Rooftops hit but vacation surge drives up footfall in other restos
Kolkata: While rooftop restaurants remain shut, most others across Kolkata have seen a major footfall surge with the onset of summer vacation. The rise is around 25% compared to April and around 10%-15% higher than last May, say restaurant bodies.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Even though a footfall surge is normal in summer, this time it has been better, prompting many to organise food festivals and offer special platters.
have been spilling over, with several recording a 100% footfall for the better part of the day since last weekend. "Even weekdays have been very busy for us since last week when summer vacation started in most schools," said a manager at Mocambo on Park Street.
Oasis on Park Street, too, has seen a surge in attendance since last Saturday.
"Those two days of Indo-Pak conflict were bad. It suddenly picked up after it stopped, and footfalls have been on the rise ever since. Evenings are more crowded than lunchtime but overall, it's been significantly better than last summer," said owner Pratap Daryanani.
Across the road, One Step Up, however, is yet to see a crowd surge. Bar-B-Q has been crowded, though, said Viraj Kothari, one of the owners. "We expect a surge from next week as the summer holidays set in across more schools and colleges," he said.
"This is the weather when footfall shoots up since people are keen to avoid the kitchen heat. We have seen a major spurt across restaurants, and it's rising every day. At three of my restaurants, footfall increased by 15% compared to May 2024, and I expect it to rise further. The trend should last at least till the onset of rains," said Sudesh Poddar, president of Hotel and Restaurants' Association of Eastern India (HRAEI), who also owns Songhai, Manthan, and MS Bar & Lounge in central Kolkata.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
All three restaurants have seen a sharp rise in beer sales.
Oudh 1590 launched a biryani festival on May 1 that will continue till the month-end. "Almost all Oudh outlets have been fully occupied during evenings since last week. Footfall has been high even during the first half of the day despite the heat. The biryani festival has helped pull in more people. The spurt is at least 10%-15% higher than last summer. We expect the surge to continue till mid-June," said co-owner and founder Shiladitya Chaudhury.
He added that online orders, too, have gone up by at least 20%.
Speciality Restaurants, which has multiple chains, including Mainland China, Haka, Mezunna, Riyasat, and Oh! Calcutta, has seen a 10% rise in footfall on average since last month. Mughlai chain Aminia, too, has seen a 10% footfall swell across its 14 outlets in and around Kolkata. "It was better than last May, probably due to the harsh weather and heatwaves that left the city scorched," said owner Kabir Azhar.
Retro dining restaurant Chapter 2 has remained crowded during evenings since last week.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Standard
13 hours ago
- Business Standard
Marik Institute of NIMS University: Redefining the Future with Futuristic and Advanced Labs
In the age of intelligent machines, automation, and data-driven decision-making, the Marik Institute of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics & Cybernetics at NIMS University is emerging as a game-changer. Positioned at the intersection of innovation and education, the institute is not just keeping pace with the digital revolution—it is leading it. From industry-integrated labs to global research collaborations, the Marik Institute is redefining how India prepares its youth for the careers of tomorrow. A Launchpad for the Next Generation of Tech Leaders Inaugurated in collaboration with the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC), Czech Technical University, Prague, and graced by H.E. Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, the Marik Institute is one of Asia's most forward-thinking tech education hubs. With academic programs in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Cybernetics, and Data Science, the institute prepares students to become architects of tomorrow's digital world. Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar, Founder and Chancellor of NIMS University, states: 'We are not just teaching AI—we're shaping the next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders who will define its ethical and practical future.' World-Class Labs That Power the Future The true heart of the Marik Institute lies in its futuristic, state-of-the-art laboratories, which allow students to turn theory into real-world innovation: Computing & AI Lab by NVIDIA – Powering deep learning and real-time analytics Robotics Lab by KUKA (Germany) – Training on advanced robotic arms used in global industries Automation Lab by Siemens (Germany) – Hands-on learning in industrial automation systems Drone Technology Lab by Captics (Canada) – Empowering