As the interest in all things edible reaches a new high, several cities across the world have begun organising more culinary events than ever before. Interestingly, Delhi - which has been the destination for historical sites till now - has started to emerge as the haven for distinctive food festivals. Of the several biggest food events that have been organised this month in Delhi, Asian Hawkers Market has offered food lovers the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of the streets, local vendors and high-end restaurants dishing out authentic Asian cuisine from the Far East and South-East Asia.
The three-day long festival which started on October 23, featured 26 restaurants including Mamagoto, Neung Roi, Sampan, Guppy by ai, Chi Ni and Yum Yum Cha. “To ensure the food offered is easy on the pocket, we have dishes that specifically range from Rs 100 to Rs 350,” said renowned restaurant critic and food blogger Sourish Bhattacharyya.
The Market is an initiative of Siddharth Mathur, Director and Head of 'Social' and food consultant for 'My Square', Select Citywalk's food court; Atul Sikand, creator and curator of Facebook’s Indian recipe-sharing group, Sikandalous Cuisine; Tanveer Kwatra, Executive Chef, Le 5uMeridien Gurgaon; and Sourish Bhattacharyya.
For guest Ritika Gupta, the festival has been an incredible opportunity to enjoy quality and reasonably-priced food along with activities such as special martial arts game, arm wrestling and dance-offs. “Since the portions are comparatively small, we have the opportunity to test different cuisines. I enjoyed being here not only because of the food but also because of the different activities organized here.”
Chef Vaibhav Bhargava of Sheraton showed us the extensive menu which was put on display for the guests. “It is feels great to see the response from our guests. They have loved Truffle edamame dumpling, Salmon Crouquettes and Almond crusted seaweed potato Crouquettes.”
Having understood the keenness of guests to not spend too much on the food available, Asia Seven was smart in pricing their items. While the chicken dumplings in Xo sauce was available at Rs 210, Veg Basket (12 pieces of dim sums) could be purchased at Rs 340 and Shredded Chicken Szechwan style Rs 210.
When we spoke to another visitor Ishika Kapoor, she told us how food festivals have certainly come a long way in the last few years. “It is interesting to see how food festivals aren’t the dull fringe events that usually happen in hotel ballrooms anymore. Complete with the genuine promise of different meals, this has come across as a festival one can’t miss. I’m waiting for the second edition,” she chuckled.
Another factor that pulled several foodies across Delhi to the festival was how at one venue they got to see five-star and stand-alone restaurants coming together. "Most of us here haven't tried the cuisine of China, Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. But the festival has given us the chance to taste the food of both high-end and stand-alone restaurants. I'm not surprised to know that the organisers have been expecting a spurt in the footfall during the weekend."
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