Mumbai, 20th November 2015 – Today, Sofitel Mumbai BKC launched ‘The Great Maratha Warriors Food Festival’, which pays tribute to their grand legacy and cuisine. The inauguration at Pondichéry Café featured a fascinating exhibition of their rich history and culture including powerful weaponry, elegant Paithani sarees and a captivating Lavani performance, that guests are privy to throughout this festival. Witness the true spirit of a Maratha Warrior come alive at this ten-day festival as Sofitel Mumbai BKC proudly showcases the glory of yesteryears’ Maratha dynasties.
Stepping into the kitchens of Pondichery Café is the expert mother-daughter duo – Sugandha and Varsha who will tantalize one’s palate with recipes that have been passed down through generations. During this festival, one can feast on regal delights such as Bharli Khari Vangi, Suke Chicken, Mutton Ukad, Bombil Chutney, Puran Poli and many more.
Mr. Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager of Sofitel Mumbai BKC says, “Sofitel Mumbai BKC has always been at the forefront in amalgamating different cultures and cuisines of the world. This time with ‘The Great Maratha Warriors’ Food Festival’ we offer recipes that are true to their roots. Curated by the talented mother-daughter duo who have mastered the Maratha cuisine, this festival promises guests of traditional and flavourful delights.”
Born and brought up in Alsunde, Solapur, Chef Sugandha was raised in a family where cooking was considered a sacred art. Right from her early days of working at the Rashtriya Chemical & Fertilizer Ltd. (RCF) hostel, she took over the kitchen and plated up some popular dishes, making a name for herself. She carries the legacy of her mother-in-law, Mrs Draupadibai Polke who served scrumptious dishes to esteemed personalities such as Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Balasaheb Thackeray and music director Madan Mohan.
Although employed in a school, Chef Varsha always found a way of demonstrating her love 
for food and culinary art. Fond of desserts, her forte lies in the traditional Maharashtrian sweet recipes that were passed on through generations. Spreading love and education for the cuisine, she is constantly motivated to learn the stories behind home-cooked recipes from both her mother as well as her grandmother. Her signature dishes include Olya Naralachya Karanjya, Ukdiche Modak, Puran Poli and Lapshi.
Say Chefs Sugandha and Varsha, “We are delighted to be a part of Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s food festival that highlights authentic flavours as well as the varied cooking techniques of the Maratha cuisine. It’s an honour to represent our culture and serve guests with the unique lost recipes that we have grown up with.”
Venue: Pondichéry Café, Sofitel Mumbai BKC