students in the booming drone-tech sector 500+ High-Performance Computing Systems – Ready for simulation, prototyping, and experimentation Innovation & Incubation Centre – Fueling start-ups, student-led projects, and ideathons These labs are not just facilities—they are living, breathing ecosystems of innovation, placing Marik students at the cutting edge of global tech evolution. A Global Network of Minds and Ideas The institute thrives on international collaborations and academic partnerships that give students and researchers exposure to the best minds in the world. Through its role as the Indo-Pacific-European Hub for Digital Partnerships (INPACE), Marik Institute is also a key player in the European Union's 'Trusted Digital Technologies for Sustainable Wellbeing' initiative. AI-Con 2025, hosted by NIMS, marked another milestone—bringing together AI leaders from across the globe including: H.E. Eliska Zigova, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India Prof. Vladimír Mařík, CIIRC, CTU Prague Dr. Samrat S. Kumar, EURAXESS India Scientists from Japan, USA, Czech Republic, and India Topics ranged from Human-Inspired Robotics to Responsible AI in Healthcare, and Smart City Testbeds—cementing Marik Institute's role as a global thought leader. Beyond Classrooms: Career-Focused, Globally Aligned Marik's programs are designed for impact. Students graduate with: Real-world portfolios Patent-ready prototypes Globally recognized certifications Internship experiences in Europe and North America (including CIIRC, Prague) Exposure to workshops by Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Cisco leaders The institute's emphasis on research-first culture, publications, and open-source innovation ensures students don't just learn—they create. Backed by the Powerhouse of NIMS University As part of NIMS University Rajasthan, one of India's premier private universities, the Marik Institute benefits from an extensive academic ecosystem: 400+ programs across disciplines like Health Sciences, Engineering, Management, and Humanities 600+ industry tie-ups with giants like Microsoft, Intel, TCS, HP, IBM One of India's largest private hospitals with 1400+ beds for interdisciplinary health-tech research A 250+ acre smart campus with world-class hostels, labs, classrooms, sports arenas, and sustainability centers NIMS has also institutionalized its commitment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the '1 Mission, 1 Goal, 1 Month' initiative—integrating global responsibility into campus life. Conclusion: The Future Begins Here The Marik Institute at NIMS University is more than a place of learning—it's a vision for the future. It empowers students not just with skills, but with a purpose—to build, innovate, and lead the world into a smarter, more sustainable, and AI-driven future. For students and researchers looking to be at the heart of the tech revolution, there is no better destination. Visit: Admission Helpline: 1800 120 1020
Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Indian Express
Nostalgia on a plate: Calcutta's must-try dishes, iconic spots and hidden gems
There is a certain charm to going back to the city you grew up in, even if it seems stuck in time. Maybe that's the charm. Anyone who is from Calcutta will vouch for this. It's a city where time appears to have paused. The people are the same, the restaurants are the same, and the city looks the same. The streets look untouched by the wave of glass-and-steel modernity that has swept through other metros. And if you hang out with the right people, it's one of the few cities in which you feel people actually enjoy the simpler and finer things in life – reading, talking to each other, playing cards, meeting over a cup of tea or a glass of Bloody Mary. I spent a long weekend in my hometown last week and returned 2.5 kgs heavier, a 500 gm gain per day. I owe this to Calcutta's legendary country clubs, whose menus have stood the test of time, and to its restaurants steeped in history and carpet dust. There's a Chinatown (Tangra) that serves authentic Hakka cuisine – I've been going there since I was five – and a pastry shop that could put some of the finest bakeries in Paris to shame, given that it has been churning out soft buttery cakes, truffle pastries and fruit tarts since 1985. So, what would my dream gastronomical holiday in Calcutta look like? Let's start with chicken biryani and mutton chaap at Shiraz in Park Circus. Founded in 1941, Shiraz makes the most delectable Kolkata-style biryani – very similar to Lucknowi biryani – that's light, aromatic and always comes with a large potato cooked in the meat stock, a boiled egg, and perfectly spiced rice. The chaap, unique to Calcutta, is a slow-cooked, spiced mutton or chicken in thick gravy, always served with biryani. And if you're feeling truly gluttonous, I'd recommend the rezala –– a sublimely cooked chicken or meat in a white gravy, lightly spiced with a dry red chili. For context, a plate of special