2024 was the year Indian food and beverage culture got a serious upgrade. Bars became more sophisticated, dining experiences turned cosier, and we started paying more attention to what we eat and drink. Bingeing lost its charm, diets became more personal, and sustainability became more than just a buzzword. While India gained global recognition, we also took a moment to dig deeper into our own roots for inspiration.
Here Are 10 Food and Dining Trends That Ruled 2024:
1. Indian Bars Are Having a Moment
What Indian restaurants did in the 2010s, bars are doing now. A new wave of drinkers is moving away from the usual, predictable experiences, while bars are rewriting India's drinking culture. Think of places like Ekaa in Mumbai, where the menu draws from Indian drinking traditions and offers 42 small plates and cocktails. It's not just about drinks anymore; it's a vibe shift.
2. Dining Destinations Are Spreading Beyond the Metros
When Prateek Sadhu launched Naar in the Himalayan foothills - 90 km from Chandigarh's airport-it marked a growing trend. India's coolest dining spots are no longer limited to Delhi and Mumbai. Smaller cities and unexpected locations are getting in on the action. Take Hortus in Kochi, for example, where a 17th-century Dutch botanical book, Hortus Malabaricus, inspires the bar's theme.
3. Zero ABV Cocktails Are Mainstream
Mocktails are officially old news. Enter zero-proof cocktails, now a legit part of bar menus. Chennai's Pandan Club, India's first Peranakan restaurant, launched a zero-alcohol program that corporate execs and fitness lovers swear by. These drinks are no longer just for designated drivers - they're for anyone who wants the bar experience without the buzz.
4. Intimate Dining Is The New Big Thing
Restaurants are getting smaller and more personal. Think Omakase-style setups, like Papa's in Mumbai, where just 12 diners get a front-row seat every night. It's all about breaking the barrier between chefs and diners to create more interactive, memorable experiences.
5. Gut Health Takes Center Stage
Post-pandemic, immunity is still a hot topic, and gut health has become the new focus. Fibre, prebiotics, and gut-friendly foods are now key players in shaping health trends. From the grocery aisle to health cafes, it's all about taking care of what's inside.
6. Dining That Plays With Your Senses
Experiential dining isn't new, but in 2024, it got next-level cool. Goa's Floating Feni Tour literally puts your table in water at a secret location. Meanwhile, ITC Grand Chola's Kitchen Lab added soundscapes to create multi-sensory experiences that go beyond just taste.
7. AI Steps Into F&B
Artificial intelligence is creeping into every part of the F&B world, from streamlining operations to improving food safety. Restaurants are using AI-powered inventory systems to reduce waste and cut costs. AI is even helping decode what customers love most so menus can be optimized for maximum satisfaction.
8. Going Local, Getting Global Love
Indian bars and restaurants are leaning into homegrown inspiration, even as they make waves globally. Icons like Indian Accent in Delhi and Masque in Mumbai are getting global shoutouts, while spots like PCO in Mumbai are designing menus tied to local history - like the city's textile mill legacy. Soka in Bengaluru created a menu celebrating the scents and flavours of Bangalore, like jasmine and Yellaki bananas.
9. Personalised Nutrition Is the Future
Fad diets are fading, and personalized nutrition is stepping in. Dietitians and apps are diving into genetic data to craft plans that actually work for individuals. What's right for you might not work for your gym buddy, and the F&B world is catching up to this reality.
10. Sustainability Is Serious Now
Sustainability is no longer just a nice marketing gimmick-it's a real movement. Social media has made eco-conscious choices mainstream, even in smaller towns. From every day groceries to high-end dining, consumers are pushing for more accountability and transparency, driving real change across the board.
About Ashwin RajagopalanI am the proverbial slashie - a content architect, writer, speaker and cultural intelligence coach. School lunch boxes are usually the beginning of our culinary discoveries.That curiosity hasn’t waned. It’s only got stronger as I’ve explored culinary cultures, street food and fine dining restaurants across the world. I’ve discovered cultures and destinations through culinary motifs. I am equally passionate about writing on consumer tech and travel.