From Wow Factor to Flavor: How Phurr Delivers an Unforgettable Experience

From Wow Factor to Flavor: How Phurr Delivers an Unforgettable Experience

Nishang Narayan

Published on November 4, 2024

Phurr has quickly emerged as a favorite among Bangalore’s food enthusiasts, offering a modern vegetarian dining experience in a stylish setting. Known for pushing culinary boundaries, Phurr has attracted attention across the city, and we were excited to experience it firsthand. During our visit, we sat down with Rahul Lunawat, one of Phurr’s founders, who shared his insights into what makes Phurr a standout.

From the moment we walked in, the welcoming ambiance set the tone. Designed by a renowned Mumbai-based architectural firm, Phurr’s interiors impress immediately—a perfect complement to the dining experience they aim to offer. “The ambiance is just as important as the food,” Rahul explained. “It needed to be memorable, something people would talk about long after they leave.”

Phurr has established a reputation for reimagining vegetarian cuisine, with over 120 dishes on the menu, including vegan and Jain options. When asked about what sets Phurr apart, Rahul emphasized their commitment to delivering an experience that keeps guests coming back. “In a city with new restaurants popping up every day, we knew we had to offer something unique. It’s all about giving people a dining experience they’ll love and remember,” he shared.

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The extensive menu showcases Phurr’s creative approach, with signature dishes like the Phurr Biryani Nuggets and Ratatouille Gujiya quickly becoming customer favorites. Rahul shared the process behind creating these dishes, balancing creativity with familiarity. “There’s a fine line between being unique and going too far. We spent a lot of time testing each dish—for taste, texture, and presentation,” he said.

Phurr’s success also lies in its ability to blend innovation with tradition. While the starters are often experimental, the main courses offer a comforting selection of classic dishes. “We wanted to strike a balance—new and exciting starters, but familiar main courses. This way, guests can try something different without feeling overwhelmed,” Rahul explained.

In just eight months, Phurr has become one of Bangalore’s most talked-about spots. Rahul attributes their success to a focus on details and constant innovation. “It’s about giving guests more than they expect. From an amuse-bouche to greet them to new menu items every month, we’re always looking for ways to surprise our customers,” he shared.

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Phurr also stands out for its creative collaborations. By working with culinary experts like Chef Sombir on the menu and mixologist Avinash Kapoli for unique mocktails, Phurr has elevated its dining experience. “These partnerships bring fresh perspectives to what we do. We’ll keep collaborating with experts to ensure Phurr remains exciting,” Rahul noted.

Reflecting on his journey from brainstorming ideas at Airlines Hotel to running one of Bangalore’s top restaurants, Rahul’s advice to aspiring restaurateurs was simple yet powerful. “The restaurant industry is tough. You need passion and hard work to succeed. Even after seven years, we’re hands-on every day, constantly creating new experiences and pushing the brand forward,” he said.

As we left Phurr, it was clear why this restaurant has captivated Bangalore’s food lovers. With its thoughtfully crafted menu, inviting ambiance, and focus on innovation, Phurr promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. You can check out the complete article in the November issue of Hospitality News, available on our website.


Dinesh Yadav on Fine Acers’ Next Chapter with Dolce

Dinesh Yadav on Fine Acers’ Next Chapter with Dolce

Dinesh Yadav

Published on May 4, 2026

Fine Acers, a recognised name in hospitality-led real estate, has partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to introduce the Dolce brand in India, marking a significant step as the country’s tourism and hospitality sector is projected to reach USD 59 billion by 2028. Reflecting on this milestone, Dinesh Yadav, Founder & MD of Fine Acers highlights how the collaboration aligns with rising demand for premium leisure travel, destination weddings, and experiential stays. With existing resorts in Jaipur, Pushkar, and Goa, the company currently operates 200 rooms across three properties and plans to add 700 more keys over the next three years across Jaipur, Jawai, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Coorg, backed by an investment of around ₹600 crore. This expansion will take the total inventory to 1500 rooms across seven properties.

The introduction of Dolce by Wyndham comes at a time when India’s luxury hospitality segment faces a supply gap, with only around 29,000 luxury rooms available nationwide. Positioned to bridge this gap, Dolce integrates business, leisure, and large-scale event capabilities, making it ideal for high-demand markets like Goa and Udaipur, known for strong occupancy rates and wedding-driven demand. Fine Acers’ sale-and-leaseback model supports growth by enabling investors to purchase around 70% of its inventory, which is leased back and professionally managed, offering attractive returns without operational involvement, a model gaining traction among HNIs and NRIs seeking financial and experiential value. Backed by strong industry fundamentals, with hotel demand projected to grow at 10.8% annually against 8% supply growth, the company is expanding into high-demand destinations with a vision to surpass 1500 keys by 2030 and establish itself as a leading player in resort and lifestyle hospitality, while destination weddings and MICE remain central to the strategy, supported by India’s USD 130 billion wedding industry, driving memorable guest experiences and sustained growth.

