Indian Food Festival at Excel World: A sensorial journey through flavours and culture

Excel World proudly hosted its inaugural Indian Food Festival from 11th to 14th January 2025, marking the beginning of a delightful culinary celebration. The event was graced by esteemed Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Ankuran Dutta, Director of the Indian Cultural Institute under the Indian High Commission, along with Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels and Resorts.

The event featured vibrant ethnic performances, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak and a captivating traditional Tamil drumming performance. Guests had the opportunity to engage in immersive interactive activities, including mouth-watering cooking demonstrations and artful henna stalls, further enhancing the entire aesthetic experience.

The four-day festival featured Chef Chindhu Thankachan, a talented Banquet Chef and Chef Sanjib Jana, a seasoned Senior Chef de Partie specialising in North Indian Cuisine from the renowned O by Tamara, Trivandrum, India. With years of expertise and a strong foundation in regional Indian cooking, both chefs brought an unmatched level of expertise to the celebrations. Together, they introduced a delicious array of traditional Indian dishes, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage of India. Guests enjoyed live cooking stations, regional cuisines, delectable desserts and traditional Indian beverages—all prepared by chefs who had travelled from India to present their skills.

For the first time at Excel World, a fiesta such as this brought together the best of authentic Indian cuisine, vibrant culture and captivating entertainment hosted in a family-friendly space while offering an exceptional dining journey for guests of all ages. The event additionally featured a Thai Pongal celebration, adding a lively ethnic element to the festivities making it the perfect destination for guests seeking a memorable and immersive experience.