Event to feature focus on organic and natural produce
Siliguri, January 7 (MExN): The Golden Whisk (TGW), a culinary and entrepreneurship platform for bakers and brewers from the Northeast will be held at The Forresta in Siliguri, West Bengal on January 10 and 11.
The event comes amid a significant shift in the region’s food landscape. Over the past three years, the hills of Darjeeling, Sikkim and the wider Northeast have witnessed an estimated 300% surge in home-based cloud kitchens, with bakers and brewers turning household kitchens into centres of creativity, income generation and innovation.
Positioned as more than a food festival, The Golden Whisk has evolved into a knowledge-driven ecosystem focused on skill-building and entrepreneurship. With nearly 80% of the fast-growing sector driven by women, this year’s edition places women’s empowerment at its core through the launch of the Luminaire Honours, a recognition celebrating women who have overcome social, economic and personal barriers to build successful community-based ventures.
Festival organiser Rinchen Yolmo, a homebaker from Siliguri, said the objective was to move beyond the concept of a conventional food carnival. “Our objective is to bridge the gap between a hobbyist and a professional business owner. We want bakers from our region to access the same world-class techniques as a pastry chef in Paris or Mumbai,” Yolmo said.
To support this goal, The Golden Whisk has entered into knowledge partnerships with global industry leaders RICH’S and FAB Flavours, aimed at skill transfer and technical excellence rather than conventional sponsorships.
As part of the programme, experts from RICH’S will conduct free live demonstrations and question-and-answer sessions on advanced whipping techniques, heat-stable decorations and climate-resilient baking methods, considered crucial for bakers working in humid and hill conditions.
FAB Flavours will introduce participants to global flavour profiles and formulation techniques, enabling local entrepreneurs to upgrade their products to premium and export-ready standards.
The event will also feature a focus on organic and natural produce through the participation of the Sikkim State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. (SIMFED), an apex marketing society in Sikkim. SIMFED undertakes wholesale supply of organic and natural consumer goods to Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies and Consumer Cooperative Societies, and facilitates bulk marketing of surplus agricultural produce, including key cash crops of the state.
A dedicated Small Business Zone will offer subsidised stalls for micro-entrepreneurs, allowing bakers, brewers and local brands to showcase products, test markets and directly engage with consumers. Sugal Food, the region’s popular supply store, will also exhibit and guide interested participants.
Adding a local identity, local brew houses and beverage innovators such as Mayukh Tea and Cornerstone Barista Academy & Lab are collaborating with the event, highlighting the intersection of Himalayan ingredients, tea culture, specialty coffee and contemporary baking.
The Golden Whisk is produced by Mohanish Lama, founder of Decible, an event management company, who has also organised events such as the Mandala Music Festival, Pine Tree Festival, Saras and Maghay Mela.
By blending Himalayan culinary heritage with modern technique and business insight, organisers said the platform aims to position the Northeast as a key contributor to India’s emerging baking and brewing ecosystem.
