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.


Native Bombay Reopens at Ballard Estate with a Refreshed Culinary Identity

Native Bombay Reopens at Ballard Estate with a Refreshed Culinary Identity

By Hariharan U

Published on November 5, 2026

Native Bombay is returning to its familiar address in Mumbai's historic Ballard Estate with a refreshed culinary identity, an expressive small-plates menu and a new association with Soulinaire, the signature lifestyle catering brand of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL).

Led by Chef Darius Madon, the restaurant's latest chapter places greater emphasis on sharing, culinary exploration and contemporary interpretations of the flavours that define Bombay. The menu draws inspiration from the city's diverse communities, bringing together influences from Parsi cafés, coastal kitchens, street-food stalls and regional Indian cooking traditions.

The association with Soulinaire combines Native Bombay's cultural identity with IHCL's hospitality expertise, culinary capabilities and service philosophy.

A Menu Inspired by Bombay's Culinary Diversity

The refreshed menu is organised into sections including Small Beginnings, Bombay Snackery, Small Plates, Curries & Bombay Comforts, Rice & Bread, and Bombay Sweets. The format encourages diners to explore a wider selection of dishes through smaller portions and shared plates.

Guests can begin with familiar favourites such as Bun Maska or explore contemporary creations including Ghee Roasted Kathal Taco and Chicken Thecha Poppers.

The Bombay Snackery section draws from the city's street-food culture and café traditions, featuring Khaman Chaat, Crispy Palak Chaat and Mutton Galouti Sliders.

The small-plates selection brings together seafood, kebabs and tandoor preparations. Highlights include Crab Bake, Maska Prawns, Patrani Macchi, Thechha Chicken Kebab and Tandoori Lamb Chops. The selection is intended to offer diners the opportunity to move between familiar flavours and newer interpretations during a meal.

For those seeking traditional Indian comfort food, the menu includes Mutton Dhansak, a preparation associated with Bombay's Parsi culinary heritage, alongside Native Butter Chicken, Coastal Prawn Curry, Cafreal Chicken and Malabar Duck Leg.

The dessert selection features Shahi Tukda, Baked Jamun Rabdi and Kesar Phirni, bringing familiar Indian sweet traditions to the end of the meal.

Speaking about the restaurant's renewed direction, Amrita Malik, Promoter, Native Bombay, said, "Native Bombay has always been very personal to us because it reflects the city we love. Bombay is constantly changing, yet there is something wonderfully familiar about it. We wanted Native to reflect that same spirit. This new chapter brings fresh energy and a more contemporary dining experience while remaining true to the warmth, character and cultural diversity that have always defined the restaurant."

Chef Darius Madon said the menu brings together the different communities and culinary influences that have shaped the city's food culture. He added that the small-plates format allows guests to sample more dishes, share their selections and experience both recognisable favourites and unexpected combinations.

Familiar Surroundings, Renewed Dining Experience

Native Bombay retains its setting in Ballard Estate, with interiors featuring exposed brickwork, timber beams, warm lighting and industrial architectural details. The familiar surroundings provide the backdrop for the restaurant's renewed focus on sharing and culinary discovery.

The association with Soulinaire brings IHCL's hospitality experience and personalised service approach into the restaurant's operations. Soulinaire specialises in bespoke catering and curated food and beverage experiences, drawing on IHCL's hospitality legacy through a contemporary, design-led approach.

With its refreshed menu and hospitality partnership, Native Bombay's latest chapter remains connected to the city's cultural and culinary character while offering a contemporary format for exploring its many flavours.

Restaurant Details

  • Restaurant: Native Bombay

  • Address: 10/12, Cochin Street, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai – 400001

  • Timings: 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM

About Native Bombay

Native Bombay is a contemporary Indian restaurant located in Mumbai's historic Ballard Estate. Its menu draws inspiration from the city's diverse communities, culinary traditions and cultural influences, bringing together familiar favourites and contemporary interpretations with an emphasis on sharing and discovery.

About Soulinaire

Soulinaire is the signature lifestyle catering brand of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). It offers bespoke culinary experiences, combining IHCL's hospitality expertise with a contemporary approach to catering, personalisation and service.


Burger King India Launches Doomsday Whopper and Avengers: Doomsday Collection

Burger King India Launches Doomsday Whopper and Avengers: Doomsday Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on November 4, 2026

Burger King India has unveiled its limited-edition Avengers: Doomsday Collection, bringing Marvel-inspired flavours, character-themed packaging and collectible merchandise to its restaurants across the country ahead of the film's theatrical release on December 17, 2026.

As the Official Restaurant Partner for Avengers: Doomsday in India, Burger King has introduced a special menu that gives its signature flame-grilled offerings a superhero-inspired twist. Available from November 3, the collection features burgers, sides and a beverage, with burger prices starting at ₹199.

Doomsday Whopper Takes Centre Stage

The highlight of the collection is the Doomsday Whopper, available in two variants: Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken.

