The first international food fest of its kind, the Bangladesh Food Festival 2019 is a collaboration to introduce new tastes and exciting flavours at Hotel Yak & Yeti. The Press Conference held on March 25 brought together delegates from the Embassy of Bangladesh including Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal Her Excellency Mashfee Binte Shams, executives from the hotel, esteemed chefs and media.
Ushering in and commemorating Bangladesh’ Independence Day today on March 26, the Bangladesh Food Festival 2019 commences for a week starting March 27. This Bangla gastronomic experience is unlike what you’ve seen before, bringing culture, colours and food from the ‘Land of Festivals’.
The festival will see participation from Ummah Mostofa, a celebrated Bangladeshi Chef and her team along with lively performances by the Souls. Running from March 27 to April 2 at the Sunrise Restaurant, supper everyday will feature culinary masterpieces.
A cup of coffee with Her Excellency...
Followed by a hi-tea session, Rebecca Shrestha from Nepal Traveller catches up with Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, Mashfee Binte Shams
A brief on what the Embassy of Bangladesh in Nepal in preparation for the Bangladesh Food Festival 2019 has in store for attendants.
At the embassy we are excited, experiencing our culture through gastronomy and music is a great way to bring a little bit of Bangladesh to Kathmandu. We were looking for young chefs, as you know Bangladesh is a young country, we want to promote rising chefs who have experience. Personally, I wanted to promote a woman because all the chefs are men and Ummah fitted the bill well.
For music we have our iconic Souls band performing, I’ve been a fan ever since I was a young child. They are one of the earliest rock bands who have a traditional, fusion and modern sound. I’m sure these two personalities in their own fields will do justice to our culture.
What delicacies are you looking forward to this festive season?
I’m a foodie and I like to experiment with all kinds of food. But to be precise, we in Bangladesh have a special preference for fish of different varieties, not only sea fish but also the freshwater fishes from rivers. During this food fest, I’m looking forward to sampling some flavoursome fish also Pitha (Rice cake), I hope Ummah will be bringing us a lot of Pitha.
What does your Independence Day look like?
The day is going to be a busy one, as a matter of fact, programmes for the Independence Day begin this evening (March 25), commemorating Bangladesh Genocide Memorial Day.
Early morning on Independence Day we have a flag hoisting ceremony at the Embassy of Bangladesh, and there’s going to be singing of the national anthem which will be televised. And very interestingly we’ll be singing simultaneously all over the world. The evening we have a National Day Reception at Hotel Radisson scheduled.
Then followed by the inauguration of the week-long food festival on March 27 at Hotel Yak & Yeti, in anticipation, I’m looking forward to commemorating our great history and culture.
What message would you like to send out to all festival goers?
We welcome everybody to come appreciate our music and food. You don’t need to understand the language to love the food and enjoy the music.
Bangladeshi Food Festival
Hotel Yak & Yeti
The Sunrise Restaurant
March 27– April 2, 2019
Dinner only
Rs 2500 plus taxes per person
Contact: 01-4248999
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