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.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Introduces ‘Matcha Moments’ at Autm

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Introduces ‘Matcha Moments’ at Autm

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 24, 2026

In a city that is always on the move, Autm at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is bringing a refreshing pause with the launch of Matcha Moments, starting 21st January 2026. The new experience invites guests to slow down, reset, and enjoy a sense of calm through carefully prepared matcha-based beverages.

Blending age-old tradition with modern tastes, Matcha Moments goes beyond being just a trend. The menu highlights matcha’s natural energy boost, antioxidant benefits, and its distinctive umami flavour. Guests can choose from hand-whisked ceremonial Matcha Tea, creamy Matcha Lattes, and cooling iced options. Signature creations include the Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte, Coconut Matcha Cloud, and the zesty Matcha Yuzu Spritz, each designed to offer a balance of taste, ritual, and refreshment.

Available throughout the day at Autm, Matcha Moments presents a thoughtfully curated menu that brings together tradition and contemporary flavours. Positioned as both a mindful treat and an everyday essential, the experience reflects a modern approach to wellness-led dining in Mumbai.


Stock Up Before Dry Days Hit: 4 Bottles for the Long Weekend Swing

Stock Up Before Dry Days Hit: 4 Bottles for the Long Weekend Swing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 24, 2026

This Republic Day long weekend brings with it calm evenings, loud nights, and plans that often come together at the last minute. With dry days around January 26, stocking up in advance becomes essential. A ready bar sets the tone, whether it’s an intimate house gathering or a lively hosting scene. This curated selection brings together refined craftsmanship, celebrity-backed labels, and bold new-age spirits. Each bottle earns its place, with no fillers and no compromises.

Shelter6 Vodka stands out for its focus on precision. Crafted by Cartel Bros in collaboration with Badshah, the vodka is refined six times to achieve exceptional clarity and smoothness. Clean on the palate and silky on the finish, it works equally well in cocktails and when sipped neat. It fits right into intimate house parties and well-set bars.

The Glenjourney Single Malt Whisky is designed for slow, thoughtful pours. A combination of sherry, bourbon, and rum casks brings warmth, depth, and balance to the whisky. Co-crafted by Ajay Devgn, this no-age-statement single malt feels layered and confident without being overpowering. It is best enjoyed unhurried, making it ideal for relaxed long weekend evenings. 

The Glenwalk Blended Scotch Whisky offers a dependable and refined choice for hosting. This three-year-old blend carries malty richness with gentle spice, making it easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. Co-founded by Sanjay Dutt and trusted by over a million drinkers, it suits gatherings where consistency matters.

EL Goonda, backed by Karan Tacker, brings a bold energy to the mix. Made using 100% Indian agave beasts, the range offers distinct personalities across variants. Silver delivers raw lightning shots, Reposado offers smooth character, Picante adds spicy flair, and Café introduces coffee-driven intensity. Ideal for margaritas or straight pours, EL Goonda makes a statement for those looking to turn things up before January 26. The brand is available in Mumbai.

With dry days approaching, stocking these bottles ahead of time ensures the long weekend stays seamless. Cartel Bros brings polish, EL Goonda delivers punch, and together they help set the mood. Republic Day deserves a bar that is ready to pour and ready to celebrate.


Sandwizzaa Strengthens Mumbai Presence with New Outlet in Malad

Sandwizzaa Strengthens Mumbai Presence with New Outlet in Malad

By Hariharan U

Published on January 23, 2026

Mumbai-based QSR brand Sandwizzaa has strengthened its presence in the city with the launch of a new outlet in Malad, continuing its steady expansion across the market it calls home. Known for its indulgent sandwiches and comfort-focused offerings, the brand remains closely tied to the everyday food habits of Mumbai’s neighbourhoods.

Since its early days, Sandwizzaa has built loyalty by becoming part of customers’ daily routines, offering quick meals, familiar flavours, and consistent quality. The Malad outlet follows the same philosophy, opening in a suburb known for its mix of residential communities, offices, colleges, and high daily footfall, making it a natural fit for the brand’s walk-in, repeat-visit model.

Commenting on the expansion, Pankaj Sharma, Director, Sandwizzaa, said, “Mumbai has always been central to Sandwizzaa’s story. Every outlet we open here feels personal because it comes from listening to our customers and understanding how they eat every day. Malad stood out as a neighbourhood that values convenience, familiarity, and value, which aligns perfectly with what Sandwizzaa represents.”

The Malad outlet offers Sandwizzaa’s full range of vegetarian sandwiches, fries, beverages, and comfort favourites, staying true to the brand’s core promise of affordability and consistency. In addition to its signature sandwiches, the outlet serves thick milkshakes, frappes, and classic tea and coffee options, catering to both quick bites and relaxed pauses through the day.

Designed as an easy walk-in space, the outlet is positioned to serve students, office-goers, and residents alike, encouraging frequent visits rather than occasion-led dining. With this addition, Sandwizzaa continues to grow across Mumbai through a measured, sustainable expansion strategy that prioritises neighbourhood relevance over scale alone.

The brand has also recently been recognised with Zomato’s Best Fast Food Award, reinforcing its standing within Mumbai’s competitive QSR landscape.

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