A minor fire broke out at the Hyatt Regency Chennai, located in Teynampet, during the early hours of Tuesday, August 5. The incident prompted an immediate response from fire and rescue teams, and all hotel guests were safely evacuated. No injuries or casualties were reported.

According to authorities, the fire originated in the pantry storage area on the ninth floor at approximately 12:30 a.m.. Within minutes, personnel from the nearby Teynampet Fire and Rescue Services station arrived at the site and brought the situation under control in under an hour.

Swift Response Ensures Safety

As thick smoke began to spread across the upper floors, the hotel administration acted promptly to evacuate all guests to the ground floor as a precautionary measure. Emergency protocols were executed efficiently, with support from the Teynampet Police and senior officials who quickly arrived to oversee the situation.

The rapid coordination between the hotel team and city responders helped ensure that no one was harmed. A spokesperson for the Chennai City Police confirmed the fire was minor in scale but required immediate containment due to the risk of smoke inhalation.

Event Postponed at Hotel Venue

The Hyatt Regency was also hosting the Quantbox Chennai Grandmasters chess tournament at the time of the incident. In light of the situation, the organizers announced a postponement of the tournament to Thursday, August 7, out of an abundance of caution for player and guest safety.

Hotel Statement and Industry Note

While an official statement from the hotel is awaited, the incident highlights the importance of active fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in the hospitality sector. The swift and professional response by the Hyatt Regency team, combined with the timely intervention by Chennai’s Fire and Rescue Services, prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.

Hospitality Takeaway

This event serves as a crucial reminder for hoteliers across India to:

• Conduct routine fire audits and system checks

• Train staff in emergency evacuation protocols

• Maintain open lines of communication with local emergency services

• Ensure guest safety and business continuity in the event of emergencies

HospitalityNews commends the proactive efforts of the Hyatt Regency Chennai and emergency responders. Their commitment to safety reflects the resilience and responsibility that modern hospitality demands.

Image Courtesy: The Hindu
The image used in this article is credited to The Hindu. All rights reserved by the original copyright holder.

Singapore’s rich culinary heritage lands in Chennai this month, as SKY Curated Asian Dining at The Residency Towers unveils a vibrant showcase — “A Taste of Singapore”, a thoughtfully curated menu celebrating the island nation's cultural mosaic. The event is on until August 17th, this experience offers Chennai’s diners a unique opportunity to savour Singapore’s most iconic flavors, all under one roof.

At the heart of this experience is Chef Sowmiya Venkatesan, a Singapore-based culinary artist and finalist of MasterChef Singapore Season 1. She is also the visionary behind Kechil Kitchen, a digital food enterprise that champions sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural storytelling through cuisine. With Kechil Kitchen, Chef Sowmiya invites diners and viewers alike on a journey where every bite reflects a step toward a more balanced and conscious food future.

Commenting on the collaboration, Chef Sowmiya shared:
“I have always championed Indian cuisine in Singapore – celebrating biodiversity and sustainability through local produce. It feels incredibly fulfilling and is an honor to come full circle by representing Singapore and showcasing its Indian, Malay, Chinese, Peranakan and Eurasian cuisines in India. ‘A Taste of Singapore’ is a celebration of migration, adaptation and community – culinarily expressed, where diversity is our main ingredient.”

A Celebration of Cultures – The Menu

Inspired by Singapore’s unique blend of communities and traditions, the menu is a journey through Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Eurasian/Peranakan culinary influences:

THE INDIAN

• Tauhu Sambal (V) – Spicy tofu with traditional sambal

• Rojak (V) – Tangy fruit and vegetable salad

• Mee Goreng – Stir-fried noodles with bold spices

• Mee Siam – Sweet, sour, and tangy rice vermicelli

THE CHINESE

• Chwee Kueh with Mushrooms (V) – Steamed rice cakes with savory mushroom topping

