The flavours of the desert are heading to the coast. Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is hosting a nine-day Rajasthani food festival in Visakhapatnam at Zaffran, its Indian specialty restaurant, from 14 to 22 November 2026. The menu is à la carte. Above all, it celebrates the bold spices and slow-cooked dishes that Rajasthani home kitchens are known for.
What to eat at the Rajasthani food festival in Visakhapatnam
The festival menu travels across the classics of Rajasthan. For meat lovers, there is Laal Maas, the fiery red mutton curry, along with a Rajasthani Mutton Seekh Kebab. Vegetarians, meanwhile, can look forward to Govind Gatta Curry, made with gram flour dumplings. There is also Ker Sangri Ki Sabzi, a traditional desert dish of dried berries and beans.
In addition, there is Dal Baati, the much-loved pairing of lentils and baked wheat bread, and a fragrant Ghee Gatte Ka Pulao. In other words, it is a good introduction to the food of the region. That is true whether you are tasting it for the first time or missing a taste of home.
A chef’s take on Rajasthani cooking
The festival is led by Mintun Yadav. He is the Sous Chef and North Indian Cuisine Specialist at the hotel. “Rajasthani cooking is about bold spices and deep slow-cooked flavours,” he says. “We wanted to bring those home-style regional recipes to Visakhapatnam so guests can experience the true food culture of Rajasthan right here by the beach.”
Rajasthani sweets to finish
Save room for dessert. Finally, the kitchen is serving Ghewar, the lacy, honeycomb-like Rajasthani sweet. There is also a rich Ghee and Dry Fruit Churma.
Plan your visit
What: Rajasthani Food Festival
Where: Zaffran, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
When: 14 to 22 November 2026
Timings: Lunch 12:30 pm to 3 pm, dinner 7 pm to 11 pm
Dining: À la carte
Reservations: +91 77998 84043
Rajasthani food is having a moment this November. For example, in Kerala, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is also hosting Flavours of Mewar, a three-day Rajasthani food festival with Chef Parthvi Shaktawat.
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Images courtesy of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach.
The Daily Brunch editorial team, led by co-founder Anju Anna Alex, has written about luxury hotels, restaurants, chefs and travel across India and beyond since 2016, with stories told through the people behind them.
