Bengaluru Hotels Warn Of Food Price Hike; Biryani May Cost Rs 500, Dosa Rs 150

Eating out in Bengaluru could soon become more expensive, with hotel associations warning that menu prices across the city may increase over the next few months due to higher wages, rising fuel costs and increasing food prices.

If the proposed changes are implemented, Bengalureans may soon end up paying nearly Rs 500 for a plate of chicken biryani, around Rs 150 for a masala dosa and over Rs 80 for a plate of idli at several restaurants and darshinis.

Hotel bodies said the increase is likely to affect eateries across categories, including darshinis, mess-style hotels, takeaway outlets and family restaurants.

Hotel Owners Say Costs Have Increased

The Karnataka State Hotels' Association (KSHA) said restaurants are finding it difficult to manage rising expenses without revising prices.

KSHA president G K Shetty said higher labour costs, increasing fuel prices and costlier raw materials are putting pressure on the hospitality sector.

"Masala dosa prices may rise from Rs 80 to around Rs 150, vegetarian meals from around Rs 150-200 to Rs 250-300, and a plate of biryani from Rs 300-350 to nearly Rs 500," Shetty said.

He added that idli plates currently sold at around Rs 50 may also become more expensive in the coming months.

According to industry estimates, the revised minimum wage for an unskilled worker in Bengaluru could cross Rs 23,000 per month.

Hotel owners, however, said the actual cost per employee becomes much higher after adding PF, ESI, food, accommodation and uniforms.

"In addition, we must pay for ESI and PF. If we include food, accommodation and uniform, the expenditure comes close to Rs 36,000 per employee," Shetty said.

Hotel associations also pointed out that hospitality wages in Karnataka are currently higher compared to neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Fuel And Rice Prices Also Rising

Apart from wages, hotel owners said ingredient and transport costs have also gone up in recent months.

According to the association, Sona Masuri rice prices have increased by around Rs 5 per kilogram, while Jeera rice has become costlier by nearly Rs 10 per kilogram.

Rising fuel prices have further added to transportation and kitchen expenses for restaurants across Bengaluru.

Given the current situation, hotel bodies said many establishments may have no option but to revise prices gradually.

"Any hotel that pays according to the govt's directives and conducts business honestly must increase prices by 60% in stages over the next few months," Shetty said.

Bengaluru Diners May Soon Feel The Impact

Bengaluru Hotels' Association president P C Rao said revised prices are still under discussion, but added that some increase now appears unavoidable.

"We have not yet finalised the prices, but it is inevitable," Rao said.

Hotel bodies also warned that some restaurants may consider reducing staff if operating costs continue rising while customer spending slows down.

For now, existing prices continue at most eateries across Bengaluru. However, hotel associations believe customers are likely to gradually see higher bills as increased wage and operational costs begin affecting restaurants across the city.