Mumbai declared as the ‘Best Destination for Food and Drink’ at Lonely Planet Travel Magazine Awards 2016

Mumbai has been adjudged as the ‘Best Destination for Food and Drink’ at Lonely Planet Travel Magazine Awards 2016 held on May 9, 2016 at the St. Regis Hotel, Palladium, Mumbai and the award was received by Shri. Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, IAS, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.

The Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards is widely acknowledged as the most prestigious award in the Tourism and Travel Industry. The Lonely Planet Magazine invited the country’s travel experts to choose their favorite destinations and most favored travel experiences and the award ceremony was attended by the CEOs, Directors, General Managers and other key stalwarts from the Industry.

On receiving the award, Shri Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, IAS, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation commented, “Mumbai is a world renowned capital city of Maharashtra and its variety of food offerings ranging from street food to authentic culinary treats makes it a special tourist destination of Maharashtra.  This is an exemplary prestigious award and is a step forward towards making Mumbai as preferred tourist destination in India which has a strong legacy of gastronomic delights. Mumbai offers a diverse variety of culinary delights and offers food treats not only from Maharashtra but also from every other state of India. Mumbai is a complete foodie’s paradise and every tourist visiting the state goes back relishing the taste of distinct Maharashtrian cuisine.”

On Mumbai winning the award in this category Shri. Satish Soni, Director of Tourism, Government of India and Joint Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said, “The traditional cuisine of Maharashtra is as distinct as its culture and people and Mumbai is a city which gives a glimpse of Maharashtrian food from its different regions like Konkan, Malwan, Khandesh, Vidharbha and so on. This makes Mumbai an ideal tourist destination and a favourite tourist hot-spot in India.”

Mumbai primarily boasts of Maharashtrian culinary treats like Pohe, Upma, Alu wadi, Missal Pav, Vada Pav, Puran Poli, Modaks etc. and also offers a sneak peak into food from other states. When it comes to food Mumbai serves Indian as well as world cuisine with ease making it a truly best destination for food across the world. The awards were shortlisted by a panel of travel experts and professionals and a poll was also conducted for Lonely Planet Magazine readers both online and in the magazine. The readers have voted in large numbers, across 40 categories, to celebrate the best in travel.