Smaller Portions & Costlier Dishes At Restaurants Post Diwali? How Dining Out In India May Change!

We are already worried about how eating at restaurants has become so costly, and it looks like things are about to get worse. Some restaurants are planning to reduce portion sizes, remove dishes that have become too expensive to prepare, or increase menu prices. Scroll down to learn why restaurants are taking these steps.

Why Are Restaurants Planning To Increase Prices?

Several restaurants have revealed that rising food, labour and LPG costs are putting pressure on their businesses, making it difficult to manage their expenses. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), food inflation rose from 5.97% in August to 7.74% in September. Onion prices have also more than doubled compared to September last year, adding to the pressure on restaurants.

Speaking to Moneycontrol, several restaurant owners revealed that they have been absorbing these rising costs for months. However, some are now planning to change their menus, reduce portion sizes or increase prices to manage their expenses.

Glisco Kitchens, founded by Gagandeep Singh Sapra, operates Tadka Rani and Meal Combo Box Company. The company has reduced kebab portions from 4 pieces to 3 and from 8 pieces to 6.

Also Read: Not Ready To Call It A Night After Garba? 5 Ahmedabad Restaurants Open Till Late This Navratri

When Will Food Prices Increase?

The Bengaluru-based By2Coffee has seen its operating costs rise by 15 to 20% due to higher food, LPG, packaging and labour expenses. The menu prices have not increased yet, but founder Raghavendra Padukone has said that this might happen soon. Kabir Suri of Azure Hospitality has revealed that several food brands may increase prices from Diwali onwards.

How Restaurants Are Trying To Manage Costs?

According to Moneycontrol, Shakir Haq, CEO of NKP Empire Ventures, which operates Empire Restaurant and other food brands, is trying to manage costs with a few strategies. The company is purchasing rice, oil, sugar, atta and maida in bulk. It is also removing some dishes from the menu.

What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below!

Also Read: Why Won&t Restaurants In Vietnam Serve You Free Water? The Reason Is Surprising!

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/ @kamiya_jani (Representative Image)

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