FEA with Novotel Ahmedabad organised a panel discussion about new trends in the hospitality industry in December 2021.
Vegan baker Panna Bhalla talked about how veganism is growing in India, which now has about five million vegans. “Guests demanding vegan food is on the rise, for many reasons like ethical and ecological concerns, health reasons and growing awareness about lactose intolerance. Restaurants need to include vegan-friendly dishes on their menu to cater to the growing demand for plant-based foods’’, she explained. Flavien LAFOSSE, Co-owner of “LA MAISON” at the Alliance Francaise Ahmedabad campus, says they made a conscious choice to make their menu 100% vegan. They talked about the various vegan alternatives in the market to substitute meat or dairy in dishes. Bhalla said that contrary to popular belief vegan options are not very expensive. “Many dishes can be made vegan just by replacing ghee with oil’’, she explains, adding, “the reason for the misconception that vegan food is expensive is the widespread use of important vegan substitutes. For example, a restaurant can make a glassful of vegan mylk in their own kitchen using a handful of almonds’’.
Jay Sudhakaran of Novotel Ahmedabad said that they are getting several requests from guests to allow dogs or cats to stay with them in the hotel. This led to their opening up some rooms for pets. Rahul Sehgal of Animal Help Foundation and Canine Therapist Salomi Gupte talked about the various SOPs that hotels and restaurants should follow to become pet-friendly without disturbing other guests.
Dr.Parikh of www.prettyhealthywithdrpriti.com talked about why restaurant menus should include dishes that are low on salt, sugar, fats, etc, to cater to customers with chronic disorders.
In keeping with the time and trends, Novotel Ahmedabad hosted a sumptuous vegan high tea at Sixteen Grams, the hotel’s coffee bar launched on the occasion.
