This National Beer Day, India’s Craft Beer Boom Brews a New Culture

This National Beer Day, India’s Craft Beer Boom Brews a New Culture

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 8, 2025

As the world raises a toast on National Beer Day this April 7, India’s beer industry is not just joining the celebration—it’s rewriting the script. From traditional lagers to a vibrant craft beer movement, India is in the middle of a hops-fueled transformation that is reshaping how the country drinks, brews, and celebrates.

With over 200 microbreweries now operational across Indian cities and a CAGR of 24.41% (as per IMARC Group), the country’s beer sector is booming, driven by a growing preference for artisanal brews among young urban consumers aged 25 to 40.

"Indian consumers are no longer satisfied with standard lagers—they are actively seeking unique flavors and high-quality craft brews," says Naresh Sharma, CEO of IRHPL Group, whose Susegado label has carved a niche under the Radiance business umbrella.

Craft Takes Centre Stage

Cities like Goa, known for its relaxed liquor policies and tourism boom, have seen a 50% rise in microbreweries over five years, positioning the state as a craft beer haven. Meanwhile, agricultural innovations are following the trend:

  • Maharashtra’s farmers are growing barley and wheat tailored for brewing.

  • Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir are experimenting with indigenous hop cultivation, aiming to reduce India’s reliance on imported ingredients.

On the manufacturing front, brewing equipment that was once mostly imported is now being locally produced, cutting down capital expenditure for upcoming breweries.

Sustainability Meets Sophistication

Breweries are also responding to environmental concerns and cost pressures with:

  • Water conservation techniques

  • Energy-efficient brewing systems

  • Recycling of spent grain

Consumers are now valuing authentic stories, local sourcing, and innovative brewing techniques over simple pricing—pointing to a more conscious, experience-driven drinking culture.

A Market Full of Promise and Pressure

Despite the boom, challenges loom large. Setting up a microbrewery can cost anywhere between ₹1.5 crore to ₹4 crore, not including the rising urban real estate costs. Regulatory hurdles vary widely from state to state, leading to consolidation within the sector.

Yet, analysts remain optimistic. The beer industry in India is expected to grow at 18-20% annually over the next five years, with Tier-2 cities emerging as the next big frontier.

"India's microbrewery boom is reshaping the drinking culture by fostering a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and locally sourced ingredients," notes Mayank Prasad, Founder of Wine and Cheese Affaire. He adds that craft beer is now influencing premium event experiences, with curated pairings and bespoke bar setups becoming standard at high-end gatherings.

Collaborations between brewers, mixologists, and sommeliers are also giving rise to a more diverse and refined beer landscape—blending tradition with modernity in every pint.

This National Beer Day, India's celebration goes beyond the clink of glasses. It’s about a culture evolving, a market maturing, and a community of brewers and drinkers coming together to explore, innovate, and savor beer like never before. Cheers to a revolution that’s only just begun.


The Spice Route at The Imperial New Delhi Introduces Seasonal Menu with New Ethnic Asian Creations

The Spice Route at The Imperial New Delhi Introduces Seasonal Menu with New Ethnic Asian Creations

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

The Spice Route at The Imperial New Delhi has introduced a refreshed seasonal menu, presenting a curated selection of new dishes that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Ethnic Asia through contemporary techniques and premium seasonal ingredients.

Designed to offer a refined dining experience, the latest menu combines vibrant flavours, textures, and aromas inspired by the diverse cuisines along the historic Spice Route, while staying true to the restaurant's signature culinary philosophy.

Among the new additions is the Sesame Chicken Salad, featuring roasted golden chicken paired with snow peas, honey melon, and a sesame dressing. Vegetarian highlights include Golden Tofu, prepared with lotus root, wild mushrooms, kaffir lime, mint, and toasted sticky rice powder, and Jade Noodles, where spinach noodles are tossed in fragrant Thai pesto and finished with coconut flakes.

