“We celebrate regional flavors…” - Kedar Shetty, Co-Founder, Baliboo, Mumbai

“We celebrate regional flavors…” - Kedar Shetty, Co-Founder, Baliboo, Mumbai

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Published on July 3, 2024

Kedarnath Shetty, co-founder of Baliboo, discusses their menu development philosophy, use of local ingredients, and exciting upcoming plans for the restaurant in this Exclusive Interview.

Conceptualized by the dynamic duo of Divya Kadam and Kedar Shetty, Baliboo boasts a stunning ambiance that reflects the lush beauty of the tropics. Think inviting interiors, a touch of modern elegance, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a truly unforgettable experience.

But Baliboo’s magic extends beyond its aesthetics. The meticulously crafted menu is a delightful fusion of cultures, offering a taste of the exotic alongside familiar favorites. Whether you're a dedicated vegetarian, a confirmed carnivore, or someone with dietary restrictions, Baliboo caters to all with thoughtfully tailored options. Locally sourced ingredients ensure freshness in every bite, while the culinary team's passion for flavor shines through in each dish.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive beverage program, featuring refreshing cocktails and mocktails that perfectly complement the food. From classic favorites to innovative concoctions bursting with tropical fruits and spices, there’s a drink to tantalize every taste bud.

What inspired the concept behind Baliboo, and how does it differentiate itself in Mumbai’s dining scene?

Inspiration Behind Baliboo: The concept behind Baliboo was inspired by the vibrant cultures and diverse culinary traditions encountered by founders Divya Kadam and Kedar Shetty during their extensive travels. They envisioned creating a dining destination that encapsulates the joy and excitement of discovering new flavors and experiences. This vision is brought to life through Baliboo's innovative menu, which features a seamless blend of global cuisines with a unique twist, creating an unforgettable gastronomic journey for our guests.

Differentiation in Mumbai’s Dining Scene: Baliboo sets itself apart in Mumbai's bustling dining scene through its commitment to culinary ingenuity and heartfelt hospitality. Each dish is meticulously crafted, balancing creativity and tradition to offer a unique taste experience. The ambiance at Baliboo is vibrant and inviting, reflecting the joyous revelry of taste and life's vibrant essence that we aim to celebrate with every visit. Our dedication to exceptional service and creating memorable dining experiences ensures that Baliboo remains a standout choice for food enthusiasts in Mumbai.

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Could you share some insights into the design philosophy of Baliboo and how it reflects the essence of a tropical paradise?

Baliboo’s design philosophy centers on creating a tropical paradise within the heart of Mumbai. Inspired by the serene beauty and vibrant culture of tropical destinations, our interior features lush greenery, natural wood elements, and bright, airy spaces. This design reflects our commitment to offering an escape from the urban hustle, allowing guests to unwind and immerse themselves in a tranquil, exotic ambiance while enjoying our unique culinary creations.

How do you ensure that the menu at Baliboo offers a harmonious blend of Asian, Continental, and Indian flavors while catering to diverse dietary preferences?

At Baliboo, we ensure a harmonious blend of Asian, Continental, and Indian flavors by carefully curating our menu to highlight the best of each cuisine while maintaining balance and coherence. Our chefs meticulously source high-quality ingredients and craft dishes that celebrate diverse culinary traditions. Additionally, we offer a variety of options catering to diverse dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb choices, ensuring that every guest finds something delightful to enjoy.

Baliboo emphasizes inclusivity with its vegetarian, vegan, and dietary-specific options. How do you approach menu development to accommodate these needs without compromising on taste and quality?

At Baliboo, we approach menu development with a focus on creativity and innovation to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and dietary-specific needs. Our chefs experiment with diverse ingredients and cooking techniques to ensure every dish is flavorful and satisfying. By using fresh, high-quality produce and carefully balancing spices and textures, we create dishes that cater to dietary preferences without compromising on taste and quality. This commitment ensures that all our guests enjoy a memorable dining experience.

