The rich culinary heritage of Kashmir comes alive at Zaffran, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, with the Kashmiri Food Festival from June 19 to 28, 2026. The ten-day festival celebrates the flavours, traditions and craftsmanship of the Valley. It will offer the guests an authentic taste of one of the nation’s most celebrated regional cuisines. This food festival will include Celebrity Chef Abdul Hameed War (Vasta Waza) , a renowned ambassador of Kashmiri cuisine with nearly three decades of experience. Known for preserving traditional recipes and cooking techniques, he will bring his expertise and passion to a specially curated menu inspired by the culinary legacy of Kashmir.
Expressing her views, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort, said, “India’s culinary landscape is incredibly diverse, and through Kashmiri Food Festival, we are delighted to bring the authentic tastes and traditions of Kashmir to our guests in Visakhapatnam. We are honoured to have Chef Abdul Hameed War (Vasta Waza) for this festival, whose presence helps bring the rich culinary heritage and distinctive flavours of the region to life in an authentic and engaging manner, and in result creating a memorable dining experience for our guests.”
In this exciting food festival, guests can savour iconic dishes such as Roghvan Josh, Gushtaba and Zafran Yakhni Palao, each prepared using aromatic spices, slow-cooking methods and time-honoured techniques. The festival also features décor inspired by Kashmir’s cultural aesthetics, creating an immersive dining experience that reflects the warmth and charm of the region. Through this festival, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach continues its commitment to showcasing India’s diverse gastronomic landscape, connecting diners with the stories, traditions and flavours that have shaped Kashmiri cuisine for generations.