Category Archives: Food

How India Swiggy’d 2025: A Feast for the Fast, the Foodie, and the Future

In 2025, India transformed every meal into a celebration of flavor, convenience, and connection. Amid packed workdays, late-night scrolls, and festive gatherings, food continued to anchor daily life. Ordering a meal was no longer just about indulgence it became instinctive: a pause between meetings, a reward after long hours, a reason to gather, or simply a moment of comfort delivered right on time.

India chose what it trusted: familiar flavors, dependable favorites, and meals that seamlessly fit into daily routines.

Welcome to the 10th edition of How India Swiggy’d, a snapshot of India’s love affair with food and a recap of the year’s delicious highlights.

Big Year, Big Bites

Biryani reigned supreme once again. With 93 million biryanis ordered in 2025—that’s 194 orders per minute or 3.25 biryanis every second—this aromatic masterpiece proved that India’s love for it remains unwavering. Chicken Biryani (57.7 million orders) was the most loved, with the highest number of repeat orders.

Other favorites included:

• Burgers: 44.2 million orders

• Pizzas: 40.1 million orders

• Veg Dosa: 26.2 million orders

Snack time (3–7 PM) dominated with comfort food:

• Chicken Burgers: 6.3 million orders

• Veg Burgers: 4.2 million orders

• Chicken Rolls: 4.1 million orders

• Veg Pizza: 3.6 million orders

• Chicken Nuggets: 2.9 million orders

The iconic Chai-Samosa ritual continued with 3.42 million samosas and 2.9 million adrak chai served during snack hours.

Desserts and indulgence saw classics like:

• White Chocolate Cake: 6.9 million orders

• Chocolate Cake: 5.4 million orders

• Gulab Jamun: 4.5 million orders

• Kaju Barfi: 2 million orders

• Besan Ladoo: 1.9 million orders

Chocolate ruled ice creams, with 3.3 million Dark Chocolate and 2.6 million Chocolate Sundaes sold.

Global flavors made their mark:

• Mexican: 16 million orders

• Tibetan: 12 million+ orders

• Korean: 4.7 million orders

• Matcha emerged as the most searched global cuisine.

Hyperlocal flavors gained momentum, with Pahari cuisine growing 9x and Malabari, Rajasthani, and Malvani cuisines almost doubling in orders.

Dinner remains king, with orders nearly 32% higher than lunch.

Big Heart, Bigger Celebrations

• In Hyderabad, a single customer spent ₹47,106 on 65 Dry Fruit Cookie Gift Packs to kickstart festivities.

• A Mumbai foodie placed 3,196 orders in 2025—almost 9 orders a day—the highest in the country.

Bolt deliveries ensured instant gratification:

• Highest deliveries in Bengaluru, followed by Hyderabad and Mumbai.

• Emerging markets: Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Vizag, Kochi.

• Top desserts on Bolt: Chocolate Cakes and Gulab Jamun.

99Store highlights:

• Bengaluru led orders, followed by Hyderabad and Mumbai.

• Popular items: Chocolate Pastries (2.3 lakh orders), Chocolate Cakes (1.3 lakh), Chicken Biryani, Paneer Pizzas, Corn Garlic Bread, Chicken Fry.

• Legendary order in Mumbai: 15 Dum Chicken Biryani, 10 Chicken Meatball Kebabs, 5 Falafel-E-Khaas & Pepper Paneer Biryani, and 100 Gulab Jamuns—a true feast!

Delivery partners clocked 1.24 billion km, equivalent to Kashmir to Kanyakumari 340,000 times.

