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.


Glow Glossary x Harajuku Bakehouse Bring a Matcha-Filled Weekend Experience to Mumbai

Glow Glossary x Harajuku Bakehouse Bring a Matcha-Filled Weekend Experience to Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

Harajuku Bakehouse in Mumbai’s BKC is set to transform into a vibrant matcha-inspired playground this weekend as it partners with Glow Glossary for a limited-time immersive pop-up experience from 19 to 21 June 2026.

The three-day event brings a curated selection of specialty matcha beverages, including Mango Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, and Coconut Oat Matcha, designed to highlight bold flavours and visual appeal. Guests can also pair their drinks with signature Japanese-inspired bakes such as Matcha Melon Pan, Mochis, and other artisanal desserts from the café’s Tokyo-inspired menu.

Beyond food and beverages, the experience extends into interactive elements designed to engage visitors throughout their visit. These include a live charm bracelet station for custom accessories, a café-wide crossword challenge, and scratch cards offering surprise rewards and offers.

Positioned as more than a café visit, the Glow Glossary x Harajuku Bakehouse pop-up blends food, design, and interactive storytelling to create a multi-sensory weekend experience for guests in Mumbai.


ITC Launches Ultra Mintz, Redefining Premium Sugar-Free Mint Experience in India

ITC Launches Ultra Mintz, Redefining Premium Sugar-Free Mint Experience in India

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

ITC Ltd has announced the launch of Ultra Mintz, a premium sugar-free mint range aimed at meeting the rising demand for sophisticated and convenient on-the-go freshness products in India.

The new offering comes in two variants - Strong Peppermint and Sensational Strawberry, combining bold flavour profiles with a refined taste experience. Designed for modern consumers, Ultra Mintz is packaged in a sleek, pocket-friendly tin that reflects a more premium and stylish identity.

According to the company, the launch is aligned with growing consumer interest in high-quality adult confectionery that blends convenience with enhanced product experience. Ultra Mintz aims to provide a refreshing solution for everyday moments such as travel, meetings, post-meal freshness, and quick refresh breaks.

Priced at ₹150, Ultra Mintz is currently available across leading quick-commerce platforms and select retail stores, marking ITC’s continued expansion in the confectionery and premium mint segment.


Pa Pa Ya Marks International Sushi Day with Signature Flavours and Modern Creations

Pa Pa Ya Marks International Sushi Day with Signature Flavours and Modern Creations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 18, 2026

Mumbai's Pa Pa Ya is celebrating International Sushi Day with a special invitation for sushi enthusiasts to enjoy a day dedicated to one of the world's most loved Japanese delicacies.

Known for its contemporary approach to Asian cuisine, Pa Pa Ya offers guests an opportunity to savour a selection of expertly crafted sushi, ranging from timeless classics to innovative signature creations. The celebration highlights the artistry, precision, and flavours that have made sushi a favourite among food lovers across the globe.

Whether guests prefer traditional rolls or enjoy exploring modern interpretations, the restaurant's menu caters to a variety of tastes, delivering a dining experience that combines creativity with authentic flavours.

Adding to the occasion is Pa Pa Ya's vibrant and stylish ambience, creating the perfect setting for friends, families, and sushi enthusiasts to come together and celebrate International Sushi Day.

With a focus on quality ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and memorable dining experiences, Pa Pa Ya continues to be a preferred destination for those looking to enjoy exceptional sushi in a contemporary setting.

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