IIHM’s International Food Festival, held from April 22 to 24 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, saw groups of foodies — young and old — stop by to gorge on dishes like Kapana (a popular street food from Namibia), Kashk-e–Bademjan Fesenjan and Zereshk Polo (a classic Iranian combination), Pasta Rossa and a lot more global fare
Photos by Ritagnik Bhattacharya
Each stall was manned by the students of IIHM, who were dressed in traditional attire, to represent the cultures of the 14 participating countries. ‘We are very grateful for the opportunity to participate in IIHM’s food festival. We got to interact with chefs, politicians, and even meet our founder!” said Vidhi Singha and Lakshya Gupta, second-year students of IIHM
The Japanese pavilion was a big attraction as chef Okano Yuji whipped up live sushi platters. ‘This is the third time I’m coming back for more sushi,’ laughed Poonam Chand, a visitor. ‘I first bought the assorted platter because it seemed intriguing, then I came back for salmon and tuna, and now I’m back for some more salmon!’ she said
Another popular pick at the festival was the Turkish pavilion’s Hünkar Beğendi — roasted lamb and eggplant cooked in tomato puree and seasoned with salt and pepper. ‘We also had baklava on sale, but that ran out on the first day itself! Kolkata’s love for Turkish food is heart-warming. We ran out of food on the second day!' said chef Zehadul Hassan from Turkey
Chef Jaheda Begum from Bangladesh was among the most enthusiastic chefs at the festival — she engaged in every cultural performance, took loads of photos with the students of IIHM, visited every stall and struck up a conversation and served authentic Bangladeshi milk tea to anyone who passed by the pavilion
