BW Sunday Reads: India’s Food And Beverage Industry Gears Up To Beat The Heat

The great Indian summers are here. And the food and beverage business goes for a toss. While winters mean all day dining fun and brisk business, summers are a tough time for the hospitality industry. And the scorching hot summer days mean fewer people out of their house and hence, lower business. However, the Indian F&B industry has now found ways to attract customers even in summers. BW SundayReads spoke to industry insiders and found their perfect summer recipe. 

Pankaj Rana, Sous Chef, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida reveals what the hotels and cafes do to attract customers in summers. “To keep the customers coming back, hotels and cafes need to be creative with their menus, by offering a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. The use of local ingredients can also be a big draw for customers, as it gives them a taste of the region they are visiting. By offering a specialised menu for the season, properties can ensure a good crowd pull.” 

Exclusive summer menu is one change which cafes and hotels use to attract customers. Heavily spiced, fried food gives way to salads, light roasts and baked dishes. Sonali Sharma and Jay Surolia, owners of Diona Jaipur, a Greek style cafe in the Pink City, said that European cuisine offers a lot for Indian summers. “We plan to incorporate seasonal fruits and European taste through Orzo Salad, Watermelon Avocado Salad, Insalata Caprese and many more new dishes at Diona to deal with the summer heat. The idea is not just to offer a good summer menu, but a wholesome experience from Greece in India.” 

Mocktails have become preferred beverage options during summers

Chef Subhash Vij of Lucknow says that baked dishes are a better bet in summers and cafes change their menu accordingly. “Whether it is Italian or Asian, lighter dishes that are baked instead of fried become a better option in summers and we change our menu to suit the summer tastebuds. A variety of Pasta or Cold soups work really well for the North Indian summers.” 

The humble chai, coffee and soups also give way to mocktails and cooler drinks with a high health quotient. Zulfiqar Hussain, Chef & Consultant from Lucknow says that the desi health drinks have made a major comeback in summers post Covid. “The very Indian chhas or flavoured buttermilk and Lassi work really well with all types of cuisines, whether Indian or continental. The customers are now more eager to have healthy stuff especially while eating out. Those who avoid these, go for yoghurt based smoothies and cold pressed juices as they are not only healthy, but also lighter on the tummy.” 

Sorbets make the best bet in summers for desserts

Gagan Anand, Founder of Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic Gurugram says that summer fruits make perfect options for innovation in summers. “We have new watermelon flavoured drinks and a new Boba Tea range that is just perfect for summers. Our Live popsicle concept allows customers to watch as we create their dessert right in front of their eyes, adding an element of excitement and entertainment to their visit. We believe that this, combined with our new offerings and loyalty programs, will create a lasting impression on our customers and keep them coming back for more.” 

Ambiance too goes for a major makeover to make it pleasing and inviting for the summer customers. Kabir Luthria and Gaurav Dabrai, owners of Praia Mumbai say, “Despite the fact that evenings are cooler & windier by virtue of us being at a height, we’ve followed a holistic approach to make summers pleasant at Praia. We’ve maintained more than adequate space between tables, use a mix of mist fans, outdoor air conditioners  & air coolers. With rampant cases of the flu & viral fever , a well ventilated outdoor space is in fact a better bet for people.” 

Happy hours, combo deals and offers also go on a high during summers to attract customers. Joyjit Chakravorty, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi Saket said, “Summers are a low time for business hotels, so to get the traction we have come up with stays collaborated with shopping, movies, spa fun and family all under the same roof. To make it more rejuvenating so that you can get up late and start your day with our newly introduced "The 17th Brunch and Brew" - an afternoon with live music, fun, games and a culinary journey with unlimited brews.”