Your Gourmet Guide To January 2026: Events, Pop-Ups, Takeovers, And Culinary Adventures Across India

January 2026 is kicking off with a burst of creativity across India’s dining and bar culture. From immersive festivals and chef-artist collaborations to international bar takeovers and deeply rooted regional menus, the month is packed with experiences that celebrate flavour, craft, and cultural exchange. Whether you're in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, or beyond, these 7 standout events promise storytelling on the plate and in the glass. Here’s your curated guide to where the country’s culinary energy is unfolding this month.

1. The Gathering: Edition 02, Mumbai

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A three-day immersive festival transforming Mumbai’s historic Mukesh Mills into a temporary city of creativity. Edition 02 features five chef-artist pop-up restaurants (Ralph Prazeres x Ankon Mitra; Doma Wang & Sachiko Seth x Udit Mittal; Bawmra Jap x Pablo Bartholomew; Niyati Rao x Abraham & Thakore; Priyam Chatterjee & Rishabh Seal x Too Odd). The festival expands into The Studio residency with Chef Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar and Artist Poushali Das, The Mills speakeasy bar, The Salon talks and After Dark music sessions, hands-on Workshops, The Shop marketplace for indie creators, The Moveable Feast food stations, the Arena performance stage, and The Interlude seaside lounge.

When: January 16-18, 2026

Where: Mukesh Mills, Colaba, Mumbai

2. Nara Thai Pop-Up, Yauatcha Bengaluru

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A three-day limited-time pop-up bringing Nara Thai’s signature flavours and Thai culinary heritage back to Bengaluru. The menu features comforting classics such as Tom Yum, Tom Kha, Spicy Raw Papaya Salad, and Pomelo Salad, along with appetisers like Betel Leaves with Chilli Lime Dip, Chicken Satay, Gai Yang Chicken, and Crispy Black Pomfret with Toban Black Bean Sauce. Traditional Red and Green Curries anchor the experience, while mains include Chicken Kraprao, Stir-Fried Lamb with Chilli & Oyster Sauce, and Stir-Fried Prawns in Wild Coriander. Rice and noodle favourites like Phad Thai, Chilli Basil Rice Noodles, and Butterfly Pea Fried Rice complement the spread. Desserts such as Mango Sticky Rice, Tub Tim Grob, and Chocolate Crepe Cake close the menu, paired with Thai-inspired cocktails and mocktails.

When: 9th-11th January, 2026

Where: Yauatcha Bengaluru, 1 MG–Lido Mall

Price: ₹3,500 approximately for two

3. Bar Takeover By Comorin At Elephant & Co., Goa

A special Conosh-curated evening where Comorin brings its inventive, regionally inspired cocktail program to Elephant & Co., Goa. Led by Varun Sharma, Head of Bars at EHV International and the creative force behind Comorin’s award-winning beverage identity, the takeover features a bespoke menu including the Fennel Paloma, Deccan Fire, and Charred Pineapple Picante. The event celebrates India’s evolving bar culture by blending contemporary mixology, community spirit, and Goan charm. With insights from Conosh co-founders Neha Malik and Vaibhav Bahl and Elephant & Co. partner Karan Khilnani, the collaboration embodies creativity, connection, and the vibrant energy of modern Indian bartending.

When: Saturday, January 10, 2026 (9:00 PM onwards)

Where: Elephant & Co., Anjuna, Goa

4. Vietnamese Culinary & Cocktail Pop-Up at East – The Asian Living Room, Bengaluru

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A two-night immersive Vietnamese culinary and cocktail experience at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, showcasing Saigon’s vibrant nightlife and contemporary gastronomic culture. The pop-up features a bar takeover by the acclaimed team behind Stir – Modern Classic Cocktails, regularly featured on Asia’s 50 Best Bars (No. 61 in 2025). Led by Bar Manager Thep Dinh, a multi-award-winning bartender known for his Symposium philosophy, alongside JW Marriott’s mixologist Kuldeep Rawat, guests can savour four curated cocktails each night, crafted as sensorial narratives. The culinary programme is helmed by Head Chef Nhan Ngo in a four-hands collaboration with East’s Head Chef Saiful Agam, presenting refined Vietnamese dishes layered with bold flavours and Asian influences. Senior Bartender Huy Ngo adds creative flair, while the collaboration is curated by Dean With Us, founded by Akanksha and Rupali Dean, known for cross-cultural F&B showcases across Asia.

When: January 16 & 17, 2026 (6:00 PM to 11:00 PM)

Where: East – The Asian Living Room, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa

Price: Approximately INR 3000++

5. Nutcase Takeover at Petisco, Goa

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Kolkata’s Nutcase brings its signature cocktail energy to Petisco for a one-night takeover. Head mixologist Swanan Sarkar and Bishal Chakraborty will be behind the bar, pouring their standout signature serves through the evening.

When: 10th January, 7 PM onwards

Where: Petisco, Goa

6. Stravinskij Bar Takeover at Boilermaker, Goa

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Italy’s iconic Stravinskij Bar arrives in Siolim for a special takeover at Boilermaker. Mattia and Tiziano will be behind the bar for one night only, bringing signature Italian craft, energy, and cocktails that promise a true taste of Rome’s celebrated bar culture.

When: 11th January, 7 PM onwards

Where: Boilermaker, Siolim, Goa

7. Prego × Alto Vino Four-Hands Italian Showcase, New Delhi

This January, Prego at The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi, spotlights Italy’s culinary diversity with a three-day four-hands dining showcase led by Expat Chef Davide Di Domenico and Guest Expat Chef Christian Huber of Alto Vino, JW Marriott Hotel Pune. From 14 to 16 January 2026, the duo presents a gastronomic journey inspired by Italy’s north–south culinary heritage, blending authenticity, regional storytelling, and refined craftsmanship across lunch and dinner services. Expect a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates soulful Italian flavours through technique-driven, heritage-led plates.

When: 14th, 15th & 16th January 2026 (Lunch & Dinner)

Where: Prego, The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi

Price: Approximately INR 3,500++ for two