Kashmir has always been more than a destination. It is a feeling evoked through its landscapes, stories, traditions and, perhaps most memorably, its food. This August, guests in New Delhi can experience a lesser-known side of the Valley through “An Ode to Kashmir,” a Kashmiri Pandit cuisine festival at Novotel New Delhi City Centre.
Running from 28 August to 3 September 2026, the culinary celebration at Food Exchange invites diners to discover the distinctive flavours, age-old cooking techniques and cultural memories woven into Kashmiri Pandit cuisine.
A Taste of Kashmir in the Heart of New Delhi
Curated by Chef Anupurna Kaul along with Chef Umesh Singh, Executive Chef at Novotel New Delhi City Centre, the festival goes beyond familiar interpretations of Kashmiri food. Instead, it focuses on the traditions, seasonal ingredients and personal memories that have shaped the cuisine over generations.
For Chef Anupurna Kaul, Kashmiri food is deeply connected to memory and culture. She describes it as a cuisine that is seasonal and rooted in traditions, where every dish carries a story of its own.
Through “An Ode to Kashmir,” guests are encouraged to explore these stories through food prepared with an emphasis on authentic flavours and traditional culinary practices.
Discover the Lesser-Known Flavours of Kashmiri Pandit Cuisine
The specially curated menu brings together a selection of dishes that showcase the depth and diversity of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine.
The meal begins with comforting classics and distinctive regional preparations. Dum Aloo brings the familiar warmth of Kashmiri spices, while Warimuth, made with black kidney beans, offers a hearty taste of the region’s traditional cooking.
One of the interesting additions is Nadru Tikki with Doon Chutney—a delicate lotus stem tikki paired with walnut chutney. The combination brings together contrasting textures and the earthy richness associated with Kashmiri ingredients.
For those who enjoy meat and seafood, the menu features Mutton Yakhni, a delicately flavoured preparation, alongside Mujh Gaad, where radish meets fish in a distinctive Kashmiri combination.
The menu also ventures into lesser-known preparations such as Tchok Tchawaran, tender mutton liver cooked in a tangy tamarind sauce.
And the culinary journey doesn’t end with savoury dishes. Dodh Aal, a pumpkin-based dessert, adds a traditional sweet note to the experience.
Traditional Drinks to Complete the Experience
The beverage selection has been designed to complement the food while bringing its own regional character to the table.
Guests can enjoy Kong Kehwa, a traditional Kashmiri beverage, alongside refreshing Fresh Lime Soda and Tadka Buttermilk.
Together, the food and beverage selection creates an experience that introduces diners to flavours that may not always feature in the more commonly known versions of Kashmiri cuisine.
More Than Just a Meal
What makes “An Ode to Kashmir” particularly interesting is its attempt to recreate the feeling surrounding the cuisine rather than simply presenting a menu.
The dining experience will feature Kashmiri-inspired décor and a warm, welcoming ambience, designed to reflect the culture and stories behind the dishes.
Chef Umesh Singh sees the festival as an opportunity to take guests beyond the flavours of Kashmir they may already know and introduce them to the craftsmanship, regional character and culinary narratives that distinguish Kashmiri Pandit food.
The idea is simple but meaningful: food can act as a bridge between people and places, allowing diners to discover a region through recipes that have travelled across generations.
Experience Kashmir Through Its Culinary Heritage
For travellers and food lovers who want to explore Kashmir beyond its iconic landscapes, “An Ode to Kashmir” offers a different kind of journey.
There are no mountain roads to navigate or valleys to cross. Instead, the journey unfolds around a dining table, through lotus stem, walnuts, radish, fish, mutton, pumpkin and traditional spices.
It is an opportunity to discover the lesser-known nuances of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine in Delhi, while experiencing the hospitality and cultural richness associated with Kashmir.
Whether you’re already familiar with Kashmiri food or are trying it for the first time, this limited-period festival offers a chance to taste recipes rooted in heritage, memory and tradition.
Event Details
Festival: An Ode to Kashmir – Kashmiri Pandit Cuisine Dining Experience
Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel New Delhi City Centre
Dates: 28 August to 3 September 2026
Time: 7 PM to 11 PM
Price: INR 2,995++ (Non-Alcoholic) | INR 4,595++ (With Beverages)
Reservations: 9266900144
