In a heartwarming celebration of taste, tradition, and togetherness, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata, in partnership with the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), and CPF (India), hosted the enchanting “Thai Food Festival: Thailand on a Plate” on 17 May 2025. The IIHM Kolkata campus blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of Thailand’s rich culture, alive with the irresistible aromas of authentic Thai cuisine, the warmth of shared stories, and the joyful spirit of cultural exchange.

Uniquely blending food with film, the Festival featured a special screening of a short film on Pad Thai—offering guests a cinematic journey into the soul of one of Thailand’s most beloved dishes. Accompanying the film was a beautifully narrated story by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, tracing Pad Thai’s humble beginnings and its rise to become a cherished symbol of Thailand’s culinary identity.

At the heart of this unforgettable celebration were two Thai culinary masters, Chef Som – an renowned celebrity chef, and Chef Samrong – a talented chef who has served several Thai Ambassadors and Consuls-General across the world. Joining them were passionate young Thai students currently studying at IIHM, who brought with them not only their skills, but also dreams, pride and love for their homeland. Together, they led interactive live cooking demonstrations —where recipes were passed on with laughter, tradition was stirred with passion, and each dish came to life with meaning.

Guests were treated to a symphony of flavors—each dish a ‘love letter’ from Thailand. From the delicate balance of sweet and savory in Ma Hor (sweet minced chicken on pineapple), to the crisp, refreshing tang of Som Tum (green papaya salad), every bite was infused with the essence of Thai culture. The culinary journey continued with the world-renowned Tom Yum—recently honored by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage—and of course, Pad Thai, the ever-popular stir-fried noodle dish that has become a global favorite. The feast also featured other Thai classics like Nam Tok (grilled meat salad), Yam Woon Sen (glass noodle salad), aromatic Green Curry, Kung Neung Manow (steamed prawns in lime sauce), Kun Kura Prik Gure (stir-fried prawns with chili and salt), and a sweet finale with Mango Sticky Rice and Tub Tim Grob—glittering water chestnuts bathed in coconut syrup. Every dish was a reflection of the harmony, care, and heart that defines Thai cuisine.

“This festival is more than a celebration of food” said Ms. Siriporn Tantipanyathep, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata.  “It is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring friendship between Thailand and India. Through the universal language of cuisine, we are fostering bonds of mutual appreciation, love, respect, and understanding, that transcend borders.”

More than just a culinary event, the Thai Food Festival at IIHM Kolkata became a shared moment of joy, discovery, and connection. It beautifully demonstrated how food can tell stories, evoke emotions, and bring people closer—turning strangers into friends and meals into cherished memories. In every flavor and every conversation, the festival was a heartfelt expression of Thailand’s cultural soul, offered with open arms and even more open heart to the people of India.