This engaging exchange offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of India’s luxury hospitality sector and the strategic vision driving Fine Acers forward. It was truly a great conversation with Dinesh Yadav, and readers can explore the complete feature in the Hospitality News May Magazine, available on our website and in print.


Redefining Luxury Through Human Connection: The Anand Mishra Way

Redefining Luxury Through Human Connection: The Anand Mishra Way

Anand Mishra

Published on May 1, 2026

In an exclusive and engaging interaction, Anand Mishra, Director of Operations at Sayaji Vadodara, Offers a thoughtful glimpse into the evolving world of hospitality in the May edition of Hospitality News magazine, where every detail matters and every guest experience carries meaning. Known for his strong operational expertise and people-first approach, he shares perspectives that go beyond processes, diving into the emotional core of hospitality.

Reflecting on his journey, he describes it as a story that began unexpectedly but soon transformed into a fulfilling career. “I began my journey as a management trainee at ITC, more by chance than by choice. What followed was a true rollercoaster filled with ups and downs, challenges, fun, and excitement. This industry has a unique way of shaping you, pushing you to grow, and transforming who you are. Looking back, I have no regrets. In fact, today I can proudly say that I enjoy my job every single day.”

What truly stands out is his deep commitment to guest care. Recalling a touching moment at Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, he shares, “I remember a single woman traveller who approached me at check-in with a strict, medically prescribed diet and asked if we could accommodate it…” What followed was a coordinated effort by his team to ensure precision and care. “At the time of checkout, she had tears in her eyes… It reaffirmed that when we truly commit, we can create an unmatched guest experience.”

Speaking about today’s travellers, he highlights a shift in expectations. “Luxury is not materialistic, it is deeply personal.” His approach focuses on understanding guests, anticipating their needs, and delivering warmth that feels like home.

Even in moments of operational challenges, such as a sudden system failure during peak service, his emphasis remains unchanged. “It was a perfect example of teamwork, quick thinking, and resilience,” he recalls, underlining the importance of seamless guest experience.

For him, the smallest details create the biggest impact. “Luxury is always human, it is never just materialistic.” At Sayaji, this philosophy comes alive through their “Yours Truly” experience.

This insightful exchange captures the essence of modern hospitality, where emotion meets excellence. It was truly a great conversation, and you can explore the complete feature in the Hospitality News May magazine on our website, or grab a physical copy to experience it in full.


Redefining Readiness in Hospitality: A Conversation with Sanjeev Kumar

Redefining Readiness in Hospitality: A Conversation with Sanjeev Kumar

Sanjeev Kumar

Published on May 1, 2026

The hospitality industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, yet a fundamental question continues to challenge its growth, are we truly preparing talent for the realities of the job? In an exclusive and thought-provoking interaction, Sanjeev Kumar, Founder of HOSPI Sigma™, shares his perspective on this critical shift, offering a fresh lens on performance, capability, and industry readiness.

With over three decades of experience across globally respected brands such as Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Premier Inn, Sanjeev Kumar brings unmatched operational depth combined with strategic foresight. His journey, further enriched by his tenure at Lloyds Banking Group, has shaped a unique approach that bridges hospitality with structured, data-driven methodologies.

In this featured conversation, he delves into the pressing gap between ‘qualified’ and ‘job-ready’ professionals, highlighting how traditional education often stops at knowledge, while the industry demands decisive action under pressure. Through HOSPI Sigma™, he introduces a transformative framework that shifts the focus from learning to real-time performance, an approach that is steadily redefining how talent is trained, evaluated, and empowered.

What sets this dialogue apart is its clarity and relevance. From addressing why performance under pressure has long been overlooked, to explaining how structured thinking can significantly reduce operational inefficiencies, Sanjeev Kumar offers insights that resonate with both industry leaders and emerging professionals. His emphasis on measurable outcomes, fewer guest complaints, reduced training costs, and consistent service delivery, adds a compelling business perspective to the conversation.

As the discussion unfolds, it builds a strong sense of anticipation around the future of hospitality talent. With India’s rapid expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, frameworks like HOSPI Sigma™ are no longer optional, they are becoming essential. The conversation also touches upon the evolving role of policy, particularly in light of the Union Budget’s focus on skill development, and the urgent need to align intent with execution on the ground.

This is more than just an interview, it is a window into the future of hospitality operations and talent transformation.

It was truly a great conversation with Sanjeev Kumar, filled with insight, clarity, and forward-thinking perspectives. To explore the complete interview and gain deeper understanding, you can check it out in the HospitalityNews May magazine on our website, or experience it in its full depth through our physical edition.