Author: Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
The culinary traditions of Lucknow found a temporary home in Hyderabad at Permit To Grill at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, which hosted Daawat-e-Lucknow, a specially curated Awadhi food festival led by Chef Samad Khan, Chef de Partie at Mercure Lucknow Gomti Nagar. The festival which will run till 14th June aims to introduce diners to the authentic flavours, cooking techniques, and culinary heritage of Lucknow, beyond the familiar Awadhi biryani and kebabs. For Chef Khan, the festival is not just about serving food but about showcasing a culture. “We wanted guests to experience Lucknowi cuisine exactly as it is prepared in…
Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad As Hyderabad’s food and beverage landscape becomes increasingly crowded, restaurant operators are being forced to think beyond menus and locations. For Stuff Foods LLP, the strategy revolves around identifying untapped consumer segments, creating differentiated concepts and building a scalable backend that can support rapid expansion. Founded by Sandeep Kintali, Co-Founder, Stuff Foods LLP, and Ankit Patel, Founder & Managing Partner, Stuff Foods LLP, the company has built a multi-brand portfolio comprising Yolk Theory, Stuff Idli, and Kulchas, each catering to a distinct consumer need while operating within a common ecosystem of operational efficiency and innovation. “Kulchas…
With extensive experience in India’s alco-bev industry, Arundeep Singla, Chairman & Managing Director of Alcostar Group of Companies, has been instrumental in building premium brands and driving innovation in the sector. In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee, Singla shares his insights on evolving consumer preferences, premiumisation trends, hospitality partnerships, and the future growth of the alco-bev market in India. How is the alco-bev segment evolving from being an add-on revenue stream to becoming a key profitability driver for hotels and restaurants? The alco-bev segment is no longer seen as a secondary support category for hospitality businesses. In hotels, restaurants,…
In a dining landscape crowded with Pan-Asian restaurants, YouMee has built a personality that feels instantly recognisable.Part of the Lite Bite Foods portfolio – the hospitality group behind brands such as Punjab Grill, YouMee has steadily expanded its footprint across India, appealing to a generation of diners who seek experiences that go beyond the plate. Its blend of Asian comfort food, manga-inspired storytelling and vibrant interiors has helped the brand cultivate a loyal following in cities across the country. At the Nexus Mall outlet in Kukatpally, Hyderabad that identity is evident. The space truly is a visual nod to contemporary…
Having spent nearly two decades across luxury hotels, airline catering and destination hospitality, Chef Shiiv Parvesh believes a chef’s journey should be “like a flowing river” – constantly evolving through travel, cultures and experiences. From starting his career at The Oberoi, New Delhi, to handling large-scale culinary operations across India and overseas, Parvesh today leads the kitchens as the Director of Culinary at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre, where he oversees one of Asia’s largest convention hospitality setups. In an exclusive interaction with Asmita Mukherjee, Chef Parvesh speaks about Hyderabad’s evolving food culture, post-pandemic dining trends,…
For anyone familiar with India’s love for Indo Chinese food, the story often begins in Kolkata. The city’s historic Territi Bazar, Chinatown and its Chinese-descendant communities played a defining role in shaping the flavours that generations of Indians have grown up enjoying. It is from these roots that Chowman, founded by Debaditya Chaudhury, emerged and went on to become one of the country’s most loved destinations for Kolkata-style Chinese cuisine. With its newest outlet in Hyderabad’s Champapet, the brand brings another slice of that legacy to the city. The restaurant makes a pleasant first impression. Warm lighting, comfortable seating and…
India’s hospitality sector is expanding rapidly on the back of strong demand and rising investments. But industry leaders believe the real test now lies in building skilled talent that can sustain service quality at scale. Asmita Mukherjee writes… Demand Surge India’s hospitality industry is entering what many believe could be its most defining growth cycle yet. With more than 70,000 new hotel keys projected to enter the market by 2030, the conversation is no longer centred only on expansion. The sharper debate now is whether the sector can sustain service quality, pricing power, and profitability while scaling at this unprecedented…
At ibis Hyderabad HITEC City, The Groove Hub arrives as a refreshing addition to Hyderabad’s casual dining scene, bringing together relaxed alfresco vibes, comforting food and warm hospitality. Designed as an open-air dining space that reflects ibis’ youthful and social energy, the restaurant creates the kind of atmosphere where guests can slow down, unwind and simply enjoy the evening. The first thing that stands out at The Groove Hub is the warmth of the experience. We have noticed that, Manoj Kumar Pulle, Assistant Manager Restaurant and Bar is constantly present on the floor, engaging with diners with genuine attentiveness, while…
India’s hospitality sector is entering a more durable growth phase, supported by strong demand fundamentals, rising institutional participation, and a clear shift toward premiumisation and disciplined expansion. According to Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa at CBRE, the current momentum reflects a structural re-rating rather than a cyclical rebound. In an exclusive interaction with Asmita Mukherjee, Anshuman Magazine outlines the key indicators underpinning this upcycle. India’s hospitality sector is moving from recovery to structural growth. What are the strongest indicators that this is a sustained upcycle rather than a cyclical rebound? The sector…
In the middle of this scorching summer, finding a place that feels light, easy, and refreshing isn’t always simple. And while cafés seem to be popping up everywhere, all trying to stand out, a few places don’t really need to try that hard, just because it gets the basics right. Nestled at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Kondapur, Le Café is a European sidewalk-themed deli that serves baked delights and desserts. It has built a steady following over time, not just out of nostalgia, but because of the clean and fussfree food. Le Café has recently introduced a new menu that…
