- ITC Narmada celebrates four glorious years with ‘Journey of Narmada’, a week-long gastronomic voyage across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat
- From Dal Bafla to Puran Poli, Rotlo to Misal Pav, the river’s culinary heritage arrives in Ahmedabad as a feast of stories and flavours
- Adalaj Pavilion transforms into a riverside dining trail where regional recipes, live counters and local ingredients take centre stage
- Responsible luxury meets authentic cuisine as ITC champions local sourcing, sustainability and community-driven gastronomy
- Spin the Pavilion Wheel for delicious surprises, festive discounts and anniversary rewards until August 15
NE FEATURES BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, AUG 11
A river doesn’t just carry water — it carries recipes, memories and civilisations.
Every great river nourishes more than fields. It shapes cultures, preserves traditions and flavours generations. This August, Ahmedabad’s dining scene is tasting that timeless journey as ITC Narmada celebrates its fourth anniversary with “Journey of Narmada” — a sumptuous culinary expedition that follows India’s most revered westward-flowing river from the forests of Madhya Pradesh through the heartlands of Maharashtra to the vibrant kitchens of Gujarat.
Running from August 8 to 15 at Adalaj Pavilion, ITC Narmada’s signature all-day diner, the week-long showcase transforms every meal into a celebration of geography, heritage and unforgettable regional cuisine.
More than a food festival, it is a delicious map of the Narmada’s soul.
From the source to the sea, every region serves its signature story
The culinary journey mirrors the river’s remarkable course across three culturally rich states, bringing together recipes that have evolved along its fertile banks for centuries.
Madhya Pradesh arrives with its rustic comfort classic Dal Bafla — baked wheat dumplings drenched in aromatic dal and generous spoonfuls of ghee, a dish that speaks of warmth and agrarian abundance.
Maharashtra contributes festive favourites Puran Poli and velvety Shrikhand, where jaggery, lentils and hung curd create desserts that are as nostalgic as they are indulgent.
And then comes Gujarat, proudly taking centre stage with earthy Rotlo and smoky Bharta, celebrating the rustic elegance of local ingredients and traditional cooking.
Together, these dishes create a culinary narrative where every bite traces the river’s journey across changing landscapes and communities.
Live counters turn the dining hall into a food lover’s carnival
The experience stretches far beyond the main course.
Guests wander through vibrant live counters serving Dabeli, Ghughra Chaat, freshly steamed Dhokla, crispy Fafda-Jalebi and indulgent Ghotala Pav, while Maharashtra’s beloved street-food icons — Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Misal Pav and Sabudana Vada — bring Mumbai’s bustling flavours to the table.
Adding another regional gem, Indori Poha and Dahi Wada represent Madhya Pradesh’s celebrated breakfast and snack culture with authentic finesse.
The result is a dining trail where every station feels like another stop along the Narmada’s cultural highway.
“Our journey has always been about creating experiences connected to the region we call home”
For Akshay Kavra, General Manager, ITC Narmada, the anniversary is as much about celebrating Gujarat’s identity as it is about showcasing regional gastronomy.
“At ITC Narmada, our rich and beautiful four-year journey has been all about creating experiences that are deeply connected to the region we call home. The ‘Journey of Narmada’ culinary showcase brings together the culinary traditions of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat through ingredients, recipes and flavours that tell a story of the communities along the river.”
He added that the initiative reflects the hotel’s commitment to responsible luxury, where indulgence goes hand in hand with conscious choices, including local sourcing and support for regional producers.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to create experiences that are authentic to Gujarat while staying true to our larger commitment to responsible and sustainable hospitality.”
The sweetest finale? Spin the wheel
As if the feast itself were not tempting enough, guests are invited to spin the Pavilion Discount Wheel, where rewards range from 15% to 50% discounts along with delightful prizes such as an OG Cake and a Nutmeg Hamper.
The interactive finale adds a playful flourish to the anniversary celebrations, ensuring diners leave with both memorable flavours and unexpected rewards.
Available daily for brunch (1 pm–3 pm) and dinner (7 pm–11 pm) until August 15, the experience is best enjoyed with prior reservations.
The last course: Where the Narmada meets the table
Some food festivals serve dishes.
Journey of Narmada serves destinations.
From the smoky earthiness of Malwa to Maharashtra’s festive sweetness and Gujarat’s soulful rustic cuisine, ITC Narmada has created a rare dining experience where a river becomes the menu, heritage becomes hospitality and every plate reminds us that India’s greatest journeys are often tasted before they are told.
