Chef Poonam Dedhia has crafted a unique culinary experience to introduce the vibrant and bold flavors of Gujarat’s Kathiyawadi cuisine to the food enthusiasts of Hyderabad. Novotel Hyderabad Airport is hosting the “Swaad Kathiawaad Ka” festival, which runs from February 22 to March 2. This 10-day food journey showcases the rich culinary heritage of Kathiyawad, a region in Gujarat known for its spicy, aromatic, and flavorful dishes.
A Reflection of Kathiyawadi Culture
For Chef Poonam Dedhia, Kathiyawadi cuisine is much more than just food. It’s a celebration of the region’s deep-rooted culture, history, and traditions. “Kathiyawadi cuisine is a colorful celebration of strong flavors and age-old traditions,” she says. “Every dish tells a story of the region’s rich heritage.”
Kathiyawadi food is known for its bold and spicy flavors, thanks to the use of local spices, herbs, and ingredients. “We use a lot of local spices and herbs, which give our dishes a distinct flavor profile,” Chef Poonam explains.
The Menu: A Taste of Tradition
The “Swaad Kathiawaad Ka” festival’s menu is a feast for the senses. Curated by Chef Poonam, it features an array of authentic dishes that capture the essence of Kathiyawadi cuisine. Some highlights include:
Surti Patties and Kutchi Dabeli from live counters
Surti Undhiyu and Lasaniya Ringna-Bateta nu Shaak as main courses
Bajri na Rotla and Phulka Rotli as traditional bread options
Rich desserts like Kesar Jalebi and Khopra Paak
The festival also includes refreshing drinks such as Jamun Shots, Piyush, and Masala Chaas.
A Homely Experience
The festival’s focus is on creating a home-like experience for the guests. Chef Poonam emphasizes that for people from Gujarat, Kathiyawadi food is often seen as everyday home food. “For us Gujjus, it’s like normal home food,” she shares. Executive Chef Amanna Raju echoes this sentiment, saying, “We want our guests to feel like they are dining at home, surrounded by the warmth and love of a Kathiyawadi family.”
Local and Seasonal Ingredients
Another distinctive feature of Kathiyawadi cuisine is its use of local, seasonal ingredients. “We make sure to use fresh, local ingredients in our cooking,” Chef Poonam says. “For example, during winter, we use a lot of fresh turmeric, garlic, and ginger.”
The festival menu also caters to various dietary preferences, offering gluten-free and vegan options to ensure that everyone can enjoy the bold flavors of Kathiyawad.
A Welcoming Taste of Kathiyawad
The festival aims to give Hyderabadis a chance to experience the rich and vibrant flavors of Kathiyawad. “From the food to the drinks, every aspect of the festival is designed to recreate the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Kathiyawadi meal,” says Chef Poonam.
As the festival continues, Chef Poonam and her team are eager for guests to experience the bold flavors of Kathiyawad. “We hope our guests enjoy the experience and come back for more,” she adds.
Swaad Kathiawaad Ka Festival Details
Dates: February 22 to March 2
Time: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Venue: Novotel Hyderabad Airport
Menu: Authentic Kathiyawadi dishes, live counters, main courses, traditional bread, and desserts
Drinks: Jamun Shots, Piyush, and Masala Chaas
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