This June, Chennai’s dining scene is set to welcome an extraordinary culinary journey as the rich and vibrant flavours of Kerala make their way from the scenic backwaters of Kochi to the coastline of the city. In a unique gastronomic collaboration, Kochi Marriott Hotel’s celebrated restaurant Cassava is bringing its signature culinary legacy to The Reef at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa for an exclusive 10-day food festival titled Kerala Vishesham: Cassava Takes Over The Reef, running from June 12 to June 21, 2026.
Designed as an immersive celebration of Kerala’s culinary heritage, the festival promises to transport diners through the diverse flavours, traditions and stories that define God’s Own Country. The specially curated menu draws inspiration from centuries of cultural exchange, beautifully blending influences from the historic Malabar spice trade routes, traditional Syrian Christian family kitchens, and the rustic cooking traditions found along Kerala’s serene backwaters. Prepared using authentic techniques, hand-ground spices and the freshest local ingredients, every dish is crafted to reflect the true essence of the region’s deeply rooted food culture.
The collaboration brings together the finest flavours of Kerala’s regional cuisine, perfectly complemented by the relaxed and vibrant beachside setting of The Reef. Seafood lovers can indulge in a remarkable selection of signature delicacies including the tangy and flavourful Meen Mango Tawa, the comforting and aromatic Crab Rasam, and the crispy, spice-forward Koonthal Porichathu, a traditional squid fry that remains a favourite among coastal cuisine enthusiasts. Guests can also enjoy an assortment of freshly prepared Seafood Grills, adding smoky, charred flavours that elevate the overall dining experience.
For diners who appreciate the rich culinary legacy of Kerala’s iconic biryanis, the festival also highlights two standout classics from the region. Guests can savour the fragrant and delicately spiced Malabar Chicken Biryani, known for its distinct aromatic flavours, alongside the robust and slow-cooked Malappuram Mutton Biryani, a dish celebrated for its depth of flavour and traditional preparation methods passed down through generations.
Speaking about the collaboration, Pallavi Mishra, Director of Food & Beverage at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, shared that the team is excited to bring the culinary legacy of Cassava to Chennai through a festival that goes far beyond food and serves as a storytelling experience through taste. In partnership with Kochi Marriott Hotel, authentic recipes and traditional spices have been carefully brought down to recreate flavours that feel deeply nostalgic and rooted in Kerala’s history — from slow-cooked coastal curries to treasured Syrian Christian recipes passed through generations.
Whether guests are looking to revisit flavours that remind them of home or explore the depth and diversity of Kerala’s regional cuisine for the very first time, this specially curated culinary takeover promises an unforgettable dining experience filled with authenticity, heritage and bold coastal flavours. Available for both lunch and dinner, the festival offers food lovers a rare opportunity to experience one of India’s most celebrated regional cuisines in an immersive setting unlike any other.
Event: Kerala Vishesham – Cassava Takes Over The Reef
Venue: The Reef, Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa
Dates: June 12 – June 21, 2026
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Reservations: +91 78240 10209 / +91 78240 92004
