Mangaluru: A vibrant three-day street food fest was inaugurated on Friday as part of the ongoing Karavali Utsav celebrations, drawing large crowds to the main road near Kadri Park and adding flavour to the city’s cultural calendar.
Fest inaugurated by renowned chef
The street food fest was formally inaugurated by renowned chef Shriya Shetty, who highlighted the distinctive food culture of coastal Karnataka. Speaking at the opening ceremony, she said that the culinary preferences of people in the region are unique and deeply rooted in tradition.
According to her, the strong affection for snacks, street food and local cuisine has played a significant role in shaping and elevating the food culture of the coast. She noted that coastal Karnataka is widely recognised for its diverse culinary offerings, ranging from traditional vegetarian preparations to a variety of seafood-based and non-vegetarian dishes that reflect the region’s geography and history.
Chef Shetty also interacted with visitors and stall operators, appreciating the efforts taken to present both traditional flavours and innovative street food options at the venue. She emphasised that such festivals provide a platform for local vendors to showcase their skills and help preserve regional food traditions.
Part of Karavali Utsav celebrations
The street food fest is being organised as a key attraction of Karavali Utsav, an annual cultural event that celebrates the heritage, art, cuisine and traditions of the coastal belt of Karnataka. The festival has been witnessing enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups since its commencement.
Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V, who was present at the event, said that a large number of people have taken part in all programmes organised as part of this year’s Karavali Utsav. He expressed satisfaction over the public response and added that more diverse and engaging programmes would be organised in the coming days to ensure wider participation.
He further stated that events like the street food fest not only promote local culture but also contribute to community bonding and boost small-scale businesses, especially food vendors and artisans.
Wide variety of food stalls
The street food fest features a wide range of stalls offering an assortment of snacks, chaats, beverages, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Visitors can sample popular street food items from different parts of the coast, along with fusion dishes that cater to younger audiences and tourists.
From traditional coastal snacks and spicy chaats to refreshing beverages and hearty meals, the fest aims to provide something for every palate. Several stalls are also focusing on hygiene and quality, ensuring that food is prepared and served in a clean and safe manner.
Organisers said that special care has been taken to include stalls run by local vendors, giving them an opportunity to reach a larger audience during the festive season. The event has also created temporary employment for many individuals, adding to its economic significance.
Strong public turnout on opening day
A large number of people attended the street food fest on the very first day, with the area near Kadri Park witnessing heavy footfall from evening onwards. Families, students and tourists were seen exploring the stalls and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Traffic arrangements and basic facilities have been put in place to manage the crowd, and officials said that security personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the event. The organisers have also made arrangements for waste management to keep the surroundings clean during the three-day fest.
Dignitaries in attendance
Several dignitaries were present at the inauguration, including Union Bank of India General Manager Rajendra Kumar, Deputy General Manager Tejaswini, Mangaluru Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi Arya, Yatheesh Baikampady and others. Their presence underscored the importance of the event as part of the city’s cultural celebrations.
Fest to continue till Sunday
The street food fest will continue till Sunday on Kadri Park road, giving residents and visitors ample time to experience the variety of food on offer. Organisers expressed confidence that the fest would continue to attract crowds over the weekend.
With its lively atmosphere, diverse food options and cultural significance, the street food fest has emerged as one of the highlights of this year’s Karavali Utsav, reinforcing Mangaluru’s reputation as a city that celebrates food, culture and community with equal enthusiasm.