Lucknow Food Festival: A Celebration Of Royal Awadhi Cuisine

The Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity is currently hosting a Lucknow Food Festival, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Awadhi cuisine. The festival, which runs from July 18 to 27 at the hotel’s Viva All Day Dining restaurant, showcases a curated menu of traditional dishes by chef Mohammad Hassan.

The restaurant has been transformed with traditional nawabi décor — vintage lamps, floral arrangements, and chikan fabric panels — to recreate the ambience of old Lucknow. Live Indian classical instrumental music during the evening service adds to the immersive experience. Guests are welcomed in true Lucknowi fashion, with the customary “pehle aap” hospitality and courteous service.

The specially crafted menu features iconic dishes such as Tunday Kebabs, Galouti Kebabs, Lucknowi Biryani, Nihari, Sheermal, Kakori Kebabs, and desserts like Shahi Tukda and Zarda Pulao, with slow-cooked preparations and aromatic spices capturing the essence of Awadhi cuisine.

“Each dish tells a story — not just of technique, but of culture and tradition,” said Chef Mohammad Hassan, who hails from Lucknow himself. “I’ve grown up with these flavours, and I wanted to recreate that same nostalgia for our guests here in Delhi. It’s not just about food — it’s about emotion.”

Chef Hassan added, “Awadhi cuisine is all about balance — the richness of spices, the delicacy of the meats, and the finesse of slow cooking. We’ve stayed true to the traditional methods, using dum pukht techniques and hand-ground spices to keep the authenticity intact.”

General Manager Shuvendu Banerjee said the festival is part of the hotel’s ongoing efforts to deliver curated, localised experiences. “We wanted our guests to not only enjoy a royal meal but to feel transported — even if for an evening — to the historic bylanes of Lucknow.”

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The dinner buffet is being served daily from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, while special brunches will be held on July 20 and 27 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The festival is open to both in-house guests and external diners.

The festival offers signature Awadhi delicacies such as Tunday Kebabs, Galouti Kebabs, Lucknowi Biryani, Sheermal, and Shahi Tukda. Each dish is prepared using age-old techniques and ingredients that highlight the distinct flavours of the royal kitchens of Lucknow.

“Awadhi cuisine is close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to present its timeless recipes in an authentic style,” said chef Mohammad Hassan. “I look forward to sharing the unique flavours and culinary stories of Lucknow with all our guests.”

When: Until July 27

Where: Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity, Asset Area 12, Hospitality District