• Bengaluru’s Mohammad Razique delivered 11,718 orders

• Chennai’s Poongodi led female partners with 8,169 orders

Breakfast Staples to Midnight Binges

Breakfast favorites:

• Idli: 11 million orders

• Veg Dosa: 9.6 million

• Veg Vada & Medhu Vada: Top 3

• Veg Puri: 1.26 million

• Aloo Parantha: 1.25 million

Late-night cravings (12 AM–2 AM):

• Chicken Burgers topped with 2.3 million orders

• Chicken Biryani, Veg Burgers, Veg Pizzas followed

• Chocolate Waffles, Chocolate Cakes, and White Chocolate Cake dominated desserts

Festive Mania

Food celebrated faith and festivity:

• Ganesh Chaturthi: 2.28 lakh modaks delivered

• Navratri: 99,200 Sabudana Khichdi, 1 lakh Vrat Thalis, 70,000 Sabudana Vada

• Ashtami: 2.2 lakh orders in 60 minutes, order value 17% higher than last year

• Independence Day: Chicken Biryani led; Kannur had a record order of 50 Special Faloodas

• Rakhi: 4,650 orders per minute during dinner

• Diwali: 1.7 million kgs of sweets, dry fruits, and desserts delivered

Convenience Meets Cravings

Swiggy’s innovative features shaped urban dining:

• High-protein foods: 23 million orders, led by Bengaluru

• Incognito Mode: 69.32% YoY growth, popular in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Nagpur

• Preferred incognito slots: 1 PM and 8 PM

Dining Out Evolves

Dining out became a social lifestyle experience:

• 23.7 million diners seated, led by Bengaluru (4.5M), Delhi (3.9M), Hyderabad (3.7M)

• Emerging markets: Jaipur, Chandigarh, Kochi, Dehradun, Vadodara, Mangalore

• Savings through Swiggy Dineout: ₹774 crore nationwide

• Single highest saving: ₹150,800 in Bengaluru

• Highest single bills: ₹3 lakh (Bengaluru & Mumbai), ₹1.73 lakh (Pune)

• Group bookings: Bengaluru (7.49 lakh), Delhi (6.29 lakh), Hyderabad (5.7 lakh)

• Buffet bookings: 219,320 (78% growth), with Delhi leading

• Premium dining: 1.6 million bookings (123.7% growth)

• DineCash popular in Bengaluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur

2025: A Year of Food, Culture, and Connection

From breakfast rituals to midnight indulgences, from festive feasts to impromptu bites, India’s relationship with food evolved in 2025. Each order, each meal, each bite painted a vibrant picture of the country’s culinary soul.

Whether dining in the shadows of the night or celebrating under restaurant lights, food continues to turn every moment into a lasting memory.

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Brings ‘The Great Indian Biryani Trail’ to Diya

Gurugram, Jan 13: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences brings a focused culinary showcase to Diya with the Regional Biryanis of India, running from 23 January to 1 February 2026. The pop-up highlights India’s celebrated biryani traditions, presented within the framework of Diya’s Northwest Frontier cuisine.

Contemporary Indian interiors, warm accents, and plush seating create an intimate atmosphere. With seating for 80 guests, the space remains personal and composed. The Maharaja Room, a glass-enclosed private dining space for up to 12 guests, is available for private gatherings and special occasions. 

The showcase is curated by Indian Master Chef Bobby, whose expertise in regional Indian cuisine shapes the menu. His approach focuses on technique, balance, and authenticity, ensuring each dish retains its special character.

The menu brings together a selection of biryanis, each representing its place of origin. Guests can expect preparations inspired by the royal Hyderabadi, soulful Kolkata, spice-forward Malabar, rustic Lucknowi, and Rampuri styles. Each biryani is prepared using indigenous spices and authentic recipes, introduced in a manner that aligns with Diya’s culinary philosophy. 

A live kitchen adds an interactive element to the dining experience, complemented by live music that enhances the overall ambience. Together, these elements curate a well-rounded and engaging experience for guests. 

With this limited-period showcase, Diya invites discerning diners to appreciate the iconic regional flavour at its most intentional, an experience defined by precision, provenance, and an approach to Indian cuisine honoured by considered detail. 

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Brings Andhra’s Rural Culinary Heritage to Life with ‘Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam’

Visakhapatnam, Jan 12: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach brings the essence of Andhra’s countryside to the city with Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam, a curated food festival celebrating traditional rural flavours. Hosted at The Square from January 14th to 25th, 2026, the festival captures the spirit of village celebrations, where food serves as a powerful expression of heritage, togetherness, and joy.

