Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata Celebrates Bengal’s Iconic Ilish with ‘YAYAvar Journeys to Sundarbans’

Kolkata, July 2025: Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata invites guests to immerse themselves in the soulful flavours of Bengal with ‘YAYAvar Journeys to Sundarbans’, a specially curated Hilsa festival at YAYAvar. This limited-period monsoon celebration pays homage to the Queen of Fish—Ilish—through a menu that masterfully blends nostalgia, heritage, and culinary innovation.

Helmed by Chef Sougata Halder, the menu brings to life the emotional and cultural essence of Bengal’s most cherished fish with a thoughtfully balanced offering of timeless classics and globally inspired interpretations. Guests can begin with golden-fried Ilish Mach Bhaja, indulgent Ilish Cutlet, and rich Ilish Malai Roast, before diving into soulful main courses such as Begun Kalo Jeera Diye Ilish Macher Jhol, Shorshe Posto Ilish, Ilish Kalia, Bhapa Paturi, and the tangy Ilish Macher Tok.

For those seeking a modern culinary twist, dishes like the Grilled Ilish Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Gondhoraj Lemon Butter Sauce and Smoked Ilish with Steamed Vegetables and BBQ Glaze elevate the traditional Ilish experience with nuanced global accents while retaining the fish’s distinct identity. The festival also features comforting Bengali staples such as Ilish Macher Pulao, Gobindobhog Khichuri with Ilish Bhaja, and Panta Bhaat with Aloo Makha and Ilish Bhaja, evoking the warmth and depth of home-style cooking.

Speaking about the concept, Executive Chef Sougata Halder, said, “For Bengalis, Ilish is not just food—it’s poetry on a plate. It evokes monsoons, family tables, childhood memories, and celebration. With ‘YAYAvar Journeys to Sundarbans’, we’ve tried to honour this emotion by staying true to the soul of each dish while introducing elements that feel fresh, contemporary, and rooted in Bengal’s evolving food narrative.”

Mr. Glen Dsouza, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, added, “In Bengal, Hilsa isn’t just a fish—it’s an emotion plated with pride. It’s the aroma that fills childhood homes, the centerpiece of monsoon feasts, the queen of fishes that reigns over our hearts and memories. With this menu, I wanted to honor that deep emotional bond—a celebration of the Sundarbans, where the finest Hilsa is born, and of a culture that reveres her with unmatched devotion. Each dish carries the rhythm of rain, river, and nostalgia.” Whether you’re a lifelong Ilish lover or discovering its magic for the first time, ‘YAYAvar Journeys to Sundarbans’ invites you to savour more than just a meal—it offers a sensory journey steeped in memory, emotion, and Bengal’s culinary soul. With every bite, let the flavours transport you to rain-washed riverbanks, festive family tables, and the timeless traditions that celebrate the Queen of Fish.

Venue: YAYAvar, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata Address: 17 Garcha 1st Lane, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019 For Reservations: +91 6292 307 592 & +91 6292 307 619 Date: 25th - July, 2025 - 3rd August Price: à la carte - starting 550++onwards Time: Lunch - 12:30pm - 03:30pm Dinner - 07:30pm - 11:30pm