Experience Tamil Nadu’s Rich Culinary Tradition at The Chozha Nadu Food Festival, Quattro, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru – A Unique Food Experience in India

Published on November 21, 2025

In the heart of Bengaluru, food enthusiasts and travellers alike are in for a delectable journey that pays homage to one of India’s most culturally rich regions. The Chozha Nadu Food Festival, hosted at Quattro, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, invites guests to immerse themselves in the culinary treasures of Tamil Nadu. This unique gastronomic event offers an opportunity to explore the deep-rooted food traditions that have shaped the region’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Tamil Nadu, often celebrated for its ancient culture and historical significance, is equally renowned for its rich and diverse cuisine, which has evolved over centuries. The Chozha Nadu Food Festival is a celebration of this heritage, bringing together signature dishes, live counters, and indulgent desserts that reflect the authentic tastes of the Tamil heartland.

A Taste of Tamil Nadu’s History and Culture

The festival draws inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s storied history, specifically the era of the Chola dynasty—the heart of the Chozha Nadu region. The Chola dynasty, one of India’s longest-ruling empires, had a profound influence on the development of the region’s culinary traditions. Their contributions to Tamil Nadu’s food culture, including the use of distinct spices, techniques, and local ingredients, are celebrated at this festival.

This culinary event isn’t just about food; it’s a journey through Tamil Nadu’s cultural legacy. The dishes served at the festival are a reflection of the traditions that have been passed down through generations, offering a flavourful connection to the past. From the fiery Chettinad cuisine, known for its bold spices and aromatic curries, to the milder, more delicate flavours of Tanjore cuisine, the festival aims to showcase the region’s culinary diversity.

Signature Dishes: A True Reflection of Tamil Nadu’s Culinary Mastery

The Chozha Nadu Food Festival at Quattro, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, presents an impressive selection of signature dishes that represent the best of Tamil Nadu’s cuisine. Guests can indulge in a variety of traditional dishes that range from the famed idli and dosa, to the less-known but equally flavorful sundaikai vathal and kuzhambu.

The Chettinad chicken curry, a festival favourite, is a must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Tamil Nadu’s spicy, aromatic dishes. This dish uses a rich blend of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and peppercorns, which create a complex flavour profile that is both fiery and aromatic. Accompanied by steamed rice or parathas, this dish embodies the essence of Tamil cuisine.

Vegetarians will find an equally exciting array of options, including kootu (a mild vegetable and lentil stew), avial (a coconut-based vegetable dish), and kadhi (a yogurt-based curry). These dishes highlight the region’s emphasis on fresh, local produce and its commitment to creating balanced, healthy meals.

One of the most iconic dishes at the festival is Biryani, which comes in various regional variations, including the much-celebrated Ambur and Dindigul biryanis. Known for its rich spices and tender meat, biryani in Tamil Nadu is often served with raita or a tangy salna.

Live Counters: Interactive Dining Experiences

In addition to the extensive menu, the Chozha Nadu Food Festival offers a truly interactive dining experience with live counters that allow guests to watch as their dishes are prepared fresh before their eyes. The live counters serve up everything from crispy dosas to appams paired with delicious stews. This immersive experience allows food lovers to not only savour the flavours of Tamil Nadu but also gain insight into the region’s cooking techniques.

Guests can engage with the chefs, learn about the spices used in Tamil cooking, and watch as ingredients are transformed into aromatic dishes. The sambar, a quintessential Tamil dish made from lentils and tamarind, is a crowd favourite at the live counters, with chefs demonstrating the importance of achieving the perfect balance of tanginess and spice.

Another popular live counter is the thali station, where diners can sample small portions of multiple dishes, giving them a comprehensive overview of Tamil cuisine. This concept provides the perfect opportunity for those new to the cuisine to try a variety of tastes and textures in one sitting.

Indulgent Desserts: Sweet Endings to a Feast

No meal is complete without a sweet touch, and the Chozha Nadu Food Festival does not disappoint when it comes to dessert offerings. Tamil Nadu’s dessert repertoire is diverse, with a focus on ghee, jaggery, and coconut. One of the most famous desserts is payasam, a rich, creamy pudding made from rice or vermicelli, flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and garnished with cashews and raisins.

Another favourite is kalaadi, a deep-fried, syrup-soaked dough that is often served during festivals and special occasions. This indulgent treat is perfect for those with a sweet tooth and a desire to try a traditional Tamil dessert.

Pongal, often served during the harvest festival of the same name, is another dessert option that can be enjoyed at the festival. Made with rice, lentils, and jaggery, it’s a deliciously comforting dish that is a staple in many Tamil households.

The Role of Food Festivals in Promoting Tourism

The Chozha Nadu Food Festival is more than just an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal—it is a prime example of how food festivals can be used to promote tourism and cultural exchange. India’s food culture is a key aspect of its identity, and events like the Chozha Nadu Food Festival serve as a platform to showcase the diversity of Indian cuisine to both domestic and international audiences.

Food festivals, particularly those that focus on regional cuisine, play an important role in driving culinary tourism. They offer travellers the chance to immerse themselves in the local food culture, engage with chefs, and learn about the history behind each dish. The Chozha Nadu Food Festival offers an ideal experience for food lovers who wish to explore Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage without having to travel all the way to the state.

By hosting such festivals in cities like Bengaluru, which is a hub for travellers from around the world, the event helps to increase footfall to the city and encourages longer stays. Visitors can not only enjoy the food festival but also explore other aspects of the city’s culture, such as its historical sites, vibrant nightlife, and thriving art scene. This creates a holistic travel experience where food becomes a gateway to a deeper understanding of local culture.

Tamil Nadu Cuisine as a Growing Tourism Magnet

While Bengaluru plays host to the Chozha Nadu Food Festival, Tamil Nadu itself has become a key destination for culinary tourism. The state’s diverse offerings, ranging from Chettinad cuisine to coastal seafood dishes, are increasingly drawing food lovers from around the world. Tamil Nadu’s street food, coastal delicacies, and temple feasts have all gained recognition, making it an important region for food-centric travel.

The Chozha Nadu Food Festival in Bengaluru, in particular, serves as an excellent starting point for those looking to dive deeper into Tamil cuisine. The festival’s success can inspire other cities and states across India to host similar events, bringing more attention to regional foods and boosting food tourism across the country.

Conclusion

The Chozha Nadu Food Festival at Quattro, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, is more than just a celebration of food—it is a journey into the heart of Tamil Nadu’s culinary heritage. With its rich selection of traditional dishes, live counters, and indulgent desserts, the festival provides guests with an authentic taste of Tamil Nadu while also promoting the region’s cultural legacy. For travellers, the festival serves as a gateway to explore the richness of Tamil cuisine, while contributing to the growing trend of culinary tourism in India.

As food festivals continue to play a key role in promoting travel, the Chozha Nadu Food Festival is poised to attract more tourists to Bengaluru, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Indian culture in a fun and immersive way. For those with a passion for food, culture, and travel, the festival is a must-visit event in 2025, making it a standout addition to Bengaluru’s dynamic tourism scene.