Punekars stick to ghar ka khana

With an almost 200 per cent rise in prices of vegetables, essential commodities and restaurants hiking menu rates, diners skip eating out

Punekars stick to ghar ka khana

With an almost 200 per cent rise in prices of vegetables, essential commodities and restaurants hiking menu rates, diners skip eating out

The rising prices of vegetables in the city are giving restaurant owners sleepless nights. The prices of vegetables and raw materials have gone up considerably, and the effect is visible on menu cards.

Restaurant owners are left with no option but to hike their prices, which they fear may have an adverse impact on their business.

Ganesh Shetty, director of Kalinga Restaurant in Erandwane, said, "The price rise is an area of concern. We have increased our rates by eight to 10 per cent, as the prices of vegetables, raw materials like masalas have gone up by 200 per cent."

The busy Ram Krishan restaurant in Camp, opposite Westend, has also taken some measures to beat the price rise. "We have increased the prices on our menu by 10 per cent, and that too just three days ago," said Vijay Shetty, manager.

No snack time
Vaishali Restaurant, a favourite with youngsters on F C Road, for its lip-smacking snacks is facing a dilemma too. G B Joshi, the general manager, said, "You see the prices of not only vegetables, but daals, sugar etc have gone up. We are in the process of increasing the prices of the snacks we serve."

Something new
But not every eatery is raising its rates to counter the price rise. Some restaurants are changing their menus and experimenting with new ingredients.

Sandeep Lele, owner of Offseat, at Kothrud takes pride in the fact that his restaurant offers offbeat cuisine such as Mexican, Italian, Japanese and Korean. He said, "We are trying to balance and change our menu by introducing new dishes and using new ingredients, but prices remain the same."

The industry is hoping that the new government will bail them out, by reducing the prices of some essential commodities.

Kanaka Shetty, President of the Hotels and Restaurants Association said, "The price rise is affecting the profit margins of restaurants. We are hoping with the new government in place, they will take some steps, to counter our problems."