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.

image

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.

image

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.


Osama Jalali Brings India's Forgotten Recipes to JW Marriott Kolkata

Osama Jalali Brings India's Forgotten Recipes to JW Marriott Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

JW Kitchen at JW Marriott Kolkata is set to host the Osama Jalali Food Festival, bringing India's forgotten recipes and rich culinary traditions to the table. Celebrated food historian and author Osama Jalali will showcase a selection of heirloom recipes, regional delicacies and traditional cooking techniques, offering diners an opportunity to explore lesser-known flavours from different parts of India.

Running over ten evenings from 14–23 August 2026, the festival will feature specially curated dinner menus inspired by royal kitchens, historic food traditions and regional home cooking.

More than just a food festival, the experience aims to connect diners with the stories and traditions behind India's diverse cuisine. Each dish reflects a different part of the country's culinary heritage, giving guests an opportunity to discover authentic flavours and recipes that have been passed down through generations.

For food lovers and those interested in India's culinary history, the festival offers a chance to explore traditional Indian cooking through a specially curated dining experience.

Event Details

  • Venue: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Kolkata
  • Dates: 14–23 August 2026
  • Time: Dinner from 7.00 PM Onwards.


Oasis Brewery Brings Fresh Flavours to the Tap With Its Signature Beer Collection

Oasis Brewery Brings Fresh Flavours to the Tap With Its Signature Beer Collection

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

Oasis Brewery is inviting beer enthusiasts to explore its collection of signature and seasonal brews, bringing together different flavours and brewing styles at its Whitefield, Bangalore location.

Leading the seasonal collection is the Very Berry Ale, a fruit-forward beer brewed with strawberries, blueberries, mulberries and raspberries. The light-bodied brew offers vibrant berry flavours, a refreshing character and a crisp finish with a subtle tartness.

Also available is the Perry Pear Cider, made entirely with fresh pear juice without added sugars. Inspired by the traditional Perry style, the cider combines delicate floral notes with fresh pear aromas and champagne-like carbonation for a smooth and refreshing experience.

image

The collection is completed by Oasis Brewery's signature 007 IPA, an Imperial India Pale Ale inspired by the iconic James Bond. Built around the number seven, from its ingredients and brewing process to its 7% ABV, the beer delivers a bold hop character while maintaining a balanced finish.

The beers are crafted under the guidance of Oasis Brewery's Brewmaster, a Heriot-Watt University, Scotland graduate with more than a decade of brewing experience. With a focus on quality and innovation, the brewery's collection brings together different flavour profiles and brewing techniques for those looking to explore craft beer in Bangalore.

  • Location: Oasis Brewery, Whitefield, Bangalore
  • Time: 12PM Onwards.

Little Soi Brings Asia's Noodle Heritage to Life With The Noodle Theory Festival

Little Soi Brings Asia's Noodle Heritage to Life With The Noodle Theory Festival

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

Little Soi, the popular destination for authentic Asian cuisine, has launched The Noodle Theory Festival, a special celebration of Asia's rich noodle traditions. The festival brings together regional flavours, authentic recipes and traditional cooking techniques across Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi.

Starting 6th August 2026 onwards, the festival takes diners on a culinary journey through the noodle cultures of Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, China, Myanmar and Hong Kong. The menu highlights how noodles have remained an important part of food traditions across Asia, with each region bringing its own flavours, ingredients and cooking styles to the bowl.

The festival features a selection of regional noodle favourites, including Biang Biang Black Bean & Hot Pepper, Hong Kong Style Wonton Mein, and Abura Soba, available with Beef, Chicken or Prawn. Guests can also try the refreshing Burmese Nangyi Thoke and the popular Thai Kwuay Tiew Rua (Boat Noodles), along with several other noodle creations inspired by different parts of Asia. Each dish showcases the differences in noodle shapes, textures, broths, sauces and preparation methods that have helped create some of the continent's best-known comfort foods.

The Noodle Theory Festival goes beyond a seasonal food menu, offering diners an opportunity to explore the cultural side of noodles and the traditions behind each dish. The festival highlights how geography, local ingredients and generations of culinary knowledge have shaped different noodle dishes across Asia. The idea behind The Noodle Theory is simple: while every bowl may have its own flavour and style, noodles continue to bring people together through comfort, community and craftsmanship. The festival is available for a limited period at Little Soi – Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi Outlets, giving food lovers an opportunity to explore a wide range of Asian noodle traditions under one roof.

For More Information

  • Little Soi – Besant Nagar | GOCHS Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai: 600090
  • Little Soi – Coimbatore | GM Nagar, Pudur, Coimbatore: 641037
  • Little Soi – Kochi | Aditya Tower, Ernakulam, Kerala: 682020
  • Date: 6th August 2026 Onwards.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.