Get ready to dine where tradition meets trend. This June, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai transforms its signature restaurant, South of Vindhyas, into a decadent celebration of all things Odia with the Raja Food Festival, from 12th to 16th June 2025. Think: slow-smoked pithas, soul-soothing dalma, rhythmic folk melodies curling through the air, and ornate jhulas swaying gently under cascades of vibrant dupattas. It’s not just a meal—it’s a mood. Wrapped in the lush ethos of India’s first eco-friendly five-star address, this is conscious luxury redefined This isn’t just a food festival—it’s a full-blown Odia cultural experience at South of Vindhyas Who’s Cooking?
The festival is led by none other than Chef Ranjan Panda, Corporate Chef at Kamat Hotels India Ltd., who’s on a mission to bring Odia cuisine into the limelight. Joining him are top chefs from Ira by Orchid Bhubaneswar and a handpicked brigade of eight regional Odia chefs, flown in to ensure every bite is packed with authenticity.
Why This Festival is a Big Deal
Odia cuisine is still a hidden gem in Mumbai—and this festival is changing that. Inspired by Raja Parba, a traditional festival celebrating womanhood and monsoon, this food fest was the brainchild of Mr. Vishal Kamat, who wanted Mumbaikars to taste and feel the magic of Odisha. From the ancient Abadha cooking technique (yes, where the top pot cooks first!) to the food traditions of Jagannath Temple, everything served comes with a story
What to Eat?
Prepare yourself for a buffet of authentic Odia dishes, each lovingly crafted and presented with rustic flair. And if you’re wondering what not to miss:
● Abadha Mahaprasad – which will be travelling from Odisha’s Jagannath
temple to Mumbai, South of Vindhya’s
● Dahi Bara Aloo Dum Gughini – your new comfort food trio
● Handi Mansho – slow-cooked mutton curry in an earthen pot
● Oau Khatta – a tangy elephant apple curry that’s bold and bright
● Chenna Poda – Odisha’s answer to cheesecake, smoky and sweet
Cool down with Tanka Paani and Kaanji Toorani, and dive into sweets like Malpua and Rasabali that are pure nostalgia.
The Whole Experience
This isn’t just about food. It’s about immersing yourself in Odia tradition—think live pitha demos, jhula swings as selfie spots, traditional music and dance forms. You can even book the Chef’s Table experience with Chef Ranjan Panda, where he’ll personally share the secrets behind these divine dishes. Chef Ranjan Panda says it best: “Mumbai hasn’t tasted anything like this. Raja Festival at SOV is our way of sharing the authentic Odia food with Mumbaikar’s. The cherry on top is that Abadha Mahaprasad that is travelling from Jagannath temple, Odia to
Mumbai for Mumbaikar’s is – pure, spiritual, seasonal food—with a city that’s always hungry for something new.” So whether you’re Odia by roots or just Odia at heart for the day—come swing, savour, and celebrate with us.
When: 12th–16th June,2025
Where: South of Vindhyas, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, Vile Parle (East)
Cost: Buffet at ₹2099++ per person
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