The Great Indian Coastal Food Festival at Hilton, Bangalore -

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When I came to know that Hilton Bangalore is hosting the Great Indian Coastal Food Festival, I said yes to their invite and visited with few food bloggers on the very first day.

The venue of this fest is “The Ministry of Food” , the all day dining restaurant that serves cuisines from across the globe. I can vouch for the European, Pan-Asian, Japanese and Indian delicacies served here.It is known among corporate and others for one of the best buffet in Bangalore.

I loved the setup of the entire place which had several counters , including one that displayed variety of Indian fishes and sea food. The array of dried fishes displayed in wooden boat was too enticing for me.The F & B Staff was neatly dressed for the occasion in the traditional way with a everlasting pleasant smile added to the whole experience.

I had the pleasure of meeting Executive Chef Amit Gera, who has recently been joined Hilton Bangalore.A graduate of IHM Shimla, he has around 15 years of experience with some of the renowned hotel brands. He specializes in European cuisine and has even hosted few food shows on Indian television.

I was amazed to see lavish coastal spread that was being served here. During my tete’ e tete with the Chef , I was told that specially curated menu has been prepared that will bring the culinary delights to the plate from states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Mangalore, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

We started our coastal food sojourn here with some coolers namely the Chaas and Kokum coolers that were truly refreshing and much needed in the present day Bangalore weather. The Pakhla Bhaat , a Oriya homely delicacy was truly delightful and bought back my some mouthwatering odisha memories.

It was followed by the selection of grilled seafood that were marinated in various coastal styles and served with chutneys. I simply hogged on the grilled prawns that were simply delectable and delicious.

The starters , vegetarian Dal vadai, Chicken Uppu kari (Salted chicken stir fry) and Stir fried Karwari prawns with coconut and onions were too good to resist for me but I was controlling myself as there was lot left to relish here.

The Dinner Buffet had some delectable main course from coastal India like Manga Meen curry , Crab Xacuti , Chicken caffreal ,Karaikal chicken curry , Mutton sukka, Goan fish curry, Prawn balchao among others. I found the flavors fresh , distinct and delightful to have.Wish I had an appetite to try all.

Dear vegetarians, don’t get disappointed. There is ample in buffet for your too. The Shaak bhaja, Karuvepali kundu kozhambu(Curry leaf and garlic gravy), Chochodi (Bengali style mixed vegetable), Snake gourd kootu, Hannu Huruli Sabzi (bean curry), Vegetable caldeen ,Jackfruit bhaji ,Kaju chi usal (Cashewnut curry), Patchakari stew ,Koonu ulli theeyal(Mushroom curry) , Aloo posto (Potato with poppy seeds) etc were part of the vegetarian affair of the daily rotational festival menu.

I was in food trance by now , craving for more. However I decided to move on to the desserts section. The whole array of desserts curated by the chef for the occasion enhanced the whole dining experience even further.I was bit choosy while trying desserts since I wanted to focus only on the Indian ones. While I relished two portions of Aam ras gleefully ,I decided to share the Pineapple & White pumpkin halwa with fellow foodies.

So ladies & gentlemen, here is your chance to experience “The Great Indian Coastal Food Festival” till April 30th.