BREAKING NEWS : OLDEST FOOD FESTIVAL OF EASTERN INDIA HOGS THE LIMELIGHT AS THE GOURMET NITE 2K26 CELEBRATES KOLKATA’S CULINARY LEGACY AT IHM TARATALA

BREAKING NEWS : OLDEST FOOD FESTIVAL OF EASTERN INDIA HOGS THE LIMELIGHT AS THE GOURMET NITE 2K26 CELEBRATES KOLKATA’S CULINARY LEGACY AT IHM TARATALA

BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY

KOLKATA | 31 JANUARY 2026

The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Taratala, Kolkata, successfully hosted Gourmet Nite 2k26, Eastern India’s oldest and most iconic food festival, on 30  January  2026, bringing together heritage, hospitality, and gastronomy in a grand celebration of the city’s evolving culinary identity.

Since its inception in 1989, Gourmet Nite has remained a flagship event of IHM Taratala, Kolkata showcasing the creativity, discipline and professional excellence of its students while serving as a platform that connects the hospitality industry, government stakeholders, and the wider community. This year’s edition was held under the theme “Calcutta to Kolkata,” a gastronomic journey, tracing the transformation of the city’s food culture and social fabric from its colonial roots to contemporary Bengali gastronomy.

A major highlight of the evening was an elaborate thematic buffet featuring more than 75 curated dishes, designed as a gastronomic journey through the diverse kitchens and neighbourhoods of Kolkata and the wider landscape of West Bengal. The spread offered guests a broad spectrum of preparations, with signature dishes serving as illustrative highlights of each culinary tradition rather than an exhaustive menu.

The starter and salad counters reflected the city’s vibrant street and club culture, featuring classics such as Fowl Cutlet, Kolkata-style Cocktail Fish Fry, Chingri Macher Chop, Alu Kabli and the Kolkata Club-style Chicken and Sausage Salad, complemented by traditional accompaniments including Kasundi and house-made sauces.

A nod to colonial culinary influences was presented through the Anglo-Indian section, where guests sampled heritage preparations such as Mulligatawny Soup, Country Captain Chicken, Railway Mutton Curry, Fish Orly and Dual Flower Mornay, recalling the flavours of old Calcutta’s clubs and railway kitchens.

The city’s famed Indo-Chinese legacy came alive at the Tangra and Tiretta Bazaar counter, showcasing a range of wok-tossed and Cantonese-inspired dishes. Signature offerings included Chicken Manchurian, Schezwan Fish – Kolkata Style, Tofu and Mushroom in Oyster Soya and Heritage Hakka Noodles, highlighting the fusion traditions that define Kolkata’s unique “Chinese by Kolkata” cuisine.

Drawing from aristocratic and temple-side kitchens, the Thakurbari and Zamindari section featured historical and celebratory dishes such as Lada Domba, Katla Tramfradu, Ranganir Paturi and Bhetki Macher Tikli Pulao, representing culinary influences from Bengal’s royal households and cultural centres.

From the Houses of Babus and Nawabs, guests were served classic Bengali and Awadhi-inspired preparations including Kosha Mangsho, Jalpai Chicken, Aam Echor Tarkari, Radha Ballabhi and Kolkata-style Mutton Biryani, forming a rich and comforting centerpiece of the dining experience.

The dessert spread offered a contemporary interpretation of traditional sweets, with highlights such as Tiramisu Phirni, Chocolate Monte Carlo, Mihidana Parfait, Makha Sandesh Strudel and an assortment of Entremets, bringing together European technique and Bengali flavours in an indulgent finale.

The cultural programme added a visual and musical narrative to the evening. A soulful musical performance by Ms. Senjuti Das set the tone, while a series of dance and fashion shows by the students of the institute, depicted the iconic elements of Kolkata, drawing inspiration from the city’s colonial architecture, trams, river ghats, street life and contemporary urban culture.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr. Abhishek Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Managing Director of West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited (WBTDCL), Mr. Subrata Debnath, Area Director ( Food & Beverage), Taj City Centre , Mr. Soumitra Chakraborty, CEO ( Marine Business) , IFB Agro Industries Limited, Mr. Kamal Raza, GM of The Lalit Great Eastern, Kolkata, Mr. Pramode Bhandarai, Area General Manager, Park Hotel, Mr. Sudesh  Kumar Poddar, President of Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association (FHRAI)  of Eastern India , Mr. Rishove Halder, HR Manager of Peerless Hotel and hosts of other  senior government officials  along with a distinguished gathering of , eminent hoteliers like General Managers, F&B Heads, HR & Training Heads, executive chefs and other HOD, industry leaders, alumni, and members of the media were present.

IHM Taratala Principal Mr. Raja Sadhukhan expressed his sincere appreciation to the dignitaries, sponsors, faculty, students, and staff for their collective efforts in making Gourmet Nite 2k26 a memorable celebration of hospitality excellence, cultural pride and culinary heritage. He has also highlighted the  high academic  and placement performance of this institute in the country consistently since its inception. Today the alumni of IHM Taratala are spread all over the globe and ranks amongst the who’s who of the hospitality industry and business.

With an impressive turnout and widespread appreciation from industry and patrons alike, Gourmet Nite 2k26 once again reaffirmed IHM Taratala Kolkata position as a leading institution in hospitality education and as the proud custodian of Eastern India’s most enduring food festival.