Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The National Capital Region’s culinary landscape has been further enriched by the launch of Kimikai Umami House. Nestled in the heart of Gurgaon, this new upscale dining destination is designed to take patrons on a deep dive into the diverse and “layered” culinary histories of Asia, with a specific focus on the foundational fifth taste—Umami. Kimikai aims to move beyond generic Pan-Asian offerings by focusing on regional specialties and traditional fermentation techniques that define the soul of Asian cooking. The restaurant’s philosophy centers on the idea of a “culinary narrative,” where each dish tells a story…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Olive Hospitality, the hospitality arm of the Embassy Group, has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA). The agreement outlines an ambitious plan to develop 2,000 rooms across several strategic tourism and business markets in the state, signaling a major boost for the regional hospitality landscape. The project is designed to cater to the diverse needs of travelers, from corporate professionals in industrial zones to the millions of pilgrims visiting the state’s sacred sites. The expansion will feature a mix of Olive’s signature brands, including its hybrid “co-living…
-IANS In a significant leadership transition for India’s food-tech landscape, Nandan Reddy, one of the three original co-founders of Swiggy, has stepped down from the company’s Board of Directors. This move comes as Swiggy undergoes a comprehensive board restructuring to align with the regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards necessary for its highly anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO). While Reddy is vacating his board seat, he will continue to remain an integral part of the organization in an advisory capacity. His departure from the board marks a symbolic shift for the decade-old startup as it transitions from a founder-led private…
-IANS In a significant move toward fiscal discipline, the Government of Rajasthan has issued a strict circular banning all state departments, boards, and corporations from organizing official events, workshops, or seminars in luxury hotels and private venues. The directive, issued by the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Sudhansh Pant, emphasizes the mandatory use of existing government infrastructure for all administrative gatherings. The circular aims to curb “unnecessary expenditure” and promote an atmosphere of austerity within the state machinery. This policy shift is expected to have a direct impact on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business for private hoteliers in…
-PTI Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s leading hospitality chains, has unveiled an aggressive five-year expansion roadmap aimed at doubling its current portfolio. CEO Ajay Bakaya announced that the group is eyeing a milestone of 400 hotels within the next five years, a move expected to generate approximately 10,000 new employment opportunities in the sector. The expansion strategy is primarily driven by the “Asset-Light” model, focusing on management contracts that allow the brand to scale rapidly across diverse geographies. While India remains the core market, Sarovar is also looking to deepen its presence in Africa, where it already operates…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The hospitality industry in Mysuru has expressed strong support for the recent amendments introduced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The new rules, which transition food licenses from a renewal-based system to a lifetime validity model, are being hailed as a major step toward enhancing the “Ease of Doing Business” in the sector. Previously, hoteliers and food business operators (FBOs) were required to renew their licenses every one to five years, a process often cited as administratively cumbersome. Under the amended regulations, a license will remain valid for the lifetime of the…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The city’s vibrant culinary landscape has gained a new landmark as Mai Mai officially opened its second outlet on the iconic MG Road. This expansion follows the significant success of its flagship location in Indiranagar, reinforcing the brand’s position as a rising favorite in Bengaluru’s competitive Pan-Asian dining sector. The new MG Road “chapter” is designed to cater to both the bustling afternoon corporate crowd and the city’s high-energy nightlife. The space blends contemporary Asian aesthetics with an immersive “fun-dining” atmosphere, featuring a menu that balances traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Key Highlights of the…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In one of the largest expansion deals in the Indian hospitality sector, Hilton has signed a strategic licensing agreement with Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd (ROHL) to develop 125 Hampton by Hilton properties across the country. This partnership is set to “supercharge” Hilton’s presence in India, specifically targeting the high-growth mid-scale segment. The agreement focuses on capitalising on the domestic travel boom in secondary and tertiary markets, where there is an increasing demand for international-standard branded accommodation. Royal Orchid Hotels, with its deep regional expertise and established development pipeline, will act as the key partner in identifying…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a significant move to enhance the “on-track” passenger experience, AI-based travel platform Ixigo has announced a strategic partnership with food-delivery giant Swiggy. This collaboration integrates Swiggy’s specialized ‘Food on Track’ service directly into the Ixigo trains app, allowing travelers to pre-order and receive meals at their seats during scheduled station halts. The partnership aims to solve a long-standing pain point for Indian railway passengers: the limited variety and inconsistent quality of pantry-car or station-side food. By leveraging Swiggy’s extensive network of partner restaurants, Ixigo users can now choose from a wide array of cuisines ranging…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Burger Singh, India’s largest homegrown burger chain, has announced the successful closure of its Series B funding round, raising ₹82 crore ($9.9 million approx.). The round was led by Artal Asia Pte Ltd and saw strong participation from a consortium of new and existing investors, including Negen Undiscovered Value Fund and Aurum Rising India Fund. This fresh capital infusion brings the company’s post-money valuation to approximately ₹520 crore, which is an important turning pointin its journey to disrupt the international-dominated QSR landscape in India. Strategic Utilization of Funds: Unlike traditional expansion models that rely heavily…