Rooted in the spirit of village festivities, Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam is a heartfelt tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s rich culinary legacy. The festival revives age-old recipes crafted using locally sourced ingredients, stone-ground spices, and time-honoured cooking techniques such as slow cooking, wood-fire preparation, and hand-crafted seasoning. The thoughtfully curated buffet presents an expansive selection of authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian Andhra specialities, including Garelu with Natu Kodi, evoking the comforting nostalgia and abundance of traditional home-style festive meals.

With a strong focus on freshness, nutritional balance, and authentic flavours, the experience goes beyond food, transporting diners to the heart of rural Andhra. Guests will be welcomed with traditional drinks, serenaded by live music, and immersed in a thoughtfully themed setting, transforming the evening into a rich cultural and gastronomic journey.

Speaking about the initiative, Udayprakash Rudrapati, Director of Food & Beverage at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said,

“At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that meaningful dining experiences are rooted in authenticity and a strong sense of place. Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam is our tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s rural culinary legacy, where food is an expression of heritage, community and celebration. Every dish reflects time-honoured techniques, locally sourced produce and the comforting flavours of village feasts, allowing us to recreate a deeply nostalgic and heartfelt gastronomic journey for our guests.”

What: Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam
When: 14th January to 25th January 2026
Where:  The Square, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
Time: Dinner | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Reservations: 77998 84045

Whether you are a lover of traditional Andhra cuisine or seeking a culturally immersive dining experience, Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam promises an unforgettable celebration of flavour, heritage, and festivity by the sea.

Celebrate the Spirit of Pongal with Harvest Brunches and Garden Lunches at Taj Bangalore and Taj West End

This Pongal, celebrate the harvest season with thoughtfully curated festive dining experiences at Taj Bangalore and Taj West End each reflecting the warmth, simplicity, and cultural richness of South Indian traditions. From immersive brunch celebrations to serene garden lunches, the festivities promise soulful flavours and moments of togetherness.

At Café 77 East, Taj Bangalore, the Pongal Special Brunch offers a vibrant afternoon rooted in tradition. Set against warm festive décor and accompanied by a soothing live flute performance, the experience features interactive live stations and a generous spread of South Indian harvest favourites. Guests can savour Ven Pongal and Sakkarai Pongal, festive snacks like Murukku, Sundal, and Medu Vada, regional specialties including Kuzhi Paniyaram and Idiyappam with Kuruma, and a comforting dessert selection featuring Kozhukattai and Payasam, creating a well-rounded celebration of flavour and culture. 

Café 77 East, Taj Bangalore  14th January 2026
Brunch: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Meanwhile, Machan at Taj West End, Bengaluru, presents a serene Pongal lunch set amidst lush gardens and heritage charm. The soulful feast highlights traditional Pongal preparations, Paal Pongal, Ven Pongal, and Rawa Pongal complemented by festive Til Ladoos, offering a graceful, comforting celebration of harvest and heritage in a tranquil setting. 

Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru 14th January 2026
Lunch Service

Celebrate Pongal with authentic flavours, festive warmth, and the timeless hospitality, where every table honours tradition and every dish tells a story of the harvest.

Javaphile Café Opens in Worli, Bringing Specialty Coffee Rituals to Mumbai’s Vibrant Neighbourhood

Mumbai, Jan 09: Mumbai’s beloved neighbourhood café, Javaphile Café, has opened its latest flagship outlet in Worli a dynamic locale that seamlessly blends legacy charm with modern living and a creative pulse. Renowned for its rich coffee culture, comforting all-day menu, and welcoming spaces, the Worli café offers a retreat for those seeking moments of pause amid the city’s fast pace.

A Thoughtful Expansion

More than just a new outlet, the Worli café represents Javaphile’s intentional expansion into a neighbourhood where mornings start early, workdays run long, and coffee breaks are cherished. The space embodies the brand’s signature warmth cozy, unpretentious, and inviting—ideal for solo visits, informal meetings, relaxed brunches, or extended work sessions.

