Ahmedabad, India (November 2025) — International Food Festival: The city is set to become a global hub for culinary art and cultural exchange as the International Food Festival — “Food for Thought Fest” is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 16, 2025, at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre. Organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in collaboration with the South Asian Association for Gastronomy (SAAG), this four-day festival promises a vibrant celebration of food, creativity, and community.
A Global Culinary Celebration
The upcoming International Food Festival is designed to delight both food enthusiasts and entertainment lovers alike. The event will feature a wide range of live cooking workshops, cultural shows, and interactive culinary experiences led by top chefs from India and across the world.
This year’s edition will welcome renowned chefs from India, Nepal, Spain, and the Netherlands, making it one of the most diverse culinary gatherings in South Asia. Attendees can expect to witness live demonstrations from celebrated names such as food critic and author Rashmi Uday Singh, celebrity chefs Abhijit Saha and Gautam Maharshi, Nepalese author Rohini Rana, and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Pushpesh Pant.
Live Workshops and Chef Interactions
In addition to tasting international cuisines, visitors will have a chance to participate in live workshops led by master chefs from across South Asia. These sessions aim to highlight the artistry behind world cuisines while offering insights into sustainable and creative cooking techniques.
From street-style delicacies to fine-dining menus, the festival aims to bridge cultures through food, encouraging an exchange of ideas, techniques, and traditions between chefs and food lovers worldwide.
Themes: “A Taste of Luxury” and “The Regional Flavour”
This year’s International Food Festival is built around two major themes — “A Taste of Luxury” and “The Regional Flavour.”
Under “A Taste of Luxury,” premium hotels and restaurants will serve their signature dishes, offering visitors a glimpse of high-end culinary artistry. Meanwhile, “The Regional Flavour” section will bring authentic Indian and South Asian street food to life, capturing the essence of traditional cooking styles from various regions.
Three Exclusive Pavilions to Explore
To make the festival even more immersive, organizers have curated three unique pavilions:
- Luxury Pavilion — A showcase of gourmet excellence by prestigious hotels presenting their most refined and exclusive dishes.
- Spiritual Pavilion — Inspired by the sacred offerings from Jagannath Temple in Puri, this section combines spirituality with gastronomy, allowing visitors to experience traditional Bhog Prasad and devotional food culture.
- Coffee Pavilion — A paradise for coffee lovers, offering live roasting, brewing demonstrations, and interactive workshops that blend education and entertainment in equal measure.
Each pavilion will provide visitors with hands-on experiences, live sessions, and engaging discussions about the future of global food culture.
Where Food Meets Ideas
The International Food Festival — Food for Thought Fest isn’t just about delicious meals; it’s about the exchange of ideas, inspiration, and innovation. Culinary experts, writers, and critics will participate in panel discussions and Q&A sessions about food sustainability, regional diversity, and the evolving global palate.
According to event organizers, the festival aims to promote culinary diplomacy, where food becomes a bridge connecting diverse communities across borders. From traditional recipes to modern gastronomy trends, the event seeks to spark conversations that go beyond taste and presentation.
An Educational Platform for Students and Professionals
Beyond the excitement of cooking and tasting, the festival serves as a learning and networking platform for hospitality students, food bloggers, and entrepreneurs. Hotel management students will gain firsthand exposure to global cooking trends, while industry professionals can explore collaborations, exchange ideas, and discover new techniques shaping the future of food innovation.
The International Food Festival will also provide a unique opportunity for South Asian chefs to showcase their cultural heritage and learn from global culinary pioneers. It encourages cross-border cooperation and a shared appreciation of food as an art form and social experience.
Entertainment, Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences
The four-day extravaganza will feature live performances, celebrity appearances, and interactive cooking shows designed for audiences of all ages. Families can look forward to an entertaining yet educational experience filled with creativity, taste, and inspiration.
Organizers emphasize that the event aims to deliver a “complete sensory journey” — combining the aroma of international cuisines, the energy of live demonstrations, and the warmth of cultural exchange. Whether you’re a food connoisseur, a student, or simply someone who loves new experiences, this festival promises something special for everyone.
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A Global Culinary Landmark in the Making
With its world-class line-up, dynamic workshops, and cultural depth, the International Food Festival at Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront is set to become one of Asia’s most talked-about culinary events. As the festival grows each year, it strengthens India’s position on the global food tourism map, inviting travelers and chefs from around the world to come together, learn, and celebrate food in its most creative form.
