KOLKATA, JANUARY 22, 2026: Long before borders were drawn and cuisines were labelled, Odisha’s sailors set out on daring maritime journeys that connected the eastern coast of India with Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. These ancient voyages—known as Bali Jatra—did more than trade goods; they exchanged cultures, stories, and flavours.
This winter, Taj Bengal, Kolkata brings that forgotten culinary history back to the table with “ Jatraa- A Coastal Legacy, Crafted Across Cultures”, a special dining experience curated by renowned Chef Biswarup from Taj Puri Resorts & Spa, Odisha. Hosted at The Souk, Taj Bengal from January 29 to February 1, 2026, the festival invites diners on a sensory journey across oceans and centuries.
Jatraa, meaning “voyage,” draws inspiration from Odisha’s seafaring past, when ships from ancient Kalinga sailed to Burma, Ceylon, Siam, Sumatra, Java, Bali, Malaya, Champa, Khmer lands, and China. The menu reflects this confluence—where robust Odia flavours meet the vibrant culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, creating dishes that feel both rooted and refreshingly contemporary.
Chef Biswarup has thoughtfully crafted a repertoire of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes using traditional Odia cooking techniques seamlessly blended with South and Southeast Asian influences. The result is a menu that celebrates freshness, bold spices, and layered textures.
Guests can look forward to an eclectic spread featuring Jackfruit Kassa Bao, Chicken Black & White, Sambal & Coriander Prawns Har Gow, Gado Gado, Bok Choy Dosa Roll, Chicken Patra Poda, Turmeric Leaf Fish, Asam Prawns, Balinese Curry, Kothu Parotta, Jaffna Crab Curry, and inventive desserts such as Airy Chenar Dumpling, Mt. Merapi Coconut Volcano, and An Ode to Puri, among many others. Every dish tells a story—of trade winds, coastal kitchens, and cultures that once met at bustling ports.
Speaking about the experience, Chef Biswarup shared, “ ‘A Coastal Legacy, Crafted Across Cultures’ is a celebration of tanginess, spice, and deeply layered flavours. It is inspired by the spirit of Jatraa and offers Kolkata an opportunity to savour the rich culinary heritage of Odisha along with its Southeast Asian connections.”
At Taj Bengal, Jatraa is more than a food festival—it is a journey through time, inviting Kolkata’s diners to rediscover history, one flavour at a time. Chef Biswarup’s passion for Odia cuisine shines through in every dish, offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Commenting on this, Chef Biswarup said, “A Coastal Legacy,Crafted Across Cultures is a harmonious blend of tanginess, spiciness, and rich flavours, making it truly unique and tantalizing to the taste buds. This is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Kolkata to experience and savour the traditional Jaatra flavours of Odisha & South East Asia.”
