Culinary Tourism: Drawing Visitors through Mall/High Street Dining and Hospitality

Culinary Tourism: Drawing Visitors through Mall/High Street Dining and Hospitality

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 23, 2024

Culinary tourism is rapidly becoming a key driver in the tourism industry, with an increasing number of travelers seeking unique and memorable dining experiences. Malls and high streets are capitalizing on this trend by transforming into culinary destinations, offering diverse and immersive gastronomic adventures. This strategy not only enhances the visitor experience but also boosts foot traffic and revenue for retail and hospitality businesses.

The Rise of Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism focuses on exploring local cuisines, dining experiences, and food-related activities as a significant part of travel. According to the World Food Travel Association, culinary travelers spend about 25% of their travel budget on food. This shift has prompted many commercial centers to integrate high-quality dining options and culinary events into their offerings.

Malls and High Streets as Culinary Destinations

Omaxe Chowk, located in the heart of Delhi, aims to be a hub for culinary tourism by showcasing India's rich culinary heritage. "Our vision is to recreate the charm of Chandni Chowk's street food within a modern and comfortable environment. Visitors can enjoy authentic local delicacies while exploring the historical and cultural essence of Old Delhi," says Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group. The operational food brands at Omaxe Chowk's Dawatpur include Popeyes, Burger King, Hongs Kitchen, Pizza Hut, Vaango, Spicenama, Eat Co., Amritsari Chennai Express, Chat Town, Jung Bahadur Kachori, KDH Chat, Vezley, Chicago Pizza, KFC, Chinese Wok, Dominos, Rolls Mania, Wow Momo, and Wow China.

Pacific Malls, with multiple locations across India, have embraced the culinary tourism trend by offering a variety of dining options ranging from fine dining to food courts with international cuisines. "We believe that a great dining experience is crucial to the overall appeal of our malls. By bringing together diverse culinary traditions, we aim to attract food enthusiasts and create a vibrant community space," states Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director of Pacific Malls. Notable food brands at Pacific Malls include Spezia Bistro, Punjab Grill, United Coffee House, Chili's, Birch By Romeo Lane, Neoba, House of Royal, Indus Flavour, and QDs.

Reach 3Roads, a mixed-use development in Gurugram, combines retail, dining, and entertainment to create a holistic experience for visitors. "Our focus is on creating an environment where people can come together to enjoy great food and social activities. Culinary events and festivals are a significant part of our strategy to engage the community and attract tourists," shares Nandini Taneja, VP, Reach Group. The dining options at Reach 3Roads include Sagar Ratna, Starbucks, Haldiram's, Chaayos, McDonald's, Badmaash Kebabi, Hong's Kitchen, Dunkin', and Moti Mahal.

Urban Square Mall in Udaipur is positioning itself as a premier culinary destination in the region. "We are curating a mix of local and international dining options to cater to the tastes of both residents and tourists. Our goal is to make Urban Square Mall a landmark for food lovers in Udaipur and for those also visiting Udaipur," says Uddhav Poddar, Managing Director of Bhumika Group, developers of Urban Square Mall. The mall features a variety of food brands including Kailash Parbat, Starbucks, Pind Balluchi, Keventers, Wow Momos, Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Baskin Robbins. Additionally, they're excited to announce the upcoming opening of Lemon Tree Hotel and PVR INOX, further enhancing the visitor experience.

Creating Memorable Culinary Experiences

To attract and retain visitors, malls and high streets are incorporating various elements into their culinary offerings. Diverse food options, including local, regional, and international cuisines, cater to different tastes and preferences. Themed food festivals celebrate specific cuisines, seasons, or cultural traditions, drawing in crowds. Interactive food experiences, such as cooking classes, food tastings, and chef meet-and-greets, engage visitors actively. Aesthetic and comfortable ambiance enhances the overall dining experience, while promotions and partnerships with food bloggers, chefs, and influencers help to promote dining options and attract food enthusiasts.

Culinary tourism is transforming malls and high streets into vibrant culinary hubs, creating memorable experiences for visitors. As this trend continues to evolve, these commercial centers will be pivotal in shaping the future of travel and dining.


Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style with Troopr’s Luxe In-Home Services in Mumbai

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style with Troopr’s Luxe In-Home Services in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

This Mother’s Day, skip the usual and celebrate with a touch of luxury—right in the comfort of your home. With Troopr, Mumbai’s revolutionary in-home service app, families can now pamper their moms with unforgettable experiences curated by top-notch professionals. Whether it's a private feast, cocktail soirée, or elegant brunch, Troopr helps create lasting memories with zero stress.

