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.


Indulge in Fresh Flavours at Cafe Delhi Heights' PASTA LA VISTA PASTA FRESCA Festival

Indulge in Fresh Flavours at Cafe Delhi Heights' PASTA LA VISTA PASTA FRESCA Festival

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 7, 2024

Cafe Delhi Heights is all set to treat pasta lovers with its latest culinary experience, the PASTA LA VISTA PASTA FRESCA festival. Running from 15th October to 15th November 2024, this festival brings together a variety of authentic Italian pasta dishes, freshly made and customized to perfection.

A Taste of Italy with Handmade Pasta

During the festival, guests can explore a selection of hand-crafted pasta options, including fettuccine, spinach and goat cheese ravioli, linguine, cannelloni, and lasagna. Each pasta is made fresh in-house, ensuring the authentic taste and texture that Italian cuisine lovers crave.

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Choose Your Sauce

Pair your pasta with a choice of sauces, from the spicy Arrabiata to the creamy Carbonara. With options like Pomodoro, truffle-infused mushroom, and the seafood-rich Frutti di Mare, there’s a flavor profile to satisfy every palate. Each sauce is designed to enhance the richness of the fresh pasta, delivering bold, unforgettable flavors in every bite.

A Word from the Co-Founder

Vikrant Batra, Co-Founder of Cafe Delhi Heights, shares, "At Cafe Delhi Heights, we've always celebrated diverse cuisines, and with the Pasta Fresca festival, we wanted to bring the true essence of Italian flavors to our guests. From handcrafted pasta to rich sauces, every dish reflects the love and care that goes into making authentic Italian food. We are confident this festival will create lasting memories for our patrons."

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Tempting Add-Ons for Meat Lovers

For those craving something extra, the festival offers a variety of add-ons like grilled chicken, minced lamb, bacon, and smoked chicken to customize your pasta dish further. With such a wide selection of pasta, sauces, and add-ons, each visit to Cafe Delhi Heights during this festival promises a unique and delightful experience.

This limited-time festival is truly a pasta lover’s dream, blending rich ingredients, traditional Italian cooking, and modern culinary flair. Visit any Cafe Delhi Heights outlet before 15th November 2024 to savor these delectable creations and discover the joys of fresh, handmade pasta.


Turkey’s Beloved Bulgur Salad and How to Make It

Turkey’s Beloved Bulgur Salad and How to Make It

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 6, 2024

Kısır is a cherished dish from Turkey, woven deeply into the social and culinary fabric of the country. This zesty and vibrant salad, made primarily of fine bulgur wheat, is celebrated not only for its delightful taste but also for its simplicity and versatility. 

Kısır’s roots are firmly planted in the southeastern regions of Turkey, particularly in cities like Gaziantep and Adana. With a history influenced by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, it shares similarities with the Levantine tabbouleh but stands out due to its unique blend of ingredients and regional variations.

Traditionally, kısır is more than just food; it's a symbol of community. It often appears at social gatherings, from afternoon tea parties to family dinners, where it's served as part of a broader array of meze (appetizers). Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it an especially popular choice during the spring and summer months when lighter, more refreshing dishes are preferred.

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The base of kısır is fine bulgur, a type of cracked wheat that is both nutritious and filling. Unlike its coarser cousin used in pilafs, the fine bulgur is simply soaked rather than cooked, preserving its slightly chewy texture.

How to Make Traditional Kısır?

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional for more spice)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (or more, to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 green onions, finely sliced
  • Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and cover it with warm water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it softens. Drain any excess water and fluff with a fork.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
  3. Pour the paste mixture over the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly to ensure the bulgur is evenly coated.
  4. Mix in the chopped parsley and green onions. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. (Some regional versions include diced cucumbers or fresh mint for an extra layer of freshness.)
  5. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley or a few pomegranate seeds if desired.

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Psst! Additional Tips 

If you prefer a more citrusy taste, add extra lemon juice. For a richer, slightly sweet flavor, increase the amount of pomegranate molasses. And, letting kısır rest in the refrigerator for an hour or so allows the flavors to meld together.

With its combination of hearty bulgur, bold seasonings, and fresh vegetables, it’s both satisfying and health-conscious. Moreover, kısır is vegan-friendly, making it suitable for diverse dietary preferences.


Indian Accent’s 15th Anniversary Pop-Up at ALBA, JW Marriott Bengaluru

Indian Accent’s 15th Anniversary Pop-Up at ALBA, JW Marriott Bengaluru

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 5, 2024

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Indian Accent, the globally acclaimed modern Indian restaurant, is set to host an exclusive pop-up event at ALBA, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, on November 9 and 10, 2024. This limited-time event, led by Head Chef Hitesh Lohat, invites the city's food enthusiasts to explore Indian Accent’s unique approach to Indian cuisine, where traditional flavors meet inventive cooking techniques.

A Modern Twist on Indian Classics

Known for its innovative culinary style, Indian Accent reimagines traditional Indian dishes using global ingredients and techniques. The specially curated pop-up menu promises a memorable dining experience, with vegetarian delights such as tofu medu vadai with madras gunpowder and sambar cream, and arbi galawat with crispy sevai and barberry chutney. Non-vegetarian options include the Kanyakumari crab with tellicherry pepper, and meetha achaar pork ribs with dried mango and sour apple. For dessert, guests can indulge in delicacies like daulat ki chaat with rose petal chikki and roasted almonds, and doda barfi treacle tart with vanilla bean ice cream.

Each dish on the menu reflects Indian Accent’s signature style, blending Indian flavors with international techniques to create dishes that excite adventurous palates while evoking a sense of nostalgia.

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Exclusive Dining Experience

With limited seating, this exclusive pop-up offers Bengaluru’s discerning diners a rare opportunity to savor Indian Accent’s celebrated dishes. Speaking about the event, Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager at JW Marriott Bengaluru, said, "We’re honored to host Indian Accent at ALBA for this unique culinary journey. This pop-up brings their world-renowned dishes to the Bengaluru audience, reimagined with local sensibilities. It’s a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences in the city."

Chef Hitesh Lohat shared his excitement, saying, “We're thrilled to kick off our 15-year India tour with a pop-up at ALBA. We’ll be presenting a creative interpretation of Indian flavors, inviting guests to join us for an unforgettable culinary journey.”

Event Details

  • Where: ALBA, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
  • When: November 9-10, 2024
  • Time: Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM; 9:30 PM to closing
  • Price: INR 5500 plus taxes per person | Cocktails at INR 2500 plus taxes per person
  • Reservations: +91 8884675454

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About Indian Accent

Indian Accent, New Delhi, is recognized globally for its modern take on Indian cuisine. Voted the No. 1 restaurant in India by Conde Nast Traveller 2023 and consistently on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list since 2013, Indian Accent also made it to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024. With outposts in New York and Mumbai, Indian Accent is celebrated for its innovative approach to Indian dining.

About JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, overlooking the scenic Cubbon Park, offers luxury accommodations and five dining venues, including ALBA, Spice Terrace, and JW Kitchen. With extensive meeting and banquet spaces and a Spa by JW, it caters to both business and leisure travelers.

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