Summer 2023 is all about letting the good times roll. And cities have stepped up to the occasion with a host of food festivals, one-of-a-kind concerts, and more. Here’s looking at all the events in India that have us excited about May.
April set the tone for a busy summer season with exquisite dinners and quirky pop-ups. The month of May has brought with it curated culinary experiences, spotlighting flavours from across the country. We’re talking seafood delights from the coast, royal indulgences from Rajasthan, and age-old creations from the Northeast. Not to mention, plenty of heady concoctions to kick back with after a rough week. Combine this with a long-awaited, pop music extravaganza – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) – and a host of other exciting gigs and you’ve got yourself a month to remember. Here’s a look at all the events in India that are on our radar.
Events in India worth adding to your social calendars
Pan India
Cocktail Fest – Brewdog
Setting the country abuzz with the most heady concoctions – Brewdog’s month-long Cocktail Fest is quite exciting. On offer are delicious options like Gin Basil Smash, High Notes, Twister Margaritas, Tequila Marys – curated by top mixologists. Best part? Each outlet is set to have its own unique menu – celebrating the craftsmanship that comes with each sip. Don’t miss out!
When: Until 31 May; 12:00 pm-1:30 am
Where: BrewDog Midtown Mumbai BrewDog Bandra, BrewDog Gurugram, and BrewDog Amritsar
Mumbai
Frostyland, Phoenix Market City
One of the most popular spots in the maximum city for retail therapy – Phoenix Marketcity is set to host Frostyland all of this month. The stuff of every kid’s sweet dreams – this ‘ice-cream land’ offers ice-cream painting, bubble art, water-pistol painting, and glitter tattoo workshops. It will also feature a sprinkler pool, popsicle bungalow, ice-cream castle, and a waffle museum. Not to mention, frozen treats from brands like Naturals, Baskin Robbins, and Myfroyoland. Need we say more?
When: Until 18 June, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity, Lal Bahadur Shastri Rd, Patelwadi.Kurla, Kamani, Kurla West
Xi’An Food Festival, JW Marriott Mumbai
This month, JW Marriott promises to bring flavours from the streets of Xi’An to your plate. Vibrant, unique, and delicious – the small plates (known as xiaochi in Chinese) will feature the likes of Suan Tang Jiaozi (dumplings), Baozi (pan-fried buns), Rao Jia Mo (burger), Biang Biang Mian noodles, meat skewers, and more. These are paired with Roku gin cocktails – Yuzu Derby, Roku & Tonic, Roku Bees Knees, Shin-Ryoku, Roku Negroni and Roku Orchard Martinez. All this, combined with the stunning seaside ambiance of Dashanzi makes this a meal worth remembering.
When: Until 4 June, 7:00 pm – 1:00 am (Monday-Friday), 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm – 1:00 am (Saturday-Sunday)
Where: Dashanzi, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu
Masala Craft x Karavalli, The Taj Mahal Palace
View this post on Instagram
One of the city’s most luxurious destinations – The Taj Mahal Palace is all set to witness the magic of coastal flavours, courtesy of Karavalli. Known for serving up the most authentic seafood delicacies from across the Southern and Western Indian regions – the chefs from the restaurant have tapped into the kitchens of Mangalore, Coorg, Kerala, and Goa to present their creations at Masala Kraft, a popular celebrity dining destination. The menu features options like the lamb-based Attirachy Ularthu with Travancore spices and Ada Pradhaman, a rice flakes pudding with coconut milk. That aside, there’s plenty of fresh crab, coconut beedas, and more to look forward to. Don’t miss out.
When: Until 7 May
Where: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
Rajgharana Festival at Nawab Saheb, Westin Mumbai Powai Lake
View this post on Instagram
This month is all about royal flavours over at the elegant Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. The Rajgharana Festival – curated by chef Yunus Khan and Maharaj chef Raghavendra Singh – promises the most indulgent, exquisite dining experience. Hosted at the stunning Nawab Saheb restaurant – the spread includes the likes of Jodhpuri Mirchi Bada, Murgh Ke Parchey, Lal Mirch Ka Jeengha, Laal Maas, Shekhawati Murgh, Kair Kaju Dakh, Dal Batti Churma, Marwadi Kabuli Pulao, and more. We’re eyeing the desserts – Mini Malai Ghevar, Rabdi Ke Laddu, and Moong Dal Halwa. Delicious! If you’re in this part of India, don’t miss out on this event.
