-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org)
The Blue Lotus Restaurant at Sayaji Kolhapur is currently hosting a vibrant and immersive culinary festival dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse coastal flavours of the Konkan region. Running exclusively during dinner sessions from October 3 to 12, 2025, the festival successfully brings the authentic taste of the western coast—spanning Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka—to the heart of Kolhapur.
Guests are being invited on a gastronomic journey that perfectly captures the essence of the Konkan seashores. The dishes showcase a masterful balance of fragrant, freshly ground spices, creamy coconut, and the distinct tangy notes of Kokum, delivering a flavour profile that is spicy, tangy, and subtly sweet.
The special menu, meticulously curated by Executive Chef Kishan Gunjal, features a delectable array of Konkan classics and regional favourites. Highlights include the signature Kombadi Wade, a beloved preparation of chicken curry served with fluffy pooris made from rice flour; the intensely flavored Chicken Malvani and Malvani Mutton Curry; and the perfectly prepared Bangda Fry (mackerel). Chef Gunjal also promises refreshing palate cleansers like Solkadhi and the indulgent dessert Ras Poli, assuring a comprehensive experience of the coast’s culinary heritage.
“The authentic flavours, age-old spices, and reimagined aromas of these dishes allow diners to savour every bite of Konkan’s culinary heritage,” shared Chef Gunjal. “From the signature Kombadi Wade and Bangda Fry to the refreshing Solkadhi and indulgent Ras Poli, each dish captures the true spirit of coastal India.”
To complete the sensory experience, the ambiance at Blue Lotus has been transformed to mirror the coastal charm of the Konkan region. Thematic décor draws inspiration from swaying coconut palms, idyllic seaside villages, and the vibrant Goan-Portuguese architectural style. This serene setting beautifully complements the featured dishes, ensuring that every guest embarks on a memorable journey that celebrates the soul of India’s western coast.