New Delhi: Cupcakes, fries, kebabs, curries, dim sums, tacos, pizzas, juices, drinks, and beer are just a few of the hundreds of diverse and mouth-watering items you can munch and sip on at the 9th edition of the Palate Fest. The three-day festival, that began on November 17 at Nehru Park here, has brought together over 100 stalls serving their signature recipes at economical prices. The pop-ups are an impressive combination of popular eateries like Giani's and Keventers, along with high-end brands like The Taj, The Roseate, and ITC among others. The cuisine ranges from local Indian street food to Chinese, Mexican, Italian and Lebanese.
"I have been coming to this festival with my family and friends. It is a great place to hang out. I have an amazing time every year," said 21-year-old Shreya, a regular visitor at Fest. The festival is a treat not just for foodies but also those who take pleasure in the art of cooking, thanks to the culinary demonstrations offered by renowned chefs like Ranveer Brar, Vicky Ratnani, and Nishant Choubey. The platform also served as an opportunity for new and upcoming brands like Chandigarh-based Wok Man to get an idea of the food market in the capital before they launch here.
"People here appreciate food and it is the best place to test your waters. You get to know whether the cuisine and flavors you are using is liked by the people, or you need to tweak your flavors," Dilsher Sukhjiya, owner of Wok Man, told PTI. Talking about the response he is getting at the festival, he said, "We are pretty confident with the kind of response we are getting from the people and soon we will do something in Delhi as well." Suckers for homemade goodies can drop by at the Market Square, that features over 50 stalls offering sweet treats, gourmet products, and ingredients. Bhavna Satija, who was a visitor at the festival last year, has returned, but this time, with her start-up bakery 'Pretty Baked'.
"There is hardly any better place than the Palate Fest to know about food and people's response to your food," she told PTI. Other brands in the Market Square include Amy's Bakehouse, Sugar Loft, Wonderland Foods, Indo Kulfi among others. The experience at the gastronomical extravaganza comes a full circle with the impressive musical line-up comprising of artists like Astitva, Indian Ocean, Euphoria, Rocknaama, and Raftaar. Euphoria, which has been part of the event for the past three years, is a huge draw. "I am a huge fan of Palash Sen and Euphoria and the festival offers an opportunity to watch them free of cost. I can enjoy their performances with a drink and food of my choice. I can't imagine a better weekend," 28-year-old Kanika said. The festival, co-founded by Aditi Kapoor and Ruchi Sibal, comes to an end today.