Sofitel Mumbai BKC Presents the ‘Kaptivating Koli,’ Food Festival at Pondichery Café

April 2023: Sofitel Mumbai BKC is delighted to welcome Chef Harsha Tapke, a local fisherwoman from Versova-turned entrepreneur, for the ‘Kaptivating Koli’ food festival, from 21st - 30th April, 2023.

Served at the hotel’s Pondichery Café, the festival will celebrate the glorious, local cuisine of the Koli community. Diners will enjoy dishes like Jawlyache Bhajji, dry shrimp cutlet specially found in the houses of every Koli family; Koli Style Mutton with Egg, traditional dry lamb preparation with egg; Bhakari, flat rice bread; Gharya, flour fritters; and Rawas Tandoori, fish marinated with Koli spices and cooked in a clay oven. A live seafood bar of fresh catch will offer options like fried Kolambi, Rawas, Pomfret or Mori (Prawns/Shark); and stuffedPomfret, Squids, and Chimbori (Mud Crabs). 

Chef Harsha Tapke is from a conservative fishing family of the Koli community. She started her own fish-selling business to be able to make a living for herself and not be dependent on anyone. Drawing from personal experience given that her family sold fish at Marol market for generations, Chef Harsha has been able to substantially grow her business, and market herself to catch the attention of the culinary community and foodies alike. She has hosted well-known chefs like Ranveer Brar for meals at her home, and has appeared on TV shows like Delhi Food Walks, and on Living Foodz. She is currently a Head Chef at Authenticook’s ‘Dine with Kolis’ and has hosted over 2000 diners at her home. Chef Harsha also does home delivery and was a part of the team that founded the Koli Seafood Festival back in 2005. She has also conducted food pop-ups at several hotels and restaurants across the country. 

The Kaptivating Koli food festival will be served from 21st - 30th April, 2023 at Pondichery Café, for dinner only. It is priced at Rs. 3799 plus taxes per head and will be served from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. On Sunday, April 30, 2023, a special Koli food brunch will be served, priced at Rs. 4000 plus taxes per person (non-alcoholic), Rs. 4299 plus taxes per person (with alcohol) and Rs. 5699 plus taxes per person (Champagne brunch). 

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