Continental meets Himachali at culinary workshop

In a delightful fusion of flavours and cultures, a special culinary workshop was held in Chamba on Friday to celebrate World Heritage Day, offering a unique blend of continental cuisine and traditional Himachali flavours. The event, designed not only as a cultural celebration but also as a means to explore livelihood opportunities through culinary tourism, drew an enthusiastic response from the local community.

Organised by Not On Map, a Chamba-based organisation championing responsible tourism, the workshop took place at the H2O Anandam Community Centre. The initiative brought together international food experts and local enthusiasts in a vibrant exchange of ideas, flavours and cooking techniques.

The spotlight was on Maguy Leyzers Vis, a culinary traveller and food researcher from the Netherlands, and Jack, a chef from the United States, who led the sessions with creative energy. They introduced participants to a wide variety of continental delights including Snickers-inspired treats, Asian-style quinoa salad, buckwheat brownies, fruit pancakes and even a gourmet twist on the humble Maggi noodles.

With over 70 participants in attendance, the workshop was an immersive experience. Locals not only learned hands-on cooking methods but also explored how culinary skills can be transformed into sustainable tourism-based livelihoods. Several attendees expressed newfound enthusiasm for pursuing entrepreneurship in the food and hospitality sector, inspired by the potential to marry heritage with innovation.

Rajiv Mishra, District Tourism Development Officer, graced the event as chief guest, highlighting the need to bridge culture, skill, and tourism in rural areas. Special guests Surender Thakur from Bhuri Singh Museum and Vinod Kumar from the District Rural Development Agency echoed this sentiment, emphasising the role of such initiatives in preserving heritage while creating economic opportunities.

The workshop was part of a larger three-day celebration of World Heritage Day in the region. Upcoming events include sessions at the National Finishing and Cookery Institute, Udaipur (Chamba) on Saturday, and another at Winter Valley Homestay, Khajjiar on Sunday.

Organisers from Not On Map expressed their commitment to continuing such events, aimed at empowering local communities through skill development and tourism-led training.