As the auspicious festival of Ugadi approaches, it’s time to prepare the cherished Ugadi Pachadi, a dish that embodies the essence of life through its six distinct flavors. Chef Leo, Sous Chef at The South Place, shares the authentic recipe of this traditional delicacy, which is an integral part of Ugadi celebrations.

Ugadi Pachadi is not just food; it is a cultural symbol that reminds us to embrace life’s different emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, bitterness, and fear—just as we relish its six unique tastes.

Ingredients:

• 300g tamarind
  

• 500ml water
  

• 1 cup chopped jaggery
  

• 2 cups water
  

• 1 cup finely chopped raw mango
  

• Neem flowers (as required)
  

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder (or red chili powder as an alternative)
  

• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
  

Method of Preparation:

1. Prepare the Tamarind Pulp: Soak tamarind in 500ml water for 40 minutes to 1 hour. Squeeze and extract the pulp into a bowl.
   

2. Dilute the Pulp: Add 2 cups of water to the tamarind pulp and mix well.
   

3. Dissolve the Jaggery: Stir in the chopped jaggery until it completely dissolves.
   

4. Add Fruits & Extras: Mix in the finely chopped raw mango. You may also add optional ingredients like bananas, roasted chana dal, dry fruits, or grated coconut.
   

5. Enhance the Flavor: Sprinkle neem flowers, black pepper powder (or red chili powder), and salt. Stir well to combine.
   

6. Offer & Serve: Traditionally, Ugadi Pachadi is first offered as naivedyam to deities before serving to family members.

Why is Ugadi Pachadi Special?

Ugadi Pachadi is a symbolic dish that reflects the different aspects of life through its six primary flavors:

• Sweet (Jaggery) – Represents happiness
  

• Sour (Tamarind) – Symbolizes challenges
  

• Bitter (Neem Flowers) – Reminds us of life's difficulties
  

• Spicy (Pepper/Chili Powder) – Denotes anger and courage
  

• Salty (Salt) – Stands for interest and taste in life
  

• Tangy (Raw Mango) – Brings surprises and excitement
  

Each ingredient plays a role in reminding us to accept life in all its forms, making Ugadi Pachadi an essential part of the celebrations.

Celebrate Ugadi with Authentic Flavors

The beauty of Ugadi Pachadi lies in its simplicity and deep-rooted significance. As you welcome the New Year with hope and joy, let this dish serve as a reminder of life’s beautiful journey.

Ugadi Subhakanchalu! 

Lords Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its footprint in Maharashtra with the launch of Shyanu Lords Eco Inn in Airoli, Navi Mumbai. Designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers, the hotel offers exquisitely furnished rooms, a fully equipped banquet hall, and an all-day dining facility, making it an ideal choice for professionals and corporate teams visiting the region.

Prime Location in a Thriving Business Hub

Airoli has rapidly emerged as a key commercial and IT hub, housing major corporate offices, technology parks, and business centers. The hotel’s strategic location in the heart of this dynamic district ensures easy access to corporate headquarters while providing world-class hospitality and amenities.

Adding to its appeal, Shyanu Lords Eco Inn boasts seamless connectivity:

• 25-minute drive to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport
• 6 km from Thane Railway Station
• 1.5 km from Airoli Railway Station
• Well-connected to key cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Pune

Commitment to Growth & Excellence

Sharing his excitement for the brand’s expansion, Pushpendra Bansal, COO of Lords Hotels & Resorts, stated:

“We are excited to expand our presence in Maharashtra with hotels in Karjat, Shrivardhan, and now Navi Mumbai. This launch marks another important step in our growth, and we look forward to adding more properties in the state soon.”

Sudhir Jena, Corporate Vice President of Lords Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the brand’s guest-centric approach:

“We aim to provide more than just a place to stay—we offer a true home away from home for business travelers, corporate teams, and guests seeking a premium and comfortable experience. Our focus is on delivering outstanding service that meets the unique needs of today’s professional traveler.”

Expanding the Lords Legacy

With over 70 hotels and 3,000+ keys across three nations, Lords Hotels & Resorts continues its mission of redefining hospitality with thoughtful expansion and guest-focused excellence.

This spring, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is set to host an extraordinary culinary experience with the arrival of renowned Hong Kong chef Grace Choy. From April 1 to 15, 2025, guests will have the rare opportunity to indulge in artfully crafted Cantonese cuisine, presented under the glow of torchlight at Pool Island.

A Taste of Cantonese Excellence

Chef Grace Choy, celebrated for her innovative storytelling through food, has redefined Cantonese flavors at her Tokyo-based ChoyChoy Private Kitchen. Named one of CNN’s “Hong Kong's 10 Best Private Kitchens,” her intimate dining approach transforms humble ingredients into flavor-packed masterpieces.

At Kuda Huraa, she will craft a specially curated menu featuring:

• Hong Kong-style char siu – expertly caramelized for a perfect balance of sweet and savory
•  Double-boiled dried cabbage and fig soup – a traditional dish packed with depth and nourishment
•  Fresh-caught Maldivian seafood – elevated with Cantonese culinary techniques
•  Delicate handcrafted desserts – paired with a rare 1998 Ripe Pu'er Lao Cha Tou (old tea)

A One-of-a-Kind Experience

Guests can immerse themselves in Chef Grace’s culinary philosophy beyond the dining table. Intimate cookery classes offer insights into her techniques, while a Maldivian fishing excursion using traditional handline methods allows guests to cook their own catch under her guidance. Both experiences are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

A Chef’s Inspiration Under the Stars

Reflecting on her upcoming residency, Chef Grace Choy shares:

“The kitchen is where I can completely focus my body and mind. Wherever you can focus your body and mind, it is heaven, and time stands still. I can’t wait to explore that sense of presence under the starlit Maldivian skies, with access to the freshest seafood and an inspiring location.”

Reserve Your Seat

With only eight tables available per night, this is an exclusive dining affair not to be missed. To secure a seat, email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call: (960) 66 00 888.