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.


Plates that Speak Stories: Chef Altamsh’s Culinary Vision

Plates that Speak Stories: Chef Altamsh’s Culinary Vision

Chef Altamsh Patel

Published on October 1, 2025

In an exclusive feature with October edition of Hospitalitynews magazine, Chef Altamsh Patel, Director of Culinary at Hilton Mumbai International Airport, shared insights that reveal not only his passion for gastronomy but also the philosophy that drives his success. His journey is a testament to how unexpected paths often lead to extraordinary destinations.

When asked about his defining moment, Chef Altamsh reflected on his early life where his parents wished for him to become a doctor. Yet, destiny had other plans. Drawn into hotel management and eventually the kitchen of the Taj, he discovered a true sense of belonging. “What began as honoring my parents soon grew into a lifelong love, reminding me that sometimes the unplanned path becomes the one we cherish most,” he shared.

Speaking about innovation and tradition, he noted, “At Hilton Mumbai International Airport, balancing innovation with tradition means sharing a part of our heart with every guest.” To him, food is storytelling, an art that surprises guests while honoring culture.

Chef Altamsh also underlined how food creates cherished memories. Whether in restaurants, banquets, or in-room dining, he and his team strive to ensure every plate carries love, passion, and culture, making each meal unforgettable.

On sustainability, his commitment is firm. From locally sourced ingredients to Hilton’s Travel with Purpose mission, practices like waste-to-fertilizer initiatives, cage-free eggs, and glass bottles redefine responsible luxury dining.

As a mentor, Chef Altamsh believes in nurturing creativity, humility, and resilience among young chefs, ensuring excellence remains a collective effort. Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about India’s micro-cuisines and Peruvian influences, combining authenticity with multi-sensory experiences to shape the future of luxury dining.

It was truly an inspiring and enriching conversation with Chef Altamsh Patel. For the complete feature, explore the Hospitalitynews October Magazine, available on our website (E-Magazine) and as a physical copy.


Redefining Hospitality Education: An Exclusive Conversation with Dr. Suborno Bose

Redefining Hospitality Education: An Exclusive Conversation with Dr. Suborno Bose

Dr Suborno Bose

Published on October 1, 2025

In a world where hospitality is constantly reshaped by technology and global collaboration, few voices carry as much authority and vision as Dr. Suborno Bose, the Founder-Chairman and Chief Mentor of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) and Indismart Group Worldwide. Over the last 25 years, he has established Asia’s largest chain of premier hotel schools with campuses across the globe, while spearheading innovations that redefine the very essence of hospitality education.

In an exclusive feature for Hospitality News, Dr. Bose takes us through a riveting journey of ideas and insights. He reveals how AI-powered platforms like NamAIste – IIHM HospitalityGPT, the world’s first AI model for the service sector, are reshaping the way students learn, blending technology with empathy to create leaders who are both digitally fluent and emotionally intelligent.

Adding to this, he speaks passionately about the Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration on AI in Hospitality, which began with 50 countries and now includes over 60 nations. This initiative, driven by IIHM, has created a collaborative framework for integrating AI literacy, ethical practices, and equal access to education worldwide.

As the conversation deepens, Dr. Bose introduces us to his philosophy of “High Tech, Higher Touch,” a principle that balances cutting-edge digital tools with the timeless warmth of human connection. He emphasizes that while AI can anticipate preferences and streamline service, true hospitality lies in the smiles, gestures, and conversations that make every experience memorable.

From the International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) to initiatives like the Food Soldier programme, Dr. Bose continues to nurture global talent while embedding sustainability, cultural respect, and innovation at the core of hospitality. His long-term vision is clear: to position India as a hub for compassionate, intelligent, and inclusive hospitality leadership.

This inspiring exchange with Dr. Bose is more than an interview, it is a window into the future of hospitality, where technology and empathy walk hand in hand.

For the complete interview and exclusive insights, dive into the Hospitalitynews Magazine October 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.


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.