Feasting, Fashion, and Fun with Flair
BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES
Whether you’re searching for the perfect wedding outfit, want to know the best that Thailand’s hospitality industry has to offer, on the lookout for all the preeminent F&B catering spots in town, or simply wish to bask in the infectious energy and opulence of a big, fat, Indian wedding, make sure to mark your calendars as there’s less than a month to go till the Masala Wedding Fair! Thailand’s biggest and most popular Indian wedding exhibition is back for its 11th Edition, and it’s set to be the best one yet. Happening on Saturday, 22 June, and Sunday, 23 June, at the luxe and expansive Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, the fair will bring together over 105 booths featuring the finest in ready-to-wear and couture fashion, high-end jewellery, delectable cuisine, and innovative beverages.
With a record number of exhibitors, including more food and beverage options than ever before; a dizzying array of lavish fashion and jewellery from India; as well as beloved local labels that you’re sure to recognise; it’s hard to know where to start. Fear not, we’ve put together a handy guide so you can make your must-visit list well before the fair even starts!
FOOD
If you’re looking for Michelin-starred flair, look no further than Marigold by Chef Garima Arora, and make sure to sample their delectable mithais and snacks. For Indian fine-dining that’s taken to new heights, visit Tambu for progressive Indian charcoal cuisine; and NILA and Jharokha by Indus, who will take you on a journey through the best of Indian coastal dishes. Red Catering, Jodhaa’s Catering, Punjab Grill, Al Saray, Saras, and cuisine from Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park itself will showcase their longstanding experiencing in catering largescale Indian weddings and events, perfect for those looking for veterans in the scene. If you’re in the mood for more delicious Indian fare, head over to Tapori, or for international options, Carmina will be serving up Latin American delights; Starita will be sure to charm with their authentic Neopolitan-style pizzas and pastas; while beloved Japanese establishment, Isao, will leave you craving more of their California-style rolls.
DRINKS
For the first time, the fair will be introducing an impressive range of Indian alcohol, spanning Indian tequilas by Inspirador Indian Spirits, wines, and local liquor such as feni. If you’re hoping for more familiar fare, some of the country’s top beverage distributors will have booths at the fair, so make sure to visit the likes of Italasia and Refill Social for a range of international wine labels; Kingfisher Beer for a refreshing sip of India’s budding beer scene; and Gulp’s expansive bar for their array of labels and delicious tipples to keep you going as you shop. For non-alcoholic fare, Sarnies Bangkok will be making innovative coffee drinks, so make sure to drop by!
FASHION AND JEWELLERY
The fair will also showcase unrivalled opportunities to shop till you drop, with celebrated fashion and jewellery brands from India coming all the way to the Kingdom. You won’t need to visit India for renowned and prestigious names such as Papa Don’t Preach, Vikram Phadnis, Chhavvi Aggarwal, Khanna Jewellers, and more, as they all will be present at the fair, so make sure to check out their latest collections. For the first time, the fair will also feature a dedicated Divalicious pop-up area for all your fashion needs, and make sure to say hi to the much-loved local designers that will be showcasing their stunning designs at the fare, spanning Suwannee by Sam, Pavni, Sumedha Sehgal, and more.
ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE
For a fun time for the whole family, visitors with children can enjoy a dedicated kids’ corner, so mums and dads, worry not! If you’ve shopped all day and need to take a load off, the fair’s health and wellness section will offer complimentary massages from the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, as well as screenings and consultations from the city’s most established names in the industry. And as you shop, enjoy live entertainment from some of the community’s most talented performers – you’ll be surprised at how gifted our community members are! But we haven’t mentioned everything we have in store here – there will be surprises that you’ll have to wait and see in person, and make sure to take your copy of the Masala Wedding Fair Newsletter on Day 2 for updates, pictures, and some hot masala chai overheard at the fair!
KEY INFORMATION:
DATE: 22 & 23 June 2024
LOCATION:Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toey, Bangkok, 10110
TEL: 02 059 5555
TIME:11am to 8pm
