May and June in India have a reputation problem. The heat arrives with full confidence, the humidity starts making its presence known, and most people’s instinct is to either flee to the hills or wait the whole thing out indoors with the air conditioning on full blast. But here is what that logic misses: this is also one of the most quietly interesting times to be eating and drinking your way across the country. From coastal seafood festivals celebrating the last catch before the monsoon closes the sea, to rooftop food markets in Delhi that somehow make 38 degrees feel worth it, to mango-everything events that treat India’s favourite fruit with the seriousness it genuinely deserves, May and June have more going on than they are given credit for. Here is where to be, and what to eat when you get there.
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Delhi
A Chettinad Heritage Dining Experience At Spectra, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences
Spectra, the award-winning all-day dining destination at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, brings the rich culinary legacy of Chettinad to life from May 18th to 24th, 2026. Masterchef Asaithambi curates an immersive showcase of regional flavours and time-honoured traditions, honouring provenance, technique, and heritage in every dish. Guests savour recipes true to their origins, crafted with traditional methods that reveal the cuisine’s depth and complexity. Amid Spectra’s elegant ambience—featuring seven interactive culinary islands, sophisticated interiors, and intimate spaces—this limited-period experience creates a warm haven for leisurely gatherings and unforgettable meals, celebrating Chettinad’s timeless cultural richness.
Rumour Celebrates World Cocktail Day with 5 Limited-Edition Summer Serves -Available for One Night Only
Rumour, Vasant Vihar’s newest speakeasy-style lounge, is transforming World Cocktail Day on May 13 into an exclusive one-night celebration with five inventive summer cocktails. Nestled in a cosy New York loft-inspired space with just 45 seats, this cult-favorite spot channels high-energy vibes through bold, playful flavours. Sip on Red Flag, blending blueberry tequila with cranberry-red wine reduction, bright citrus, and bitters; Spill the Secret, a zesty mix of homemade limoncello, gondhoraj lime, and sparkling wine; or Main Character, featuring peanut whiskey, marshmallow liqueur, and chocolate bitters. Don’t miss Delulu’s gin-yuzu-peach fizz topped with carbonated wine, or the fiery Bad Influence tequila-mango pickleback shot. Perfect for cocktail lovers seeking seasonal twists.
Michelin Guide-Recognised Restaurant Jhol Makes Its Way to The Leela Ambience Gurugram
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences is set to welcome Jhol, the Michelin Guide-recognised coastal Indian restaurant from Bangkok, for an exclusive dinner showcase at Diya on 29 and 30 May 2026. For two evenings, guests will experience Jhol’s distinctive approach to coastal cuisine through a seven-course tasting menu that traces India’s shoreline across nine states and one Union Territory, with thoughtful vegetarian and non-vegetarian expressions. Led by Chef De Cuisine Shreesha Rao, the showcase pairs precision-driven cooking with Diya’s refined hospitality and signature Indian-inspired cocktails, creating a compelling dining experience shaped by flavour, technique, and storytelling.
A Culinary Journey Through Malaysia’s Iconic Flavours, Brought to Life by Chef Fitri
Honk at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is hosting Flavours of Malaysia, a curated dining experience running from 1st to 10th May 2026, led by guest chef Chef Fitri. With over 15 years of experience, Chef Fitri’s cooking is rooted in the streets and home kitchens of Kuala Lumpur, shaped by the recipes of his mother and grandmother. At Honk, he brings that heritage to the table through a menu of Malaysian classics, satay, rendang, otak otak, seafood dishes and traditional desserts like onde onde and sagu gula melaka, offering Delhi diners a warm, authentic taste of Malaysia.
Novotel New Delhi City Centre presents Punjab Da Swad at Food Exchange
Novotel New Delhi City Centre brings the vibrant spirit of Punjab to its Food Exchange restaurant with Punjab Da Swad, an immersive festival celebrating the region’s bold flavours and cultural richness. Guests dive into a hearty buffet of classics, starting with tantalising appetisers like Palak di Tikki, Kande di Bhaji, Lawrence Road ka Chicken Tikka, Amritsari Machhi, and Mutton Shammi Kebab. Main courses steal the show with Dal Makhani, Chole Bhature, Kadai Subz, Bhuna Gosht, Tari Wala Gosht, Pind Da Kukkad, Masala Fish Curry, and Butter Chicken, all crafted at live counters. The feast ends sweetly with Tilla Kulfi, Besan Ki Burfi, and Pinni. Running from May 8 to 17, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, it transforms dinner into a Punjabi celebration.
