Taj Coromandel Celebrates Brand Milestones with Tribal Culinary Showcase

Taj Coromandel Celebrates Brand Milestones with Tribal Culinary Showcase

By Hariharan U

Published on September 30, 2026

Taj Coromandel, Chennai, hosted a special showcase of India's tribal culinary heritage on September 25, bringing the food traditions of the Koya community of Andhra Pradesh and the Karbi community of Assam to the city.

The experience was organised in association with Samvaad, enabled by Tata Steel Foundation, and formed part of Taj Coromandel's celebrations around Taj's 2026 brand recognitions. The showcase at The Ballroom brought together indigenous ingredients, traditional recipes and stories connected to the communities' food cultures.

Four tribal home cooks and community practitioners presented the culinary traditions of their respective communities. Representing the Koya community were Sodem Kranthi Kiran and Peesam Dulaiah, while Jorlin Taropi and Anima Rongpipi represented the Karbi community.

Samvaad, enabled by Tata Steel Foundation, works to create platforms for tribal communities to share their knowledge, traditions and cultural practices with wider audiences. Its work around tribal cuisine has included collaborations with home cooks and practitioners to bring greater visibility to indigenous food traditions.

At Taj Coromandel, the collaboration created an opportunity for the participating cooks to present their culinary heritage directly to guests through food, stories and traditional practices.

Ian Dubier, Vice President – Operations, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Lakshadweep, IHCL, said the showcase was intended to celebrate India's cultural diversity while giving guests an opportunity to discover the Koya and Karbi communities through their food and traditions.

The menu featured traditional preparations from both communities. From the Koya tradition, Bamboo Chicken was cooked inside a bamboo tube with ginger, garlic and green chilli, showcasing a traditional cooking technique. Kiken Kusir, a tamarind-based fish curry with tribal spices, and Chukkudu Pappu, prepared with board beans, spinach and local spices, highlighted the use of locally available produce.

The Koya menu also included Gatka, a jowar-based staple, and Mahua Kheer, combining mahua flowers with milk and jaggery.

The Karbi menu featured Mutton Curry with Bamboo Shoot and Sweet Potato, bringing together meat, bamboo shoot and regional ingredients. Kangmoi, prepared with masoor dal, brinjal, seasonal greens and alkaline water, offered another traditional preparation, while Chicken with Black Lentils and Black Rice Kheer highlighted ingredients associated with the region. Bara Ahim, a fried bun made with sticky rice and jaggery, was prepared live for guests.

Exploring Koya and Karbi Culinary Traditions

Koya cuisine reflects the community's relationship with forests, agriculture and locally available resources. Millets, maize, pulses and vegetables form part of the traditional food system, alongside forest produce such as edible roots, flowers, fruits and herbs.

Preparations and beverages including Ragi Malt, Pulgam and mahua flower-based dishes offer insights into a food culture shaped by seasonality and the resources of the surrounding landscape.

Karbi cuisine, associated with the hills of Karbi Anglong in Assam, draws on indigenous vegetables, forest herbs, bamboo shoots, smoked meats and naturally fermented foods. Preparations such as Kangthu and Kimung, cooked in bamboo tubes, along with indigenous chutneys and rice-based dishes, reflect culinary knowledge passed through generations.

The People Behind the Plate

Sodem Kranthi Kiran, associated with Samvaad since 2019, has worked to promote tribal cuisine through Rustic Dine, a mobile platform he co-founded with fellow Koya home cook Peesam Dulaiah. The initiative focuses on documenting and showcasing indigenous culinary traditions across India, including products created by tribal women's self-help groups.

Peesam Dulaiah, a farmer from the Koya community, has worked with Samvaad to engage with different tribal communities and explore diverse food practices while continuing to preserve and share Koya cuisine.

Representing the Karbi community, Jorlin Taropi is an entrepreneur from Karbi Anglong who works on documenting and preserving traditional Karbi food knowledge. Through initiatives including Kormandu – Youth and Heritage Hub and Lin and Green, she engages with communities around indigenous recipes, ingredients and culinary practices.

Anima Rongpipi, also from the Karbi community, runs The Cake Corner, a bakery outlet, and conducts workshops for local youth and women, using culinary skills to support livelihood opportunities and entrepreneurship within her community.

The showcase placed the focus not only on the food itself but also on the relationship between cuisine, community and the natural environment. Ingredients such as millets, mahua flowers, bamboo shoots, black rice and indigenous greens offered a glimpse into food systems shaped by local landscapes and knowledge passed down across generations.


Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West Celebrates First Anniversary

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West Celebrates First Anniversary

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West has celebrated its first anniversary, marking a year of welcoming guests and building its presence in Mumbai's hospitality landscape. The hotel opened its doors on 18 October 2025 and has completed its first year of operations with a focus on comfortable stays, thoughtful service and memorable dining experiences.

Located on New Link Road in Andheri West, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers. Its approach follows Fairfield by Marriott's brand philosophy, The Beauty of Simplicity, combining contemporary accommodation with convenient amenities and dining spaces.

The property features 106 guest rooms and suites, offering a comfortable setting for guests visiting Mumbai for business, leisure and special occasions. Its dining portfolio includes Pana, the all-day dining restaurant, along with a Flavourscape, patisserie and bakery. The upcoming SORAÉ rooftop bar is expected to further add to the hotel's dining and social experiences.

The hotel also offers event spaces, including Vira and Reva banquets, which cater to corporate gatherings, social celebrations and special occasions.

The first anniversary also recognises the contributions of the hotel's associates, guests and partners, whose continued support has played an important role in shaping its journey over the past year.

Commenting on the milestone, Imran Khan, Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, said, "Celebrating our first anniversary is a proud and meaningful milestone for all of us. The past year has been an important journey of building relationships, creating memorable guest experiences and establishing our presence in Mumbai's dynamic hospitality landscape. This achievement reflects the dedication and passion of our associates, the trust our guests place in us, and the continued support of our Stakeholders. As we look ahead, we remain committed to elevating the guest experience through thoughtful service, genuine hospitality and the simplicity that defines the Fairfield by Marriott brand."

As it completes its first year, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West looks ahead to building on its presence in the city while continuing to focus on guest experiences, warm hospitality and comfortable stays.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Offers Up to 25% Off on Extended Festive Stays

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Offers Up to 25% Off on Extended Festive Stays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun has introduced its 'Stay for More' offer, inviting guests to enjoy an extended festive getaway with savings of up to 25% on stays of three nights or more. The offer is open for bookings from 27 October to 1 December 2026, for stays between 8 December 2026 and 28 March 2027.

Located in the heart of Vijayawada, the hotel offers contemporary rooms with bright and spacious interiors, along with facilities designed for a relaxed stay. Guests can unwind at the rooftop infinity pool, enjoy the jogging track or visit the rooftop wellness zone, which features a gym and spa.

The hotel also offers multi-cuisine dining and a rooftop bar, with poolside, outdoor and indoor seating options, giving guests different ways to enjoy their time during a longer stay.

Commenting on the offer, Manish Pathak, General Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, “A staycation is an opportunity to slow down and make time for what matters. With our Stay for More offer, we invite guests to celebrate the festive season at Novotel Vijayawada Varun and make the most of their time.”

Under the offer, guests booking three nights or more can receive up to 25% off. ALL Accor members are eligible for an exclusive 25% discount, while non-members can enjoy 20% off. With its extended-stay benefits and leisure facilities, Novotel Vijayawada Varun offers guests an opportunity to make their festive break longer and enjoy a relaxed stay in the city.


The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

The Westin Chennai Velachery welcomed the festive season with its annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony, bringing together guests and patrons to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and a much-loved culinary tradition. Held in the hotel's lobby, the gathering marked the beginning of the property's Christmas preparations.

The ceremony featured approximately 150–200 kg of carefully selected dry fruits, mixed with an assortment of spirits, including rum, and traditional spices. Cinnamon added warmth to the blend, while nutmeg and star anise brought their distinctive aromas. Guests joined the hotel's team in tossing and mixing the ingredients, turning the occasion into an evening of festive cheer and shared experiences.

The cake-mixing ritual also marks the first step in the hotel's Christmas baking preparations. The mixture of fruits, nuts, spices and spirits will be left to mature over the coming weeks, allowing the flavours to develop before being used in traditional Christmas cakes and other festive delicacies prepared by the culinary team.

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Speaking on the occasion, Deepraj Mukherjee, General Manager, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, "The Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony is one of our most cherished traditions, signaling the arrival of the festive season at The Westin. It is a celebration that brings people together through food, shared experiences and the joy of giving."

Executive Chef Dinesh Kumar added, "For us, cake mixing is much more than a culinary tradition; it is about bringing people together, sharing the joy of the season and welcoming the festivities as a community. It is wonderful to see everyone come together and be part of this cherished tradition."

The evening concluded with guests enjoying festive treats, conversations and the cheerful ambience. With Christmas preparations now underway, The Westin Chennai Velachery looks forward to welcoming the season with a range of festive experiences and culinary offerings.

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