Restaurants Across India Shrink Portion Sizes and Alter Menus Amid Inflation
Eateries across the country are cutting serving sizes and streamlining menus to counter sharp increases in food inflation and operational expenses.
News Desk · October 15, 2026 · 1 min read
Restaurants across the country are shrinking portion sizes, shortening menus, and preparing for price revisions as operators grapple with mounting operating expenses and high food inflation. The adjustments reflect widespread margin pressures across the food and beverage sector.
Data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation placed India's food inflation at 7.74 percent in September, climbing from 5.97 percent in August. Restaurant operators report that overall input costs have risen between 15 and 25 percent over recent months, driven by dearer cooking oil, vegetables, liquefied petroleum gas, packaging, and labor.
To manage these overheads without immediately pricing out diners, several establishments are altering plate dimensions. Glisco Kitchens, which operates brands like Tadka Rani and Meal Combo Box Company, reduced its quarter portion of kebabs from four pieces to three, while dropping half portions from eight pieces to six.
Other enterprises are trimming their active stock lines. Some kitchens have begun removing expensive dishes entirely to control inventory costs and reduce food wastage. Azure Hospitality, which manages chains such as Mamagoto, Dhaba, and Sly Granny, noted a 25 percent increase in input costs during the preceding quarter.
In Bengaluru, By2Coffee reported operating cost increases of 15 to 20 percent. Founder Raghavendra Padukone stated that while menu prices have remained stable so far, adjustments may occur soon. Larger chains are attempting to buffer margins through volume procurement. Shakir Haq, chief executive officer of NKP Empire Ventures, which operates Empire Restaurant, indicated that the firm is purchasing staples such as rice, oil, sugar, and flour in bulk quantities to mitigate market volatility.
Industry participants note that consumer dining expenses are likely to increase further. Several restaurant operators are considering direct menu price hikes around the festive period following Diwali to offset sustained pressures on margins.