When it comes to weddings, nothing sets the stage quite like the 1,03,012 sq. m Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in BKC, Mumbai. The culinary scene here is a highlight, offering carefully crafted menus for every occasion and size. Think responsibly sourced, seasonal ingredients, transforming into a vibrant fusion of Indian regional specialities, European, Asian and Pacific Rim cuisines.
JWCC is now bringing its A-game to The Wedding Collective with two exclusive F&B pop-ups. Picture a café serving the hottest global wedding cuisine and a swanky beverage lounge—both curated by the head of culinary services, JWCC, Chef Joy Bhattacharya. He shares a sneak peek of what you can expect at The Wedding Collective, along with the hottest food trends redefining wedding cuisine today.
Chef Joy at the Jio World Convention Centre
What inspired you and your team to collaborate with The Wedding Collective?
The Wedding Collective Exhibition at the Jio World Convention Centre is a one-of-a-kind showcase, bringing together the country’s best designers, jewellers and exclusive wedding services. Over three immersive days, it promises to offer an unparalleled journey into the world of luxury weddings. What excites us the most is the opportunity to elevate this event with an exceptional food and beverage experience, making it an integral part of this exciting event.
Can you tell us more about the culinary experiences guests can expect at The Wedding Collective?
That’s something we are keeping under wraps for now. But I can tell you this—we’re blending contemporary flavours with timeless classics, all the while staying perfectly in tune with the wedding ethos, style and spirit of celebration.
With F&B becoming a focal point at weddings, how has your experience with JWCC shaped your approach to wedding catering?
Our approach revolves around the three golden words: variety, consistency and quality. These elements are non-negotiable when catering at scale. Delivered with style, panache and attention to detail, these principles ensure that every dish not only tastes incredible but looks stunning as well.
Is there a particular cuisine or F&B experience that couples seem to favour the most?
Indian cuisine remains the cornerstone, especially for its comfort appeal with the older generation. It’s often paired with Pan-Asian and European dishes, which allows for a lot of creativity and innovation. Chefs have the opportunity to explore multiple international, regional and artisanal cooking with a focus on unique presentation and plating styles to create a “wow” factor.
What are the latest trends in wedding F&B that you're seeing today?
The days of long buffets with chafing dishes are fading. Today’s it’s about live cooking stations, where each dish is prepared fresh and served on small plates, mimicking a high-end restaurant experience. There’s also a strong emphasis on using uncommon signature ingredients and adapting them across multiple cuisines and cooking styles. Our guests today are well travelled and I feel if we can touch their hearts and palates with creations that are different and never explored before on a large scale, you’ve won the battle. However, no matter how innovative the menu, it is essential to include at least 10 per cent of classic comfort foods to cater to all tastes.
Are there any F&B trends you think couples should steer clear of, and why?
It is crucial to focus on dishes and cuisines that suit the Indian palate rather than forcing recipes that don’t naturally fit. Vietnamese and Korean cuisine, for example, have limited vegetarian options, which, as we know, are essential in many Indian weddings.
TWC is all about providing the best for the bridal party. What are you and your team most enthusiastic to present?
We’re excited to showcase a robust variety of flavours across multiple cuisines. Our team, which includes expatriate culinary specialists and Indian master chefs, is eager to showcase and bring to the table, their international expertise and deep understanding of classic and regional Indian dishes. Our kitchen brigade is thrilled to be an integral part of this three-day journey, where they can display their talent with dexterity, passion and pride.
What are you personally looking forward to in this collaboration?
I am excited to inspire and encourage our ever-motivated team to deliver their absolute best, offering great value for money. This partnership is also a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our talent to the world and in turn add to our credibility and ability to take on more challenges.
