The rain didn’t dampen the spice of the Indian Food Festival at the Saxton Oval Pavilion on Sunday.
Cuisine from all Indian regions was on offer at a buffet and outdoor Nelson Tasman food carts, and a spice stall, Indian jewellery stall, and a spice information session provided a soulful garnish.
Organiser Anjali Puri says, with Diwali not taking place until later this year, the event was an opportunity for the local, expanding Indian community to tantalise local taste buds.
“Winter is the best time because not much happens in the region so I thought it would be a good reason for people to come out and enjoy with us,” she says.
“After Diwali last year, I noticed a couple of restaurants are introducing Indian street food because they think people are getting used to having those kinds of new dishes.
“So I think [the Indian Food Festival] is also a good opportunity for new stall holders to give them the confidence to experiment, it could be their next business or their passion.”
