Culinary tourism is quickly becoming a central element of the travel industry, as more tourists search for unique and unforgettable culinary experiences. Malls and high streets are adapting to this trend by evolving into culinary hotspots that provide a range of gastronomic journeys. This approach not only improves the experience for visitors but also increases both foot traffic and profits for the retail and hospitality sectors.
The Growth of Culinary Tourism
Focusing on local flavors, dining experiences, and food-related activities, culinary tourism is a vital aspect of travel. The World Food Travel Association notes that culinary tourists allocate approximately 25% of their travel budget to food. This increasing interest has led many commercial hubs to add premium dining options and culinary events to their attractions.
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.
Crafting Memorable Culinary Experiences
To draw in and engage visitors, malls and high streets are enriching their culinary offerings with a variety of components. They provide an array of food choices, including local, regional, and international cuisines, to suit diverse palates and preferences. Themed food festivals, which celebrate specific cuisines, seasons, or cultural traditions, attract large audiences. Interactive culinary activities, such as cooking classes, food tastings, and opportunities to meet chefs, actively involve visitors. The dining experience is further enhanced by aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environments, while promotions and collaborations with food bloggers, chefs, and influencers help to publicize dining options and draw in culinary aficionados.
Culinary tourism is turning malls and high streets into dynamic culinary centers, offering memorable experiences to visitors. As this trend progresses, these commercial locations are set to play a crucial role in the future of travel and dining.
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