The menu also introduces Steamed Jiaozi Dumplings, filled with jackfruit and seasonal vegetables and served with a ginger-scallion dip, alongside Onyx Prawn Noodles, combining charcoal-grilled prawns, edamame, and Thai basil for a smoky yet refreshing flavour profile.

Completing the experience is the Imperial Spiced Tiramisu, a signature dessert that blends Indian and Italian influences by combining masala chai-soaked Shahi Tukda with saffron and cardamom-infused mascarpone, offering a contemporary interpretation of the classic tiramisu.

Known as one of New Delhi's most iconic fine dining destinations, The Spice Route continues to showcase the culinary heritage of Asia within its distinctive interiors inspired by ancient temple architecture, hand-painted murals, and traditional craftsmanship. The restaurant's menu reflects flavours from regions stretching across East Asia, Java, and Southern India, offering guests an immersive gastronomic journey.

Restaurant Details

  • Venue: The Spice Route, The Imperial New Delhi
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 11:45 PM

LunchBox by Rebel Foods Expands Shravan Specials Menu with New Satvik Offerings

LunchBox by Rebel Foods Expands Shravan Specials Menu with New Satvik Offerings

By Hariharan U

Published on July 30, 2026

LunchBox by Rebel Foods has announced the return of its Shravan Specials menu, introducing an expanded range of satvik dishes for the festive season. Available from 30 July 2026, the limited-period menu will be served across more than 400 kitchens in over 120 cities.

Designed for customers observing Shravan fasts, this year's menu introduces three new additions: Hariyali Malai Paneer, a herb-infused paneer preparation; Masala Arbi, a comforting vrat favourite; and Rajgira Halwa, a traditional festive dessert. The expanded selection aims to offer greater variety while remaining true to the principles of satvik cooking.

Commenting on the launch, Nishant Kedia, Chief Marketing Officer, Rebel Foods, said, "Shravan is one of those occasions where food is deeply rooted in tradition and emotion. At LunchBox, we've seen customers come back to these meals year after year because they deliver the comfort and authenticity people look for during the season. This year, we've expanded the menu with three new additions while staying true to the principles of satvik cooking, making it easier than ever to enjoy wholesome festive meals without compromising on taste."

Prepared specifically for the Shravan season, the menu is 100% satvik, made using Sendha Namak and contains no onion and no garlic. It combines traditional fasting recipes with wholesome ingredients while offering customers the convenience of doorstep delivery.

Alongside the new dishes, LunchBox has also brought back several customer favourites, including the Sabudana Khichdi Curd Meal, Upvas Aloo Pattice, Sabudana Vada, Paneer Makhmali, Kuttu Paneer Pakoda, and Sabudana Paratha, providing a wide selection of festive meals throughout the season.

The Shravan Specials menu is available for delivery through EatSure, Swiggy, and Zomato, catering to customers observing weekly fasts, month-long Shravan traditions, or those simply seeking wholesome satvik meals.


India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2026

India's food and beverage landscape is welcoming three distinctive dining experiences this August, each bringing its own culinary identity to Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad. From authentic Chinese regional cuisine and a thoughtfully curated Japanese-inspired cocktail programme to a rooftop destination celebrating India's diverse regional flavours, these new launches showcase the evolving tastes of modern diners.

Spice Traders Brings China's Eight Great Cuisines to Goa

Perched above Vagator with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Spice Traders draws inspiration from China's Eight Great Cuisines, presenting regional flavours under one roof. The menu reflects the culinary traditions of Sichuan, Cantonese, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Anhui, and Shandong, offering a journey through China's diverse food culture.

The restaurant's interiors are inspired by the ancient spice routes, featuring warm lighting, handcrafted elements, rich red accents, an open staircase, and a mix of communal and intimate seating that complements the dining experience.

