The Lakhnawi Dastarkhwan at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar offered an immersive journey into Lucknow's rich culinary and cultural heritage, recreating iconic locations and combining traditional dishes with cultural elements for an authentic experience, writes SAKSHI PRIYA

The Lakhnawi Dastarkhwan Food Festival at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar was nothing short of a culinary journey, expertly designed to transport visitors straight to the heart of Lucknow. What made this event truly exceptional was how it went beyond merely serving food, it embraced the cultural depth of Lucknow, bringing together flavours, ambiance and tradition in an immersive way.

An Authentic Lakhnawi Experience

Upon entering the festival, guests found themselves amidst a scene straight out of Lucknow. The ambiance meticulously recreated iconic locations like Hazratganj Chowk, the Qaisar Bagh Palace and Aminabad’s bustling food streets. Visitors could not help but feel like they had stepped back in time, transported to the regal and storied city, complete with a charming vintage single-screen theater that paid homage to Lucknow’s cinematic legacy.

A Feast of Flavours

At the heart of the festival lay a menu that was a tribute to Lucknow’s culinary richness. Diners were treated to signature dishes like Galouti Kebabs, which melted in the mouth with the perfect blend of spices. Accompanied by Awadhi classics such as Murgh Awadhi Qorma, Gosht Nalli Qorma and Aloo Bukhara Kofta, each bite celebrated the deep flavours and heritage of the Nawabs.

But it wasn’t just the dishes that stole the show, traditional breads like Sheermal, Warqi Paratha and Ulta Tawa Paratha provided the perfect pairings. Especially intriguing were the varieties of rotis: the Biscotti Roti, with its biscuit-like texture; Bakarkhani Roti, thick and rich and the sweet Khandari Roti, each adding a unique twist to the meal.

Street food lovers weren’t left out either, as the festival brought Lucknow’s bustling bazaars to life with delicious snacks like Tokri Chaat, Aloo Tikki and Pani Ke Batashe, offering a taste of the city’s vibrant food markets right in the heart of Delhi. And to wrap up the feast, guests indulged in traditional sweets like Shahi Tukda, Badnam Kulfi, Malai Gilauri and hot Jalebis, offering a delightful sweet ending to an unforgettable culinary journey.

The Lakhnawi Dastarkhwan festival was a rich exploration of Lucknow’s culinary and cultural heritage. Guests enjoyed melt-in-your-mouth Galouti Kebabs and relished main courses like Arvi Ki Nemarli, Ameer Handi Lazeez, Chingri Shabnam and the iconic Shahi Biryani. The drinks menu added a playful twist, with Chulbuli Begum offering a tangy, bold flair, Lalla Ki Lemonade serving as a refreshing burst of tradition and Pyaar Ka Panchnama presenting a sweet, rosy charm. Nawab Ka Ghoonghat brought a minty, spicy surprise reminiscent of Nawabi secrets, while Aangan Ki Chai provided the comforting warmth of a Lucknowi home. Together, the food and drinks created a truly immersive experience, making guests feel as though they had stepped right into the heart of Lucknow.

The festival’s theme, “Mezban Kadardan Khansam,” was a nod to Lucknow’s Nawabi culture, Mezban represented the gracious hosts, Kadardan symbolised those who appreciate the art of food and Khansam honoured the master chefs of Lucknow. Executive Chef Roushan Sharma, who curated the menu, fondly shared his childhood memories of Lucknow and the intricate process of perfecting dishes like the Galouti Kebab.

A Taste of Lucknow’s Culture

But the Lakhnawi Dastarkhwan festival went beyond just serving exquisite food, it truly immersed guests in the vibrant culture of Lucknow. As they entered, they were warmly greeted by a traditional Paan counter, where the sweet meetha paan quickly became a favourite, setting a delightful tone for the evening. Nearby, a Pandit Ji added a touch of authenticity with complimentary hand readings and astrological insights, offering a unique and engaging experience for those curious about their fortunes. A Bollywood cinema corner, featuring posters from films shot in Lucknow, brought a touch of nostalgia, evoking the spirit of the city’s cinematic history.

The festival also featured colourful stalls bursting with jhumkas and bangles, perfectly recreating the bustling shopping streets of Lucknow. These vibrant displays contributed to a rich, immersive atmosphere that made guests feel as though they had been transported directly to the heart of the city. Adding to the charm, a vintage letterbox that echoed Lucknow’s postal history provided a nostalgic touch, making the event not only entertaining but also deeply memorable. Each thoughtfully curated detail helped create an experience that celebrated the essence of Lucknow’s culture, making it a truly unforgettable evening.

In wrapping up, the Lakhnawi Dastarkhwan Food Festival at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar was a delightful dive into Lucknow’s heart and soul. The festival was more than just a feast - it was a warm, immersive experience that captured the spirit of Lucknow perfectly. If you missed it, don’t worry, keep an eye out for the next one. It’s definitely worth the experience!