Malls Across India Redefine Urban Dining with Experiential Food Hubs

Malls Across India Redefine Urban Dining with Experiential Food Hubs

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2025

India’s malls are undergoing a transformation, driven not by retail trends but by the rising appetite for curated dining experiences. From metropolitan hubs to emerging Tier II cities, food and beverage (F&B) offerings are no longer just part of the mall, they’re becoming the main attraction.

Across cities, malls are embracing this shift by creating dynamic, well-branded culinary zones that blend global flavours with local favourites. This pivot toward food is shaping how people eat, gather, and experience leisure, making malls the new culinary heart of urban life.

In Gurugram, Ambience Mall continues to stand tall, not only for its luxury shopping but also for its diverse food portfolio. With over 50 F&B outlets including brands like Paul, Punjab Grill, YouMee, Zambar, and Ladurée, the mall appeals to both global tastes and everyday cravings — creating a reason for frequent visits beyond shopping.

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In Old Delhi, Omaxe Chowk is giving structure to one of India’s most iconic food destinations. Its 1.2 lakh sq. ft. culinary arena, Dawatpur, is split into thematic zones such as Sunehri Nagri, Laal Bagh, Neel Nagar, and Panna Puri, offering everything from legendary local snacks to global fast food. In a historic area known for its food chaos, the mall is offering a curated, hygienic version of culinary heritage.

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Down south in Udaipur, Urban Square Mall is bringing a modern twist to Rajasthan’s royal hospitality. With Lemon Tree Hotels as an anchor and restaurants like Spice by Urban Square, it’s creating a balanced space for both tradition and modern dining — attracting tourists and locals alike. The mall is shaping a new food narrative for Tier II destinations.

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In Noida, Gulshan One29 has emerged as a fine-dining address along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. With rooftop lounges and elegant eateries, it serves the area’s growing residential and office communities. Positioned strategically, it’s elevating the idea of destination dining in a corridor once dominated by transit.

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Meanwhile, in Mohali, CP67 on the International Airport Road is building a high-street culinary hotspot. Home to celebrity-driven names like Pincode by Chef Kunal Kapur and One8 Commune by Virat Kohli, alongside brands like Gola Sizzler and YouMee, it’s redefining the food scene in Punjab’s urban landscape.

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The numbers back this change. As per Anarock and JLL India, F&B’s share in mall leasing has nearly doubled over the past decade — from 10–12% to over 20% in many developments. Malls are using food to increase dwell time, create communities, and stand out in a competitive environment.

For consumers, the shift is clear: spending is moving from products to experiences. And for India’s malls, food is no longer a side offering — it’s the centrepiece of reinvention.


The Design Company: Where Luxury Meets Living

The Design Company: Where Luxury Meets Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

The Design Company is a premier design studio redefining the art of architecture, interiors, and landscapes for discerning clients. Based in Bengaluru,  Known for its seamless blend of artistry and precision, the firm creates environments that capture timeless elegance, functional sophistication, and a deep connection to their surroundings. Every project is a personalised journey, shaped by the client’s vision and elevated by the studio’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, detail, and enduring quality.

From bespoke residences to signature hospitality spaces, The Design Company designs not just spaces, but experiences, environments that look exceptional and feel unforgettable.

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At the heart of The Design Company’s success are Sweety R. Nahar and Milind Mantravadi, Founders & Principal Designers, whose expertise in design ideation and flawless execution has set new benchmarks in the industry. Under their leadership, the firm breathes life into every structure it touches, an orchestration of natural light, bespoke materials, and exquisite proportions in perfect harmony.

 Sweety R. Nahar, Founder of The Design Company Says :

“Luxury is not about excess, it’s about intention. Every line, every texture, every shade is chosen to tell a story worth living.”

The Design Company offers a multidisciplinary expertise in Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, and Home Styling, delivering a complete and cohesive design experience.

  • Architecture: Innovative yet timeless, their buildings respect the environment, harmonise with surroundings, and stand the test of time.

  • Interiors: Curated spaces that reflect personality, blending textures, colors, and materials for beauty and practicality.

