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.


From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

Mumbai’s Valentine’s celebrations this year move beyond predictable dinners, unfolding instead through music-led evenings, narrative cocktails and comfort-driven dining across some of the city’s most distinctive venues. From Andheri to Juhu and Versova, spaces are curating experiences that feel personal, expressive and unhurried.

At The Stables on Airport Road, Valentine’s Day becomes an intimate blend of sound and flavour. Known for its rustic-chic aesthetic and evolving 7-days-7-experiences calendar, the venue adds a romantic layer with a special evening featuring live music by Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Suhayb Nazyr. His soulful originals, contemporary Sufi influences and Bollywood renditions set a reflective, immersive tone for couples. Complementing the music is The Stables’ Sweetheart’s Menu, a Valentine’s-exclusive cocktail line-up inspired by love stories from across the world. From the floral, tropical notes of A Korean Affair to the citrus brightness of An Italian Romance and the bold warmth of An Irish Promise, the menu also includes playful mocktails and indulgent shots designed to be shared..

In Juhu, KOJAK stretches Valentine’s into a week-long narrative. From 10th to 15th February, the bar introduces a specially curated Valentine’s menu featuring cocktails, food and desserts built around fresh flavours and shareable formats. The celebrations evolve each night, beginning with flute and violin performances, moving into a Magic & Cocktails evening, and culminating in a high-energy bar night with Ravetek. Interactive elements such as a spin-the-wheel experience, a nostalgic dessert cart and intimate seating corners add depth, with reservations recommended to maintain a limited, immersive feel. 

For couples seeking a quieter celebration, Kefi in Versova offers a comforting Valentine’s Day menu centred on familiar flavours. Featuring dim sums, baos, indulgent mains, decadent desserts and relaxed sips, the experience leans into warmth and simplicity within Kefi’s cosy setting. The Valentine’s offering is available in the evening onwards, Together, these venues reflect Mumbai’s evolving Valentine’s mood—less about spectacle, more about connection, stories and shared moments


Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Mirth Cocktail Conservatory is redefining romance with the launch of its special “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” collection, inviting guests to celebrate love through craft-driven cocktails rather than predictable tropes. Designed for modern romantics, the curated menu focuses on texture, clarity and expressive flavours, making it equally suited for first dates and long-standing toasts.

The collection features four signature serves that highlight Mirth’s mixology philosophy of intention over excess. The Cheesecake Sour pairs a robust whiskey base with a silky cheesecake foam, offering a dessert-inspired indulgence, while the Strawberry Negroni reimagines the classic with an airy strawberry cloud that softens its bitter-sweet profile. For bolder palates, the Wild Heart delivers a vibrant mix of tart berry shrub accented by a distinctive jamun strip, and the Clear Intention showcases technical finesse through a crystal-clear, clarified blend of gin, basil and lychee.

Set within Mirth’s intimate, velvet-toned interiors in Indiranagar, the Valentine’s collection underscores the bar’s reputation for contemporary, experimental mixology. With this limited-time offering, Mirth positions cocktails not just as drinks, but as expressions of mood, chemistry and connection, encouraging guests to celebrate romance with clarity, confidence and a sense of play


Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

As Valentine’s season sets in, Barista Coffee Company is spreading the spirit of love with the launch of its special campaign, “Currently Romantic,” inviting customers to celebrate togetherness over thoughtfully crafted flavours. Rooted in the idea of creating meaningful moments, the campaign reflects Barista’s focus on turning everyday café visits into warm, memorable experiences for couples, friends and self-care enthusiasts alike.

Available from 1 February across Barista outlets, the limited-time Valentine’s menu features indulgent offerings designed to balance comfort and celebration. Highlights include the Strawberry Brownie Frappe, which blends fruity freshness with rich chocolate notes, and the Brownie Latte, a creamy and indulgent coffee crafted for those seeking a cosy, dessert-inspired cup. Adding to the festive spread is the Valentine’s Cake, positioned as a shareable sweet treat that captures the emotion of the season in every slice.

Commenting on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said the campaign is aimed at making people feel special during the season of love by spreading warmth, happiness and indulgence across cities. He noted that the specially curated treats are meant to bring customers closer to their loved ones, whether through a quiet café date, a cheerful outing or a simple moment of self-indulgence.

The “Currently Romantic” campaign stays true to Barista’s vibrant brand identity, combining flavour, emotion and experience. With visually appealing, ‘gram-worthy’ desserts and beverages, the Valentine’s menu encourages customers to create and share moments over coffee. The exclusive offerings will be available at select Barista cafés across India from 1 February, inviting everyone to indulge, celebrate and fall in love with every sip and bite

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