The culinary scene in India is vibrant and constantly transforming, with unforgettable food pop-ups and flavour-filled food festivals across the country. This May is no different! With restaurants across the country hosting food festivals, exclusive bar takeovers, and chef pop-ups, there is something for everyone to indulge in throughout the month. Whether you’re looking for some traditional flavours or speakeasy cocktails, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more cities are here to surprise you. Here’s a lineup of ultimate food festivals and pop-ups you must check out this May.
Food Festivals Across India
Food Festivals In Delhi
1. Punjab Da Swag At Punjab Grill
If you are looking to indulge in the best of Punjabi cuisine, Punjab Grill’s ‘Punjab the Swaad’ food festival is all you need. Launching across all Punjab Grill outlets from May 15th, this festival celebrates Punjab’s culinary heritage like never before. The festival brings you a warming selection of dishes that represent the heartiness and heritage of Punjabi cuisine. Whether you are indulging in slow-simmered Dal Kunne Wali or the spicy Rarhya Gosht, you are in for a wholesome meal. The summer-perfect Ambi Da Safar Mahi Naal, a raw mango fish curry, is perfect for seafood lovers. Their delicious Keema Parothe and the silky Mango Creamy Delight bring you desi flavours that celebrate the warmth of Punjabi kitchens.
Where: All Punjab Grill outlets across India
When: Starting 15th May 2025
2. The Great Wall Pop-Up At Spectra, The Leela Ambience Gurugram
This May, Gurgaon is bringing a gastronomical marvel with ‘The Great Wall’ pop-up from May 19th to 25th. The celebrated Chinese and Cantonese restaurant from the Leela Mumbai is coming to Gurugram, featuring an a la carte selection as well as a buffet. This is your chance to indulge in the best of Chinese flavours, from Peking duck to delicate dim sum. This interactive dining set-up will feature seven culinary islands where the chefs will showcase their skills live. It is certainly an unmissable opportunity for anyone looking to savour Chinese and Cantonese cuisine.
Where: Lobby Level, The Leela Ambience Gurugram, Ambience Island, National Highway 8, Ambience Island, DLF Phase 3, Sector 24, Gurugram
When: 19th May – 25th May
3. The Thai Table At Latest Recipe, Le Méridien Gurgaon
From 14th to 18th May, Le Meridien Gurgaon invites you to experience ‘The Thai Table’. It’s an exclusive culinary journey that will take you through the rich traditions of Thailand’s diverse culinary landscape. Curated by Thai Chef Rungtiva Sorlae, this festival brings you authentic Thai street food and delicacies from the royal kitchens. From the famous Pad Thai to a zesty and delicious Som Tam salad, this festival brings you a chance to enjoy Thailand’s vibrant flavours and hospitality without leaving the country.
Where: Mehrauli-Gurgaon Rd, Sikanderpur, Sector 26, Gurugram
When: 14th May – 18th May; 7 pm – 11 pm
4. Pathare Prabhu Feast At Tamra, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi
Shangri-La Eros New Delhi has put its own spin on the Mother’s Day celebrations. From May 9th to 11th, the hotel is hosting a Pathare Prabhu feast crafted by a mother-daughter duo Chef Bimba Nayak and Gauri Nayak. Presenting a hidden gem of Mumbai’s culinary heritage, this feast brings to life the flavours of the Pathare Prabhu community. The menu features homestyle dishes such as Konfal Pattice, Kobi Che Muthe and Bombil Salad. Mutton lovers can indulge in Mutton Sukhe and Mutton Gode. The live tawa counter will elevate the experience with authentic preparations like Gurda, Kapoora and Kheema. The feast will also offer the ‘Sweet Treats for Sweethearts’ dessert bar with classics like Ukadiche Modak and Doodh Poha.
Where: 19, Ashoka Rd, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi
When: 9th May – 11th May; 7 pm – 11 pm
Cost: starting at ₹3,200++
5. Taste Of The Himalayan Valley At DEL, Roseate House New Delhi
Del at Roseate House New Delhi is all set to transport you to the hills of Uttarakhand with the ‘Taste of the Himalayan Valley’ food festival. Running from 7th to 11th May, this festival has been curated by Executive Chef Narendra Singh from The Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh. This festival will bring you closer to the cuisine of Garhwal with dishes like Bhatr Ki Churkani, Pahadi Bhuna Mutton and Kumaoni Raita. For dessert, you can indulge in Jhangora Walnut Phirni and Teekha Malta Ice Cream made from the Himalayan Oranges.
