Explore Coastal Cuisine Festival @ Hyatt Regency, Pune until December 3rd.

The ongoing Coastal Cuisine Festival at Hyatt Regency offers delectable journey into the heart of Goan culinary artistry. Chefs Henzil Saldanha and Peter Carmo, maestros of the kitchen, under the kind supervision of Executive Chef Gopi orchestrate a symphony of flavors that dance across the taste buds.

The culinary prowess of two chefs unfolds in a buffet spread as expansive as Goa's coastal horizon, inviting diners to navigate through a myriad of courses. The dilemma of what to savour first mirrors the richness of Goan cuisine itself – a delightful predicament of abundance.

Each dish, a testament to the chefs' finesse, showcases the unique amalgamation of spices and techniques intrinsic to Goan cooking.

To me, the superlative quality of each offering echoed the culinary journey of these celebrated chefs, leaving me as other diners in awe. It wasn't just a feast for the palate; it was a gastronomic spectacle, a fusion of art and tradition plated with precision.

The meal kicked off with a comforting Portuguese chicken soup, Sopa De Galinha, featuring a rich blend of slow-cooked ingredients like carrots, peas, potatoes, and pasta.

For the main course, standout dishes included Botatache Bhaji (Potato stew) with sublime tenderness and a balanced Goan spice blend, Ghosale Kodi (Ridge gourd curry) showcasing the natural flavours of ridge gourd in a coconut-infused curry, and Tendlim Sukem, a delightful ivy gourd curry with a perfect balance of savoury and tangy notes.

Balchao De Camarao (Prawns pickle curry) was a Goan masterpiece with prawns infused with tangy pickle masala, while Verde De Galinha (Chicken green curry) featured succulent chicken in a vibrant curry balanced with fresh herbs and spices.

The meal wrapped up with perfect Goan desserts – Bibanca, a sublime coconut and jaggery delight, and Dodol, a sensory delight with a dense, chewy texture that showcased Goa's rich culinary heritage in every bite.

While Chef Henzil and Chef Peter with their assistant Ghanshyam created Goan Delights in the Production Area, the Service Team under the kind control of Mr. Varun (Director F&B Outlets) inclusive of Shubham, Akash, Arju and Rajendra exemplified unparalleled dedication, displaying a harmonious blend of passion and expertise.

And yes! Singers Francis Rodrigues and Felicio Fernandes, with their remarkable vocal prowess spanning nine languages, added a captivating musical dimension to the Goan Affair, enhancing the overall experience with a magnificent symphony of diverse melodies.

Do indulge in a culinary masterpiece, where each dish is a carefully composed symphony of flavours, artfully orchestrated until the 3rd, ensuring a rendezvous with the soul of Goan cuisine that promises to linger in your memories. And to savour the excitement anew, rejoice in the delightful surprise of a distinct "Bill of Fare" every evening throughout this Food Festival.

Embark on a gastronomic sojourn that transcends the ordinary, exclusively at Hyatt Regency, Pune (India).

By Manav Kaushik

Don’t Waste Food (DWF)