The Indian dining scene in 2024 was a dynamic tapestry of innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainability. Restaurants embraced a blend of tradition and modernity, crafting experiences that honoured heritage while pushing culinary boundaries. Chefs delved deeper into regional flavours, elevating them with contemporary techniques, while also exploring global influences. Dining became immersive, with storytelling, artistry, and an emphasis on mindful eating shaping the experience. Sustainability and hyper-local sourcing took center stage, reflecting a commitment to the environment. The year celebrated the power of food to connect people, bridging cultures and creating memorable moments at the table.
Hyper-Local Sourcing
Restaurants increasingly prioritised hyper-local sourcing, bringing farm-to-table dining to a whole new level. By collaborating with urban farms, rooftop gardens, and local growers, chefs gained access to the freshest seasonal produce. This trend not only enhanced the flavour and quality of dishes but also aligned with consumers’ growing demand for sustainability. Hyper-local sourcing allowed restaurants to reduce their carbon footprint, support local economies and offer unique menus tailored to regional tastes. Restaurants such as Masque in Mumbai and Naar in Himachal Pradesh have been shining examples of this trend.
Photo Credit: Carnival By Trèsind
Plant-Based Innovations
Plant-based dining continued to thrive in 2024, with restaurants embracing creative alternatives to traditional meat and dairy products. Beyond burgers and tofu, chefs explored jackfruit, seitan, and pea protein to craft dishes that appealed to vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike. Innovations in plant-based seafood, such as vegan sashimi and fish fillets, gained popularity. Restaurants also focused on creating plant-based dishes with bold flavours and appealing textures, making them a highlight rather than an alternative.
Photo Credit: Papa's
Intimate Spaces And Interactive Dining Experiences
Restaurants like Mumbai’s Papa’s, Bengaluru’s Naaru Noodle Bar, and Farmlore introduced intimate dining spaces with 16-17 seater arrangements. These setups allowed chefs to interact directly with guests, creating a personalised and engaging experience. Diners could learn about the ingredients, techniques, and stories behind each dish, fostering a deeper appreciation for the culinary craft. You could also be engaged in a magic show or solve a puzzle while you wait for your food and cocktails. This trend combined exclusivity with education, making dining an unforgettable experience.
Focus On Millets And Ancient Grains
The Indian government’s push for the "Year of Millets" in 2023 had a lasting impact, with restaurants continuing to embrace ancient grains in 2024. Millets such as ragi, bajra, and jowar replaced rice and wheat in biryanis, breads, and desserts. Chef Thomas Zacharia's venture Locavore, a platform dedicated to creating long-lasting impact through food, championed this cause and led the movement.
Photo Credit: Aragma
Sustainable Dining Practices
Eco-consciousness became a defining feature of restaurants in 2024. From sourcing ingredients locally to using biodegradable packaging, sustainability was at the core of operations. Restaurants like The Table in Mumbai adopted zero-waste practices by repurposing food scraps into innovative dishes. Many eateries also collaborated with local farmers to ensure fresh, seasonal produce. Chefs creatively utilised every part of an ingredient, from root-to-stem cooking to repurposing leftovers into new dishes. These efforts resonated with diners who valued ethical dining experiences.
Photo Credit: Palaash
Culinary Ventures In Unique Locations
2024 made us realise that one didn’t have to be in Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru for an exclusive food experience. Popular chef Prateek Sadhu quit his position at Mumbai’s Masque and ventured into the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh to open Naar, a restaurant that harmonises with its natural surroundings. The 20-seater, chef-driven experimental restaurant is located in the tiny village of Darwa. Focusing on local ingredients and traditional techniques, Naar offers a culinary experience deeply rooted in the region’s heritage.
Similarly, Chef Amninder Sandhu, who was the only Indian participant on Netflix’s 2018 show The Final Table, and Chef of the Year at Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Restaurant Awards in 2019 opened the Palaash in the Tipeshwar Forest, near Nagpur, with 80% of the workforce hailing from the village. In the all-women chef team, most women have no professional culinary background. Amninder has always advocated for gasless cooking, and the restaurant endorses sustainable practices. With a menu inspired by the forest’s bounty, Sandhu highlights sustainability and seasonality.
Photo Credit: Carnival By Trèsind
The Year Of Collabs And A Tryst With The Michelin Star
The year 2024 marked a vibrant chapter of culinary collaborations, turning Mumbai into a global gastronomic hub. Michelin-starred restaurants from around the world flocked to the city, hosting takeovers that brought international flair to Mumbai’s dining tables. World-renowned chefs presented their signature dishes, blending global techniques with local ingredients. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s culinary talent shone on the global stage. Restaurants like Masque and The Bombay Canteen showcased their innovative Indian cuisine through pop-ups and collaborations
From hosting pop-ups by Michelin-starred chefs to welcoming world-renowned restaurants, Mumbai's culinary scene had a star-studded 2024. Two prestigious additions elevated the city’s foodscape: Avatara Dubai, the world’s only Michelin-starred vegetarian Indian restaurant, and Carnival by Trèsind, celebrated by the Michelin Guide as a "fun yet elegant dining Indian restaurant" for 2022-23. Both establishments brought their distinctive flair and globally acclaimed menus to Mumbai, adding new dimensions to the city’s gastronomic prestige.
The Road Ahead
These trends reflect the dynamic evolution of the Indian restaurant scene, driven by changing consumer preferences and a desire for innovation. By blending tradition with modernity, restaurants are redefining the way India dines out, ensuring that every meal is not just about food but a memorable experience. These trends also demonstrated the industry’s resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world. As these trends continue to evolve, they promise to keep India’s culinary narrative vibrant and exciting.