Inspired by the film's antagonist, Doctor Doom, the signature Whopper features a striking black glazed bun and a bold spicy garlic flavour. The brand says the distinctive bun colour is achieved using plant-derived natural food colour, aligning with its stated commitment to avoiding synthetic colours and artificial flavours in its menu.

The collection also draws inspiration from other Marvel characters, with a selection of premium burgers and sides named after familiar superheroes and villains.

What's on the Avengers: Doomsday Menu?

The limited-edition collection includes:

  • Doomsday Whoppers: Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken

  • Premium Burgers: Loki Molten Cheese Burger, Cyclops Soft Paneer Burger and Magneto Crunchy Chicken Burger

  • Sides: Shuri Vibranium Fries, Falcon Fearless Chicken Wings, Magneto Boneless Chicken and Thor Thunder Nuggets

  • Beverage: Fantastic Fizz

The menu follows Burger King's signature dunking platform, with spicy garlic flavour cues and bold sauces featuring across the offerings.

Themed Packaging and Collectible Merchandise

The collaboration extends beyond the menu through special-edition packaging featuring Avengers: Doomsday-themed burger boxes and a Doctor Doom-inspired crown. The packaging draws on the film's visual identity, turning the meal into a themed experience for fans.

Select meals from the collection also come with opportunities to access Marvel-themed merchandise. The campaign begins with a limited-edition collectible tumbler, with further merchandise planned to be introduced in phases.

Burger King has also opened a pre-booking window through its app, featuring a limited-edition Doomsday Meal bundled with a collectible Avengers: Doomsday tumbler at a special price.

Speaking about the launch, Kapil Grover, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King India, said the collaboration brings together the Marvel fandom and Burger King's signature Whopper experience. He added that the menu, themed packaging and merchandise are intended to extend the excitement of the film beyond the cinema.

Nationwide Availability and Campaign

The launch is supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign spanning digital promotions, in-restaurant activations, outdoor advertising and influencer partnerships. The strategy aims to engage both food enthusiasts and Marvel fans ahead of the film's release.

Guests can access the Avengers: Doomsday Collection through dine-in, takeaway and home delivery at Burger King restaurants across India. Orders are also available through the BK App and leading food delivery platforms.

With its character-inspired menu, distinctive black-bun Whopper and collectible merchandise, Burger King India is bringing the Marvel universe into its quick-service restaurant experience for a limited period.


The Masala Story Opens First Dine-In Outlet on Golf Course Road, Gurugram

The Masala Story Opens First Dine-In Outlet on Golf Course Road, Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

Gurugram-based food brand The Masala Story has opened its first dine-in outlet on Golf Course Road, Sector 54, marking a new phase in its journey since its establishment in 2020. Known for its North Indian and Mughlai offerings through delivery and catering, the brand is now welcoming guests to a dedicated dining space while continuing its existing operations.

Spread across approximately 1,000 sq. ft., the new outlet has been designed as a small, intimate space with soft lighting and music. Its location in Sector 54 offers access to a mix of commercial offices, residential towers and an established food and café scene, allowing the brand to serve walk-in diners as well as nearby households.

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At the heart of the brand's culinary operations is Vatsala Khanna, Founder and Head Chef of The Masala Story. Having previously worked as an academician, she pursued her interest in food through national and international culinary programmes. She now oversees the kitchen's day-to-day operations and personally develops the dishes and recipes featured on the menu.

The menu brings together several of the brand's signature preparations. Its Butter Chicken, named among Zomato's Top 10 in Gurgaon in 2025, is one of the highlights. Other offerings include slow-cooked Dal Makhani served in a clay handi, Paneer Lababdar, high-protein non-fried Paneer Cigar Rolls and Chicken Tikka.

The dessert selection includes the signature Gulab Jamun Nut, which presents the familiar flavours of gulab jamun in a doughnut shape, along with Phirni.

Speaking about the expansion, Vatsala Khanna, Founder and Head Chef, The Masala Story, said, “Our guests have trusted us with their meals at home, and this space lets us welcome them to our table for the first time. Every dish we serve carries a story written in spice, from our Butter Chicken to our slow-cooked Dal Makhani, and Golf Course Road, with its energy and love for good food, felt like the perfect place to share it.”

Beyond its dine-in and delivery operations, The Masala Story also caters to private and corporate gatherings. Its catering portfolio includes grazing tables, charcuterie and cheese boards, Mediterranean mezze, Mexican spreads, executive lunch combinations, and customised Jain, vegan and vegetarian menus.

With its first dine-in outlet, The Masala Story is expanding its presence in Gurugram while bringing its North Indian and Mughlai offerings to guests in a new setting.

Outlet Details:

  • Location: Golf Course Road, Sector 54, Gurugram, Haryana

  • Format: Dine-In, Cloud Kitchen and Catering

  • Cuisine: Mughlai and North Indian

  • Timings: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM

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