Novotel Hyderabad Airport Hosts Regimental Zaika Food Festival

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has introduced Regimental Zaika, an ongoing food festival designed to celebrate the distinct culinary heritage and flavours of India’s military regiments.

The festival is held as part of the hotel's Sunday brunch showcase, presenting dishes from the northern, southern, eastern, and western regions of the country. Each Sunday is dedicated to a distinct regimental menu. On August 16, the Sunday brunch will feature a combined spread representing four separate regiments: the Punjab Regiment, the Madras Regiment, the Rajasthan Regiment, and the Pahadi Regiment.

The festival was curated by Chef Ammana Raju, Executive Chef at Novotel Hyderabad Airport, who drew inspiration from his family's military background. Raju stated that his father and other family members served in the Indian armed forces, giving him firsthand exposure to regional military culinary styles across the country. He explained that the concept was developed to give diners a chance to experience the specific foods associated with different armed forces regiments and explore the broader diversity of Indian cooking.

The festival's Madras Regiment spread included live counters serving Madras masala-marinated fish, prawns, and chicken. The main course featured dishes such as Prawn Curry, Mutton Masala, and Avial, accompanied by steamed rice, Kothmir Rice, and biryani.

Organised around Independence Day, the festival aims to bring diners together through authentic military culinary traditions while highlighting regional food preparations from across the country.