ENTER a long-ago, faraway world. A world of royal nawaabs who would spend fortunes on pampering their chefs to retain their loyalty. A world of bawarchis, khansamas and rakabdars who spent years perfecting and innovating fiercely-guarded recipes that were handed down as heirlooms. A world where the cooking and eating of food was regarded as a pursuit of excellence and an act of devout reverence.

Enter the world of Lucknow and Awadh. A culture whose hallmark is its genteel hospitality. A cuisine whose uniqueness lies in the generous use of time and the measured use of spices. Spices that were perfectly calibrated to marinate for hours with the freshest, choicest ingredients. Which were then lovingly and painstakingly slowcooked over low flames. A labour-intensive, finesse-filled process that intensified the taste and sealed the nutrition; each succulent bite erupting with fine flavours, strength and energy. This tasteful, richly-nuanced world has been recreated in all its authentic and royal glory at the Lucknowi Food Festival at Sigree, the renowned Speciality Group’s Indian fine-dining restaurant

Leave behind the rush and hurry of modern life. Take your time to anticipate the delicacies awaiting you. Let the wafting aromas tickle your taste buds. Enjoy the rich visual delight of the elaborately-presented dastarkhwan (spread). Eating is an involvement of the five senses; in fact, it goes beyond nourishing the body to uplift the soul.

The Lucknowi Food Festival is on at Sigree from October 17 onwards. Take your time, and enjoy a truly royal feast fit for the kings of yore. We are sure that one visit will not be enough.

Sigree: City Tower, Dhole Patil Road, Pune – 411 011. Tel. No.: 66027080