Where: Roseate House, Hospitality District, Asset 10, Aerocity, New Delhi
When: 7th May – 11th May; 7 pm – 11 pm
Food Festivals In Bengaluru
6. Royal Flavours Of Awadh At JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
Craving some authentic Awadhi cuisine? JW Kitchen at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru brings you the perfect opportunity. Chef Abdul Haleem has created a stunning menu with dishes like the legendary Dora Kebab and Sheer Khurma, offering the perfect chance to indulge in a royal feast. Dishes like the Gosht Rezala and Kathal Biryani will turn this meal into a celebration. The live station will offer Raan Ke Moti, Dal Teen Ratan and more.
Where: 24, 1, Vittal Mallya Rd, KG Halli, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru
When: 9th May – 18th May; 7:30 pm – 11 pm
Cost: ₹3,000++
7. PCO 2.0 Brings Its Forbidden Menu To Cosmo, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru
Bengaluru folks now have a chance to indulge in a brilliant menu by PCO 2.0. Their Forbidden Menu has a lineup of innovative cocktails like ‘Bad Reputation’ with MSG, ‘Opium Den’ infused with poppy seeds and a lot more. Their zero-ABV options are just as interesting, with options like ‘School Rules’. Don’t miss their bar bites like Spiced Lamb Tostadas!
Where: 43/4, Bellary Rd, Sanjeevini Nagar, Bengaluru
When: 11th May; 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: ₹650++ per cocktail
8. Flavours Of South East Asia With Chef Ming at Lush, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel
Get ready to feel the vibrance of Southeast Asian streets with Chef Ho Chi Ming at Lush, Renaissance Bengaluru. From Som Tam and Yam Woon Sen Salads to Masaman Curry and Crispy Baos, each of these dishes will burst with flavours in your mouth. The highlight, however, will be the wok station where you can choose your protein and sauces for a personalised dish. This visit to Southeast Asia will be incomplete without iconic desserts like Mango Sticky Rice and Golden Peanut Sesame Balls.
Where: 17 & 17, 1, Race Course Rd, Madhava Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru
When: 9th May – 17th May; 7 pm – 11 pm | 18th May; 12:30 pm – 4 pm
Cost: starting at ₹2,500++
Also Read: 9 Best New Restaurants In Mumbai Offering Stunning Interiors And Innovative Menus This May
9. Yauatcha Unveils Yum Cha: A Refined Ritual Of Tea And Dim Sum
Yauatcha brings you a chance to experience the Cantonese tea traditions with their new Yum Cha menu. This limited-time menu offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian dim sum paired with unlimited pours of fragrant jasmine green tea and chamomile flowers. Signature dim sum include Vegetable Char Siu Bun and Spicy Chicken Dumpling. To end the meal on a sweet note, don’t forget to try their Blueberry Pistachio Petit Gâteau.
Where: 1 MG Mall, Level 5, 1, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Halasuru, Someshwarpura, Bengaluru
When: until 31st May; 4 pm – 7 pm
Cost: starting at ₹988++
Food Festivals In Kolkata
10. Bombay Daak Takes Over The Conversation Room, Kolkata
Kolkata’s newest spot, The Conversation Room, is hosting Bombay Daak for a takeover on 9th May. Led by Chef Rashmi Sondur and Mixologist Yatish Bangera, this menu will celebrate India’s diverse flavours with nostalgia and a contemporary twist. Comfort foods like Maska Bread, Chokha and Milkmaid Prawns will be paired with cocktails like Naadan Kallu and Molly’s Mix. This evening will be bold, filled with complex flavours and inventive drinks.
