Jaipur played host to the 84th Annual Conference of the All India Ophthalmological Society, with the help of the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre overseeing the city’s massive culinary activities. As the personnel at both sites were ready to serve the thousands of conference guests, they encountered an operational obstacle. Traditional bhatis and chulhas, earthen ovens typically used for cooking in Rajasthan using wood or coal, were brought in by the culinary crews to ensure uninterrupted service.

Over the course of the four-day seminar, over 25,000 meals were cooked utilising these time-honoured methods. In the traditional Maharaja technique, food is slowly cooked over an open fire to bring out a unique smokiness that is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate in modern commercial kitchens.

Strict food safety measures were maintained by the activities, even if conventional methods were used. Teams from the culinary and stewarding departments kept an eye on things to make sure everything was clean and running smoothly for the big service.

The general manager of the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre, Manuj Ralhan, stated:.Creativity is deeply ingrained in the culture of Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre. We rediscovered a bit of Rajasthan’s culinary legacy when operational issues damaged the sector. Serving thousands of delegates with ease while providing them with a genuine regional experience was made possible by cooking on traditional chulhas.

While the large-scale service showcased the properties’ operating skills, the conference brought together ophthalmologists and medical professionals from all around India.