chicken biryani (two pieces of chicken, a boiled egg, a potato and enough rice to feed three people) and one mutton chaap will cost you about Rs 900, including taxes. If you are not too finicky, stop for phuchka on Russell Street or Ballygunge. Phuchka is the more refined sister of paani puri or gol gappas: mashed spicy potato laced with roasted masalas, green chillies and coriander, served with a tamarind-spiced water (with a mild touch of bacteria). Don't forget alu kabli – sliced potatoes mixed with tamarind pulp, chillies and masalas – that will clear your sinuses in seconds. You won't find it anywhere else. A visit to Calcutta is incomplete without a meal at Mocambo, which has been around since 1956. Its low hanging red-cloth lamps, white tablecloths, red leather chairs, and waiters – or 'bearers,' as they're called here – in full regalia are all throwbacks to another era. You go for the nostalgia – prawn cocktail, stuffed crab, tetrazzini, baked Alaska – washed down with a Tom Collins or Screwdriver priced around Rs 200. Regulars like me complain that the food isn't what it used to be. And yet, we return. If you don't get a table there, you can always go to The Other Room at the other end of Park Street which has the same décor, same menu and same prices. If you're lucky, try and get a member to take you for a meal to one of the many country clubs in the city. Go have a cold coffee or Bloody Mary and fish fingers while looking out at the greens at The Tollygunge Club. Or beer and Chinese food or the steak with a fried egg at the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, you might even get to see a football or cricket match. And if you can, go have some Chinese food at the Bengal Club. Yes, many of us Calcuttans are spoilt because of our club memberships, but rather than complain, get yourself signed in and share the joy. I don't usually eat Bengali food outside when I'm home, but if you're looking for a traditional spread, try Kewpies or 6 Ballygunge Place. The former is my pick. For Calcutta Chinese, head to Golden Joy, Beijing, or Kafulok in Tangra, the city's Chinatown. These aren't fine-dining restaurants, but they're clean, air-conditioned, and serve food that defines the genre: rice noodles, lemon chicken, roast chilli pork, fried rice, Thai soup (which has nothing to do with Thailand). Chinatown which spreads over to Tiretti Bazaar and Tangra also house two iconic sauce factories in India – Pou Chong and Sing Cheung – legends in their own right. End your day with a pastry from Kookie Jar. Not Flurys. Not Kathleen. Kookie Jar opened next to my school in 1985, and to this day offers the finest truffle pastries, lemon tarts, black forest cakes, and nutty corners. In fact, the Ambanis served their cakes at the most recent big fat Indian wedding. You would really be missing something if you didn't try their creations. If your heart beats for Bengali sweets, stop by any neighbourhood mishti shop. All the sweets are made fresh each morning, and the variety is unmatched. It might also explain the beautiful physiques of most Bengali men and women. If you want to get fancy, go to Balaram Mullick or KC Das. And then, as any true Bengali will tell you, complete your day with a swig of Carmozyme or Gelusil. I can lay an educated guess that the sales of digestive liquids or tablets like Unienzyme are unsurpassed by any other city. Author of The Sweet Kitchen, and chef-owner of Food For Thought Catering ... Read More
Economic Times
17 hours ago
- Economic Times
FIIs to return in a big way post BTA with US; IT a big pick for next 18 months: Sunil Subramaniam
Sunil Subramaniam, Market Expert, anticipates a significant return of Foreign Institutional Investors to India after the BTA signing with the US. He suggests focusing on the IT sector for short-term gains, expecting a continued catch-up rally. Private sector lenders, including banks, NBFCs, and gold financing companies, are also highlighted. ADVERTISEMENT The markets are doing really great. Benchmarks as well as the broader markets are throwing up good opportunities. But no matter how much strength the Indian markets show, the foreign institutional investors are not coming back. Do you think the nervousness of FIIs is temporary and they will also come back to Indian markets just like the DIIs? Sunil Subramaniam: Yes, I think so. Over the last six months, there has been so much geopolitical uncertainty, apart from the tariff situation where it does affect India. The Indo-Pak war was India specific and then even in the Israel-Iran war, there was the oil price spike and the fears around that. As a result, internationally, there has been news which has given rise to concern on the short-term implications of this geopolitics on India. That is why compared with the previous time when the Hamas attack or the Russia-Ukraine war, FIIs were not so nervous about the Indian markets, because it was a distance away from India. But this time, it is closer to home, especially