InterContinental Dhaka, in strategic partnership with Bengal Meat, officially inaugurated "Meats & Beats Unlimited Volume 2" today, 20 August, at The Amber Room.

This ten-day gastronomic festival, running from August 20 to 29, represents a high-value collaboration between the nation’s premier hospitality institution and its leading livestock producer.

The launch of “Meat & Beats Unlimited Volume 2” was marked by a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a distinguished assembly of dignitaries from the corporate, diplomatic, and hospitality sectors, including Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan, Managing Director of Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL); A.F.M. Asif, CEO of Bengal Meat; and David O’Hanlon, General Manager of InterContinental Dhaka. Also in attendance were Mohammad Mozammel Haque, Company Secretary of BSL; Executive Chef Julian Sitol Botlero; and Saadman Salahuddin, Director of Marketing. The ceremony was graced by Special Guest Muhammad Wasif, Deputy High Commissioner of the Embassy of Pakistan.

The launch of Volume 2 serves as a direct response to the "overwhelming appreciation" of the inaugural 2025 edition. Managing Director Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan noted that the 2026 opening night was already "overly booked."

In his remarks, Bhuiyan highlighted the premium positioning of the festival by comparing the quality of the beef to the world-renowned Kobe beef of Japan, emphasising that InterContinental’s offerings aim to provide a similarly elite experience for local gourmands.

The menu at The Amber Room features an extensive selection of specialised cuts, including Beef Tenderloin, Rib-eye, Sirloin, Chateaubriand, Prime Ribs, T-Bone, Short Ribs, Brisket, and Beef Brochette. These are complemented by five signature homemade sauces: Hollandaise, Mushroom, Pepper, BBQ, and Chimichurri.

Executive Chef Julian Sitol Botlero emphasised that the festival is a showcase of culinary precision, focusing on specific marination techniques, exact cooking temperatures, and the inherent quality of Bengal Meat’s products.

In a move that added a humanising warmth to the technical presentation, Chef Julian invited his team of senior expert chefs onto the stage, acknowledging the "magic in the hands" of the culinary staff who execute the "premium" label.

"Meats & Beats" is designed as a holistic sensory experience that integrates high-end gastronomy with atmospheric entertainment. The "Beats" side of the festival was underscored by a vibrant Western-themed aesthetic, featuring a "Cowboy" motif and a themed backdrop that set a playful yet sophisticated tone.

Beyond the primary meat selections, the menu includes traditional accompaniments such as Yorkshire pudding, jacket potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and saffron rice, alongside a cold cut station, diverse salads, soups, and a selection of international desserts.

To enhance the ambience, the hotel has programmed nightly live music performances. This combination of fine dining and live entertainment reflects a broader trend in Dhaka’s "cosmopolitan food scene," as described by Bengal Meat CEO A.F.M. Asif.

The “Meats and Beats Unlimited” dinner is priced at BDT 7,500 net per person and will be available nightly through August 29. A Buy One Get One (B1G1) offer is available for holders of 27 selected bank cards, while guests can also access a 25% discount through the IHG One Rewards loyalty program.