The app offers a variety of premium services that are just a tap away, including:

A Private Chef Experience: Leave the cooking to the pros! Troopr connects you with skilled chefs who whip up everything from spicy Maharashtrian thalis to creamy Italian pastas, all tailored to your mom’s taste and freshly prepared in your own kitchen.

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Female Bartenders for Glamorous Toasts: Add a splash of fun and elegance with Troopr’s talented female bartenders who serve up refreshing mocktails and custom cocktails. It’s the perfect way to raise a toast to mom with style and sparkle.

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Professional Servers: Enjoy the party without the usual host duties. Troopr’s servers manage everything from food and drink service to post-party clean-up, ensuring your Mother’s Day event runs like a dream.

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Show-Stopping Grazing Tables: Impress your guests with an artisanal grazing table filled with cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and sweet treats. It’s an Instagram-worthy spread that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

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With Troopr, planning a celebration that feels personal and luxurious is easier than ever. Simply download the app, choose your services, and create a Mother’s Day your mom will cherish forever.

Celebrate love, elegance, and effortless hosting with Troopr this Mother’s Day—and turn your home into the city’s most heartwarming celebration spot.


Gift Her the Ultimate Escape This Mother’s Day with ELIVAAS Luxury Villas

Gift Her the Ultimate Escape This Mother’s Day with ELIVAAS Luxury Villas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

This Mother’s Day, step beyond traditional gifts and offer something she’ll never forget—an escape into serenity, elegance, and effortless joy. With ELIVAAS, you’re not just giving a stay—you’re giving her an experience where every moment is made for her.

Imagine your mom waking up to birdsong in the hills of Kasauli or sipping tea with a view of the serene waters in North Goa. Whether she seeks stillness or adventure, ELIVAAS’s handpicked luxury villas across India let her choose how she wants to spend her special day.

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Each villa is more than a destination—it’s a retreat of warmth and wonder. With private pools, peaceful gardens, candlelit dinners, yoga sessions, and curated experiences, everything is tailored to give her the pampering she deserves.

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Why ELIVAAS is the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift:

  • Exclusive Villas – Ultimate privacy and space to create cherished family memories.

  • Unbeatable Locations – From lush hills to coastal retreats, discover hidden gems across India.

  • Personalized Touches – From morning yoga to surprise cake arrangements, it’s all about her.

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Where Will You Whisk Her Away?

Choose from ELIVAAS’s exquisite destinations: Alibaug | Dehradun | Delhi NCR | Jaipur | Kasauli | Lonavala | Mussoorie | Nainital | North Goa | Rishikesh | Shimla | Udaipur

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Each one a canvas for memories that will last forever. Let her experience a Mother’s Day as extraordinary and beautiful as she is. Book her perfect escape now, Because she deserves nothing less than the magic of time, tranquillity, and togetherness.


Muscat Grand Mall Partners with SRED to Launch "Little India" as Cultural and Retail Anchor in GCC

Muscat Grand Mall Partners with SRED to Launch "Little India" as Cultural and Retail Anchor in GCC

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2025

Muscat Grand Mall, a premier destination under the Tilal Development Company, has partnered with SRED to launch "Little India" as its new social anchor—a vibrant hub showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture, cuisine, fashion, and heritage. This strategic move sets the stage for Indian brands looking to expand in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, leveraging Oman’s central location and the growing demand for curated international retail experiences.

Mr. Ali Hosni, Acting CEO/General Manager of Muscat Grand Mall, shared his excitement about the initiative:

"Muscat Grand Mall has always been a canvas for innovation and cultural expression. With ‘Little India’, we are not just creating a retail space—we are creating a bridge between India and the GCC. This is an invitation for Indian brands to be part of a regional success story, backed by strong footfall, premium infrastructure, and a rising consumer base in Oman."

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Shriram PM Monga, Co-founder of SRED, emphasized the broader impact:

"‘Little India’ is more than a commercial concept—it’s a social ecosystem designed to serve the large Indian community in Oman and the wider Gulf. It’s a unique opportunity for Indian brands to plug into a culturally aligned audience, celebrate India abroad, and grow in a region that values authenticity and diversity."

The "Little India" initiative will serve as a permanent cultural anchor within Muscat Grand Mall, offering Indian brands a tailored platform to connect with both resident and tourist consumers in Oman. Fashion labels, food concepts, home décor brands, and artisanal businesses from India will now have a dedicated space to showcase their offerings to an expanding and receptive market.

SRED’s expertise in regional retail development will assist Indian brands with strategic onboarding through customized leasing programs, cultural programming, and integrated marketing initiatives to ensure their long-term success in the region.

Indian brands interested in exploring retail expansion in the GCC are encouraged to connect with representatives from Muscat Grand Mall and SRED to learn how they can be part of this unique cultural and commercial initiative.

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