With YAYAvar Journeys to Sundarbans, a specially planned Hilsa festival at YAYAvar, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the soulful flavors of Bengal at the Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata. This one-time monsoon celebration honors the Queen of Fish—Ilish—with a menu that skillfully combines tradition, nostalgia, and culinary creativity.

Under the direction of Chef Sougata Halder, the menu thoughtfully balances classic dishes with international inspirations to capture the emotional and cultural essence of Bengal’s most beloved fish.

on offer are dishes like Ilish Mach Bhaja, Ilish Cutlet, Ilish Malai Roast, Begun Kalo Jeera Diye Ilish Macher Jhol, Shorshe Posto Ilish, Ilish Kalia, Bhapa Paturi,  Ilish Macher Tok, Grilled Ilish Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Gondhoraj Lemon Butter Sauce, Smoked Ilish with Steamed Vegetables and BBQ Glaze, Ilish Macher Pulao, Gobindobhog Khichuri with Ilish Bhaja, and Panta Bhaat with Aloo Makha and Ilish Bhaja.

Executive Chef Sougata Halder said, “Ilish is more than just food to Bengalis; it’s poetry on a plate. It brings back memories of childhood, family gatherings, monsoons, and festivities. We have attempted to honor this feeling with YAYAvar Journeys to Sundarbans by preserving the essence of each dish while adding components that feel new, modern, and anchored in Bengal’s changing culinary history”.

“YAYAvar Journeys to Sundarbans” invites you to savor more than just a meal—it offers a sensory journey steeped in memory, emotion, and Bengal’s culinary soul—regardless of whether you’ve always loved Ilish or are just now discovering its magic. Allow the flavors to take you back to joyful family gatherings, rain-swept riverbanks, and the age-old customs honoring the Queen of Fish with each bite.

Venue: YAYAvar, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata
Address: 17 Garcha 1st Lane, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
For Reservations: +91 6292 307 592 & +91 6292 307 619
Date: 25th July-3rd August
Price: à la carte – starting 550++onwards
Time: Lunch – 12:30 pm – 03:30 pm
Dinner – 07:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Priyanka Dutta