Kolkata, January 30, 2026:
The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Taratala, Kolkata, hosted Gourmet Nite 2k26, Eastern India’s oldest and most iconic food festival, in a grand celebration that seamlessly blended heritage, hospitality, and gastronomy. The much-anticipated event highlighted Kolkata’s evolving culinary identity while reaffirming IHM Taratala’s legacy as a centre of excellence in hospitality education.
Since its inception in 1989, Gourmet Nite has remained a flagship event of IHM Taratala, showcasing the creativity, discipline, and professional competence of its students. Over the decades, it has also emerged as a vital platform connecting the hospitality industry, government stakeholders, alumni, and the wider community. This year’s edition was curated under the evocative theme “Calcutta to Kolkata – A Gastronomic Journey,” tracing the city’s transformation from its colonial past to its contemporary Bengali soul through food.
A major highlight of the evening was an elaborate thematic buffet featuring over 75 curated dishes, conceptualised as a journey through Kolkata’s neighbourhoods and the broader culinary landscape of West Bengal. Rather than an exhaustive menu, the spread presented signature preparations that illustrated the essence of each culinary tradition.
The starter and salad counters paid tribute to Kolkata’s vibrant street food and club culture, offering classics such as Fowl Cutlet, Kolkata-style Cocktail Fish Fry, Chingri Macher Chop, Alu Kabli, and Kolkata Club-style Chicken and Sausage Salad, accompanied by traditional condiments including Kasundi and house-made sauces.
A distinct Anglo-Indian section revisited colonial culinary influences with heritage dishes like Mulligatawny Soup, Country Captain Chicken, Railway Mutton Curry, Fish Orly, and Dual Flower Mornay, evoking the flavours of old Calcutta’s clubs and railway kitchens.
Kolkata’s celebrated Indo-Chinese legacy was brought alive at the Tangra and Tiretta Bazaar counter, featuring Chicken Manchurian, Schezwan Fish – Kolkata Style, Tofu and Mushroom in Oyster Soya, and Heritage Hakka Noodles, showcasing the city’s unique “Chinese by Kolkata” cuisine.
Drawing inspiration from aristocratic and temple-side kitchens, the Thakurbari and Zamindari section presented historic dishes such as Lada Domba, Katla Tramfradu, Ranganir Paturi, and Bhetki Macher Tikli Pulao, reflecting Bengal’s royal and cultural culinary traditions.
From the houses of Babus and Nawabs, guests were treated to comforting classics including Kosha Mangsho, Jalpai Chicken, Aam Echor Tarkari, Radha Ballabhi, and Kolkata-style Mutton Biryani, forming the heart of the dining experience.
The dessert spread offered a modern interpretation of traditional sweets, featuring Tiramisu Phirni, Chocolate Monte Carlo, Mihidana Parfait, Makha Sandesh Strudel, and an array of refined entremets, blending European techniques with indigenous flavours.
Adding cultural depth to the evening was a thoughtfully curated programme. A soulful musical performance by Ms. Senjuti Das set the mood, followed by a series of dance performances and a fashion show by IHM students. The presentations visually narrated Kolkata’s essence, drawing inspiration from colonial architecture, trams, river ghats, bustling streets, and contemporary urban life.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Abhishek Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Managing Director, West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited, Government of West Bengal. He was joined by senior government officials, eminent hoteliers, general managers, F&B heads, HR and training professionals, executive chefs, industry leaders, alumni, and members of the media.
Honourable Principal Mr. Raja Sadhukhan expressed his sincere appreciation to the dignitaries, sponsors, faculty, students, and staff for their collective efforts in making Gourmet Nite 2k26 a memorable celebration of culinary heritage, cultural pride, and hospitality excellence.
With an impressive turnout and widespread acclaim from industry professionals and patrons alike, Gourmet Nite 2k26 once again reaffirmed IHM Taratala, Kolkata’s position as a premier institution in hospitality education and the proud custodian of Eastern India’s most enduring and celebrated food festival.
