The Heart Behind Mool: Dipti and Mithilesh Shetty's Culinary Legacy

The Heart Behind Mool: Dipti and Mithilesh Shetty's Culinary Legacy

Nishang Narayan

Published on November 4, 2024

In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, Dipti and Mithilesh Shetty, co-founders of Mool: Kitchen & Bar and Mool: Kaapi Bar & Bakes, opened up about their dedication to preserving regional Indian culinary traditions. The Shettys have built Mool with the goal of bringing authentic, lesser-known Indian recipes to the forefront of the country’s bustling culinary landscape. With over 30 years of combined experience in the industry, their passion is palpable as they dive into their unique concept, journey, and ambitions for Mool.

When asked about the origins of Mool, Dipti and Mithilesh shared, “The concept behind Mool, which means 'from the source,' is deeply personal to us. As avid travelers and food enthusiasts, we’ve always been on the lookout for authentic culinary experiences. We observed that while many restaurants utilize regional produce, few actually serve Indian food in its traditional forms. To stay true to our vision, we decided to learn traditional recipes directly from homemakers across the country. This journey taught us not only about various ingredients but also the cultural significance behind each dish, allowing us to offer our guests in Mumbai a genuinely authentic experience.”

On how they ensure authenticity while appealing to a modern audience, Mithilesh added, “Our team prioritizes quality over profit. We source ingredients from their original sources—wild nettle from Uttarakhand, Hing from Rajasthan, and Sattu from Jharkhand. By collaborating with reputable vendors and sticking to local origins, we maintain consistency in our dishes, capturing our guests’ interest with true hyper-local flavors.”

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Mool’s mission is more than just showcasing food; it’s about empowering local home chefs and highlighting India’s culinary richness. Dipti explained, “Our initial challenge was persuading local home cooks to share their treasured recipes with us. Once we built trust, we traveled across 15 regions, documenting each chef's story and signature recipe. Upon returning, we invited these home chefs to Mool to validate our preparation of their dishes, ensuring authenticity remains central to our offerings.”

Discussing Mool’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, Dipti elaborated, “Sustainability is woven into our business model. We source ingredients from organic farms and directly from farmers, providing them with steady income. Additionally, we share a portion of each meal’s proceeds with the homemakers whose recipes inspire our menu, reinforcing our commitment to supporting their culinary traditions.”

Balancing fine dining elements with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere is part of Mool’s unique identity. “While we appear to be a fine dining establishment, we embrace an upmarket Fine Casual concept at our core. This blend of casual charm with a touch of sophistication lets our guests savor regional Indian culinary delights in a relaxed setting,” Mithilesh shared. “Eating with your hands is encouraged here, adding an intimate and authentic touch to the dining experience.”

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The Shettys also discussed how seasonal ingredients and Indian festivals influence Mool’s offerings. “India’s festivals shape our menu,” Mithilesh noted. “From a Lohri menu in January to special dishes for Holi, Eid, and Diwali, we create festive menus celebrating India’s culinary heritage. This October, for example, we’re excited to offer a vegetarian Navratri Thali that highlights the goodness of millets.”

Looking to the future, Dipti and Mithilesh envision Mool expanding beyond metropolitan cities and potentially into international markets. “Our goal is to reach more audiences who appreciate authentic Indian cuisine,” said Mithilesh. “With a straightforward menu focused on lesser-known regional specialties, we’re confident that Mool can resonate with both NRI communities and international diners.”

The interview offered a profound look at the Shettys’ dedication to culinary authenticity and cultural preservation. It was a pleasure to delve into their journey and vision for Mool. You can check out the complete interview in the November issue of Hospitality News, available on our website.


Vivek Shukla Redefines Loyalty Through Purpose-Driven Hospitality

Vivek Shukla Redefines Loyalty Through Purpose-Driven Hospitality

Vivek Shukla

Published on September 1, 2025

In today’s world of hospitality, where loyalty programs are often defined by free nights, discounts, and upgrades, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group has chosen a different path, one that blends guest rewards with social good. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Vivek Shukla, CEO of the Group, offered rare insights into how luxury and purpose can converge to create a new standard for the industry.

With more than 35 years in luxury hospitality and two decades shaping The LaLiT’s vision, Shukla is widely known for his people-first approach and strategic foresight. His leadership during the pandemic, marked by initiatives that supported frontline workers and vulnerable communities, underscored his conviction that hospitality is about much more than service, it is about responsibility.

This ethos is at the heart of the Group’s new loyalty program. Unlike traditional models, this initiative empowers guests to transform everyday indulgences into acts of giving. Partnering with Points for Good, The LaLiT allows loyalty members to channel their points towards diverse causes ranging from child education and sustainability to LGBTQIA+ empowerment. Shukla describes it as a shift “from transactional exchanges to purposeful, meaningful connections”.

