Call for Fair Play: Hospitality Sector Seeks Uniform GST for Hotel Dining

Call for Fair Play: Hospitality Sector Seeks Uniform GST for Hotel Dining

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 21, 2024

In a strong move towards fairness, the hospitality industry is raising its voice against the current GST framework that links restaurant taxes within hotels to room tariffs, putting hotel restaurants at an unfair competitive edge compared to standalone establishments. Spearheaded by the Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI, the sector is rallying for a significant change: a uniform GST rate for all restaurants, irrespective of their hotel association.

Pradeep Shetty, HRAWI's President, highlighted how the current GST model, which jumps from 5% to 18% for room tariffs above INR 7500, unpredictably impacts customers and places hotel restaurants in a tricky spot. This not only affects walk-in diners but also complicates banquet services, leading to a dwindling number of guests and a maze of operational hurdles.

Echoing the call for change, industry leaders like Siddharth Renganathan of Suvaii and Kabir Suri of Azure Hospitality Pvt Ltd stress the need for uniform GST rates to foster growth, encourage fair competition, and ensure the hospitality sector's resilience. They argue that the dining experience should be taxed equally, allowing customers to enjoy quality meals without the extra financial burden linked to arbitrary room rates.

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This unified GST plea aims to rectify a system that has, since 2018, seen hoteliers voice concerns over declining restaurant footfalls due to customers preferring standalone restaurants for tax benefits. The industry's push for a standard 5% GST rate across all dining establishments reflects a collective effort to level the playing field, boost customer satisfaction, and keep pace with the flourishing standalone restaurant scene.

Moreover, the rise of external food delivery services eating into hotel dining profits underscores the urgent need for GST reform. Abhishek Sarwate of Utopian Smoothies points out the illogical relationship between room tariffs and dining bills for walk-in customers, advocating for a reevaluation of GST rate applicability to make dining experiences more equitable and logically priced.

The hospitality industry's call for uniform GST rates is a plea for fairness, aiming to dismantle the current tax disparity and ensure a competitive, sustainable, and equitable business environment for all dining establishments.


Osama Jalali Brings India's Forgotten Recipes to JW Marriott Kolkata

Osama Jalali Brings India's Forgotten Recipes to JW Marriott Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

JW Kitchen at JW Marriott Kolkata is set to host the Osama Jalali Food Festival, bringing India's forgotten recipes and rich culinary traditions to the table. Celebrated food historian and author Osama Jalali will showcase a selection of heirloom recipes, regional delicacies and traditional cooking techniques, offering diners an opportunity to explore lesser-known flavours from different parts of India.

Running over ten evenings from 14–23 August 2026, the festival will feature specially curated dinner menus inspired by royal kitchens, historic food traditions and regional home cooking.

More than just a food festival, the experience aims to connect diners with the stories and traditions behind India's diverse cuisine. Each dish reflects a different part of the country's culinary heritage, giving guests an opportunity to discover authentic flavours and recipes that have been passed down through generations.

For food lovers and those interested in India's culinary history, the festival offers a chance to explore traditional Indian cooking through a specially curated dining experience.

Event Details

  • Venue: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Kolkata
  • Dates: 14–23 August 2026
  • Time: Dinner from 7.00 PM Onwards.


Oasis Brewery Brings Fresh Flavours to the Tap With Its Signature Beer Collection

Oasis Brewery Brings Fresh Flavours to the Tap With Its Signature Beer Collection

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

Oasis Brewery is inviting beer enthusiasts to explore its collection of signature and seasonal brews, bringing together different flavours and brewing styles at its Whitefield, Bangalore location.

Leading the seasonal collection is the Very Berry Ale, a fruit-forward beer brewed with strawberries, blueberries, mulberries and raspberries. The light-bodied brew offers vibrant berry flavours, a refreshing character and a crisp finish with a subtle tartness.

Also available is the Perry Pear Cider, made entirely with fresh pear juice without added sugars. Inspired by the traditional Perry style, the cider combines delicate floral notes with fresh pear aromas and champagne-like carbonation for a smooth and refreshing experience.

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The collection is completed by Oasis Brewery's signature 007 IPA, an Imperial India Pale Ale inspired by the iconic James Bond. Built around the number seven, from its ingredients and brewing process to its 7% ABV, the beer delivers a bold hop character while maintaining a balanced finish.

The beers are crafted under the guidance of Oasis Brewery's Brewmaster, a Heriot-Watt University, Scotland graduate with more than a decade of brewing experience. With a focus on quality and innovation, the brewery's collection brings together different flavour profiles and brewing techniques for those looking to explore craft beer in Bangalore.

  • Location: Oasis Brewery, Whitefield, Bangalore
  • Time: 12PM Onwards.

Little Soi Brings Asia's Noodle Heritage to Life With The Noodle Theory Festival

Little Soi Brings Asia's Noodle Heritage to Life With The Noodle Theory Festival

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

Little Soi, the popular destination for authentic Asian cuisine, has launched The Noodle Theory Festival, a special celebration of Asia's rich noodle traditions. The festival brings together regional flavours, authentic recipes and traditional cooking techniques across Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi.

Starting 6th August 2026 onwards, the festival takes diners on a culinary journey through the noodle cultures of Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, China, Myanmar and Hong Kong. The menu highlights how noodles have remained an important part of food traditions across Asia, with each region bringing its own flavours, ingredients and cooking styles to the bowl.

The festival features a selection of regional noodle favourites, including Biang Biang Black Bean & Hot Pepper, Hong Kong Style Wonton Mein, and Abura Soba, available with Beef, Chicken or Prawn. Guests can also try the refreshing Burmese Nangyi Thoke and the popular Thai Kwuay Tiew Rua (Boat Noodles), along with several other noodle creations inspired by different parts of Asia. Each dish showcases the differences in noodle shapes, textures, broths, sauces and preparation methods that have helped create some of the continent's best-known comfort foods.

The Noodle Theory Festival goes beyond a seasonal food menu, offering diners an opportunity to explore the cultural side of noodles and the traditions behind each dish. The festival highlights how geography, local ingredients and generations of culinary knowledge have shaped different noodle dishes across Asia. The idea behind The Noodle Theory is simple: while every bowl may have its own flavour and style, noodles continue to bring people together through comfort, community and craftsmanship. The festival is available for a limited period at Little Soi – Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi Outlets, giving food lovers an opportunity to explore a wide range of Asian noodle traditions under one roof.

For More Information

  • Little Soi – Besant Nagar | GOCHS Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai: 600090
  • Little Soi – Coimbatore | GM Nagar, Pudur, Coimbatore: 641037
  • Little Soi – Kochi | Aditya Tower, Ernakulam, Kerala: 682020
  • Date: 6th August 2026 Onwards.

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