Culinary tourism, with its focus on local flavors, dining experiences, and food-related activities, has become an essential aspect of travel. According to the World Food Travel Association, culinary tourists dedicate approximately 25% of their travel budget to food. This growing interest has prompted many commercial hubs to elevate their culinary offerings and incorporate culinary events into their attractions. Malls and high streets, in particular, are transforming into culinary destinations, offering a diverse range of dining options and gastronomic experiences. One notable example is Omaxe Chowk in Delhi, which aims to recreate the charm of Chandni Chowk’s street food within a modern and comfortable environment. The food brands at Omaxe Chowk’s Dawatpur include Popeyes, Burger King, Hongs Kitchen, Pizza Hut, and Vaango, among others. Pacific Malls, with locations across India, has also embraced the culinary tourism trend by offering a variety of dining options ranging from fine dining to food courts with international cuisines. Notable food brands at Pacific Malls include Spezia Bistro, Punjab Grill, United Coffee House, and Chili’s. Reach 3Roads, a mixed-use development in Gurugram, combines retail, dining, and entertainment to create a holistic experience for visitors. The dining options at Reach 3Roads include Sagar Ratna, Starbucks, Haldiram’s, Chaayos, and McDonald’s. Urban Square Mall in Udaipur is positioning itself as a premier culinary destination in the region. The mall features a variety of food brands including Kailash Parbat, Starbucks, Pind Balluchi, Keventers, Wow Momos, Subway, and KFC. Additionally, they are excited to announce the upcoming opening of Lemon Tree Hotel and PVR INOX, further enhancing the visitor experience. To attract 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 transforming 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.
Culinary Tourism Transforms Malls and High Streets into Gastronomic Havens
