From Retail to Restaurants: How These Malls Became the City’s Culinary Lifeline

Once dominated by retail, India’s malls are now being redefined by food. As consumer preferences evolve from shopping to experience-led engagement, the food and beverage (F&B) sector is emerging as a key differentiator — and in some cities, a cultural anchor. Across India, a new breed of malls is turning into culinary lifelines, not just curating dining options but shaping how cities eat, gather, and unwind.

Here’s a look at five retail destinations that are driving this transformation — from street food revivals to gourmet clusters.

Ambience Mall, Gurugram: Where Scale Meets Culinary Diversity

One of the pioneers of luxury retail in North India, Ambience Mall has long been a dominant player in Gurugram. But its true strength lies in its ability to blend aspiration with accessibility in its F&B mix. With over 50 outlets ranging from homegrown favourites to global chains, the mall offers a culinary portfolio that spans all price points and palates.

As Gurugram continues to attract a globally mobile population, Ambience Mall’s role as a food destination — with names like Paul, Ladurèe, Punjab Grill, Youmee, Zambar, Harajuku and more — is not incidental but intentional. The focus is on frequency and variety, turning the mall into a weekly rather than a once-in-a-while visit.

Omaxe Chowk, Old Delhi: Structuring the Chaos of Culinary Heritage

Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk Old Delhi: Structuring the Chaos of Culinary Heritage

In the heart of Chandni Chowk, Omaxe Chowk is doing something few thought possible — giving structure to Delhi’s street food legacy. With Dawatpur, one of India’s first and largest food concept spaces spread across 1.2 lakh sq. ft. and offering seating for over 2,000 guests, the mall has curated culinary legends from India and around the world under one roof.

Dawatpur is intelligently divided into four thematic sections:

Sunehri Nagri: A vegetarian-only zone that brings together time-honoured favourites like Gaya Prasad Paranthe Wale, Kuremal Kulfi, and JB Kachori.

Laal Bagh: A haven for Mughlai and non-vegetarian cuisine, hosting iconic brands like Tunday Kebabi alongside KFC.

Neel Nagar: The fast-food zone, featuring several brands like Haldiram’s, Wow! Momo, McDonald’s and Domino’s

Panna Puri: A vibrant mix of global food brands, including Popeyes and Burger King.

Each section is thoughtfully curated to preserve authenticity while offering comfort and accessibility. In a locality that sees nearly five lakh footfalls daily, Omaxe Chowk has emerged as both a culinary landmark and a tourist essential — blending heritage with hygiene, and chaos with curation.

Urban Square Mall, Udaipur: A Modern Take on Royal Hospitality

Rajasthan’s food culture is synonymous with rich tradition. Urban Square Mall in Udaipur is now infusing that legacy with a modern twist. Anchored by Lemon Tree Hotels and strategically located to attract both tourists and locals, the mall’s food zone is fast becoming a destination in itself.

From authentic Rajasthani thalis to international cafés, the dining options reflect the evolving tastes of younger consumers while still catering to the influx of domestic and international travellers. The variety signals a broader shift in how food is being positioned — not just as a supporting element, but as a central draw.

A standout example is Spice by Urban Square, a recently launched resto-bar that marries the intensity of local spices with a cosmopolitan bar culture. It’s the kind of hybrid space that speaks to both modern sensibilities and regional pride — and illustrates how dining in malls is no longer just about convenience, but experience.

With its mix of leisure and dining, Urban Square is setting the blueprint for mall development in Tier II cities.

Gulshan One29, Noida: The Culinary Catalyst on the Expressway

Positioned on the fast-developing Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Gulshan One29 is turning a high-speed corridor into a gourmet destination. Its fine-dining precinct — home to a growing number of restaurants and rooftop lounges — has emerged as a food hub for the residential and corporate crowd nearby.

As Noida’s urban transformation gathers pace, One29 is capitalising on its premium location to offer curated food experiences that go beyond utility. Its emergence is not just about what’s being served but where — in a catchment that had long lacked elevated dining options.

CP67, Mohali: Where Culinary Excellence Meets Star Power on the High Street

Strategically located on the International Airport Road, CP67 — a landmark project by Unity & Homeland Group — is redefining the high-street experience in Mohali’s thriving real estate landscape.

More than just a retail destination, CP67 is emerging as Punjab’s premier culinary hotspot, anchored by iconic celebrity-backed brands like Pincode by Chef Kunal Kapur, One8 Commune by Virat Kohli, YouMee, Gola Sizzler, and Bira Taproom.

With seamless connectivity to Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Delhi, CP67 attracts a regional crowd looking for premium dining and lifestyle experiences. Designed to offer an upscale, walkable high-street atmosphere, it showcases how the right blend of brand curation and world-class infrastructure can build a culinary and retail ecosystem that transcends city limits.

The F&B Factor: What the Numbers Say

According to Anarock and JLL India, F&B’s share in mall leasing has grown from around 10–12% a decade ago to 20–25% in most new developments. Mall operators are not just allocating more space to dining — they’re using it to extend dwell time, build community, and differentiate their asset in a crowded market.

This pivot also signals the broader trend of “experience over expenditure” — where consumers are increasingly spending not on goods, but on good times. For these malls, food is not an add-on. It’s the core of their reinvention.