Mumbai
Tokyo meets Mumbai: The SG Club’s Ruka Hattori takes over Comorin Bar for one night
Comorin Mumbai invites Mumbai’s nightlife to an electrifying one-night takeover on Friday, 22 May 2026, when Tokyo’s celebrated The SG Club arrives, led by inventive bartender Ruka Hattori. Guests from 7 PM can expect a night of Japanese cocktail craft where fermentation and precision meet bold, unexpected pairings—think Choya Umeshu with smoky rum and passionfruit, a Sichuan peppercorn–bright margarita with mikan, and a cacao-tinged Negroni. Founded by Shingo Gokan, The SG Club’s blend of Japanese technique and global influence comes alive in Comorin’s intimate, narrative-driven setting, promising cocktails, culture and lively conversation.
Flavours of Arabia at Pondichéry Café, Sofitel Mumbai
This May, Pondichéry Café at Sofitel Mumbai BKC hosts Chef Mazen Abdallah of Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk for a limited residency titled Flavours of Arabia, blending Levantine heritage with contemporary flair through a curated dining journey of seasonal ingredients. Across nine dinner evenings and a signature brunch, guests discover extensive mezze, live culinary stations, charcoal-grilled specialities, signature mains and classic Arabic desserts that celebrate tradition and produce. With over two decades in luxury hospitality, Chef Mazen marries authenticity, sustainability and modern technique to evoke Arabian warmth, while Siddhesh Parkar of Sofitel Mumbai welcomes the cultural exchange that unites two Sofitel kitchens.
Belvedere Vodka takes centre stage as Koishii at The St. Regis Mumbai hosts Belvedere Nights
Step into Belvedere Nights, where high-energy music, elevated experiences, and surprises at every turn draw in those who go all in. Guests immerse themselves in curated spaces, bold mixes, and a culture-defining crowd that sparks stories and inevitable FOMO. With Belvedere Vodka at the heart, signature serves fuel an electric vibe that keeps everyone guessing. This isn’t just a party, it’s unforgettable, lingering long after the lights dim. Join on May 15th, 2026, from 11:30 PM onwards at Koishii in The St. Regis Mumbai, for a night that unfolds with its own irresistible rhythm.
SALUD at Koishii Continues with Baltra Bar, Mexico City
The St. Regis Mumbai elevates its celebrated SALUD series with an exclusive one-night-only takeover by Mexico City’s Baltra Bar at Koishii, the iconic rooftop restaurant boasting panoramic skyline views. Ranked 20 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and 78 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, Baltra brings its ingredient-led mixology to one of Mumbai’s top bars on May 9, 2026, from 7:30 PM onwards. Guests savour vibrant citrus-forward gin cocktails, smoky herbaceous mezcals, and crisp botanical tequilas, all crafted with inventive flair. This SALUD edition blends global talent, live music, and St. Regis hospitality against the city’s glittering horizon.
Salud Series: Enigma Saigon Takes Over Sahib Room & Kipling Bar at The St. Regis Mumbai
The St. Regis Mumbai’s SALUD Series returns with one of its most anticipated editions yet, welcoming Enigma Mansion, ranked #93 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and crowned Saigon Tatler’s Best Bar of the Year, for an exclusive one-night bar takeover at Sahib Room & Kipling Bar on 9 May 2026. Hailing from Vietnam, Enigma has built its reputation on a “Simple, Delicious, and Concentrated” philosophy, employing avant-garde techniques such as Rotavape distillation and Ultrasonic Homogenization to coax the purest flavours from regional ingredients. The result is an evening of immersive cocktail storytelling, set against the colonial elegance of one of Mumbai’s most beloved bar destinations.
Comorin Mumbai Hosts a One-Night Bar Takeover with Moët Hennessy, Featuring Khushnaz Raghina
Comorin Mumbai is set to host a one-night bar takeover with Moët Hennessy India on Friday, 8 May 2026, from 7 PM onwards, bringing an immersive, spirit-forward evening to Nilaya Anthology. The showcase will feature Khushnaz Raghina, Brand Ambassador at Moët Hennessy India, whose flavour-led approach to cocktails draws on more than 14 years in hospitality and beverage innovation. For the night, she will curate a menu featuring Glenmorangie The Original 12 Y.O., Belvedere Vodka, Ardbeg 10 YO and Chandon sparkling wine, with drinks that move from bright and floral to bold and smoky.
