The vibrant and diverse culinary heritage of Arunachal Pradesh was showcased to a national audience this past Sunday at the prestigious Times Food & Nightlife Awards. Held at The Westin, Mumbai, the event served as a high-profile platform for the state to position itself as a premier destination for cultural and gastronomic tourism.
While 34 award-winning restaurants from Mumbai were featured at the gala, the dedicated Arunachal stall managed to capture significant attention from industry experts, leading chefs, and media representatives. The exhibit, a collaborative initiative of the State Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Tourism Department, offered a curated journey through the state’s unique ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Among the beverages, the Sumac Cold Brew and Smoked Green Tea emerged as the stars of the night, with long queues forming as guests sought to experience the smoky and tangy profiles unique to the Northeast.
The stall was led by Chef Pinky Veo, assisted by a talented team including Techi Seema, Seema Dodum Gyamar, and Yami Veo. The participation was coordinated by Taste Palate by Jugnu Gupta, a noted food critic for the Times Food & Nightlife Awards.
Beyond mere tasting, the event facilitated vital networking opportunities between Arunachal’s culinary representatives and national hospitality leaders. By engaging with influencers and restaurateurs, the state has opened new avenues for future collaborations in the food and tourism sectors.
An official from the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) noted that such platforms are essential for fostering greater awareness of indigenous cultures. As the night concluded, Arunachal’s presence at the awards underscored its growing reputation as an emerging hub for travelers seeking authentic, “farm-to-table” cultural experiences.
