Godrej's Food Trends: A Sweet Mix of Tradition and Innovation

Godrej's Food Trends: A Sweet Mix of Tradition and Innovation

By Author

Published on December 13, 2023

As the festive season of Christmas and New Year approaches, Godrej's Food Trends Report has highlighted a significant culinary shift in India. Once considered occasional treats, cakes and pastries are now integral to the nation's festive traditions, reflecting the evolving palate of Indian consumers. This transformation is attributed to the innovative efforts of skilled bakers across the country.

The report points out a notable trend: the growing passion among Indian home cooks to experiment with baking pastries and cakes. This enthusiasm for hands-on baking experiences shows an eagerness to blend global tastes with traditional flavors, leading to an expansive variety of homemade bakes.

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Key Trends in Indian Pastry and Cake Making

Southeast Asian Bakes:

The report notes that about 88% of culinary experts see bakeries as vital to local food ecosystems. India's diverse baking communities, from the kandurs in Kashmir to the paowallas in Mumbai, are contributing to a rich tapestry of local and international baked goods.

Turkish / Middle Eastern Delights:

Another 88% of experts agree on the growing popularity of Middle Eastern-inspired pastries like Baklava and Kunefe. These intricate flavors that mix sweet, spicy, and umami notes are becoming favorites among Indian consumers.

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European Influences:

About 75% of the panelists believe that European and American baking traditions are influencing the Indian baking industry, leading to innovation and the evolution of classic offerings.

The Godrej Foods Perspective: Embracing Global Influences

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, managing director of the Godrej Foods Trends Report, remarks on this culinary evolution. "In India, festivals and special occasions have always been marked with sweet delicacies. With Christmas around the corner, we're seeing a delightful blend of traditional and global influences in pastries and cakes. Post-COVID, home chefs are particularly innovative, introducing a range of flavors into their baked creations," she says. This trend indicates a stronger tradition of enjoying cakes and pastries during festive times than ever before.


Midweek, Reimagined: Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

Midweek, Reimagined: Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

By Hariharan U

Published on April 3, 2026

Two years since opening its doors, Lyla Bombay continues to evolve its identity, this time by turning its focus to something more intimate and experience-driven. Marking its second anniversary, the restaurant introduces Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays, a weekly ritual designed to transform the rhythm of midweek evenings.

Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s bustling business district, Lyla shifts gears as the sun sets. Lights dim, candlelight takes over, and the space transitions into a setting that feels personal and unstructured. The experience moves beyond the format of a traditional performance, creating an environment where the line between artist and audience softens, allowing guests to become a part of the moment.

The concept sits somewhere between a live music session and a singalong, not quite a concert, not quite karaoke. Instead, it leans into a shared, easy energy where familiar songs fill the room and strangers find connection through music. The result is an atmosphere that feels spontaneous, warm, and quietly electric.

Complementing the experience is Lyla’s thoughtfully curated menu, featuring dishes that balance comfort with indulgence. Standout offerings such as Prawns Moilee, truffle mushroom risotto, and the restaurant’s signature stuffed ravioli add depth to the evening, aligning seamlessly with the relaxed yet elevated tone of the event.

Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays form part of a larger anniversary chapter for Lyla, which also introduces a refreshed, globally inspired all-day dining menu alongside an expanded lineup of weekend experiences. The idea is simple yet intentional, to create a space that adapts to the pace of its guests, whether they arrive for a quiet morning or stay through a lively evening.

With this new offering, Lyla Bombay positions itself not just as a dining destination, but as a space where moments unfold naturally, turning an ordinary Wednesday into something worth returning for.


Commune Launches Sunday Brunch Series with Easter Kick-Off

Commune Launches Sunday Brunch Series with Easter Kick-Off

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

Commune is set to elevate weekend dining with the launch of its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch series, kicking off on April 5, 2026, with a specially curated Easter edition. Envisioned as a recurring weekly experience, the brunch blends indulgent food, live entertainment, and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The Easter launch sets the tone with a thoughtfully curated spread that balances freshness and comfort. Guests can explore a variety of salads including Mediterranean couscous and quinoa avocado, alongside small plates such as herb and cheese stuffed mushrooms and tempura vegetables. The mains bring together global and regional flavours, featuring dishes like Ratatouille vegetable steak, Thai Panang curry, Laal Maas, and slow-roasted chicken.

Enhancing the experience further are a dedicated live counter and a grazing table, offering guests an interactive and immersive way to enjoy the meal.

In keeping with the festive spirit, the dessert selection introduces playful Easter-inspired highlights. From hot cross buns pudding and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting to golden Easter eggs with mango-coconut ganache and Royal Kunafa, the menu adds a celebratory finish to the afternoon.

Beyond the food, the brunch experience is designed to encourage guests to slow down and connect. Live singing performances every Sunday add a vibrant yet easy-going energy, transforming the brunch into a leisurely social gathering rather than just a meal.

Commune’s Sunday Brunch aims to become a go-to weekend ritual, offering a space where guests can unwind, indulge, and enjoy a thoughtfully curated dining experience


Barista Coffee Launches ‘Main Hoon Mango’ Summer Menu

Barista Coffee Launches ‘Main Hoon Mango’ Summer Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

Barista Coffee Company is welcoming the summer season with the launch of its much-anticipated mango campaign, ‘Main Hoon Mango’, starting April 1, 2026. The initiative celebrates the timeless appeal of mango, often regarded as the heart of Indian summers, through a vibrant and indulgent in-café experience.

Deeply rooted in Indian culture, mango carries strong emotional and nostalgic value, evoking memories of childhood, seasonal rituals, and simple joys. With this campaign, Barista aims to bring that familiarity to life while adding a contemporary twist through innovative flavours and formats.

At the centre of the campaign is a specially curated menu that blends the richness of mango with the brand’s signature coffee expertise. The lineup features a mix of beverages and desserts, including Dirty Mango Latte, Chilli Mango Tango, Mango Iced Espresso, Mango Matcha, Mango Affair, and a Mango Cheesecake Slice. Each creation is designed to balance freshness with indulgence, offering guests a new way to experience the season’s most loved fruit.

Speaking about the launch, Rajat Agrawal said, “As the mango season approaches, Barista has once again introduced a summer menu built around the king of fruits. ‘Main Hoon Mango’ celebrates the essence of Indian summers through a flavour that resonates with everyone. This campaign brings together nostalgia and indulgence in a refreshing experience, and we look forward to offering our customers a unique mango journey across all Barista outlets.”

Available across Barista cafés and online platforms, the ‘Main Hoon Mango’ range is priced starting at INR 275, making it accessible for customers looking to enjoy a seasonal indulgence.

With this launch, Barista Coffee Company continues to tap into seasonal preferences, creating experiences that go beyond beverages and connect with consumers through flavour, memory, and innovation.

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