2024 was the year Indian food and beverage culture got a serious upgrade. Bars became more sophisticated, the dining experience became casual and we started paying more attention to what we ate and drank. Binge eating lost its allure, diets became more personal, and sustainability became more than just a buzzword. While India gained global recognition, we also took time to dig deep into our roots for inspiration.
Here are 10 food and dining trends that will dominate 2024:
1. Indian bars are having a moment
What Indian restaurants did in the 2010s, bars are doing the same now. A new wave of drinkers are moving away from typical, predictable experiences, while bars are rewriting India’s drinking culture. Think places like Eka in Mumbai, where the menu is inspired by Indian drinking traditions and offers 42 small plates and cocktails. It’s not just about drinks anymore; This is a vibrant change.
2. Dining destinations are expanding beyond metros
When Pratik Sadhu launched Naar in the Himalayan foothills, 90 km from Chandigarh’s airport, it marked a growing trend. India’s best dining spots are no longer limited to Delhi and Mumbai. Small towns and unexpected places are getting in on the action. Take Hortus in Kochi, for example, where a 17th-century Dutch botanical book, Hortus Malabaricus, inspired the bar’s theme.
3. Zero ABV cocktails are mainstream
Mocktails are officially old news. Enter zero-proof cocktails, which are now a legitimate part of bar menus. Chennai’s Pandan Club, India’s first Peranakan restaurant, launched a zero-alcohol program that corporate executives and fitness lovers swear by. These drinks aren’t just for designated drivers anymore – they’re for anyone who wants the bar experience without the noise.
4. Intimate dining is the new big thing
Restaurants are becoming smaller and more personal. Think omakase-style setup like Papa’s in Mumbai, where only 12 diners get front row seats every night. It’s all about breaking down the barrier between chefs and diners to create a more interactive, memorable experience.
5. Gut health takes center stage
After the epidemic, immunity is still a hot topic, and gut health has become the new focus. Fiber, prebiotics and gut-friendly foods are now major players in shaping health trends. From the grocery aisle to the health café, it’s all about taking care of what’s on the inside.
6. Food that plays with your senses
Experiential dining is nothing new, but in 2024, it just got next level. Goa’s Floating Feni Tour literally puts your table in the water at a secret location. Meanwhile, ITC Grand Chola’s Kitchen Lab added sound scenarios to create multi-sensory experiences that go beyond just taste.
7. AI steps into F&B
From streamlining operations to improving food safety, artificial intelligence is entering every part of the F&B world. Restaurants are using AI-powered inventory systems to reduce waste and cut costs. AI is also helping to understand what customers like most so that the menu can be optimized for maximum satisfaction.
8. Becoming local, getting global love
Indian bars and restaurants are leaning towards home-grown inspiration, even as they are making waves globally. Iconic establishments like Indian Accent in Delhi and Mask in Mumbai are gaining global praise, while places like PCO in Mumbai are designing menus tied to local history – such as the city’s textile mill heritage. Soca in Bengaluru created a menu celebrating the smells and tastes of Bengaluru like jasmine and yellow banana.
9. Personalized nutrition is the future
Fad diets are disappearing, and personalized nutrition is on the rise. Dietitians and apps are diving into genetic data to create plans that actually work for individuals. What’s right for you may not work for your gym buddy, and the F&B world is catching on to this reality.
10. Sustainability is critical now
Sustainability is no longer just a cool marketing gimmick—it’s a real movement. Social media has made environmentally conscious choices mainstream, even in small towns. From everyday groceries to high-end meals, consumers are pushing for greater accountability and transparency, driving real change across the board.
