Pune Foodies, Don’t Miss this Seven Sisters Food Festival
Koregaon Park, 17th June 2025: Pune is set to embark on a rare and flavour-packed journey into the heart of Northeast India. From June 13 to 22, 2025, The Market, the signature restaurant at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, is hosting an exclusive Seven Sisters Food Festival, celebrating the bold, earthy, and deeply rooted culinary traditions of the Northeastern states.
At the heart of this gastronomic experience is Chef Joel Basumatari, a celebrated name in the world of indigenous cuisine. Known for his mastery of traditional Naga recipes and his pioneering work in reviving tribal food techniques, Chef Joel is curating a menu that blends cultural authenticity with sustainable practices. His cuisine draws from forest-foraged ingredients, bamboo cooking methods, tribal techniques, and age-old fermentation — creating a dining experience rich with heritage and storytelling.
Chef Joel has been instrumental in bringing Naga cuisine to both national and global attention. His work emphasizes not only the ingredients and methods but also the stories and cultural contexts that define Northeast Indian food.
A Culinary Expedition Across Seven States
Guests at The Market can expect a vibrant buffet spread that brings together the distinct flavours of all seven Northeastern states. Signature dishes include:
- Smoked Pork with Axone
- Bamboo Shoot Fish Curry
- Galho (a Naga comfort rice dish)
- Roasted Chilli Chicken with fiery Bhut Jolokia sauce
- Sticky Rice with herbs and smoked meats
- Traditional desserts like Sticky Rice Pudding and Jaggery-Sesame Bites
The experience is enhanced with interactive live counters, including a Naga Hot Pot Station featuring locally infused stock, seasonal vegetables, noodles, and poached chicken. A live grill will serve Naga Spiced Chicken Skewers paired with a roasted garlic chili sauce.
Chef Joel will be present throughout the festival to engage with diners, share the stories behind the dishes, and offer a deeper understanding of the culinary legacy of his homeland.
What to Expect:
- Smoked meats kissed by woodfire
- River fish slow-cooked in bamboo
- Fermented flavours that awaken your senses
- Desserts with a floral tang and sticky rice soul
Whether you’re a seasoned gastronome or a curious food lover eager to try something new, this festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the Northeast’s lesser-known but deeply soulful cuisine — right here in Pune.
