Kathmandu’s growing culinary scene is set to receive a vibrant taste of western India as Aloft Kathmandu Thamel prepares to host a special Maharashtrian Food Festival from June 12 to 14, 2026.
The three-day gastronomic celebration aims to introduce food enthusiasts in Nepal to the authentic flavours, traditions, and culinary diversity of Maharashtra, one of India’s most culturally rich and gastronomically diverse states.
According to the organizers, the festival will feature carefully curated regional dishes prepared using traditional cooking methods and authentic spices specially sourced from Maharashtra to preserve the originality of the cuisine.
Celebration of Maharashtra’s Culinary Diversity at Aloft Kathmandu
Maharashtrian cuisine is widely recognized for its bold spices, regional diversity, seafood specialties, and traditional home-style recipes developed over centuries across different parts of the state.
The upcoming food festival in Aloft Kathmandu will showcase dishes inspired by several regions of Maharashtra, including the spicy and robust flavours of Kolhapur, the distinctive culinary traditions of Vidarbha, and the lighter coastal delicacies of the Konkan belt.
Guests attending the event will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes representing both traditional family recipes and popular regional street food.
Organizers stated that the festival has been designed to offer visitors a deeper cultural and culinary experience beyond standard restaurant dining.
Live Cooking Experience and Interactive Dining in Aloft Kathmandu
Adding an interactive dimension to the event, the festival in the Aloft Kathmandu will also feature live cooking stations where guests can watch chefs prepare signature Maharashtrian dishes in real time.
Visitors will be able to engage directly with the culinary team and gain insight into the ingredients, cooking styles, and traditions behind some of Maharashtra’s most iconic recipes.
The event will also highlight seasonal mango-based desserts, celebrating one of the most beloved fruits associated with Indian summer cuisine.
Renowned Chefs Leading the Culinary Event
The festival will be led by Chef Vikram, a native Maharashtrian chef with more than 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Over the course of his career, Chef Vikram has worked with internationally recognized hotel brands including ITC Hotels, Leela Palace, Hyatt Regency, and Andaz. Organizers say his deep connection with Maharashtrian culinary heritage will bring authenticity and traditional flavours to the festival menu.
Joining him will be Rajeev Shrestha, Executive Chef of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel and one of Nepal’s most recognized culinary professionals.
Chef Shrestha has represented Nepal in several international gastronomy events, including the prestigious Toques en Chablais International Gastronomy Festival in France and the US–Nepal Gastronomy Exchange program held in Washington, D.C.
Together, the two chefs aim to create a memorable culinary experience that highlights the richness and diversity of regional Indian cuisine while introducing Kathmandu diners to lesser-known Maharashtrian specialties.
Growing Interest in Culinary Tourism
Hospitality industry observers say specialized food festivals and regional cuisine showcases are becoming increasingly popular in Kathmandu as hotels and restaurants seek to diversify dining experiences and attract culinary travelers.
Such events not only introduce international flavours to local audiences but also contribute to cultural exchange through food and hospitality experiences.
Aloft Kathmandu Thamel believe the Maharashtrian Food Festival will appeal to food lovers, tourists, expatriates, and culinary explorers interested in discovering authentic Indian regional cuisine in Nepal.
Festival Schedule and Dining Packages
The festival will offer both set lunch menus and dinner buffet experiences across the three-day event. According to the organizers, vegetarian set lunch menus on June 13 and 14 will be available at NPR 2,222 net per person, while non-vegetarian set menus will be priced at NPR 2,555 net per person. Dinner buffet services will be available on June 12, 13, and 14 at NPR 3,333 net per person. The buffet package includes one complimentary welcome drink, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic, along with access to the live cooking counter.
Reservations and Ticketing
Aloft Kathmandu Thamel has announced that tickets for the festival can be purchased online through the K Garira platform or by scanning the official QR code provided by the hotel. Interested guests may also contact the organizers directly through phone or WhatsApp at 9801976054 or via the hotel’s official social media channels for reservations and additional information. With its combination of authentic regional cuisine, live culinary experiences, and internationally experienced chefs, the Maharashtrian Food Festival is expected to become one of Kathmandu’s notable hospitality and dining events this season.
