Diwali Banquet is a Shining Light in the Fight Against Hunger

Culinary stars Sriram Aylur (of Michelin starred Quilon), Navin Bhatia (of Dockmaster’s House), Anirudh Arora (of Moti Mahal) and Dhruv Baker (Masterchef winner 2010) were welcomed on Sunday night to Westminster’s famed Cinnamon Club by chefs Vivek Singh and Rakesh Ravindran in aid of Action Against Hunger’s legendary Diwali Banquet.

The exclusive gathering of top London chefs produced a dazzling night of opulent dining. Guests gathered for a luxuriant evening, and expectations were surpassed by the tantalising 5 course feast and canapés, Indian entertainment and award winning fine wines from Sula Vineyards.

Each chef created a delectable course for the banquet, including Michelin starred Sriram Ayulur’s malabar lamb biryani served with pomegranate pachadi, spicy coconut sauce and spinach poriyal.

The glittering evening which celebrated the Hindu festival of light in aid of Action Against Hunger, was hosted by BBC Radio 2 food and drink presenter Nigel Barden. It involved a short auction of exclusive money-can’t-buy prizes, including a bespoke black diamond necklace and an original colour lithograph by acclaimed surrealist Miró, donated by the Broad Gallery.

In total, more than £25,000 was raised towards Action Against Hunger’s life-saving work in over 40 countries around the world, such as the organisation’s ongoing emergency response to the food crisis in the Horn of Africa.  

Explaining his decision to support Action Against Hunger’s life-saving work, Vivek Singh, Executive Chef at the Cinnamon Club, said: “Having been a chef for 18 years and coming from India, I have witnessed a lot of both food and hunger. Action Against Hunger does a wonderful job of keeping us connected to the hard realities of the world and keeps reminding us of how the small steps we take can mean big things to thousands of the world’s most impoverished people.”

____________________________________________________________

SUPPORT ACF's RESPONSE CAPABILITIES

Action Against Hunger's life-saving programmes around the world depend on the generous support of our donors. Donate now

STAY INFORMED

Stay informed about Action Against Hunger's cutting-edge solutions to child hunger.