Coffee, Always at the Core

True to its roots, Javaphile continues to champion coffee craftsmanship. The Worli café serves a full spectrum of brews, from classic espressos, cappuccinos, and flat whites to signature creations like Sea Salt Mocha, Spiced Latte, and Java Chip Frappe. Cold brew enthusiasts can explore inventive options such as Citrus, Elderflower, Sweet Lime, and Cucumber & Cream Cold Brews, while purists can enjoy manual brewing methods including Chemex, AeroPress, Origami Pour Over, and French Press.

Comfort-Led, Elevated Food

The menu complements the coffee experience while standing strong on its own. Guests can enjoy breakfast classics like Akuri Scramble on Toast, Shakshuka, Eggs Benedict, and Turkish Eggs. For wholesome meals, options include Mediterranean and Asian Peanut Grain Bowls, Chicken Makhani and Mexican Fajita Bowls, vegan chia bowls, gourmet tartines, hearty sandwiches, and protein-rich wraps. Desserts are a highlight, featuring French Toast in flavors like Tiramisu, Raspberry Cream Cheese, Banana Chocolate, and Blueberry—perfect for leisurely brunches or mid-day indulgences.

A Familiar Neighbourhood Space

Designed to feel effortlessly familiar, Javaphile Café in Worli combines approachable service with a premium menu, creating a refined yet relaxed experience. Guests can enjoy everyday luxury without formality, making the café a natural part of their daily routines.

Founder’s Note

Suren Joshi, Founder of Javaphile Café, said,

“Javaphile has always been about creating spaces where people can slow down, even if just for a cup of coffee. Worli felt like a natural next step—a neighbourhood that values quality, routine, and good food. This café is designed to be familiar, dependable, and welcoming, whether you’re stepping in for five minutes or staying for hours.”

With its Worli opening, Javaphile Café continues to strengthen its presence across Mumbai, staying true to its philosophy of great coffee, honest food, and inviting spaces—quietly becoming part of the city’s everyday rhythm.

Zane’s Cafe Launches Festive Christmas Menu with Strawberry Delights & Winter Treats

Christmas delights make their place within small plates, main course, desserts and there’s a crafted drinks menu too. You can start with Rosemary & Thyme Potatoes, accompany a healthy Citrusy Beetroot Salad while you wait for Winter Berry Pancakes or Crimson Chicken from the mains. For some warmth, order the Slow-Cooked Lamb or Broccoli Risotto, another green holiday classic that comes with shaved almonds. The desserts bring out fresh berry goodness. Panna Cotta w Strawberries, rich dark Mousse or spiced plum cakes with vanilla bean ice cream, topped with berry and caramel drizzle in their Christmas Sundae.

A slow-sipping hot chocolate anchors the festive season. Zane’s Unreal X’mas Hot Chocolate Flight comes in three seasonal flavours: Holiday, Fireside and Winterfresh. There’s also white chocolate variants and a Peppermint Tux for those who like sharper sips. For Matcha fans, they’ve an Xmas special The Grinch Matcha topped with peppermint cold foam.

Talking about the special menu, the spokesperson  says;

“People have showered Zane’s with their love and X’mas is the season of holiday gifting. The menu is designed to make their visit feel like a holiday season treat. We’ve the classic comforts of the season to make every table a part of X’mas cheer.”

The Christmas menu runs for a limited time so don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the holiday specials at your and your pet’s favourite cafe in the city.

Better Nutrition Launches India’s First XRF-Based Soil-to-Food Nutrient Verification System

New Delhi, Dec 15:-In a major milestone for India’s food and agri-tech ecosystem, Better Nutrition, the country’s first biofortified food brand, has unveiled its advanced XRF Analyzer, bringing unprecedented scientific validation, safety, and transparency to everyday nutrition. With this breakthrough, Better Nutrition becomes the only private organization in India, and among a handful globally, to deploy advanced X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology for real-time nutrient and heavy-metal profiling across every batch of food it produces.