The cocktail menu at Baliboo offers a wide range of unique libations. What inspired the creation of signature cocktails like Scarlet and Rosetta?

The creation of signature cocktails like Scarlet and Rosetta at Baliboo is inspired by our desire to craft beverages that reflect the vibrant, tropical essence of our dining experience. Scarlet, with its bold, rich flavors, draws inspiration from exotic fruits and spices, while Rosetta combines delicate floral notes and refreshing botanicals. Both cocktails are designed to complement our diverse menu and enhance the overall sensory experience for our guests. 

With the strong emphasis on local sourcing, how does Baliboo contribute to enhancing the community's culinary experience?

At Baliboo, we emphasize local sourcing to contribute to the community’s culinary experience by partnering with local farmers and suppliers. This ensures fresh, high-quality ingredients while supporting the local economy. By incorporating locally-sourced produce into our dishes, we celebrate regional flavors and create a sustainable dining experience that resonates with our community’s tastes and values.

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Can you share any upcoming initiatives or events that patrons can look forward to at Baliboo?

At Baliboo, patrons can look forward to an exciting lineup of upcoming initiatives and events, including themed culinary nights, live music performances, and exclusive tasting menus that showcase seasonal ingredients. We are also planning interactive cooking workshops and mixology classes, providing guests with unique and engaging experiences that celebrate our commitment to culinary innovation and community engagement. 

What legacy do you hope the restaurant leaves in Mumbai's dining landscape, and what future vision do you have for its continued success?

At Baliboo, we hope to leave a legacy of culinary excellence and innovative dining experiences in Mumbai’s dining landscape. We aim to be remembered for our exceptional food, heartfelt hospitality, and vibrant ambiance. Our future vision includes expanding our reach while maintaining our commitment to quality and creativity, continuously evolving our menu, and deepening our connection with the community through diverse, memorable experiences.


Vinod K. Tripathi on Building a Sustainable Hospitality Future

Vinod K. Tripathi on Building a Sustainable Hospitality Future

Vinod K. Tripathi

Published on October 1, 2026

What does it take to build a hospitality brand that grows with purpose while remaining responsible towards people and the planet? For Vinod K. Tripathi, Chairman of Eco Hotels & Resorts, the answer comes from a journey shaped by diverse professional experiences, sustainable thinking and a clear vision for the future of Indian hospitality.

In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News, Vinod K. Tripathi opened up about the experiences that have influenced his leadership approach and shared his perspective on some of the key changes shaping the hospitality sector today.

His professional journey across taxation, finance, administration, textiles, real estate and renewable energy has offered him perspectives from different sides of business. Reflecting on this experience, Vinod K. Tripathi said, “My professional journey across taxation, finance, administration, textiles, real estate and renewable energy has given me a broad understanding of businesses and institutions.” He also highlighted how public service and private-sector experience continue to influence his approach at Eco Hotels & Resorts.

The conversation then moved towards the changing hospitality landscape beyond India’s major metros. With Tier II and Tier III cities witnessing growing travel demand, Vinod explained how the mid-segment is evolving beyond affordability, focusing instead on dependable service, comfort and relevant experiences.

At the heart of the brand’s philosophy are People, Planet and Profit. Discussing how these principles influence operations, he shared, “Ultimately, sustainability is about balancing responsible growth, guest experience and long-term value.”

The conversation also explored the growing importance of spiritual tourism, particularly through the launch of Eco Satva in Shirdi and Ayodhya, along with the brand’s pure vegetarian dining format, Sahar.

Looking ahead, Vinod outlined an ambitious growth vision, including reaching 5,000 rooms by FY30 and 15,000 rooms across India over the next decade, while maintaining service consistency, operational efficiency and sustainability.

From professional lessons and sustainable hospitality to spiritual destinations and future expansion, our conversation with Vinod K. Tripathi offered a closer look at the philosophy behind Eco Hotels & Resorts and its evolving journey. Check out the complete interview in the Hospitality News October Magazine on our website and explore the full conversation in the physical copy of the magazine.


