Indian High Commissioner Muktesh Pardeshi kicked off India @75 celebrations in Wellington this morning by presenting a unique display of Indian cuisine "Chaat Street" at the Wellington On a Plate Festival.
Visa Wellington on a plate is a month-long - food festival or a culinary adventure as the organisers describe themselves - in the capital city, which celebrates all things food and beverage.
The event witnesses hundreds of festival events, festival dishes that showcase the best of Wellington region's ingredients, suppliers and producers, creative cocktails and all the burgers.
This year in the spirit of global celebrations under the India@75 campaign, High Commissioner Mr Pardeshi had taken keen interest to promote authentic Indian cuisines popularly known as Indian street food to the Wellington food lovers and worked together with renowned Chef Vaibhav Vishen which resulted in the now displaying "Chaat Street."
The Chaat Street event is open to all food lovers, and patrons from 9.00 am till late on Wednesday, August 4 and Thursday, August 5 at Level 1/60 Dixon Street, Wellington.
Speaking with the Indian Weekender, Mr Pardeshi said, "This August is a Food Festival month in Wellington. This is also the month when India enters the 75th year of its Independence. Therefore, we have joined hands with Indian participants in Wellington on a Plate to promote Indian cuisine as a part of India@75 events."
For the uninitiated, India@75 (or Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav) is a series of mega celebrations launched by the government of India beginning 75 weeks prior to India's Independence Day, 2022 and extending till 2023.
Mr Pardeshi elaborating further on the Chaat Street event in Wellington, said, "Chef Vaibhav Vishen, who was until recently Head Chef with Double Tree Hilton, is offering two culinary events- Street Chaat, which was kicked off today and Kashmir Odyssey, a fine dining experience later this month. We also have Satya Chai Lounge over the coming weekend."
Extending a warm invitation to all Indians living in the region, and friends of India, Mr Pardeshi said, "These are excellent opportunities to enjoy different styles of Indian food and celebrate the spirit of India's Independence."