Gastronomy gurus at Sudima Auckland Airport are preparing for a mouthwatering buffet spectacular next month that promises a peek into the culinary delights of the Indian subcontinent.
From the ancient spice routes of India to the bold street food of Pakistan and the coconut-infused curries of Sri Lanka, the South Asian Food Festival at the Sudima Auckland Airport hotel will put on your plate not just food but a whole culture.
The dishes being served aren’t on the regular menu, says head chef Rodney, and are being curated especially for the food fiesta.
Savour the rich lentils of Nepal and the seafood delicacies of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as Rodney and his team pay homage to the flavours passed down through generations across the subcontinent.
Live music and entertainment will spice up the mood at the two-day food festival on October 18 and 19, where two sessions per evening are available by booking only – 6-7.30pm and 8-9.30pm. Tickets are priced $85 for adults and $42.50 for children aged between six and 12 years. You can reserve your seats here.
There’s a bit of every South Asian country sprinkled across the buffet menu. The Devilled Maalu Popcorn is a Sri Lankan firecracker feast made from fish, chilli, curry leaves, pandan and ghee. The showstopper from Nepal at the Live Kitchen is Chicken Sekuwa Tawa, boneless chicken cooked in Tibetan spices, ginger and garlic.
Bangladesh will embellish the main course with its curry blend of fresh fish and curd, the Dol Maach; while the succulent Keema Kaleji from Pakistan will transport you to the bylanes of Lahore.
Chef Rodney, the spice sorcerer in charge of the fare, is cheering for all the dishes on the menu but like all parents–or maybe not–the spice sorcerer has a favourite child.
“Our Prawn Malabar is heavily inspired by the coastal regions of India and uses kokum as the key ingredient. It reminds of my initial days as a chef in the western Indian state Goa,” Rodney lets on.
Malabar Prawn Curry is a spice-loaded dish straight from the sun-kissed coast of South India. With its signature combo of curry leaves and tamarind, it’s a true taste of Malabar magic.
Whether you're into spicier curries or milder fare, there will be something for every palate at the South Asian Food Festival.
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