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Bengaluru
403 Forbidden Bar Presents SYSTEM_OVERRIDE: The Art of Japanese Mixology with Yakoboku, Japan’s Acclaimed Cocktail Destination
403 Forbidden Bar in Bengaluru hosts SYSTEM_OVERRIDE, a one-night-only takeover on May 21 from 6 PM, partnering with Japan’s Yakoboku—No. 25 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025—and Conosh’s immersive dining platform. Acclaimed bartenders Shinya Koba and Ryunosuke Fujita join Aman Dua to showcase Japanese mixology’s precision, balance, and seasonal elegance at the minimalist Kumamoto ryokan bar. This sensory experience transcends guest shifts, blending storytelling, technique, and hospitality in 403’s cinematic space. Yakoboku’s founder emphasises cultural connection through cocktails, while Conosh co-founders and Dua hail the immersive fusion of global bar narratives for Bengaluru’s discerning crowd.
Kerala Food Festival at Feast, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield
This May, Feast at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield invites diners to a warm, flavour-led celebration of Kerala’s coastal kitchens and homestyle favourites, running from 16–24 May 2026. The restaurant transforms into a relaxed culinary getaway where appam with stew and smoky meen pollichathu steamed in banana leaf sit alongside comforting puttu and cooling elaneer payasam, all built around coconut-rich gravies and bold Malabari spices. The festival showcases regional cooking traditions with live music and kids’ activities, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere that lets Bengaluru guests savour the many moods of Kerala without leaving Whitefield.
A Summer Ode to Mangoes at Grand Mercure Bangalore
Some flavours instantly summon the warmth of summer, and mango tops the list for many. The Verandah at Grand Mercure Bangalore celebrates this king of fruits with its Mango Feast and a special Mango Brunch at By the Blue, from May 15th to 31st for lunches and dinners, plus brunch on the 17th. Guests savour refreshing starters like Chilled Aam and Coconut Saar or Smoked Tomato and Raw Mango Soup, vibrant salads such as Mango Avocado Bocconcini Bowl, and mains blending sweet-savoury magic in Royal Mango Glazed Chicken Roulade or Mango Harmony Tofu. Indulgent desserts, Mango Bliss Tres Leches, Alphonso Royale Cheesecake, and crumble evoke childhood joys and shared family moments.
Sunday Soul Sante Returns to The Bay at Ecoworld with a Power-Packed May Edition
The Bay at Ecoworld, Bengaluru, played host to Sunday Soul Sante’s Colour Play on May 10, drawing over 12,000 visitors to one of Bengaluru’s most beloved lifestyle events. Brought to the community by Brookfield Properties, the vibrant gathering featured 200+ curated stalls with a rich spread of artisanal food and beverage experiences at its heart. Foodies explored an exciting array of homegrown culinary offerings, indie flavours, and unique bites that kept the atmosphere buzzing all day. Adding to the energy, celebrity band Madboy Mink and Sting Fisher kept the crowd entertained, making it a truly wholesome Sunday filled with great food, culture, and community.
Mélange Brings Carnival-Inspired Sunday Brunches to Bengaluru
This Sunday, Mélange at Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road launches its vibrant Carnival Brunches, infusing the city’s weekend scene with indulgent dining, live music, and playful entertainment for families and friends. The all-ages affair transforms the space into a festive carnival hub every Sunday in May, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, featuring rotating surprises like illusionists, jugglers, the headless walker, face painting, and tarot readings. Guests savour live stations of tempura, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, and bhutta, alongside gourmet hits such as filet de boeuf en croute, Awadhi gosht dum biryani, and Malaysian devil’s curry. Sweet finishes include churros with berry compote and cotton candy, promising weekly celebrations of flavour and fun.
Mexico City’s Baltra Bar Arrives at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore
Behind the understated doors of The Cloak Society, Bengaluru’s nights hum with low light and quiet intrigue, and now a rare guest steals the spotlight for one evening only. The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore’s signature speakeasy hosts its first bar takeover since launch, welcoming Mexico City’s Baltra Bar, ranked #20 on North America’s 50 Best Bars and #78 globally. Led by acclaimed Beverage Director José Luis León, the team brings a menu of precise, restrained cocktails reinterpreting classics with fresh ingredients like yuzu, jasmine, and balanced citrus, paired with global bar bites such as Mexican Brassica and Tuna Tostada. For the city’s cocktail connoisseurs, it’s a discreet portal to a world usually requiring a flight. Date: 8th May 2026 at The Cloak Society.
