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.


Masala Library, BKC Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Complimentary Signature Dessert Experience

Masala Library, BKC Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Complimentary Signature Dessert Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra is inviting guests to celebrate Mother’s Day with a thoughtfully curated dining experience that blends modern Indian gastronomy with refined culinary artistry.

Known for its innovative approach to post-colonial Indian cuisine, Masala Library offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional flavours, where technique, presentation, and storytelling come together to create a distinctive fine dining journey.

This Mother’s Day, the restaurant is honouring mothers with a special gesture, a complimentary signature dessert for every mother dining at the restaurant. The experience is designed as a tribute to the women who shape our lives, offering a sweet and memorable ending to a carefully crafted meal.

Guests can expect an elevated dining experience that reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine while preserving its cultural essence. From thoughtfully plated dishes to immersive flavours, the celebration is positioned as both intimate and experiential.

Reservations for the experience can be made at +91 84549 00900. Located in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex, Masala Library continues to stand as one of Mumbai’s most recognised destinations for progressive Indian fine dining.

This Mother’s Day offering brings together culinary innovation and emotional warmth, making it a fitting tribute to the most important woman in every guest’s life.


Harajuku Tokyo Cafe Celebrates Mother’s Day with “Okāsan Special” Brunch

Harajuku Tokyo Cafe Celebrates Mother’s Day with “Okāsan Special” Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 10, 2026

This Mother’s Day, Harajuku Tokyo Cafe is bringing together flavour, comfort, and celebration with its specially curated “Okāsan Special” brunch experience.

Inspired by the warmth and spirit of Mother’s Day, the brunch offers guests a thoughtfully planned menu that balances Japanese-inspired flavours with comforting favourites. Designed to feel relaxed and cheerful, the experience promises an afternoon filled with good food, conversations, and memorable moments with loved ones.

The menu begins with flavourful starters such as Spicy Avocado Cream Cheese, Dynamite Shroom, and Spicy Salmon Cream Cheese, followed by comforting mains including Kara Miso Ramen, Katsu Curry Rice Bowl, and Yaki Udon (Mazemen). Each dish has been crafted with attention to detail while reflecting the café’s signature Tokyo-inspired style.

Adding to the celebration are free-flowing cocktails and mocktails, creating a lively and easy-going atmosphere throughout the brunch. To make the occasion extra special, every table dining with their mothers will receive a complimentary cupcake, adding a sweet and heartfelt touch to the experience.

Blending charm, comfort, and contemporary Japanese-inspired dining, the “Okāsan Special” brunch is designed as a warm tribute to mothers and the moments shared around the table.

  • What: Okāsan Special Mother’s Day Brunch
  • Where: Harajuku Tokyo Cafe
  • When: 12:00–2:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM


Magnolia Bakery Opens First Delhi Outlet at World St. in Aerocity

Magnolia Bakery Opens First Delhi Outlet at World St. in Aerocity

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 10, 2026

Magnolia Bakery has officially opened its first outlet in New Delhi at World St. in Worldmark, Aerocity, bringing the globally recognised New York dessert brand to the capital city.

The launch further strengthens World St.’s growing identity as a curated culinary and social destination within Aerocity. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” the destination has been designed as a lively, walkable space that blends food, lifestyle, and social experiences within one of the country’s leading business districts.

Founded in New York City in 1996, Magnolia Bakery has gained a loyal global following for its classic American desserts and nostalgic charm. The brand is especially known for favourites such as banana pudding, tres leches, cheesecakes, brownies, layered desserts, and pastel-frosted cupcakes, many of which have become social media favourites over the years.

Speaking about the addition of the brand to World St., S. K. Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said,

“World St. is envisioned as the social and cultural heart of Worldmark, a vibrant, walkable destination that brings together some of the world’s most loved brands and experiences. Our focus has been on curating a dynamic mix that resonates with professionals, travellers, and the city’s evolving lifestyle aspirations. The addition of Magnolia Bakery adds to the mix at World St., making it a go-to destination for dining and social experiences across Delhi.”

Adding to this, Zonu Reddy, Co-Founder of Spago Foods, shared,

“Delhi has been an important part of our journey, and World St. at Worldmark, Aerocity gives us an opportunity to bring the brand closer to a wider set of customers. This launch allows us to reach more people while staying true to the quality and familiarity that define Magnolia Bakery.”

Spread across nearly half a kilometre connecting 4, 5 and 6 Worldmark, World St. covers around 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area. The pedestrian-friendly promenade features global dining concepts, alfresco spaces, green courtyards, art installations, and lifestyle experiences designed to create a vibrant urban social hub.

With a mix of cafés, patisseries, restaurants, and bars, World St. continues to position itself as one of the city’s most dynamic dining and lifestyle destinations.

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