Sandeep Ahuja on Shaping the Future of Living & Hospitality

Sandeep Ahuja on Shaping the Future of Living & Hospitality

Sandeep Ahuja

Published on October 1, 2026

What does it take to build a hospitality and living brand that earns trust while continuing to evolve across markets? For Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director of Atmosphere Living & One Atmosphere, the answer lies in consistency, meaningful experiences and a clear understanding of what customers truly value.

In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, Sandeep shared insights into the leadership principles that have shaped his journey and the thinking behind the continued growth of Atmosphere Living and One Atmosphere.

Reflecting on the importance of long-term brand building, he said, “The principle that has stayed with me is that a brand is built through consistency, not just visibility.” He further highlighted the importance of trust, transparency and attention to detail in an industry where relationships extend far beyond transactions.

The conversation then moved towards one of the emerging areas in real estate and hospitality, leaseback investments. Sharing his perspective on the model, Sandeep explained, “Leaseback is becoming an interesting proposition by bringing together ownership and professionally managed hospitality.” He also outlined how the approach can create sustained value by bringing real estate and hospitality operations together.

The discussion takes an international turn with Arka Enclave Residences in Dubai, Atmosphere Living’s first project in the UAE. Sandeep described it as an important step in taking the brand’s understanding of branded and serviced living to one of the world’s dynamic markets.

But the vision does not stop there. Speaking about the changing expectations around accommodation, Sandeep noted, “The distinction between residential and hospitality is becoming increasingly fluid.” He sees growing relevance in formats that combine the privacy of a home with the convenience and flexibility of hospitality.

Looking ahead, the brands remain focused on expanding across serviced apartments, branded residences, leaseback-led hospitality and integrated real estate-hospitality formats, while keeping quality at the centre of growth. Our conversation with Sandeep Ahuja offered valuable perspectives on how living, hospitality and real estate are coming together to shape new experiences. Check out the complete interview in the Hospitality News October  Magazine on our website and explore the full conversation in the physical copy of the magazine.


The Art of Thoughtful Hospitality Experiences

The Art of Thoughtful Hospitality Experiences

Dushyant Singh

Published on September 1, 2026

What does it take to create a hospitality experience that guests remember long after they leave? Is luxury defined by the setting, the service, or by the ability to make every guest feel genuinely understood? For Dushyant Singh, Hotel Manager, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, the answer lies somewhere deeper, in the art of thoughtful hospitality.

With more than two decades of experience with Marriott International, Dushyant brings a leadership perspective shaped by diverse cultures, markets, hotel operations and multiple successful openings. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, he takes us behind the philosophy guiding Mulberry Shades and shares how the resort is evolving as a wellness and lifestyle destination.

From leadership and financial performance to personalised service, Dushyant explores the delicate balance between commercial discipline and creating experiences that build loyalty. His insights reveal why engaged teams, empowered associates and genuine human connections remain central to delivering meaningful hospitality.

The conversation then moves into one of the most significant shifts in luxury travel - the growing demand for wellness and experiential stays. Dushyant discusses how Mulberry Shades, located at the foothills of Nandi Hills, is responding through wellness retreats, culinary experiences, outdoor activities and personalised itineraries designed to help guests reconnect with themselves, nature and loved ones.

But the future of hospitality is not only about wellness. Technology is rapidly transforming the guest journey, raising an important question: Can hotels embrace automation and digital convenience without losing the human warmth that defines hospitality? Dushyant offers his perspective on how technology can support teams while keeping genuine interaction at the centre.

He also shares his vision for Mulberry Shades and the opportunities ahead - from corporate well-being programmes and bespoke celebrations to fitness, mindful activities and nature-based experiences.

Our conversation with Dushyant Singh offers a thoughtful look at how luxury hospitality is evolving and what it takes to remain relevant in a changing travel landscape. It was a great conversation exploring leadership, innovation, wellness and the future of guest experiences.

Discover the complete interview with Dushyant Singh in the September issue of Hospitalitynews, available on our website, and explore the physical edition for the full story and more insights from the world of hospitality.