Three Indian restaurants are attempting to go where perhaps no Indian restaurant has gone before, and that too on the same day. These restaurants are removing the price column from their menus for one night, allowing diners to simply walk in, enjoy a meal, have a great time and pay what they can. Yes, it really is that easy. But why? What do the restaurants get out of it? The answer goes beyond a day's income.
The restaurants will participate in the 'Pay What You Can Day' on Wednesday, August 26, as part of 109 restaurants across 61 cities and 14 countries for the Global Day of Hospitality. On this day, hospitality takes on a new meaning, with participating restaurants choosing not to put a price on the food they serve.
Who Started Pay What You Can Day?
The idea traces back to 2020, when Norma Listman and Saqib Keval began offering the full menu at their Mexico City restaurant, Masala y Maiz, without prices. What began as an informal practice at their own restaurant gradually grew into a larger community initiative.
By last year, the concept had expanded into a citywide effort, with more than 20 restaurants across Mexico City opening their doors on the same day and inviting diners to pay what they could.
This August, the initiative is going global for the first time, with more than 100 restaurants across 14 countries taking part. While all participating restaurants follow a shared set of principles, each is adapting the initiative to suit its own kitchen, community and city.
Also Read: Americano Mumbai Takes Home Best Italian Restaurant Award At NDTV Food Awards 2026
Which 3 Indian Restaurants Are Taking Hospitality To The Next Level?
In India, the participating restaurants are
- Americano in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda
- Mezcalita in Bandra
- Mai Mai in Bengaluru's Indiranagar
The three restaurants will offer the full food menu and a 'pay what you can' model for food, while drinks remain at menu prices.
Speaking about the initiative in an Instagram post, Chef Alex Sanchez of Americano, one of Mumbai's most sought-after restaurants, said:
"Given the state of the world, restaurants with their unique ability to create moments of connection and joy are perhaps more important now than ever. But the truth is that not everyone has equal access. Pay What You Can Day is a wonderful initiative that has inspired us to open our arms to the broader community around us and extend meaningful hospitality not only to those who can afford it. By inviting guests to pay what they can, we're breaking barriers and building meaningful connections within our neighbourhood and beyond."
Pay What You Can Day: Event Guidelines For Americano
- No reservations. Walk-ins only on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pay what you can for your food. Beverages will be charged at menu prices.
- No takeaway, to-go or delivery orders.
- The restaurants will not be able to accommodate dietary preferences or modifications.
- All members of your party must be present before being seated.
- Tables can seat a maximum of six guests.
- Each table will have a 75-minute allocation, allowing the restaurants to welcome as many guests as possible throughout the evening.
- Last kitchen orders will be at 11:15 PM.
- Guests are advised to carry an umbrella in case of rain while waiting in line.
- Road access may be restricted due to heavy traffic, so guests are advised to be dropped off a short distance from the restaurant.
Mezcalita also shared an Instagram post about the initiative, inviting diners to come hungry, order whatever they fancy and pay what they can for the entire food menu. The restaurant said there would be no fixed prices, while beverages would not be included in the offer.
For these restaurants, the initiative is less about what a meal costs and more about making a seat at the table accessible to a wider community - even if just for one evening.