The innovation lies in embedding impact seamlessly into daily guest interactions. Shukla believes that over time, members will begin to associate loyalty not only with luxury but also with generosity and social change. “When routine stays or meals become part of something greater, it fosters a culture of care and giving back”, he says.

Perhaps most compelling is the vision behind it: small contributions from thousands of guests, collectively sparking a wave of impact across India. By aligning hospitality with social responsibility, The LaLiT is rewriting the future of loyalty, one that is not just about repeat business but about emotional connection and shared purpose.

Our conversation with Vivek Shukla was both inspiring and thought-provoking, challenging the industry to see loyalty in a whole new light. For the complete interview and exclusive insights, dive into the Hospitalitynews Magazine September Edition- available now on our website and in print. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative dialogue shaping the future of hospitality.


Exclusive Insights with Dr. Anshu Jalora on AI-Powered Pricing

Exclusive Insights with Dr. Anshu Jalora on AI-Powered Pricing

Dr Anshu Jalora

Published on September 1, 2025

In an era where unpredictability has become the only constant in travel and hospitality, few voices carry the weight of experience, foresight, and innovation like Dr. Anshu Jalora, Founder and Managing Director of Sciative Solutions. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Dr. Jalora shared sharp insights on how technology, behavioral economics, and AI-driven pricing are rewriting the rules of hotel revenue management.

With over 23 years of global expertise, stints at Starbucks, Overstock.com, and PROS Revenue Management, and a patent in pricing software, Dr. Jalora is not only a leader but a pioneer. His ability to bridge the precision of academia with the dynamism of the hospitality market makes his perspectives especially compelling.

When asked about this year’s unexpected monsoon surge in travel demand, Dr. Jalora explained how AI-powered systems like ZettaRMS can detect weather shifts, booking pace, and competitor rates in real time allowing hotels not just to react, but to stay ahead of market waves. The difference, he notes, lies in “explainability,” enabling revenue managers to understand why pricing shifts occur while preserving guest trust.

What followed was a fascinating look into the speed of pricing decisions. With ZettaRMS updating rates every 15 minutes, Dr. Jalora emphasized how short-lived surges can now be monetized with precision, often lifting ADRs by 4–5% in ways static pricing could never achieve. His revelations about post-pandemic booking patterns in India last-minute clusters, OTA user behaviors, and the surprising profitability of “shoulder nights” offered a rare, data-driven lens into the evolving market.

From tackling OTA leakage with parity checks to preparing hotels for the unpredictable, Dr. Jalora stressed one recurring theme: context-specific pricing is the future. The hotels that adapt in real time will not only safeguard revenues but thrive in an increasingly volatile market.

It was a truly insightful conversation with Dr. Jalora, one that promises to reshape how we think about pricing in hospitality.

Want More? You can explore the full in-depth interview and exclusive coverage in the September edition of Hospitalitynews magazine, available both on our website and as a beautifully curated print magazine. Don’t miss your chance to engage with the future of hospitality, one conversation at a time.


Scoops of a Dream: Shaariq Akhtar on Yura’s Artisanal Journey

Scoops of a Dream: Shaariq Akhtar on Yura’s Artisanal Journey

Shaariq Akhtar

Published on September 1, 2025

At the heart of ITC Grand Chola, one of Chennai’s most iconic star hotels, a frozen dream has been delighting the city. Yura, the artisanal gelato and sorbet destination, has quickly become a favourite among dessert lovers for its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and culinary artistry. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Shaariq Akhtar, General Manager of ITC Grand Chola, shared insights into Yura’s journey, its inspirations, and the philosophy behind its one-of-a-kind creations.

Shaariq describes Yura as more than just gelato. For him, it is the realisation of “a beautiful dream”, a place where childhood memories and sensory indulgence meet. This philosophy is at the heart of Yura’s handcrafted flavours, whether it’s the ethereal balance of Miso Caramel, the gold-touched elegance of Idukki Vanilla, or the playful indulgence of Filter Kaapi and Rose & Paan. Each flavour tells a story, designed to surprise and comfort at the same time.

What makes Yura stand apart is its ability to balance bold creativity with the warmth of familiarity. In a country where traditional sweets are deeply loved, Yura offers reinterpretations that spark nostalgia in a new form. Whether it’s Aam Papad Gelato or French Raspberry Sorbet, the intent remains the same, to bring people closer to cherished memories, now served in scoops of artisanal perfection.

Shaariq also spoke about the painstaking process of creating new flavours, from the very first spark of inspiration to the final tasting session. Each step is guided by the idea that every scoop should stir emotions and leave behind an unforgettable experience. Sustainability too lies at the core, with Yura relying on mindful sourcing and renewable energy, ensuring that indulgence remains both luxurious and responsible.

Our conversation with Shaariq revealed that Yura is more than a frozen treat, it’s an experience of comfort, wonder, and artistry. Every scoop tells a story, waiting to be discovered.

It was truly a delightful conversation with him, and to read the complete interview, you can check out the September edition of Hospitalitynews Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy today.