The Royal Kitchens of Punjab at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
This May, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru revives the opulent culinary legacy of Punjab’s aristocratic households at JW Kitchen, where hearth-smoked classics and clay-oven aromas blend with generational recipes. Under the guidance of Chef Tanvi Chopra and Chef Pankaj Rajput, The Royal Kitchens of Punjab’s menu transports pre-partition flavours into a modern feast. Savor highlights like the regal Katambari Kebab from Patiala’s royal kitchens, the exclusive Kibti once fit for a Maharaja, slow-simmered Maah di Dal, agrarian Ganne Wale Chawal, and dum-sealed Atta Chicken. These timeless dishes transcend borders, evoking deep-rooted memories. Join the dinner celebration from May 7-16 (7-10:45 PM) or brunch on May 17 (12:30-4 PM).
Goa
Deck 88 In Candolim, Goa, Is Running Mango Mania
Deck 88 in Candolim, Goa, is buzzing with Mango Mania, a limited-time menu running until May 25th that celebrates the season’s sweetest bounty through inventive cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. Mango lovers flock here for highlights like the zesty Spiced Mango Margarita, tropical Mango-Roni, creamy Mango Cheesecake, airy Mango Mousse, and nostalgic Amrakhand. This curated experience captures summer’s fleeting essence, offering a last chance to indulge in mango’s vibrant flavours before the season fades. Perfect for those craving a tropical escape, Deck 88 transforms every bite and sip into pure seasonal joy.
Chandigarh
A Royal South Indian Feast at South of Vindhyas, The Orchid Chandigarh
Step into a world of rich traditions and timeless flavours as South of Vindhyas at The Orchid Hotel Chandigarh presents Dakshin Symphony – A Royal South Indian Food Festival. From 10th May to 19th May, embark on a soulful culinary journey that celebrates the diverse and vibrant heritage of South Indian cuisine. Designed to offer an authentic and immersive dining experience, every meal is traditionally served on a banana leaf, bringing you closer to the cultural roots and age-old customs of the South. The specially curated menu showcases a medley of regional delicacies, crafted with aromatic spices and time-honoured recipes that have been passed down through generations. From comforting classics to festive favourites, each dish is a tribute to the richness and depth of South Indian gastronomy. Whether you are a connoisseur of regional cuisine or simply looking to explore something new, this festival promises a wholesome and flavourful experience steeped in tradition.
Chennai
SHERATON GRAND CHENNAI X HOSA
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa invites guests to savour A Refined Coastal Soirée, an exclusive pop-up collaboration with award-winning HOSA and Brand Chef Harish Rao. From May 8th to 10th, 2026, this limited-time event reimagines vibrant South Indian coastal flavours through a contemporary lens, blending traditional tastes with modern techniques and seasonal, regional ingredients. Set against a serene seaside backdrop, lunch unfolds at the elegant Pintail Lounge from 12:45 PM to 3:00 PM, while dinner captivates at C Salt from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Comforting yet innovative dishes promise an unforgettable culinary journey.
Kolkata
Artsy – Coffee & Culture Presents an Exhibit by Tapan Mitra – A Study in Silence, Self, and Serigraphy
At Artsy – Coffee & Culture, from April 16 to May 30, visitors immerse themselves in Tapan Mitra’s introspective “The Art of the Absent Self” from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Shaped by Kala Bhavana’s discipline, Mitra’s serigraphy masterpieces, housed in the US Library of Congress, National Gallery of Modern Art, and Lalit Kala Akademi, trace identity through absent everyday objects, blending technical precision with emotional depth. The serene space invites pause amid coffee and bites: crisp Iced Cappuccinos, nostalgic Vietnamese Iced Coffee, warm Hazelnut Lattes, decadent Cold Mocha Shakes, indulgent Tiramisu French Toast, elegant Kolkata Bhetki Steak, and nuanced Penne Alfredo de Jalapeño. Art, flavour, and stillness merge in a sensory journey.
Indore
A Culinary Journey from Sarafa to Chappan at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore
Indore’s bustling street food scene comes alive at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore’s S Café with “Sarafa se Chappan,” an immersive weekend dinner that channels the magic of Sarafa Bazaar’s night market and Chappan Dukan’s iconic stalls. Guests dive into a curated parade of Indori delights like Potato Hot Dog, Sweet Potato Spiral, Jeeravani Spicy Corn, Chatpati Bhel, tandoori fruits, and zesty mocktails such as Jamun Shots and Pineapple Crusher. It’s more than a meal, it’s a sensory storytelling adventure, blending authentic aromas, bold flavours, and cherished memories into a flavorful journey through the city’s culinary heart. Every weekend from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