This system now powers India’s first complete soil-to-food nutrient verification model, ensuring that nutrition is not merely claimed, but grown, measured, and proven.

The advanced XRF Analyzer can capture a complete nutrient scorecard within just 100 seconds, enabling the measurement of over 20+ essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and boron, while simultaneously screening for 10+ harmful heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.

“Almost every batch of food that we make is tested using this advanced technology, and in under 100 seconds, we can capture a perfect nutrient scorecard. We precisely ascertain levels of zinc, iron, calcium, manganese, boron, and also ensure harmful heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and lead are absent. In India, we are the only private organization to have this capability today. Going forward, we’ll be showcasing these results to all our consumers, building unmatched trust and transparency,” said Prateek Rastogi, Co-founder, Better Nutrition.

This capability, currently found only in a few advanced research institutions globally, enables Better Nutrition to validate what most brands can only claim.

Unlike standard packaged foods that rely on broad claims such as “source of iron” or “rich in nutrients,” Better Nutrition can now prove the nutrient density of every batch before it reaches the customer.

“We’ve built India’s first soil-to-food nutrient system that can both increase and validate nutrients inside everyday staples. Nutrition is no longer assumed; it’s verified. Eating these staples daily allows consumers to meet a meaningful portion of their essential nutrient requirements without artificial fortification or supplements. This is a new, science-backed standard for everyday food in India,”

said Aishwarya Bhatnagar, Co-founder, Better Nutrition.This innovation directly addresses India’s “hidden hunger” challenge, nutrient deficiencies that persist despite adequate food availability.

Cumin Co Partners with Chef Pooja Dhingra to Launch India’s First 100% Toxin-Free- Bakeware Collection

New Delhi, Dec 13:  Cumin Co, India’s first patented, 100% toxin-free enamel cast iron kitchenware brand, has officially entered the bakeware category with a new porcelain-grade ceramic and enamel cast iron collection, fronted by India’s most influential baking voice, Pooja Dhingra. This collaboration marks a pivotal chapter in the brand’s evolution as it expands beyond cookware, bringing global-quality baking tools to a C home-baking community that has grown exponentially but continues to lack purpose-built, high-performance products.

The launch also marks a major strategic milestone for Cumin Co. The brand is targeting a ₹100 crore ARR milestone by next year, supported by category expansion, material innovation and growing consumer sentiment around toxin-free kitchenware. India’s bakeware market, currently pegged at $100 million, is at an inflection point, and Cumin Co aims to capture 10% of this market within the next 2–3 years. By expanding into bakeware with patented materials, global-standard performance and thoughtful design, the brand is building a holistic, innovation-led kitchenware ecosystem for Indian homes one that spans both everyday cooking and advanced baking.

At the centre of this launch is a collection crafted specifically for the needs of Indian kitchens. The porcelain-grade ceramic bakeware offers exceptional heat distribution, easy release, and resistance to stains, oils and lingering smells — challenges that most mass-market bakeware fails to solve. The 4-layer enamel cast iron range, including the Braiser and Bread Oven, is engineered for superior heat retention, even crust formation, better browning and more consistent results, making it suitable for everything from gratins to artisanal bread. Every product has been designed keeping in mind the realities of Indian kitchens: compact ovens, high heat settings, frequent usage, flavour-heavy recipes, and multi-purpose cooking needs.

The partnership with Pooja Dhingra adds emotional depth and cultural relevance to the launch. Her presence brings credibility and warmth to a category that is equal parts technical and nostalgic. As someone who has shaped India’s modern baking landscape, Pooja represents both the aspiration and the authenticity that home bakers across the country identify with.

Niharika Joshi & Udit Lekhi, Co-Founders of Cumin Co, said:

“Indian homes have embraced baking like never before, yet the tools have not kept pace. Most bakeware available today is not designed for Indian ovens, Indian ingredients or the intensity of Indian cooking routines. This collection is our answer to that gap. Having Pooja on board deepens this mission she stands for the emotional connection, creativity and cultural evolution that baking now holds in Indian households. This category expansion strengthens our ambition to build India’s most trusted, health-first kitchenware brand across every cooking and baking need.”

