Dakshin at ITC Grand Central Brings the Spirit of Pongal to Mumbai with an Authentic South Indian Thali Experience
Mumbai’s winter dining calendar welcomes a soulful and culturally rich celebration as Dakshin at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai invites food lovers to experience the essence of Pongal, the cherished South Indian harvest festival. From 10th to 18th January 2026, the iconic South Indian restaurant presents a Pongal Special Thali, thoughtfully curated to reflect the warmth, gratitude, and culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu.
A Festive Journey to Tamil Nadu on a Banana Leaf
Pongal is more than a festival—it is a celebration of abundance, gratitude, and togetherness. Staying true to this spirit, Dakshin recreates an authentic festive spread that mirrors a traditional Tamil household feast.
The Pongal Thali begins with classic accompaniments such as crisp Appalam, flavourful chutney, tangy pickle, fresh sugarcane, and a soothing Rasam, delicately balanced with tamarind, tomato, garlic, and crushed pepper. Each element sets the tone for a deeply comforting and nostalgic experience.
Traditional Starters That Celebrate the Harvest
Festive indulgence continues with Ennippu Paniyaram, soft jaggery-sweetened rice dumplings that melt in the mouth, paired with Makka Cholai Vadai, golden-crisp patties made from corn niblets and lentils. These starters perfectly capture the rustic charm of Pongal celebrations.
An Elaborate Main Course Rooted in Tradition
The heart of the thali lies in its generous main course, featuring a medley of regional favourites:
Kadamba Poriyal
Urulai Sothi
Murungai Motchai Kootu Kary
Poondu Kara Kozhambu
Pasalakkeerai Kootu
Poosinikai Sambar
These dishes are beautifully complemented by the comforting Ven Pongal, prepared with freshly harvested rice, lentils, cumin, and cracked peppercorns. The meal is served alongside steamed rice, veechu paratha, appam, and cooling curd, ensuring a complete and satisfying festive platter.
A Sweet Finale with Filter Coffee
No Pongal celebration is complete without dessert, and Dakshin delivers with the traditional Sarkarai Pongal—a rich, ghee-laden preparation of jaggery-sweetened rice and moong lentils, garnished with dry fruits. The experience concludes with a cup of authentic South Indian filter coffee (Kapi), leaving diners with a lingering sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Vegetarian Focus with Personalised Options
While the Vegetarian Pongal Thali remains the highlight of the celebration, Dakshin also offers a Non-Vegetarian Thali on special request, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and personalised hospitality.
Event Details
Venue: Dakshin
Dates: 10th – 18th January 2026
Pricing:
Vegetarian Thali – INR 3750++
Non-Vegetarian Thali – INR 3750++ (on special request)
Timings:
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Reservations:
📞 022 – 67045121 / 022 – 67045122
📧 mytable.itcgrandcentral@itchotels.com
📸 Instagram: @itcgrandcentral
Limited availability. Prior reservations are highly recommended.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Pongal Feast in Mumbai
Whether you’re a lover of South Indian cuisine, a cultural enthusiast, or simply looking for a festive dining experience in Mumbai, Dakshin’s Pongal Special Thali offers a rare opportunity to savour authentic flavours steeped in tradition—without leaving the city. This limited-period celebration is a true homage to Tamil Nadu’s harvest festival and a must-experience for discerning diners.
