RAJASTHAN’S CULINARY HERITAGE COMES ALIVE AT RITEX UDAIPUR WITH CHEFS, HOME BAKERS AND HOSPITALITY LEADERS: A DETAILED MEDIA COVERAGE BY: KHATIBAH REHMAT (Senior Journalist)
(Left) Chef Prem Singh Rathore of Rawali Rasoi is cooking a Rajasthani cuisine at RITEX whereas on the, (Right) Executive Sous Chef Narendra Singh is receiving the winning award on behalf of the entire team of Shiv Nivas Palace.
The vibrant city of Udaipur once again proved why it is regarded as the cultural and culinary jewel of Rajasthan as hospitality leaders, celebrated chefs, luxury hotels and talented home bakers gathered under one roof for the grand RITEX Cookery Contest and Rajasthan Samman Awards organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rajasthan, in association with the Rajasthan Royal Chef Society. The three-day culinary celebration brought together some of the finest names from the hospitality industry and highlighted Rajasthan’s rich food culture, traditional recipes and emerging culinary talent. REFT Today was specially invited for exclusive media coverage of the prestigious event by renowned culinary personalities Chef Vimal Dhar and Chef Sangeeta Dhar, whose dedication towards promoting Rajasthan’s culinary legacy continues to inspire chefs across the country.
Renowned Chefs judging the event whereas, the masters are being judged.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from luxury hospitality brands including Shiv Niwas Palace, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace and The Fern Residency a series by Marriott alongside several talented independent chefs and culinary professionals. Senior chefs including Chef Pushpendra Bala and Chef Love Mathur were seen encouraging participants and celebrating the spirit of healthy culinary competition. One of the major highlights of the event was the outstanding performance by the team of Shiv Niwas Palace led by Executive Sous Chef, Chef Narendra Singh. Competing against some of the finest hospitality teams in Rajasthan, Shiv Niwas Palace emerged victorious, a moment that added pride and prestige to the culinary landscape of Rajasthan. The victory reflected not only exceptional culinary skills but also the dedication and teamwork of chefs striving to preserve authentic Rajasthani flavours with modern presentation.
Home cooks left and the cookery contest RITEX at fool bloom on the right.
Another inspiring aspect of the event was the participation of talented home chefs and women entrepreneurs from across Udaipur, famously known as the City of Lakes. Many participants showcased beautifully handcrafted cakes, desserts and regional delicacies prepared from their home kitchens. Several women entrepreneurs who now run successful home bakeries and small culinary ventures received appreciation for their creativity, confidence and innovation. The event became a powerful platform for emerging culinary artists to gain recognition and encouragement. Interviews conducted during the event revealed inspiring stories of women balancing family life while building successful culinary businesses from home. Their participation reflected the growing influence of women in India’s hospitality and food entrepreneurship sector and highlighted how Rajasthan’s culinary ecosystem is expanding beyond hotels and restaurants into homes and independent kitchens.
Contestants from Fern Residency a series by Marriott, Udaipur. (From Left to Right) Executive Chef Prasoon Baurai, Chef Sagar, Executive Sous Chef chef Jagannath Dhakal, Chef Manohar at RITEX.
The competition also featured remarkable culinary presentations from hospitality professionals including Chef Jagannath Dhakal, who represented The Fern Residency series by Marriott with his team and is specialised in European Cuisines’. Originally from Nepal, Chef Dhakal has spent over 15 years in the Indian hospitality industry, working across cities including Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai before arriving in Udaipur. His culinary creations and dedication added tremendous value to the competition. Another celebrated culinary expert present at the event was Chef Prasoon Baurai, who hails from Uttarakhand and brings extensive international culinary experience with reputed global hospitality brands. Known for his farm-to-fresh culinary philosophy and focus on sustainability, Chef Baurai shared his passion for reviving lost traditional recipes while presenting them with a contemporary touch. His love for travel and exploration of regional cuisines has deeply influenced his culinary journey and inspired young chefs attending the event.
PHDCCI Rajasthan successfully organised an award event that celebrated culinary excellence, hospitality leadership and Rajasthan’s hidden traditional recipes.
The grand celebration concluded on a memorable and emotional note as REFT Today and its team received a warm welcome and special recognition from the Rajasthan Royal Chef Society. Chef Vimal Dhar and Chef Love Mathur honoured REFT Today with a culinary gift and a prestigious trophy of honour presented on stage in the presence of hospitality leaders and culinary professionals. The moment became even more special as Hajira Rashid accompanied the honour ceremony on stage. The hospitality and warmth extended by the Rajasthan Royal Chef Society truly reflected the essence of Rajasthan’s famous “Padharo Mhare Des” culture. Special appreciation was also extended to R. K. Gupta and the dedicated team of PHDCCI Rajasthan for successfully organising an event that celebrated culinary excellence, hospitality leadership and Rajasthan’s hidden traditional recipes. The event not only strengthened Rajasthan’s culinary identity but also encouraged people to support and contribute to the Rajasthan Royal Chef Society through memberships and collaborations so that the rich culinary heritage of Rajasthan can continue to flourish globally for generations to come.
(Left) The home bakers of Udaipur City are participating and presenting their baking skills will full bloom. (Right) A participant has created a beautiful beach cake, everything was edible.
PICTURES COURTESY: Chef Prasoon Baurai, Chef Jagannath Dhakal and Team REFT Today.
MEDIA COVERAGE BY: Khatibah Rehmat (Senior Journalist).
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