Foodies explore season’s lipsmacking flavours here!

The changing season, which puts an end to winter and heralds the beginning of spring, two food festivals in the city beginning tomorrow hold the promise for foodies to explore the season’s lipsmacking flavours.

The second editions of both Asian Hawkers Market (AHM)and Palate MINI promise to be “bigger and spicier” with some of the brand new eateries from across the country bringing their best flavour to town.

AHM which focuses primarily on Pan Asian cuisine from Japan to Indonesia with occasional diversions to the home of Chinjabi cuisine, will see the participation of nearly 35 restaurants and will also have some of the big names from the culinary industry returning to the event.

“We are introducing a lot of young new brands. It is also Valentine’s Day, and young people are at the forefront of the celebration. So, we wanted young entrepreneurs who are below 30,” says Sourish Bhattacharyya, one of the founders of the three-day-long Asian Hawkers Festival to be held at Select City Walk.

Among the impressive slew of debuts that will be showcased by AHM include Mumbai-based restaurant Pa Pa Ya which will have its most sought after dishes on offer. Also, in the thick of action will be Delhi-NCR’s newest Asian restaurants The Bento Cafe, Honk at Pullman-Novotel and Dimsumbros.

“Hawkers Chowk which is not even out physically will test market its unique range of Sichuan dosas, Chinese bhel and chilli idlis at the festival,” says Bhattacharya.

“We have a good mix of old and new. While there are a lot of new eateries that have come on board, most of our old participants have decided to be back,” he says.

Popular Pan Asian restaurants include Asia7, Chi - The Asian Cookhouse, Fatty Bao, Mamagoto, Berco’s, Jade from The Claridges and Joy Luck Moon, Latest Recipe from Le Meridien Gurgaon, Neung Roi from Radisson Blu Plaza, Social, Wow Momo and Yum Yum Cha.

A number of new partner restaurants like Benihana, Big Fat Sandwich, Big Wong, Dao, Harry’s Bar & Cafe and home delivery services such as Asia Central and Thai Crate have also come on board.