Where: Ground Floor, Edward Court, Unit No 11, 1, 55, Chowringee Rd, Kolkata
When: 9th May
Food Festivals In Darjeeling
11. The Mountain Table At Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa, Darjeeling
Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa is hosting ‘The Mountain Table’ pop-up, celebrating the local ingredients, heirloom grains and traditional recipes from the Eastern Himalayas. Chef Ishita and Chef Catherine bring you the best of Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal in dishes like Smoked Mutton with Khuriku, Gundruk Salad and Fermented Mustard Tubers.
Where: Makaibari Tea Estate, Pankhabari Rd, Gardens, Makai Bari Tea Garden, Kurseong, West Bengal
When: 15th May – 21st May
Food Festivals In Hyderabad
12. Zega x Ginkgo – A Japanese Dining Experience At Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel
Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel brings an exclusive collaboration with Zega and Pune’s famous Japanese eatery, Ginkgo. From May 16th to May 18th, this pop-up will offer you a chance to indulge in the best of Japanese cuisine. Talented chef Brehadeesh Kumar will serve Kaiseki-inspired dishes, focusing on seasonality and simplicity. Each course will be paired with curated beverages, making this an unforgettable experience.
Where: 115/1, Nanakramguda Rd, Financial District, Gachibowli, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad
When: 16th May – 18th May (Dinner)
13. Chef Alexandre Kerbouz Brings Haute Cuisine To The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
The Western Hyderabad Mindspace. This May, Prego at the Western Hyderabad Mindspace brings you a unique food festival that celebrates haute French cuisine. Chef Alexandre Kerbos, an acclaimed French culinary maestro, is bringing his refined techniques and flavours to offer a memorable French dining experience in Hyderabad. The menu will feature classic dishes like Coq au Vin, Duck Confit Lasagna, and Baba Au Rhum. You can also satiate your cravings for authentic French patisserie with his Vanilla Millefeuille that will take you straight to Paris.
Where: Raheja It Park Hitec City, Madhapur, Hyderabad
When: 4th May – 11th (Sunday Brunch) | 5th – 10th May (Dinner)
Food Festivals In Mumbai
14. Sweety Da Pind At Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport
Chef Sweety Singh is bringing the soul of Punjab to Mumbai with his pop-up. From May 8th to 18th, MoMo Cafe will feature an extensive menu of mouth-watering dishes like Bharwa Paneer Tikka, Lal Mirch Ka, Tandoori Chicken, and a lot more. Don’t miss out on their refreshing Kesar Wali Lassi and Signature Butter Chicken.
Where: Cts 215, Andheri-Kurla Rd, opposite Carnival Cinemas, Andheri East, Mumbai
When: 8th May – 18th May; 7 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: starting at ₹2,500++
15. The Cambridge Public House Bar Takeover In Bengaluru and Mumbai
For cocktail lovers, Paris’ iconic cocktail pub, the Cambridge Public House, is coming to India for an exclusive bar takeover. From May 14th to 18th, Mumbikers and Bangaloreans have a chance to enjoy signature drinks crafted by Nikos Bakoulis and Xenia Mountraki at ZLB23 Speakeasy in Bengaluru and AER in Mumbai. The bar is bringing its sustainable and flavour-forward cocktails like the Magic Beet and Peel the Drama. Get ready to sip on the future of cocktails!
Where: ZLB23 Speakeasy, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru | AER, Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai
When: 16th May, 2025; 8 pm onwards | 17th May, 2025; 9 pm onwards
Food Festivals In Pune
16. Unexplored Murshidabad at JW Marriott Pune’s Spice Kitchen
Punekers, this is your chance to take a rare journey through Bengal’s regal past at JW Marriott Pune’s Spice Kitchen. From May 9th to 18th, the ‘Unexplored Murshidabad’ Food Festival brings you the Nawabi flavours from this city. Chef Rehman has curated dishes like Pista Ka Korma, Gosht Risala and Bhapa Ilish. From Murgi Korma to Anjeer Kofta, this festival is all about savouring and celebrating forgotten royal recipes.
Where: Lobby Level, West JW Marriott, Senapati Bapat Rd, Laxmi Society, Model Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune
When: 9th May – 18th May; 7 pm – 11 pm
Cost: starting at ₹3,249++
Each of these pop-ups and food festivals offers a unique cultural experience this May.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied
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