  • Landscapes: Green spaces that connect people to nature, focusing on sustainability, native planting, and seasonal beauty.

Every project is approached as a unique narrative, tailored to the client’s lifestyle and aspirations. From modern urban residences to luxury commercial spaces and serene outdoor retreats, The Design Company integrates form, function, and beauty in every detail.

Clients are treated as collaborators in a creative journey, with a transparent and personalised process ensuring each choice resonates with their vision. Customer satisfaction isn’t just a metric, it’s the foundation of every project.

As trends shift and lifestyles evolve, The Design Company remains committed to its core philosophy: design that inspires and endures. With a growing portfolio across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, the studio continues to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in its passion for meaningful, sustainable design.

Milind Mantravadi, Founder of The Design Company Says:

“Design is not just about what you see, it’s about how you feel when you experience it. Our job is to make that feeling unforgettable.”

For those seeking more than just a beautiful space, for those looking for a place that tells their story, The Design Company is where the journey begins.

For more details:

Instagram: @thedesigncompany_india
Email: sweetynahar.tdc@gmail.com / milind.tdc@gmail.com


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, recording a net profit of Rs 13 crore. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 154 crore, a 14% increase year-on-year, while operating EBITDA grew 16% YoY to Rs 45 crore. The company maintained an industry-leading occupancy of 92%, reaffirming its leadership in the hospitality sector.

ASPHL’s growth is fueled by expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. The company recently signed an MoU to acquire and manage four leisure properties in Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, adding 138 rooms under its brand. These steps align with ASPHL’s strategy to broaden its presence in high-potential tourism destinations and double its key count to 5,750 over the next five years.

Flurys, ASPHL’s iconic bakery and confectionery brand, now operates 102 outlets nationwide, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its market presence while integrating modern amenities with rich cultural heritage.

Commenting on the performance, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said,

"We have delivered an extraordinary and best-ever Q1, setting a strong momentum for the year ahead. With topline growth of 14% and EBITDA growth of 16%, we recorded India’s highest occupancy of 92% and maintained leadership in RevPAR in the upper-upscale segment. ARR improved by 13% and RevPAR increased by 12%. With nearly 600 new rooms added, including a 41% rise in our asset-light model, and nationwide Flurys rollout, we are poised to scale faster, enhance margins, and deliver exceptional shareholder value."

ASPHL’s strong performance in Q1 FY26 underscores its strategic focus on market expansion, operational excellence, and premium guest experiences.


Hotel Association of India Launches First-Ever Industry Mentoring Program

Hotel Association of India Launches First-Ever Industry Mentoring Program

By Hariharan U

Published on August 17, 2025

The Hotel Association of India (HAI) has rolled out a landmark mentorship program, an industry-first initiative tailored exclusively for the Indian hotel sector. The move comes as the hospitality industry sees rapid growth, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, spanning nearly 50 locations.

This structured platform aims to bridge the widening talent gap, while supporting sustainable growth across the sector. Its key focus areas include leadership development, career progression, enhancing organisational culture, and improving both employee attraction to hospitality and their long-term engagement.

The operational framework has been crafted by a team of domain experts from HAI member hotels, ensuring the program is deeply aligned with industry realities.

At the program’s launch, Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the initiative as a turning point for Indian tourism,“The Hotel Association of India’s innovative program marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global tourism powerhouse, with an ambitious goal of creating a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047. As the demand for tourism continues to surge, the need for talented and visionary leaders in hospitality has never been greater”, he said, adding that the program will shape professionals ready to lead the sector’s future.

KB Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, described the program as being rooted in the guru-shishya tradition, offering personalised mentorship that fosters a lasting commitment to hospitality leadership.“The government and industry aim to create around a million branded hotel rooms to meet the India Tourism Vision 2047. This will require adding about 100,000 middle to senior management hotel managers to the current pool”, Kachru noted.

The initiative will be integrated into member hotels’ brand culture, enabling them to nurture future leaders and strengthen India’s standing as a world-class hospitality destination

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