Home cooking, once considered a diminishing skill, is experiencing a renaissance. In response to this culinary resurgence, upliance.ai, an innovative home appliance startup, has introduced its AI Cooking Assistant, delishUp, and is delighted to present its comprehensive debut food trends report. This report embarks on a flavorful journey through the evolving tastes of young Indian households, enriched by meticulously curated, data-driven insights.
Drawn from a comprehensive dataset spanning 3,000 households and more than 15,000 cooking sessions on delishUp in 11 cities, the report unveils compelling discoveries that provide captivating insights into the continually evolving culinary choices of the nation. While it confirms certain assumptions, it also challenges stereotypes, weaving a multifaceted fabric of tastes and preferences.
Approximately 80 percent of delishUp users belong to the male demographic, with a predominant representation in the 25-40 age bracket. This user base has enthusiastically embraced home cooking and is exploring various culinary realms.
Surprisingly, even though 51 percent of users identify as non-vegetarians, a remarkable 85 percent of households on delishUp opt for vegetarian meals, primarily driven by perceived challenges in handling meat. Beloved vegetarian dishes like Veg Pulao and Kadai Paneer consistently hold sway over the taste preferences of users.
In contrast to the common belief that South Indians primarily favor rice-based dishes, chapati dough surprisingly stands out as a leading recipe, accounting for 3.5 percent of cooking sessions on delishUp.
Roughly 40 percent of users express a wish for healthier eating, yet fewer than 10 percent consistently integrate wholesome alternatives into their cooking routines on delishUp.
Young Indian households are broadening the variety of their homemade meals, with 40 percent showing a preference for Indian cuisine, 20 percent for Continental dishes, 20 percent for Italian fare, and the remaining 20 percent delving into beverages, soups, salads, and Asian recipes.
India, a country often associated with a predominantly vegetarian diet, reveals a more varied culinary panorama. Roughly 51 percent of homeowners proudly identify as non-vegetarians. Nonetheless, numerous novice cooks are drawn to vegetarian dishes due to the perceived challenges of working with meat, leading to 85 percent of households on delishUp preparing vegetarian meals. Traditional favorites like Veg Pulao and Kadai Paneer continue to enjoy immense popularity, with other classics such as Poha and Rasam also earning widespread acclaim.
Challenging the misconception that South Indians solely prefer rice-based meals, chapati dough emerges as a frequent choice, comprising 3.5 percent of meals prepared on delishUp. Conversely, North and West Indian users are increasingly drawn to South Indian delicacies like Upma, Lemon Rice, Bangalore-style Sambar, and Cabbage Pachadi. In the South, an exploration of dishes like Gujarati Kadhi, Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji, Rice Kheer, Surti Cold Coco, and more reflects cross-regional culinary curiosity.
AI has smoothly become an integral part of everyday life, including the culinary domain. Historically, venturing into new dishes has presented challenges in terms of locating suitable recipes, mastering techniques, and acquiring the necessary ingredients. However, thanks to delishUp’s ChefGPT feature, even those new to cooking can now confidently explore fresh recipes at home. This advancement has given rise to inventive creations like Mexican-inspired beer concoctions, the clever Rotli nu Shaak that ingeniously repurposes leftover roti, and the delightful Ada Pradhaman, a beloved dessert from Kerala, all making their way into the modern kitchen.
While street food holds a special place in Indian culinary tradition, it remains a compelling influence on home kitchens nationwide. Data from DelishUp demonstrates that timeless favorites such as Pav Bhaji and Bhel are frequently prepared in households rather than being ordered or consumed outside. In addition to these classics, unconventional dishes like Bread Paneer Poha, Beetroot Rasam, Pudina Palak Khichdi, Creamy Peanut Noodles, Beetroot Halwa, and Chicken Tagine are steadily gaining popularity, signaling a growing inclination to embrace diverse flavors and engage in culinary experimentation at home, particularly when convenience is a priority.
In a world that’s increasingly health-conscious, it’s worth noting that while 40 percent of individuals express a desire for healthier eating habits, fewer than 10 percent consistently incorporate these practices into their daily cooking routines. This highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the aspiration for health-consciousness with the allure of comfort food in meal preparation.
Furthermore, there’s a widespread yearning for restaurant-style cuisine, with nearly 500 individuals expressing the wish to recreate their favorite restaurant dishes at home. This desire spans across various culinary traditions, with 40 percent favoring Indian cuisine, 20 percent leaning towards Continental fare, 20 percent opting for Italian flavors, and the remaining portion exploring a diverse range, including chaats and Asian dishes. This aligns with the aspiration to make “outside food” healthier by preparing it at home.
A remarkable 80 percent of delishUp users fall into the male demographic, predominantly aged between 25 and 40, with many of them setting out on their culinary adventures for the first time. The perception of cooking as a complex and labor-intensive task, involving intricate recipes and culinary skills, has undergone a transformation thanks to modern kitchen appliances. The convenience offered by these devices has empowered individuals, especially men who might have previously been intimidated by traditional cooking methods. Their attraction to cooking technology and the convenience it affords has nurtured a greater sense of independence in the kitchen, motivating them to explore a wide range of dishes and broaden their culinary horizons.
In the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine, timeless classics such as Poha, Pulao, and Kadai Paneer hold a special place in the hearts and palates of the nation. Mornings kick off with quick delights like Poha and Upma, while dinners embrace the comforting embrace of Chapatis paired with an assortment of sabzis, including Kadai Paneer and Aloo Tamatar Sabzi. Lunchtime offers variety but frequently includes rice-based dishes like Veg Pulao and Sambar. For dessert, the all-time favorite Rice Kheer reigns supreme, with Vermicelli Payasam adding a delightful Southern twist.
In the world of non-vegetarian cuisine, Butter Chicken takes the throne, delighting enthusiasts from all corners of the country. These culinary trends exemplify the enduring affection for traditional flavors and the harmonious fusion of regional and national tastes within Indian cuisine.
In the ever-changing culinary scene of India, this research provides invaluable insights into the recent changes in food preferences throughout the nation. As home cooking undergoes a revival, the accessibility of kitchen appliances that simplify the cooking process is democratizing culinary experiences and enabling young Indian households to enjoy a broader and more adventurous range of homemade meals.