Food For Thought Fest 2016 kicked off with gala dinner in association with The Grand New Delhi


22nd December, 2016; New Delhi:  The second edition of the Food for Thought Fest, a one of a kind initiative, celebrating the diverse culinary heritage of the South Asian Region began on a high note. A cocktail dinner hosted by the South Asian Association for Gastronomy and The Grand New Delhi; witnessed attendance from many of the participants, dignitaries, influencers and ambassadors from across the South Asian Region as well as other countries.

Since its inception in 2015, The Food for Thought Fest became a platform that focused on the common history and heritage of the South Asian region. A forum for conversation, cookery demonstrations, gastronomy showcases, as well as a chance to exchange ideas and philosophies, the main event across the 23rd and 24th of December, 2016, will have participation from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan.

The celebratory dinner, saw hosts for the event, Maneesh and Sonali Baheti, founders SAAG and Mr. Rajat Sethi, G.M, The Grand New Delhi welcome the ambassadors from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Guyana, Trinidad and Tabago, as well as the First Secretary from Australia. Also in attendance were Dr. Pushpesh Pant, Seema Chandra, Amrita Raichand, Gautam Mehrishi and Aditya Bal. The glittering evening, held at the Grand Ballroom, was replete with star studded splendor and a general spirit of bonhomie, as the guests assembled mingled and discussed the highlights of the upcoming event. Royalty graced the occasion with the likes of Yuvraj Manvendra Singh, Gohil Rajpipla, Maharaja of Tripura, Yuvraj and Yuvrani Kashmir, authors Rocky Mohan, Mala Barua and Neha Prasad among others. Also seen t the event were designers Amit GT, Charu Parashar and Ashish Soni.

Commenting on the occasion, Maneesh Baheti, Founder SAAG said, “We are delighted to start the event with a celebratory dinner that brings together the diverse participants to mingle and meet each other before the actual event starts. The Grand New Delhi is an iconic destination in the city and we are delighted to partner with them. The Food for Thought Fest, while just in its second edition has garnered a lot of interest from food enthusiasts, culture aficionados, as well as media attention not just within India, but the sub-continent as well.”

Speaking on the occasion, Rajat Sethi, GM Grand New Delhi, said, 'It is truly a pleasure for us to partner with SAAG's 'Food for Thought Fest', one of the most anticipated F&B events.  As we gear up to take dining experience to the next level, we see this as the perfect platform to give impetus to that journey.

About The Grand New Delhi: Ideally located, The Grand New Delhi is in close proximity to the airport, major shopping and entertainment destinations, elite corporate neighborhood and city's tourist attractions, making it the preferred luxury five star hotel in the city. Set amidst courtyard inspired lush green lawns and delicately interwoven landscapes; the hotel features a resort like freedom ensuring curated bespoke experiences for each of our guests.

Boasting of 390 elegantly designed rooms & suites; 8 outstanding dining and night-life destinations; the much acclaimed Spa Oasis and salon, state of the art fitness center, outdoor Swimming pool; over thirty thousand square feet of meeting and event spaces at your disposal, combined with our experience and expertise, The Grand New Delhi promises an unforgettable experience.


Aditya Bal
 Aditya Bal
Amit Ht
 Amit Ht

Maneesh Baheti, Ruchita Sharma
 Maneesh Baheti, Ruchita Sharma

Parneet Bawa & Amita Singh
 Parneet Bawa & Amita Singh

Ratan Kaul & Rita Khanna
 Ratan Kaul & Rita Khanna


Ratan Kaul
 Ratan Kaul

Ruchika Sodhi & Neha Gupta
 Ruchika Sodhi & Neha Gupta

Seema Chandra & Priya Paul
 Seema Chandra & Priya Paul

Sunayana Chibba 1
 Sunayana Chibba 

 Sunayana Chibba
  Sunayana Chibba

Valentina. Pete. Forbes July (Left to Right)
Valentina. Pete. Forbes July (Left to Right)