TAT Vikhroli Introduces Limited-Edition Goan Christmas Menu, Bringing Home-Style Festive Flavours to Mumbai

TAT Vikhroli, the premium destination known for showcasing India on a plate, is set to bring the warmth and charm of a Goan Christmas to Mumbai with its limited-edition “A Goan Christmas At Home” experience, available from December 15th to December 30th, 2025.

For two festive weeks, the restaurant will be transformed into an inviting Goan home, celebrating timeless culinary traditions, soulful flavours, and the essence of Christmas as it is enjoyed in Goa. The menu is inspired by the aroma of coconut and jaggery in festive kitchens, age-old recipes simmering with spices, and heartfelt celebrations shared around family tables.

Unlike extravagant hotel buffets, this experience focuses on a cosy, intimate ambience simple, warm, and authentically Goan. The specially curated menu stays true to signature coastal flavours while adding a Christmas twist.

Starters include Goan favourites such as Prawn Rissois and Goan Chicken Cutlets, with Vegetable Potato Chops as a comforting vegetarian alternative. To complement the winter season, TAT offers hearty soups like Goan Chicken Soup with Vermicelli—a festive spin on the classic—and the richly flavoured Prawn Bisque, reminiscent of coastal breezes.

The Mains cater to diverse tastes. Vegetarian options include Vegetable Xacuti, a medley of vegetables cooked in roasted coconut and spices, and Mushroom Caldine, a creamy, iconic Goan curry. Non-vegetarians can savour classics like Crab Xec Xec, a beloved recipe made with roasted coconut and red chilli masala, or the innovative Red Snapper Supremo in Goan Curry, a delightful fusion. Traditional favourites such as Sannas and Poi serve as perfect accompaniments.

To elevate the festive spirit, the menu features signature beverages like Homemade Spiced Christmas Wine, carrying the familiar warmth and spice of Goan celebrations. Desserts like Alle Belle and Bebinca capture the nostalgia and sweetness of a Goan Christmas.

With dishes starting from ₹350, TAT Vikhroli aims to make this festive feast both memorable and accessible.

The experience is designed as a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s vibrant Christmas traditions—an invitation to sit at a family table, share stories, and savour festive flavours in an intimate, cheerful setting. Soft music, warm food, subtle décor, and joyful energy make this celebration feel less like a spectacle and more like Christmas as it is lived authentic, warm, and full of heart.

Santé Spa Cuisine Rolls Out Its New Winter Menu 

Mumbai, Dec 11: Known for its focus on clean, ingredient-driven cooking and contemporary vegetarian plates, Santé Spa Cuisine continues to champion wholesome, flavour-forward dining in the city. Staying true to its ethos of mindful eating and seasonal freshness, the restaurant now introduces its new winter menu crafted to bring warmth, balance, and creativity to the table. 

Santé’s refreshed lineup brings together comforting winter flavours and the brand’s signature clean-eating philosophy. Menu highlights include the Quinoa ‘Biryani’, the aromatic Burmese Khaukswe Bowl, the rustic Woodland Ragi Pizza, and the truffle-kissed Baked Mac ‘N Cheese each dish blending nourishment with modern, flavour-rich profiles. 

The special Winter Nourishments selection adds a seasonal touch with warm, hearty offerings such as the Hot Ginger & Cider Tea, Sarson Da Saag with Charkoni Missi, and the Stir-Fried Ponkh Dazzler. For a contemporary dessert moment, the Roasted Black Sesame & Walnut Halwa paired with fresh strawberry gelato brings a comforting yet elevated finish. 

Complementing the food, the updated Brews & Bites menu features hand-pulled coffees, slow-brewed teas, artisanal matcha drinks, and a new range of house-baked croissants. Thoughtfully crafted and seasonally inspired, Santé’s winter menu blends warmth, wellness, and flavour in every dish.