This year marks my third time celebrating Diwali, but this one felt different at bai Hotel Cebu. It is more personal, more soulful. Maybe it was the warm glow inside the room when I stepped in, the laughter shared among fellow content creators, or the familiar aroma of Indian spices that instantly felt like home. Whatever it was, Café bai truly brought the spirit of the Festival of Lights to life, illuminating not just the evening but our hearts (and taste buds) too.
How My Love for Indian Food Began
I’ve always had a soft spot for Indian cuisine. My fascination started decades ago when an Indian guest cooked chicken biryani for my family at home. The explosion of flavors—the warmth of spices, the layers of texture—was unlike anything I’d ever tasted before.
Later on, I had a former boss from India who loved taking our team to Indian restaurants for lunch. Every meal became a mini adventure—each dish telling a different story from a different part of India. That’s when I realized: Indian food isn’t just food. It’s culture, passion, and storytelling on a plate.
So when bai Hotel Cebu invited me to their media preview of the Diwali Feast, I didn’t even think twice—I knew I had to be there.
A Feast of Light and Flavor
The Diwali celebration at Café bai, happening from October 18 to 21, 2025, is more than just a buffet—it’s a sensory journey through India. Under the creative direction of Chef Jyoti Singh, bai Hotel’s talented Indian Cuisine Sous Chef, the evening featured over 20 authentic Indian dishes, each inspired by a different region of India.
I’ve met Chef Singh a few times before during bai Hotel events, and every time, he amazes me with how he brings India’s diverse culinary heritage together in one harmonious feast. Originally from Uttarakhand, India, Chef Singh has honed his craft in Mumbai, Dubai, and Doha before coming to Cebu. His story is one of dedication and artistry, and it shows in every dish he prepares—each one a love letter to his roots.
My Favorite Dishes from the Diwali Feast
Let’s talk about the food (because, really, that’s what we’re here for)!
I started off with Chicken Chili Dry, one of my personal favorites. These crispy, tender chicken bites tossed in a hot, sweet, and tangy chili sauce are absolutely irresistible. The kind of dish you promise yourself “just one more bite” but end up finishing the whole plate.
Then came the Kashmiri Mutton Rogan Josh—a showstopper, to say the least. The tender mutton, rich yogurt-based gravy, and aromatic spices transported me straight to the valleys of Kashmir.
Next up was the Zafrani Murgh, a saffron-infused Mughlai chicken dish that was pure luxury in every bite. Watching Chef Singh prepare it live was an experience in itself—the air filled with the warm, golden scent of saffron, almost poetic.
And of course, I couldn’t skip the classics: Naan dipped into creamy, spiced Dal Maharani—a simple yet soul-satisfying combo. Then I ended my meal with the rich and velvety Paneer Meetha Malai, a creamy, subtly sweet paneer dish that wrapped up the evening perfectly.
But there’s one side dish that deserves its own little spotlight—Papadum. That thin, crispy, disc-shaped cracker is dangerously addictive! Once you start munching on it, it’s nearly impossible to stop. It’s light, crunchy, and the perfect snack to nibble on between bites of curry or while chatting with friends. Honestly, I could’ve eaten a whole basket of those by myself!
A Celebration Beyond Food
What made the night even more special was the company. Sharing this Diwali feast with fellow bloggers, vloggers, and media friends reminded me that food really does bring people together. Between bites and conversations, we celebrated not just Indian flavors, but the joy of connection and togetherness.
That’s what Diwali is all about—the triumph of light over darkness, joy over despair, and togetherness over distance.
And in these times when the world sometimes feels heavy, bai Hotel reminded us that joy can still be found—around the table, in the stories we share, and in the food that brings us comfort.
Experience the Diwali Feast at Café bai
If you’d like to experience this for yourself, Café bai is offering its Diwali Feast from October 18–21, 2025, available for Lunch and Dinner Buffet.
✨ Special treat: Indian nationals get 50% off upon presenting a valid Indian passport or government-issued ID!
Buffet Rates:
Lunch (12 NN – 2:30 PM)
• Monday–Friday: Php 1,888 nett per person
• Saturday–Sunday: Php 2,288 nett per person
Dinner (6 PM – 10 PM)
• Php 2,288 nett per person
For inquiries or reservations, call (032) 888 2500 or email fbreservation@baihotel.com.ph
As I stepped out of Café bai that evening, I caught one last whiff of saffron and spice in the air—and I smiled. I was reminded once again why I fell in love with Indian cuisine in the first place.
It’s not just about food. It’s about culture, connection, and the stories that every dish tells.
This Diwali, Café bai didn’t just serve a meal—it illuminated the heart.
Salamat, bai!
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