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.


Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a Revitalised North-West Frontier Culinary Experience

Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a Revitalised North-West Frontier Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on June 5, 2026

Jyran, the signature Tandoor Dining & Lounge at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, has unveiled a refreshed culinary experience that celebrates the rich heritage of North-West Frontier cuisine while introducing modern elements of storytelling, presentation, and mixology.

Inspired by the tale of a young boy and his bond with an elephant, symbolising love, hope, and belonging, Jyran continues to build its identity around warmth, connection, and authentic frontier-inspired flavours. The latest menu enhancement offers guests greater flexibility through both set-menu and à la carte dining options while introducing thoughtfully curated small plates, signature mains, and inventive desserts.

Leading the culinary transformation is Master Chef Waris Qureshi, whose expertise draws from the royal culinary traditions of Awadhi, Peshawari, and Hyderabadi cuisines. Known for preserving heritage recipes while presenting them with contemporary flair, Chef Qureshi has crafted a menu that blends time-honoured techniques with refined modern execution.

The new menu showcases robust tandoor-led preparations that reflect the depth and character of frontier cuisine. Signature dishes include Namak Mandi Gosht Ki Chaap, featuring succulent lamb chops marinated in malt vinegar and aromatic spices, and Murgh Al Qureshi, a delicately flavoured chicken preparation enriched with saffron, cashews, and traditional Lucknowi influences.

Guests can also savour the Raan-E-Khushk Pardah, a slow-cooked leg of lamb encased in a delicate pastry crust, alongside the restaurant’s signature Dal-E-Qureshi, which is simmered for 48 hours to achieve its distinctive richness and depth of flavour.

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The dessert menu introduces contemporary interpretations of beloved classics. Highlights include the Gulab Jamun Kunafa Nest, which combines traditional Indian sweetness with Middle Eastern textures, and the indulgent Jyran Signature Kulfi Falooda, offering a refined take on a nostalgic favourite.

Complementing the culinary offerings is a reimagined cocktail programme featuring eight signature creations. Designed as chapters within an unfolding story, each cocktail is paired with a theatrical presentation that transforms the drinking experience into an immersive narrative. From colour-changing concoctions and fire-and-smoke reveals to interactive “Lost Letter” moments, the beverages are crafted to evoke themes of longing, memory, discovery, and reunion.

Together, the refreshed food and beverage programme transforms dining at Jyran into a multi-sensory journey that celebrates both culinary heritage and creative innovation. Through its combination of authentic flavours, storytelling elements, and experiential hospitality, Jyran continues to strengthen its position as one of Mumbai’s distinctive luxury dining destinations.

Located within Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the restaurant reflects the hotel’s broader philosophy of combining French sophistication with warm Indian hospitality, offering guests memorable experiences rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.

Restaurant Details:

Venue: Jyran, Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Dining Options: Set Menu and À la Carte Available
Reservations: +91 91673 91130


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Introduces Mediterranean Nights at The Square

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Introduces Mediterranean Nights at The Square

By Hariharan U

Published on June 4, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has introduced a new dining experience titled “Mediterranean Nights” at its signature restaurant, The Square, bringing together the vibrant culinary traditions of the Mediterranean coastline and Middle Eastern regions.

Designed as an immersive and elegant evening experience, Mediterranean Nights focuses on fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, handcrafted mezze, and interactive live cooking stations that highlight the richness and diversity of Mediterranean cuisine.

The ambience at The Square has been thoughtfully curated to reflect coastal European charm, featuring soft lighting, Mediterranean-inspired décor elements, and soothing background music. The setting aims to create a relaxed yet premium atmosphere ideal for an elevated dining experience by the sea.

Guests can explore an elaborate buffet spread featuring a wide selection of mezze, artisan breads and dips, seafood preparations, roasted meats, and signature Mediterranean desserts. The live cooking stations further enhance the experience by offering freshly prepared dishes that bring an interactive and engaging dimension to the evening.

Mediterranean Nights is designed as a social dining experience suitable for gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues. The concept focuses on offering guests a flavourful escape that captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality, known for its warmth, simplicity, and celebration of shared meals.

Through this initiative, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach continues to expand its culinary programming, offering curated dining experiences that blend global flavours with immersive hospitality settings.

Event Details:

Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahni Road, Juhu, Mumbai – 400049
Days: Every Friday & Sunday
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM


Dandy & Dandy Debuts in Hyderabad with an All-Day Dining and Nightlife Concept

Dandy & Dandy Debuts in Hyderabad with an All-Day Dining and Nightlife Concept

By Hariharan U

Published on June 4, 2026

Hyderabad’s evolving food and nightlife landscape has welcomed a new addition with the launch of Dandy & Dandy, a contemporary hospitality destination located in HITEC City. Conceptualised by Rehan Guha, the venue combines dining, cocktails, music, and nightlife within a single space designed to transform throughout the day.

Built around the philosophy of “Two Dandies. One Door. Same Room. Two Moods,” Dandy & Dandy offers guests a dual-experience concept that shifts seamlessly from a relaxed dining environment during the afternoon to a high-energy social and nightlife destination as the evening unfolds.

Located on the fifth floor of THE LOFT at Nexity, HITEC City, the venue has been designed to create an immersive atmosphere through cinematic interiors, a striking central bar, and carefully curated lighting. Deep reds, blacks, and warm neutral tones dominate the design palette, creating a setting that evolves alongside the venue’s changing mood and energy levels throughout the day.

The culinary offering focuses on globally inspired shareable plates designed to encourage social dining and communal experiences. The menu has been curated to complement the venue’s dynamic concept, catering to guests seeking everything from casual lunches to intimate dinners and late-night gatherings.

A key feature of the experience is its cocktail programme, which follows a progressive ABV (Alcohol by Volume) journey. Guests can begin with lighter and more approachable cocktails during the early evening before transitioning to bolder, spirit-forward creations as the night progresses.

Music also plays a central role in shaping the guest experience. Carefully curated programming gradually transitions from subtle daytime sounds to energetic late-night sets, reinforcing the venue’s transformation from a refined dining destination into a lively nightlife hotspot.

Positioned within the accessible premium dining segment, Dandy & Dandy aims to cater to a broad audience looking for versatile experiences within a single venue. Whether for business lunches, after-work drinks, celebratory dinners, or nightlife gatherings, the concept has been designed to adapt to different occasions throughout the day.

With its evolving atmosphere, design-forward interiors, and integrated food, beverage, and entertainment offering, Dandy & Dandy seeks to establish itself as one of Hyderabad’s notable new hospitality destinations.

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