With new restaurants popping up almost everyday and in every suburb in Mumbai, it’s no surprise that the city folk are dining out ever so often. The growing number of cloud kitchens and delivery outposts also hint at a rapidly growing takeaway/ order in clientele.
The India Food Services Report brought out by the NRAI pointed out that Mumbaikars were either dining outside or ordering in, every weekend and that they were spending around Rs 877 per person on an average every outside meal.
With long working hours and busy routines many urban Indians don’t find the time to cook. Ordering out seems to be the easiest way for them to get a meal of their choice especially at odd hours. With the number of options available today, they can choose from street food, experimental meals, regional cuisines, food from across the globe and healthy options too.
Socialising is another key factor, as eating out provides an opportunity to meet friends and family in a relaxed setting. Even when inviting family or a bunch of friends over it is easier that people order as per their preference and one doesn’t have to go through the trouble of cooking as per their guests' varied choices.
The study is part of the regular studies that the NRAI conducts to understand the food services industry and latest trends in the business. The NRAI is one of the apex industry associations and represents over 5 lakh restaurants across the country.
Photo Credit: Freepik
Other interesting details included facts such as 56% of these diners who were eating out seemed to prefer Italian food whose popularity was followed by Chinese food and then South Indian food. The study also revealed that diners were stepping out 30 percent more often than they were stepping out before the pandemic and preferred to go out in the evening or at night.
Photo Credit: Freepik
Inspired By The Internet
With the growing tribe of food bloggers, influencers and social media enthusiasts the younger generation has more dining out options to explore than ever. The Gen Z and millennials are believed to be 51 percent of the consumers in the city.
The slightly older populations who are married and have kids seem to be more inclined towards healthy food. According to the study they seem to pick health over taste on most occasions.
While diners still go out to celebrate special occasions, festivals and also to hang out with friends and meet people, the study says that 17% of these diners venture out in search of newly opened restaurants which they want to try out.
The study also said that diners in Mumbai preferred eating at fine dining restaurants as opposed to QSR (quick service restaurants) and food courts. Street vendors and local bakeries seemed to be least popular among these diners.