Joining hands at this year’s most awaited foodie weekend, Melbournians are in for a spicy delight at Taste of Melbourne held at Albert park from 12-15 November.

Showcasing the Flavours of India and inspiring people to explore the country’s pallet at the India pavilion, India tourism’s Vibhava Tripathi says ” India is well known for the flavours it offers. With some of the richest spice plantations in Kerala to the tea plantations in Assam and vineyards of Nasik there is a lot on offer. This is a great platform for us to invite people to sample it.”

Showcasing Neha Sen from MasterChef 2013 – her Indian background and knowledge on the food will be featured through regular cooking demos throughout the day. “I’m delighted to be aligned with India. My range of Neha’s Indian inspired products have been so well received by Australia and I’m looking forward to sharing my recipes at the cooking demos with a bit of Bollywood dancing thrown in to spice it up!” Says Neha. Her multi award winning range of Indian Inspired ice creams and chutneys will also be available at the event.

A highlight for visitors is the chance to win a trip for 2 to India with Beacon Holidays and Air India.  Visitors and enter at the pavilion for a chance to win a 7 day tour of India’s Golden Triangle visiting Delhi , the Taj Mahal in Agra and Jaipur. All accommodation, touring and transfers as well and cooking lesson and market visits are included in this private tour. Return flights are on Air India with services directly from Australia to Delhi.

Beacon holidays is known for its personalized service and tailor made itineraries for its clients. Beacon also offers a fully escorted program to  India hosted by director Himanshi Munshaw Luhar. Munshaw Luhar grew up in India and her hosted program give guests access to unusual Indian experiences often not available to the general public. The Enchanting India program visits Delhi, Agra , Rajasthan and. Mumbai on a 2 week tour. Munshaw Luhar takes her guest through the old markets of Delhi, the social enterprise for women, orphanages and villages to see the more rustic side of India. The program also showcases the more elite fine dining restaurants , celebrity cooking lessons, palatial stays and the glamour of Bollywood. A visit to her family home neighbouring Gandhi’s museum in Mumbai finishes the tour with just the right feeling of belonging.

Munshaw Luhar says ” I’ve been in the tourism industry for just under 2 decades now and hosting people in India on this program is definitely a highlight of my time in the industry.  I love India and I want to show people my culture and history  in a way that is exciting  and fun for them. There is so much to offer and Indians are such good hosts welcoming guests into our lives and our homes . It is a trip you will not forget anytime soon.”

Featured at the India pavilion are

The cooking demos by Neha Sen Master Chef contestant, Himanshi Munshaw Luhar from Beacon Holidays with her family recipes, Valentine of Goan cuisine, the perfect Masala Chai with 18ThirtyFour.

Grover Zampa Indian wines

A trip for 2 to India with Beacon holidays and Air India

  India Tourism