When: Until 15 May
Where: 2 and 3 B, near Chinmayanand Ashram, Powai
Cinco De Mayo Fest, Poco Loco
In honour of the popular Cinco De Mayo festival in Mexico, which pays homage to the country’s resilience and strength, Poco Loco has a culinary celebration in store. On the menu are traditional, time-honoured flavours, spotlighted via tapas and cocktails – complete with a make-your-own taco station. That aside there are five types of LIITs – crafted with five spirits – on offer. Combine this with live music performances and the most bustling, fun ambiance and you’ve got yourself a dining experience worth remembering.
When: 5 May
Where: Poco Loco, Khar & South Mumbai Outlets
Delhi NCR
BAATI: Forgotten Recipes of Rajasthan, K3: New Delhi’s Food Theatre
A celebration of royal flavours is in store this month in the capital city, courtesy of JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity. We’re talking Laal Maas, Dal Baati Churma, Safed Maas, Sangaria Ki Seekh, Nagori Paneer, Kabuli Pulao, Mangodi Palak, Panchkuta the works. Those with sweet teeth will enjoy digging into Srkand, Baluai, Besan Ka Churma, and Malpua. Hearty and flavourful, every bite promises to be authentic – with chef Chetan Singh from Adawala in Ajmer, Rajasthan being at the helm of affairs.
When: 16 May – 15 June, 7:00 pm-11:00 pm (Monday-Saturday); 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Sunday)
Where: JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, Asset Area 4, Hospitality District, Near IGI Airport, Aerocity
DNA World Tour, Backstreet Boys in India
View this post on Instagram
The icons of pop Backstreet Boys have created quite the legacy for themselves – with numerous #1s, record-breaking tours, sales in millions, and a host of awards. In honour of 30 successful years together, the band has embarked on their DNA World Tour, featuring an exciting setlist for India this May. Fans and music enthusiasts can expect to hear popular tracks – including Everybody – to raise the roof of Airia Mall Gurugram. Combine that with stunning visuals and the electric Indian atmosphere and you’ve got an event you don’t want to miss out on.
When: 5 May
Where: Airia Mall, Gurugram
Meghalayan Spice Trail by Tanisha Phanbuh, Honk x The Pullman Hotel
A celebration of one of the most flavourful, soulful cuisines in India – the Meghalayan Spice Trail by Tanisha Phanbuh aims to spotlight and encourage conversations around traditional delicacies. Guests can expect ingredients like regional green, bamboo shoots, and the popular Bhut Jolokia. On the menu are options like Corn Cake, Cured Fish, Pan-Fried Chicken, and more. There are a range of delicious drinks to go with it as well. If you’re in this part of India, don’t miss out on this event.
When: Until 14 May, 7:00 pm onwards
Where: Honk, The Pullman New Delhi Aerocity
Bangalore
Masterchef Australia’s Chef Sandeep Pandit Pops Up at Shangri-La Bengaluru
One of the city’s most luxurious destinations for rest and recreation – Shangri-La Bengaluru is celebrating popular chef and former MasterChef Australia contestant Sandeep Pandit’s homecoming through food festivals. This will begin at HYPE with an Aussie barbecue that features favourites – Whole In Shell Tiger Prawns to Pulled Jackfruit Tacos – from the land down under. These pair like a dream with cocktails like Spiced Ale Shandy and Spicy Kangaroo. Ssaffron, meanwhile, will pay homage to his heritage through Kashmiri creations like Koshur Mutton Roganjosh, Koshur Dum Aloo, Kehwa, Syun Kaliya, Tzchaman Kaliya, Phirni Brulee. These follow recipes passed down generations. Chef Pandit notes, “Cooking is my passion, and I am thrilled to be a part of this festival that celebrates the journey back to my roots. It is an opportunity to showcase my love for traditional Kashmiri cuisine and the flavours of Australia that have influenced my cooking style.”
When: Until 28 May (HYPE), Until 4 June (Ssaffron)
Where: Shangri-La Bengaluru
Exclusive Gin Tasting with Lady Samsara, Roxie
View this post on Instagram
One of the most Instagrammable spots in the city is set to host a celebration of gin this month. We’re talking heady concotions featuring three new flavours of juniper goodness. With the promise of a smooth sipping experience, this is one you don’t want to miss.
When: 17 May, 7:30 pm onwards
Where: 26, Haralur Main Rd, near HP Petrol Station, Amblipura, PWD Quarters, Ambalipura, HSR Layout
Which of these events in India are you headed to this week?
All images: Courtesy Brands/Shutterstock
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
Most Popular
