Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar has announced the return of the Lakhnawi Dastarkhwan Food Festival at Infinity, scheduled from September 6- 15, 2024. This year’s festival, themed “Mezban Kadardan Khansam,” promises an experience celebrating the grandeur of Lucknow’s Nawabi hospitality and culinary traditions.
Infinity will be transformed into a vibrant showcase of Lucknow’s rich cultural heritage. Guests can experience the settings like Hazratganj Chowk, reflecting its lively street life; the royal elegance of Qaisar Bagh Palace; and the bustling flavours of Aminabad Food Street. The festival will also pay homage to Lucknow’s cinematic culture, with a nostalgic nod to the city’s Single Screen Theatre.
Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager IHG South West Asia and General Manager of Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar adds, “We are excited to bring back the Lakhnawi Dastarkhwan for its second season, inspired by the enthusiastic response to our debut. This year, we are privileged to host Khansamas from Lucknow, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience. At Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, we blend nostalgic charm with contemporary elegance to create memorable experiences for both business travellers and leisure guests.”
The festival will feature an array of Lucknow’s most beloved dishes, including Galauti Kebabs, Murgh Awadhi Qorma, and Gosht Nalli Qorma. Guests can enjoy these delicacies with a variety of traditional breads such as Mughlai Parantha, Sheermal, and Ulta Tawa Parantha. Street food favourites like Tokri Chaat and Aloo Tikki Pani Ke Batashe, along with Awadhi Biryani, will also be on offer. The meal concludes with classic desserts like Shahi Tukda, Badnam Kulfi, and Malai Gilauri. The theme “Mezban Kadardan Khansam” embodies the essence of Nawabi hospitality—where “Mezban” represents the gracious hosts, “Kadardan” reflects the deep appreciation for culinary heritage, and “Khansam” honors the master chefs who bring these royal dishes to life.
According to Executive Chef Roushan Sharma, “My childhood visits to Lucknow revealed a culinary world of refined subtleties. Unlike Delhi’s robust flavours, Lucknow’s cuisine, exemplified by dishes like the Galauti Kebab, reflects delicate artistry. While the world is often engrossed in debates over which city has the better biryani, in Lucknow, the humble pulao holds a place of greater esteem. Our festival aims to showcase this nuanced balance and celebrate the intricate traditions of Awadhi cuisine.”
