuisine.

Curated using fresh local ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and time-honoured recipes, the special menu highlights the unique flavours of two of India’s most celebrated regional food cultures. From comforting everyday preparations to festive delicacies, each dish reflects the culinary identity, traditions, and hospitality of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The special menu will be available across two of Grand Mercure Bangalore’s signature dining destinations. Guests can enjoy an exclusive à la carte selection at The Verandah, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, while By The Blue will host a special Sunday Brunch featuring an elaborate buffet showcasing a wider variety of authentic Gujarati and Rajasthani favourites.

The specially curated menu features live stations offering favourites such as Mini Ragada Pattice, Papdi Chaat, Thepla, and Bajra Roti. Guests can also savour traditional delicacies including Khandvi, Handvo, Dhokla, Kachori, Khichdi Kadhi, Dal Dhokli, Gatte ki Sabzi, Gatte ka Pulao, Ker Sangri Pickle, Missi Roti, and Drumstick Thepla.

The culinary journey concludes with an indulgent dessert selection featuring Moong Dal Halwa, Mohanthal, Sweet Khichda, Lauki Halwa, Coconut Laddoo, Churma, and refreshing Mango Shrikhand.

Speaking about the collaboration, Parag Shah, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, “At Grand Mercure Bangalore, we believe food is one of the best ways to experience the culture of a place. Through this collaboration, we are delighted to bring the distinctive flavours of Gujarat and Rajasthan to our guests and celebrate recipes that have been passed down through families for generations. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy this special culinary experience across our restaurants.”

Ms. Susheela Kankariya added, “The food of Gujarat and Rajasthan is deeply connected to family, tradition, and everyday life. Every recipe carries a story and reflects the character of the region it comes from. I am delighted to collaborate with Grand Mercure Bangalore and share these authentic flavours with guests, giving them an opportunity to experience the true essence of these cuisines.”

Through curated culinary collaborations, Grand Mercure Bangalore continues to celebrate India’s diverse food traditions by bringing regional flavours, cultural stories, and authentic dining experiences to its guests.