Chennai, June 17 : As hospitality continues to evolve beyond traditional dining and accommodation, hotels are increasingly creating experiences that connect guests with culture, heritage and meaningful storytelling.
Further strengthening its commitment to celebrating culinary heritage and cultural storytelling, Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai and Ministry of Chutneys presented the 7th edition of The GReaT Conversation Series – Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens at the historic Amir Mahal on 13 June 2026. The exclusive thought-leadership platform brought together distinguished voices from hospitality, military service, food history and cultural heritage to explore the enduring influence of regimental traditions and summer kitchens on South India’s culinary landscape. Anchored by Ministry of Chutneys, the award-winning and Chennai’s first and only dedicated Anglo-Indian restaurant, the initiative showcased how food can serve as a powerful medium for preserving heritage, fostering dialogue and connecting communities through shared cultural experiences.
Hosted at the historic Amir Mahal on 13 June 2026, the initiative served as a curtain raiser to Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens, the latest thematic culinary showcase at Ministry of Chutneys, inspired by the food traditions of military messes, cantonment kitchens and the summer food heritage of the Madras Presidency.
The evening was moderated by Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, and featured an esteemed panel comprising Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group; Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts; Major Dr.Praveen Raj Retd., former Indian Army Officer and Commando; and Rakesh Raghunathan, Food Historian and MasterChef India Judge .
The initiative reflected a growing trend within the hospitality industry, where food and beverage experiences are increasingly being leveraged as platforms for storytelling, guest engagement and cultural immersion. By combining dialogue, heritage and cuisine, the event created a deeper connection between guests and the traditions that continue to influence contemporary hospitality.
Speaking about the initiative, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said:
“Today’s guests seek experiences that go beyond dining. They are looking for authenticity, stories and meaningful connections. Through The GReaT Conversation and Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens, we created a platform that celebrated heritage through dialogue and cuisine while reinforcing the role of hospitality as a curator of culture and community.”
The evening brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Consuls General, honorary consuls, senior government officials, hospitality leaders, business personalities, media representatives, cultural custodians and distinguished guests in a celebration of military heritage, culinary traditions and the enduring power of storytelling under one roof.
At the heart of the initiative was Ministry of Chutneys, the award-winning and Chennai’s first and only dedicated Anglo-Indian restaurant at Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai.
Event Details
The GReaT Conversation: Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens
Date: 13 June 2026
Venue: Amir Mahal, Chennai
Time: 7:00 PM onwards
The conversation was streamed live on Instagram, enabling audiences to engage with the discussion in real time. Highlights from the evening, along with the full conversation, were subsequently made available on YouTube for wider viewing and continued engagement.