The final weekend of the year saw Kolkata's culinary and nightlife scene buzzing with unprecedented energy, as residents and visitors embraced a spirit of lavish celebration. Across the city's renowned restaurants and bars, the revelry was not just louder but significantly more expensive, marking a distinct shift towards premium indulgence.
A Surge in Spending and Evolving Palates
Restaurant owners across Kolkata reported a substantial jump in average customer spending, ranging between 10% to 20% higher than the same period last year. Despite longer waiting times due to increased footfall, patrons were happy to spend more time at their tables, which directly translated into heftier bills.
The most notable change was in consumption patterns. While previous December seasons were dominated by Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and moderately priced food, this year witnessed a clear graduation. Blended Scotch, single malt whiskies, fancy cocktails, and imported wine and vodka significantly outsold standard IMFL options. On the food front, alongside perennial Indian favourites like biryani and kebabs, there was a marked demand for upscale international dishes.
Restaurateurs Note a Clear Premium Shift
Leading voices in Kolkata's hospitality industry confirmed this trend. Nitin Kothari, owner of iconic establishments like Mocambo and Peter Cat, observed a significant rise of around 20% in average spend. "Rather than Indian liquor, people are ordering single malts, Scotch and imported vodka. Even large groups have moved to Scotch and cocktails in a big way," he noted.
Anjan Chatterjee, Founder and Chairman of Specialty Restaurants (which owns Mainland China, Oh! Calcutta, and others), reported an almost 10% increase in average food spend. He highlighted that premium liquor segments like reposado tequila, high-quality gin, and single malts were frequently ordered. At Cafe Mezzuna, newly introduced premium dishes like Cicchetti and whole roasted bekty flew off the menu.
Sudesh Poddar, owner of Songhai and MS Bar and Lounge, provided striking numbers: purchase of overseas spirits rose by 30% in a year. "Half of our patrons ordered imported spirits this season, which was unprecedented," Poddar stated, linking it to a general move up the indulgence ladder during festivities. His venues offered premium table bookings ranging from Rs 800 to a steep Rs 20,000 for a private dining room.
A City Ready to Experiment and Splurge
The trend wasn't limited to high-end bars alone. Siddharth Kothari of Peter Hu, a food-driven chain, mentioned that even their customers showed a move towards premium spirits while waiting for their meals. Shiladitya Chaudhury, owner and co-founder of Chapter 2, echoed the sentiment, noting a significant increase in average spend.
"People are more exposed to finer tastes, both in terms of liquor and food. They are ready to experiment and spend more on eating out, especially during festivities," Chaudhury explained. This newfound willingness to splurge was clearly directed towards expensive dishes like lobster thermidor, turkey roast, and duck roast.
The collective evidence from Kolkata's bustling restaurants paints a picture of a city that celebrated the year's end with greater economic confidence and refined tastes. The weekend was not just about dining out; it was a statement of upgraded preferences, setting a potentially lasting trend for the city's vibrant hospitality sector.
