In a first, city to host world food fest

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 20

Known for its scrumptious delicacies worldwide, Amritsar is all set to host a global food festival. The World Heritage Cuisine Summit and Festival, an ambitious event helmed by celebrated Chef Manjit Gill, will not just enhance the culinary status of Amritsar but also celebrate the authentic, exclusive flavours of Punjabi food offered in the city.

The festival will be hosted at the Gobindgarh Fort, a popular heritage site. “The event is scheduled to be held from October 12 to 14. Around 70 countries are expected to participate in the festival which will offer over 300 culinary delights. It’s a big step towards establishing Amritsar as a global food destination. It will be a completely new food experience for the residents,” said KS Sangha, Deputy Commissioner, who was consulted for inputs by the organising team.

The second site suggested for the event was historic Ram Bagh, owing to the green surroundings and heritage character. The summit is being held by the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations. This will be the first time a culinary event of international level is organised in the city. “Punjab has an inherent culture of warm hospitality. It’s delectable cuisine spans the entirety of the street food bounties to Michelin star gourmet. Amritsar as the cultural capital of this region is a befitting venue for this year’s World Heritage Food Fest,” said Gunbir Singh, chairman, Dilbir Foundation.

Vasudha Chadha, a culinary expert in the city, also feels that the festival will help bring the street food recipes of city on global map. “The street food that is specific to the region like Amritsari Kulcha is already popular among foreign and national tourists. Such a platform will present them as worthy dishes to compete with global flavours.”