considering oil. Now that a ceasefire looks very probable and so from the fact that right from the budget onwards, we have had only positive news around the India front coming through. But the FIIs have not been able to take advantage of this because they were worried. For example, oil has a big impact on multiple sectors, fiscal deficit, everything. So, when you look at an FII, they largely look at India as a stock. And when you put in the risk factors in the stock, oil has a big weightage there and it is very hard for an individual FII to go against the numbers because they do a lot of algorithmic trading. The computer feeds in a lot of negatives about India which are perceived to be negatives. And until they get clarity, they cannot take a call. But now that the oil situation looks to be easing from an uncertain point of view, I think the FIIs are poised to come back to the country in a reasonably big way. But there still remains one uncertain event which will probably be the final trigger post wherein I expect a flood of FIIs money to come in and that is the signing of the BTA. I think there is still uncertainty because the US has gone ahead and signed with the UK. They have kind of done a deal with China. But with India specifically, there has been a lot of action, a lot of bilateral trade meetings happening, both the initial Modi-Trump meeting and even the latest one, Mr Trump said, oh, I am going to do a trade deal with Modi, but it has to be signed and delivered. Meanwhile, in July, the 90-day pause is coming to an end and to that extent, FIIs will still be a bit cautious because they would not want to take a sector call. ADVERTISEMENT In which sector will India come out a winner and where the US will extract some concessions from India is still out in the open. So, they would not like to take that risk now and they would rather wait for the uncertainty to go away before they come back. Otherwise, domestically there is nothing that is a hindrance to their coming in, a very supportive RBI through multiple actions, a supportive fiscal action through putting money in the hands of the middle class, a good monsoon forecast, as well as the ground level GST numbers, the PMI numbers all of which are coming positive. That is why domestic fund managers this month have deployed their cash in a big way. They were also uncertain through the earning season up until the end of May, and now those earnings have come out, it seemed that sequentially all the earnings have done better. Yes, against expectations, it was mixed, but at least that uncertainty is over now. ADVERTISEMENT I want to understand one of your comments which you made on the oil front. You said the situation has eased, and even the price is reflecting that. But in sectors like paints, aviation, what outlook do you hold now? Is it the right time to enter or should one wait and watch? Sunil Subramaniam: When you look at it purely from an oil related perspective, you would say an easing would make sense. But the point is that only one part of aviation, the paints, is the demand side of the business and there is no concern. I see aviation demand really going through quite well and then, you have also seen paints as a part of discretionary. I expect it to do well with the housing sector gaining momentum. So, yes, given that this uncertainty has led to some volatility in the price, it is a good time to accumulate those stocks. But having said so, if one is considering creating a portfolio, doing investment for a longer term, how should one create a mutual fund like portfolio in this market uncertainty. Yes, the undertone of the domestic market is certain, the undertone is bullish, but what are the sectors one should consider? Sunil Subramaniam: I would put this into two buckets. The first is the portfolio for a one, one-and-a-half year period and second is a portfolio for a three, five, seven-year period. The reason I am separating these two out is because in the short run, there have been sectors which have underperformed over the last six months and I expect them to play a catch-up, especially where FIIs have interest because as we just spoke, I expect FII return to happen in a big way post the BTA signing. ADVERTISEMENT So, from a shorter-term perspective, my vote would be to go for IT. I have been saying that for the last couple of weeks. On a six-month basis, the underperformance of the Nifty IT index is about 10% to the Nifty, whereas just a few weeks ago it was 17%. So, already there has been a 7% catchup rally. I expect this to sustain and for it is a next one-and-a-half-year call. IT is a big pick. The second would be private sector lenders whether they are private banks or good quality NBFCs or even gold financing and other companies because the impact of the tax breaks plus the RBI rate cut in terms of reducing EMIs will be felt within the realty, auto, consumer durable space and there the private lenders will do well. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
