By Abhya Adlakha
05-Aug-2024
A new culinary event is set to bring together traditional and modern flavors from Sri Lanka and India.
The iconic Galle Face Hotel in Sri Lanka and the Leela Palace Bengaluru in India are joining forces to present "Heritage Crossroads," a gastronomic celebration that promises to redefine luxury dining experiences.
This unprecedented partnership, curated by the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Rupali and Akanksha Dean, is more than just a meeting of culinary minds—it's a journey through time, flavour, and cultural exchange. Set against the backdrop of two of the most prestigious establishments in South Asia, Heritage Crossroads is poised to become the talk of the culinary world.
The event unfolds in two captivating chapters, each offering a unique window into the rich tapestry of South Asian cuisine.
First, from August 9th to 11th, the hallowed halls of Galle Face Hotel's 1864 Limited Edition restaurant will play host to an extraordinary showcase of Indian gastronomy. At the helm is Chef Jashbeer Singh of The Leela Palace Bengaluru, whose 18 years of culinary expertise promise to transport diners on a sensory journey through the diverse landscapes of India.
Image Caption: Chef Jashbeer Singh, Leela Palace Bengaluru
Guests at 1864 Limited Edition can look forward to a curated menu that blends traditional techniques with contemporary flair, offering a unique dining experience that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. Anticipate indulging in royal delicacies like Meen Moilee, Murg Saagwala, and Khumb Ki Galawat, to name a few, as you celebrate Indian culinary grandeur.
But Heritage Crossroads is not merely about showcasing culinary prowess—it's a celebration of the age-old philosophy of "Atithi Devo Bhava," where guests are revered as gods. This ethos is beautifully embodied in the Jamavar restaurant at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, named after the intricate Kashmir brocades that adorn its walls. It's this spirit of hospitality that Chef Singh and his team will bring to Sri Lanka, promising an experience that transcends mere dining to become a cultural immersion.
As the Sri Lankan chapter of this culinary saga draws to a close, anticipation builds for its Indian counterpart. Come September 6th, the tables will turn as Chef Rukmal Samarasekera and his team from Galle Face Hotel journey to Bengaluru, where, within the chic confines of Le Cirque at The Leela Palace, they will unveil the contemporary face of Sri Lankan cuisine to an eager Indian audience.
This reciprocal exchange is more than just a showcase of culinary techniques; it's a testament to the deep-rooted cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India. Through the universal language of food, Heritage Crossroads aims to foster understanding and appreciation between these two nations, each with its own rich culinary heritage.
For the discerning traveller and gourmand, Heritage Crossroads offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of both worlds without leaving the comfort of a single venue. It's a chance to traverse borders through flavour, understand cultures through cuisine, and witness the magic that happens when culinary traditions collide and collaborate.
Behind this visionary event are the keen minds of Dean With Us. Akanksha Dean, a culinary prodigy trained under the legendary Massimo Bottura in Modena, brings her unique blend of global experience and local insights. Her mother, Rupali Dean, an acclaimed culinary journalist and event specialist, brings her expertise to the table. Honoured as India's 'Best Food Writer' by the Indian Culinary Forum and the Ministry of Tourism, Rupali's words have graced the pages of prestigious publications, offering readers a taste of global gastronomy. Her flair for curating extraordinary dining experiences recently earned her the title 'Culinary Event Curator of the Year' from Food Food, cementing her status as a tastemaker in the world of haute cuisine.
