Vijay Bans, CEO of AMRIT   

1. Please describe your company in a few sentences. 

AMRIT is a Berlin-based family business in its second generation and has stood for authentic Indian cuisine and heartfelt hospitality for over 30 years. With four locations in Berlin, we combine traditional recipes—particularly from North India/Punjab—with a modern dining experience. Family is at the heart of everything we do: in how we run our company and in our daily interactions with our employees and guests.  

2. Why are you engaged as a Berlin-Partner? 

Berlin is our home – it is where we grew, where we employ people, and where we welcome guests from all over the world every day. As a Berlin Partner, we want to actively shape the city, promote diversity, and contribute our experience in gastronomy, event culture, and tourism. We also see the partnership as an opportunity to further strengthen Berlin’s representation as an international metropolis of openness and hospitality.

3. Which topics drive you in relation to your industry? 

Our industry is closely connected to Berlin – especially through tourism, internationality, and diversity, all of which are central to our work. At the same time, we are increasingly facing challenges that complicate everyday operations in gastronomy: political obstacles, frequent legal changes, and rising bureaucratic requirements. Other key topics include digitalization (processes, reservations, delivery, POS, efficiency), the shortage of skilled workers – also influenced by political frameworks – as well as the revitalization of Berlin’s inner city. We see great potential in further developing Berlin as a vibrant location and revitalizing the city center as an attractive space for experiences — for Berliners as well as guests from around the world.

4. What makes Berlin special to you?

Berlin is more than just a location – Berlin was the place where AMRIT could grow from an idea into something significant. This city has shaped us, supported us, and helped us expand – and for that we are deeply grateful. We love Berlin for its diversity, its freedom, and its unique energy. Berlin is not only special – Berlin is one of a kind.

5. Why is Berlin attractive for your company? 

Berlin is an international magnet: tourism, culture, trade fairs, events, and people from all over the world come together here. This creates a constant demand for gastronomy, group offers, and unique experiences. For AMRIT, Berlin is attractive because our cuisine and hospitality perfectly match the city’s diversity, giving us a strong platform to make Indian culture and culinary traditions tangible.

6.  What does Berlin stand for in your view?

Berlin stands for freedom, diversity, and openness – while also reflecting the reality of increasing bureaucratic demands. The requirements to implement everything correctly are constantly growing, making entrepreneurial activity more complex. Despite this, Berlin holds great significance for us: the cultures, people, and diversity of this city make Berlin magical and special. For us, Berlin is a place where differences do not divide, but connect.

7.  How does your company approach sustainability?

For us, sustainability is an ongoing process that we continue to develop step by step. Among other measures, we use reusable solutions through Vytal to reduce packaging waste in take-away and delivery, optimize inventory planning to minimize food waste, and rely on efficient operational and kitchen processes to save energy and resources. We also prioritize long-term supplier relationships and responsible sourcing. In our personnel management, we think sustainably as well: we see our team as family, offering long-term perspectives and stability. Many of our employees have been with us for many years – which is an important part of our company culture.