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.


Chef Hari Nayak Is Back at Four Seasons Maldives — and the Menu Looks Absolutely Stunning

Chef Hari Nayak Is Back at Four Seasons Maldives — and the Menu Looks Absolutely Stunning

By Hariharan U

Published on March 10, 2026

If you've been looking for a reason to plan a Maldives trip this April, Chef Hari Nayak just gave you one.

The celebrated chef is returning to Baraabaru, the award-winning Indian restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa for another residency that promises to be every bit as special as his previous visits. Baraabaru, named among CNN Travel's Top 10 Maldives' Finest Tables, is already one of the most respected Indian dining destinations in the region. With Chef Nayak back in the kitchen alongside Head Chef Kishan Singh, the combination of coastal Indian tradition and global culinary technique is going to be firing on all cylinders.

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This season's menu is a confident journey through India's regional flavours but done with personality and a contemporary edge that makes each dish feel fresh. Gujarat's Anda Ghotala makes an appearance alongside Kolkata's Beguni, while black garlic naan and barbecue butter chicken chops bring bold, satisfying flavours to the table. And then there's the gulab jamun crème brûlée, a playful, East-meets-West dessert that sounds like exactly the kind of thing you'd remember long after the meal ends.

The dish that's likely to turn the most heads, though, is Chef Nayak's signature whole baked lobster with coconut turmeric sauce and lemon rice. Bold, fragrant, and unmistakably his, it's the kind of dish that captures everything great about modern Indian cooking in a single plate.

Chef Nayak will be in residence at Baraabaru from 30th March to 4th April 2026. It's a short window, so if this is on your radar, now is the time to make it happen.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Celebrates ‘Macaron Month’ at Glazed

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Celebrates ‘Macaron Month’ at Glazed

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 10, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is bringing a delightful celebration of French confectionery to the city this March with The Macaron Month, an exclusive dessert showcase at its patisserie, Glazed.

Running throughout the month, the festival highlights a vibrant selection of handcrafted macarons designed to celebrate delicate textures, refined sweetness, and playful flavours. The all-day offering invites dessert enthusiasts to indulge in an elegant lineup of colourful treats, each crafted with precision by the hotel’s pastry team.

The curated menu features an enticing variety of flavours created to appeal to every palate. Guests can savour indulgent options such as Strawberry Cheesecake Macaron, Hazelnut with White Chocolate Ganache Macaron, and Red Velvet Macaron, alongside unique selections like Taro, Mocha, and the refreshing Lemon Blueberry Macaron.

Each macaron offers the signature balance that defines the classic French confection—crisp, delicate shells paired with smooth, flavourful fillings that melt effortlessly on the palate.

Designed as both a visual and culinary delight, the collection highlights the artistry behind pastry craftsmanship while offering guests a playful and indulgent dessert experience. With their vibrant colours and refined flavours, the macarons promise to deliver small bites of sweetness that leave a lasting impression.

Guests visiting Glazed can enjoy the macarons throughout the day, making it a perfect stop for a mid-morning treat, afternoon indulgence, or a sweet takeaway.

With The Macaron Month, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal invites dessert lovers to step into a world where flavour meets artistry, transforming each macaron into a moment of pure indulgence.


Garden Café Marks Women’s Day with Complimentary Drinks for Women

Garden Café Marks Women’s Day with Complimentary Drinks for Women

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 10, 2026

Garden Café marked International Women’s Day with a warm and thoughtful gesture dedicated to celebrating the strength, spirit, and contributions of women. On the occasion, the café offered complimentary drinks to every woman visiting the café, creating a simple yet meaningful way to honour the day.

The initiative was designed to celebrate womanhood while giving guests a relaxed space to gather with friends and family. Women visiting the café could enjoy conversations, spend quality time, and feel appreciated as part of the special celebration.

Through this gesture, Garden Café joined the global spirit of Women’s Day, recognising the important role women play in shaping families, communities, and society. The café hoped the initiative would add a memorable touch to the day for all guests who visited.

Along with the celebration, guests enjoyed a menu that reflects the café’s love for comforting and flavourful dishes. The spread includes South Indian favourites such as Mysore Dosa, Topi Dosa, Family Dosa, and Cheese Butter Masala Dosa. For those who prefer continental bites, the café also serves popular pizzas like Garlic Cheese and Mixed Cheese.

The food experience is complemented by a range of refreshing beverages and aromatic drinks. Guests can choose from options like American Ice Cream Soda, Orange Blossom, Hot Chocolate, and traditional Filter Coffee while enjoying the calm garden-style ambience of the café.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Sandip Nowlakha, Owner of Garden Café, said, “Women's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and dedicate a special moment to the women in our lives. Today at Garden Café, we hope every guest enjoys a relaxing time, a warm gesture and a little celebration of her strength, spirit and joy.”

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