~ VMSIIHE students were hosted in Portugal as part of the Exchange Programme to learn about the culture and cuisine of Portugal ~
~ While in the capital Lisbon, the students had the opportunity to host an Awadhi themed lunch for the Indian Ambassador to Portugal, Mrs. K. Nandini Singla ~
V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) has set its aim to provide world class education to young minds in an ever-changing hospitality industry. This year too, the institute sent a select group of students to Portugal as part of its knowledge enhancing programme. Over 4 weeks, the students had an opportunity to learn and explore the vibrant culture and cuisine of the region through culinary workshops and study tours.
The Students accompanied by Chef Sujatha Madhavan, Asst. Prof –Food Production arrived in the beautiful city of Setubal at the Escolas De Turismo De Portugal where the students resided for two weeks. Over the next few days, they took in the sights and sounds of the city while also visiting the sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, the vineyards in the region, the Setubal market and the many cafes that line the busy streets. An interesting flaring and pastry workshop awaited them where they learnt about making various kinds of local sweet treats.
The students then visited capital- Lisbon, where they had the opportunity to host a lunch for the Indian Ambassador to Portugal, Mrs. K. Nandini Singla. The students planned an ‘Awadhi cuisine’ themed lunch which included Murgh Shahi Korma, Zafrani Pulao and Sheermal on the menu. Mrs. Singla interacted with the students from both countries and spoke about her fondness for the Indian savoury treat – the samosa – which was on the specially curated menu after which the student move
Snapshot of the ‘Awadhi’ cuisine prepared by the VMSIIHE students for the Lunch with the Portugal Ambassador 
Picture of VMSIIHE students at a mixology workshop in Portugal A group picture of VMSIIHE students along with Chef Sujatha Madhavan in the kitchen Picture of VMSIIHE students site-seeing Portugal as part of the Portugal Exchange Programme VMSIIHE Students in action cooking lunch for the Indian Ambassador in Portugal 
VMSIIHE Students in action cooking lunch for the Indian Ambassador in Portugal
The students then spent the last two weeks in Escolas De Turismo De Faro. The college conducted many workshops for the students which included pastry, bar, mixology, cataplana, fish, meat, regional cooking and wine tasting sessions. The students learnt different techniques of cooking, knowledge of the produce used in the region and how it can accentuate dishes. The students during their stay in Faro also visited museums and places of cultural and historic significance in Faro.
The collaboration between VMSIIHE with Turismo de Portugal offered the students this exciting and adventurous opportunity to experience the cuisine, wines of different regions and culture of Portugal.