Smoked, Fermented, and Wild: Chef Joel Basumatari Curates a Seven Sisters Culinary Showcase at The Westin Pune

• From the Hills of the Northeast to the Heart of Pune, this week-long Celebration of Untamed Flavours at The Market is something you must mark on your calendars!

Pune is about to experience a culinary homecoming like no other. From June 13 to 22, 2025, step into the soul of India’s Northeast at The Market, the signature restaurant at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, as it brings to life the bold, earthy, and deeply rooted flavors of the Seven Sister States.

In an exclusive Seven Sisters Food Festival, the celebrated Chef Joel Basumatari, a pioneer in preserving and modernizing the indigenous cuisine of Northeastern states, will curate an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Drawing from tribal techniques, forest-foraged ingredients, bamboo cooking, and age-old fermentation methods, every dish is a story passed down through generations.

Known for his expertise in traditional Naga cuisine and for championing the use of indigenous ingredients, Chef Joel brings with him a menu rooted in heritage, stories, and a deep respect for local food practices. His work has been instrumental in placing Naga cuisine on the national and global map, thanks to his pioneering efforts in sustainable cooking and highlighting the cultural significance of tribal food.

Guests at The Market can look forward to a thoughtfully curated buffet spread that highlights the earthy, vibrant flavours of the Northeast. From smoked meats and bamboo shoot curries to wild herbs and fermented specialties, the menu draws from all seven states of the region. Expect signature dishes like Smoked Pork with Axone, Bamboo Shoot Fish Curry, Galho, and Roasted Chilli Chicken with Bhut Jolokia sauce. Sticky Rice with herbs and smoked meats, along with sweet endings like Sticky Rice Pudding and Jaggery-Sesame Bites, round out the meal.

Adding to the charm are interactive live counters, including a Naga Hot Pot Station with locally infused stock, fresh vegetables, noodles, poached chicken, and a live grill serving Naga Spiced Blend Chicken Skewers with roasted garlic chili sauce. Chef Joel will also be present during the promotion to interact with guests, share stories behind the dishes, and give insights into the culinary legacy of his homeland.

Whether you're a seasoned food explorer or someone curious to taste the unfamiliar, this is a rare opportunity to experience Northeast India through its food, right here in Pune.

What to Expect: -Smoked meats kissed by woodfire. -River fish slow-cooked in bamboo. -Fermented flavors that awaken your senses. -And desserts with floral tang and sticky rice soul.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to taste a lesser-known culinary heritage in a fine-dining setting, while honoring age-old wisdom and indigenous resilience.

When: June 13 to June 22 2025 | Lunch & Dinner Where: The Market, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park Cost Per Person: Lunch – ₹2399++ | Dinner – ₹2599++ Contact: +91 20-67210000