By Sitaram Mewati
JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is bringing the vibrant flavours and culinary traditions of Thailand to the city with its Soul of Thailand Food Festival at Lotus Café from June 26 to July 5, 2026. The festival will feature an authentic showcase of Thai cuisine led by acclaimed culinary expert Chef Nipawan Paekhiri, popularly known as Chef Tim, Executive Sous Chef at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa.
Known for her expertise in southern Thai cuisine and Phuket-style cooking, Chef Tim has earned recognition for creating immersive dining experiences inspired by local ingredients, traditional recipes and generations-old culinary practices. Travelling to Mumbai exclusively for the festival, she will present a specially curated menu that captures the essence of Thailand’s bustling street markets and coastal kitchens.
The festival menu has been designed to highlight the balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours that define Thai gastronomy. Guests can savour signature dishes such as Kaeng Massaman Gai, a fragrant chicken curry with potatoes and fried onions; Kaeng Ka-ree Goong Yang, grilled prawns in aromatic yellow curry; Gai Satay served with peanut sauce; and Pla Lui Suan, a whole sea bass prepared with chilli paste, lime, lemongrass and peanuts. Traditional favourites including Gai Hor Bai Toey and Khao Niew Ma-Muang, or sticky rice with mango, will also be featured.
The festival aims to offer diners an authentic taste of Thailand while showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage through traditional ingredients and time-honoured cooking techniques. The experience has been curated to transport guests to Thailand through its distinctive flavours, aromas and cultural influences.
A special Sunday brunch on July 5, inspired by Bangkok’s famed Chatuchak Market, will feature interactive live stations serving Som Tum salad, grilled seafood, Thai curries, satays, Drunken Noodles and Khao Phat fried rice. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted rice paper rolls and a dedicated Sticky Rice with Mango station.
The Soul of Thailand Food Festival will be held at Lotus Café, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Dinner will be served from 7 pm to 11 pm and is priced at ₹3,400 plus taxes, while the Sunday brunch on July 5, from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm, is priced at ₹3,700 plus taxes.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
