~ A unique February culinary showcase by IHCL and Tata Steel Foundation brings indigenous tribal flavours, traditions and craftsmanship to Mumbai’s hospitality scene. ~
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has partnered with the Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) to champion India’s tribal cuisines and indigenous culinary heritage, while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. Anchored in Paathya, IHCL’s ESG+ framework, the collaboration with Samvaad – A Tribal Conclave focuses on empowering home cooks through structured capacity-building initiatives, skill development and entrepreneurship. As part of the initiative, a curated series of tribal food pop-ups will be hosted across IHCL hotels in Mumbai, Goa and Bhubaneswar, bringing indigenous flavours to the forefront of India’s hospitality and tourism landscape.
Tales From Tribes – Event Snapshot
- Event: Tales From Tribes – Tribal Food Festival
- Dates: 5–8 February
- Venue: Shamiana, Taj The Trees, Mumbai
- Presented by: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) & Tata Steel Foundation
- Cuisine Focus: Indigenous tribal cuisines of India
- Featured Communities: Santhal, Asur (Jharkhand), Garo, Rabha (Meghalaya)
- Experience Includes: Authentic tribal food, traditional cooking methods, indigenous ingredients, tribal artefacts & handicrafts
Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, said, “Central to Paathya is the belief that capability building can unlock sustained livelihood opportunities. Through our partnership with Tata Steel Foundation, we are engaging with tribal communities in a way that values traditional culinary practices while equipping home cooks with skills that expand their economic avenues. The intention is to create an ecosystem where heritage and livelihood reinforce one another.”
The Tribal Cuisines programme brings together traditional culinary practices and industry‑aligned training. Over the last three years, the initiative has engaged 56 participants from 10 states and 15 tribes through a structured residential programme covering culinary techniques, food safety, nutrition, hygiene and foundational business skills.
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From 5 to 8 February, guests at Shamiana, Taj The Trees, Mumbai are invited to experience authentic tribal cuisine from India’s indigenous communities, thoughtfully curated and prepared by tribal chefs using traditional cooking techniques, native ingredients and ancestral recipes. Titled “Tales From Tribes,” this immersive culinary showcase brings together the rich food heritage of four indigenous communities—the Santhal and Asur tribes from Jharkhand, and the Garo and Rabha tribes from Meghalaya. Alongside the food, guests can explore tribal artefacts and handicrafts, offering a deeper cultural insight into indigenous craftsmanship, traditions and ways of life, and reinforcing the role of hospitality in preserving India’s living culinary heritage.
