Celebrating Rajasthan's Culinary Heritage:
Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar Inspires
Chef Connect & Tourism Dialogue in Udaipur

On 20th June 2026, Rajasthan Patrika and BCI (Business Circle International) Tourism brought together the finest voices from the culinary and hospitality fraternity at the Chef Connect & Tourism Dialogue held at the elegant Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Umarda, Udaipur.

Themed “Uniting Culinary Excellence with the Spirit of Rajasthan,” the conclave celebrated Udaipur's rich gastronomic traditions, hospitality excellence and its growing emergence as a premier global experiential tourism destination. The gathering created a dynamic platform for chefs, hoteliers, tourism professionals and industry leaders to explore new opportunities in preserving heritage while embracing innovation.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, who highlighted the vital role of authentic culinary traditions in shaping Udaipur's global identity. Emphasizing that food is an integral part of cultural storytelling, Shriji shared insights on how Mewari cuisine, local craftsmanship and immersive experiences can strengthen Rajasthan's position on the world tourism map.

The dialogue brought together industry experts who discussed sustainable tourism practices, preservation of culinary heritage, hospitality skill development and the immense potential of food tourism. Adding a flavour of creativity and tradition, local chefs and artisan home bakers showcased innovative creations that beautifully blended contemporary techniques with the timeless flavours of Mewar.

The programme concluded with an awards ceremony honouring outstanding chefs, hospitality professionals and tourism stakeholders whose contributions continue to elevate Rajasthan's culinary landscape.

The proceedings commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Saurabh Khidia, Zonal Head of Marketing, Rajasthan Patrika and were anchored by Ms. Heena Pathik and Dr. Anuradha Ojha. The event witnessed the presence of eminent hospitality and tourism leaders, including Mr. Rajiv Jain (Udaipur Editor, Rajasthan Patrika), Mr. Mukesh Madhwani (Founder, BCI), Dr. Shraddha Gattani (President, BCI Tourism), Ms. Swati Sarupriya (Event Coordinator), Mr. Gaurav Bhandari (General Secretary) and Mr. Sanjeev Patwa.

Representatives from the hospitality sector, including Hotel Association President Mr. Rajesh Agrawal, Senior Vice President Mr. Gaurav Kothari, Vice President Ms. Usha Sharma, Southern Rajasthan Hotel Association President Mr. Rakesh Chaudhary and Mr. Ambalal Sahu, further strengthened the gathering with their participation.

The event also received support from distinguished partners and industry contributors, including Mr. Abhay Singhvi of Essentia, Mr. Anil Vaishnav of ACME Industrial Corporation, Mr. Vishal Gupta of IDFC and Ms. Ranjana Bhati, Vice President, BCI Tourism, along with several prominent members of the tourism and business community.

The Chef Connect & Tourism Dialogue reaffirmed that Rajasthan's culinary heritage is not merely a tradition—it is a powerful gateway to storytelling, cultural preservation and global tourism growth. By bringing together the region's finest culinary and hospitality minds, the event created a collaborative roadmap where the future of tourism begins with the flavours of its heritage