• Sweet Chilli Crab – A sweet and fiery Singaporean classic

THE MALAY

• Otak Otak – Grilled fish cake in banana leaf

• Epok Epok / Curry Puff (V) – Flaky pastry filled with savory goodness

• Rendang – Deeply spiced, slow-cooked meat curry

• Rendang (V) – Vegetarian version of the classic

• Sayur Lodeh (V) – Coconut milk vegetable stew

THE EURASIAN / PERANAKAN

• Prawn Bastador – Tangy tomato-based prawn curry

• Pang Susie – Soft, sweet-savoury buns with spiced fillings

DESSERTS

• Kueh Talam Ubi (V) – Steamed tapioca and coconut layered cake

• Bubur Cha Cha (V) – Coconut milk dessert with yam and sago

• Putu Mayam (V) – Delicate rice noodles served with coconut and jaggery

• Mango Sago (V) – Mango-infused sago dessert

Chennai’s Culinary Passport to Singapore

SKY’s commitment to curating world-class Asian experiences finds perfect expression in this immersive menu. More than a meal, “A Taste of Singapore” is a celebration of culture, identity, and sustainability — captured beautifully in Chef Sowmiya’s mindful and masterful creations.

Available till August 17th at SKY Curated Asian Dining, The Residency Towers, Chennai, this is a rare opportunity to explore the spirit of Singapore through its food — a true feast of migration, adaptation, and community on every plate.

This Rakshabandhan, ditch the dinner-and-done vibe. Whether your sibling duo lives for epic battles or just a day full of laughter, Delhi-NCR has got the perfect mix of energy and excitement to level up your bond. Here are 6 awesome places where you can hang out, compete, and create Rakhi memories worth bragging about:

BLAAST, Gurugram

 Think of BLAAST as a massive playground for siblings who love action-packed fun. Tucked away in Gurgaon Entertainmentland Mall, this entertainment zone has it all, rock climbing, trampolines, VR games, and arcade battles. Just 25 mins from Millennium City Centre Metro and 40 mins from Delhi, it's the ideal spot to burn off those festive sweets while making memories you won’t forget.

2nd Floor, Gurgaon Entertainmentland Mall, Sector 83, Gurugram

11 AM – 10 PM

RallyGully, Dwarka

 RallyGully is bringing Pickleball and Padel to the mainstream and making it super fun. Located inside Tirang Sports Arena, the courts here are made for everyone: beginners, pros, and sibling duos just looking for a good rally. With a vibe that’s welcoming and buzzing, it’s a great way to smash, laugh, and bond.

Tirang Sports Arena, Sector 19, Dwarka, New Delhi

 6 AM – 11 PM

Yes Minister, South Delhi

 Bowling, arcade games, delicious bites, and good vibes, Yes Minister has it all. Located at Essex Farms, it’s perfect for reliving those playful sibling fights (but this time, with strikes and nachos). With a vibrant kitchen and a stocked bar, you can bowl, eat, and banter all day long.

Essex Farms, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi

12 PM – 11 PM

Worlds of Wonder, Noida

If you're all about big thrills, head to Worlds of Wonder in Noida. With 26 water slides, a beach-style wave pool, and even a man-made lake for boat rides, it's perfect for siblings who love the outdoors and a splash of adrenaline.

The Great India Place Mall, Entry from Gate 11, Sector 38, Noida

10 AM – 6 PM

Ice Skating at Ambience Mall, Gurugram

Want to glide into Rakhi fun—literally? The ice-skating rink at Ambience Mall is a great place to chill (pun intended). With top-tier facilities and space for up to 150 skaters, it’s a great way to enjoy a little friendly skating challenge with your sibling in a cool setting.

6th Floor, Ambience Mall, NH-8, Gurugram

12 PM – 10 PM

Museum of Illusions, Connaught Place

 For something quirky and mind-bending, the Museum of Illusions brings a mix of fun and learning. Packed with interactive exhibits and visual tricks, this place lets you and your sibling explore, laugh, and snap Insta-worthy pics while seeing the world from a whole new angle.

A 30-33, 1st Floor A Block, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi

11 AM – 8 PM

 This Rakshabandhan, forget the same-old plans and treat your sibling to a day that’s all about bonding over games, rides, tricks, and friendly banter. These spots in Delhi-NCR are tailor-made for making memories, so get out there and make this Rakhi unforgettable.