Set to be hosted across 16 Fern properties from May 23-June 1, 2025 between 7 PM-9 PM, this festival promises a sensorial journey through the cool climate and vibrant cultures of India’s mountainous regions ranging from the misty Himalayan valleys to the verdant slopes of the Western Ghats.
Renowned for their natural beauty, India’s hill stations are also culinary treasure troves shaped by regional produce, climatic conditions, and deep-rooted cultural influences. The food festival draws inspiration from the rich gastronomic heritage of iconic hill towns such as Manali, Shimla, Nainital, Darjeeling, Munnar and Coorg etc. With menus reflecting everything from indigenous tribal practices to colonial-era cooking techniques, ‘Cuisines of the Hills in India’ offers an immersive experience steeped in authenticity.
Guests can relish delicacies like Chana Madra and Dham from Himachal Pradesh, Aloo ke Gutke and Gahat ki Dal from Uttarakhand and Tibetan-inspired favourites such as Thukpa and Momos from Darjeeling. The bold and earthy flavours of Coorg shine through in dishes like Pandi Curry and Kadumbuttu, while Kerala’s hill cuisine is represented through offerings such as Appam with Stew and Kappa with Meen Curry. These dishes are authentically prepared using locally sourced ingredients including millets, barley, wild herbs, lentils, and region-specific spices.
Adding to the ambiance is a thoughtfully designed setting that evokes the warmth and charm of hill homes. Guests will dine in rustic wooden spaces adorned with handwoven rugs, local artifacts, and crockery made from clay, wood, and copper. The immersive experience is further enhanced by region-specific uniforms worn by the staff. The culinary journey is complemented by traditional and ambient music, creating a harmonious backdrop. Guests may hear the rhythmic beats of Himachali folk instruments, the meditative hum of Tibetan throat singing, or the soulful notes of Coorgi drums and flutes, all thoughtfully blended with contemporary ambient sounds to recreate the serenity of the hills.
“We are pleased to introduce ‘Cuisines of the Hills in India’ as a tribute to the country’s elevated culinary culture. Through this festival, we aim to spotlight the culinary depth and cultural richness of India’s hill stations, offering our guests not just a meal, but a story on every plate,” shares Chef Ritesh Sen, General Manager – Food & Beverage, The Fern Hotels & Resorts. Promising a refreshing escape into India’s culinary highlands, ‘Cuisines of the Hills in India’ invites food lovers and cultural enthusiasts to savour the soulful simplicity and regional richness that define the hills of India.
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