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The menu highlights locally sourced seafood alongside regional Chinese favourites such as Mala Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Hunan Sea Bass, Mongolian Lamb Fire, and Lamb Open Bao. Adding another dimension is the introduction of Chifa cuisine, the Chinese-Peruvian culinary tradition that emerged through Cantonese migration to Peru. Dishes including Chifa Sea Bass, Black Cod with Amazonica sauce, Pork Belly and Eggplant with vinegar miso, Lamb Ribs with Sichuan spice and aji amarillo, and Chaufa Fried Rice reflect this cross-cultural influence.

Guests can also enjoy signature experiences such as a gong service for celebrations, private dining at The House of Red, and Spiced Up Sunsets overlooking the Arabian Sea.

"The Eight Great Chinese Cuisines gave Spice Traders its grammar," says Chef Avinash. "Once you begin thinking about heat, fermentation, texture and balance through those regional traditions, following that journey eventually led us to Lima and Chifa. I would never describe our menu as fusion. The influences are flavour-driven, but they remain integral to the restaurant's culinary language."

Adrift Kaya Introduces a Chapter-Led Cocktail Experience in Delhi

Adrift Kaya has unveiled a new cocktail programme inspired by Edo-period Japanese bar discipline and Indian terroir. Led by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, the contemporary Japanese restaurant continues its focus on precision, craftsmanship, and global influences through a menu that traces flavours from Japan to India along the Silk Route.

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The cocktail menu is presented as a structured narrative, progressing from light and delicate profiles to richer, more layered creations. Using techniques such as fat-washing, broth clarification, and fermentation, the programme combines Japanese methods with Indian ingredients including jaggery, buransh, pickle, kahwa, saffron, and regional herbs.

The first chapter, Edo | Origins of Discipline, features drinks like Broth of Edo and Grain of the Rising Sun, centred on purity and umami. The Silk Route | Controlled Opulence introduces Sunstone Negroni and Silk Root, balancing spices and preserved flavours with refined structure. The Himalayas | Altitude and Reduction highlights Garhwal Snow and Valley of Gold, focusing on herbal freshness and restoration. The final chapter, Delhi | Arrival and Density, reimagines familiar Indian flavours through cocktails such as The Red Fort Old Fashioned and Dilli 6 Spritz.

The programme reflects how geography, trade, and cultural exchange continue to influence flavour while presenting Indian ingredients through globally recognised cocktail techniques.

Vayu Brings Regional Indian Cuisine to Hyderabad's Rooftops

Hyderabad has welcomed Vayu, a new rooftop resto-bar designed as a social destination where food, cocktails, music, and conversation come together. Inspired by the Sanskrit word for wind, Vayu celebrates India's culinary diversity by exploring regional ingredients and traditional flavours from across the country.

The rooftop space combines contemporary architecture with thoughtfully designed interiors, offering intimate seating, communal tables, and a lively bar area suited for after-work gatherings, weekend outings, and evening celebrations.

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The food menu showcases specialties from multiple regions, including Andhra's Gongura Mamsaam, Kundapur Ghee Roast from coastal Karnataka, Kerala's Meen Pollichattu, Kolhapuri Mutton Sukka, Butter Chicken from Old Delhi, Shrimp Pickle with Masala Brioche, Chicken Wings Vepudu, Steamed Kalimpong Momos, and Jeedipappu Pakoda.

Its cocktail programme, The Paper Plane's Logbook, follows a journey across India, with each drink inspired by regional ingredients and memories. Signature cocktails include Crimson Wind with gongura and tequila, Kokum Cloud featuring gin, kokum, and passionfruit, and Firestorm Ember made with ginger-infused tequila and fermented chilli agave.

"Vayu has been envisioned as a social destination that reflects the energy of Hyderabad today," says Mr. Amardeep Singh, Multi Property General Manager, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. "The focus has been on building a strong cocktail programme alongside a menu that celebrates regional Indian flavours, creating a space where guests can spend an entire evening embracing the cosmopolitan spirit of Hyderabad."

With these three launches, Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad continue to expand India's vibrant dining landscape, offering experiences that blend regional traditions, global influences, and contemporary hospitality under one roof.

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