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.


Starbucks Reserve Opens at World St. Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi

Starbucks Reserve Opens at World St. Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on July 17, 2026

World St. at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi has welcomed Starbucks Reserve, bringing the premium coffee brand’s elevated café experience to one of the capital’s most vibrant lifestyle and dining destinations.

The opening strengthens World St.’s vision of creating a globally inspired urban destination featuring celebrated brands, immersive experiences, and curated food and beverage offerings. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” World St. is designed as a walkable F&B and lifestyle hub within Delhi’s prominent business district, offering guests a blend of dining, leisure, and social experiences.

The launch marks the fourth Starbucks Reserve store in India and the third Starbucks Reserve destination in Delhi NCR, further expanding Starbucks’ premium coffee footprint in the country. Built around Starbucks’ philosophy of creating a welcoming “third place” between home and work, Starbucks Reserve offers guests an enhanced coffeehouse experience focused on connection, discovery, and community.

The café showcases the craftsmanship behind specialty coffee through a selection of rare and premium coffees, signature espresso creations, handcrafted beverages, and curated food offerings. Guests can also enjoy the brand’s bake-in menu, designed to complement the premium beverage experience.

A key highlight of the store is the Black Eagle espresso machine, an advanced brewing system that enables Coffee Masters to achieve greater precision in extraction and preparation. The technology further enhances the artistry and expertise behind every cup served at Starbucks Reserve.

The arrival of Starbucks Reserve adds to World St.’s expanding portfolio of globally recognised dining and lifestyle brands. Spread across approximately half a kilometre through Worldmark 4, 5, and 6, World St. covers nearly 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area and has been developed as a pedestrian-friendly destination featuring global cuisine, alfresco dining spaces, green courtyards, art installations, and contemporary street furniture.

Connecting three iconic Worldmark developments, World St. brings together work, leisure, and culture through a diverse mix of cafés, patisseries, restaurants, and bars. The destination has established itself as one of Delhi-NCR’s prominent food and lifestyle destinations, featuring brands such as India’s first Olive Garden, P.F. Chang’s, and Magnolia Bakery.

With the addition of Starbucks Reserve, World St. continues to strengthen its positioning as a destination for premium experiences, attracting visitors seeking international brands, culinary discovery, and vibrant social spaces.

Starbucks Reserve at World St., Worldmark, Delhi will be open to customers from 15 July 2026, operating from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM.


IHCL's Taj Named India's Strongest Brand for the Fifth Consecutive Year

IHCL's Taj Named India's Strongest Brand for the Fifth Consecutive Year

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced that its iconic brand Taj has once again been recognised as India's Strongest Brand across sectors in the Brand Finance 'India 100 2026' report. The achievement marks the fifth consecutive year that Taj has earned the distinction.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said:

“Being recognised as India’s Strongest Brand across sectors for the fifth consecutive year is a matter of immense pride. For over 120 years, Taj has remained an enduring symbol of Indian hospitality, staying rooted in its timeless values of warmth, authenticity and excellence. This recognition reflects the deep trust and emotional connection that generations of guests have placed in the brand, as well as the unwavering commitment of our associates who bring the spirit of Tajness to life every day through thoughtful service and genuine care.”

He further added:

“Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1903, IHCL’s iconic brand Taj has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s tourism landscape. Today, with a portfolio of 150 hotels across 15 countries, it offers a distinctive collection of grand palaces, landmark city hotels, wildlife safaris, beach and hill resorts and service residences. Guided by Paathya, IHCL’s ESG+ framework, the brand’s growth is anchored in responsible business practices that balance environmental stewardship, social impact and cultural preservation. As a custodian of Indian hospitality, Taj remains committed to creating long-term value while enriching destinations, empowering communities and preserving the heritage and traditions that define its legacy.”

According to the Brand Finance 'India 100 2026' report, Taj recorded a 32% increase in brand value, reaching USD 878 million. The brand also retained its AAA+ brand strength rating, supported by a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5 out of 100.

The report highlights Taj's strong brand familiarity, customer preference, and deep understanding among Indian consumers. It also notes that the brand's signature hospitality experience, widely recognised as 'Tajness', continues to set it apart, with a significant number of respondents identifying Taj as their preferred hotel brand.

Commenting on the recognition, David Haigh, Chairman, Brand Finance, said:

“Taj Hotels’ position as India’s strongest brand for the fifth consecutive year reflects the strength of its reputation and consistency of its brand performance. Brand Finance’s research shows exceptionally high levels of familiarity, preference, and understanding in its home market, underscoring the value of investing in a distinctive brand experience, maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, and delivering what guests value most. As Taj continues to expand its footprint across India and internationally, preserving these strengths will be key.”

The latest recognition further reinforces Taj's position as one of India's most trusted hospitality brands, reflecting more than a century of excellence, guest trust, and continued growth across domestic and international markets.


Punjab & Sind Bank's Cochin Branch Earns IGBC Green Interiors Certification

Punjab & Sind Bank's Cochin Branch Earns IGBC Green Interiors Certification

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Punjab & Sind Bank has announced that its Cochin Branch has been awarded the IGBC Green Interiors Certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) under the IGBC Green Interiors Rating System (New Interiors), reinforcing the Bank's commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmentally responsible banking practices.

The certification recognises the Bank's efforts in creating a workplace that incorporates green interior standards, energy-efficient design, and sustainable operational practices. The initiative is aimed at providing a healthier environment for both customers and employees while reducing the branch's overall environmental footprint.

The recognition marks another milestone in Punjab & Sind Bank's ongoing sustainability journey, highlighting its focus on integrating environmentally responsible practices across its operations. The Bank said the certification reflects its commitment to embedding sustainability into its operational framework while promoting resource efficiency and responsible infrastructure development.

Punjab & Sind Bank continues to align its sustainability initiatives with the Government of India's vision of promoting green infrastructure and sustainable development. Through environmentally conscious banking practices and infrastructure upgrades, the Bank aims to contribute towards building a more sustainable and resilient future.

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