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Every time the earth takes another turn around the sun and the year changes, a new hope rises up as well. From taking up resolutions for a better tomorrow to hoping that the year brings the best of everything, the change in year marks new beginnings and promises. 2024 is no different, and when it comes to food, the expectations are high. This stands especially true for the Indian food scene, which saw plenty of good news in 2023. From Indian-origin chefs winning Michelin stars in the US to Indian millets getting a global recognition for their value, 2023 was a good year for this nation.
Video Credit: YouTube/Chef Regi Mathew
But will it be the same for 2024? Slurrp caught up with chefs across India who cook up or cover various cuisines to understand what the Indian food scene in 2024 will look like. Will Indians, who have now grown into connoisseurs of not only Indian food but also of global cuisines, choose to indulge in favourites from across the world or choose to eat more hyperlocal dishes from Indian regional cuisines? Here are all the answers you were looking for about the food trends of 2024, in the opinion of some of India’s best and brightest chefs.
Chef Regi Mathew
As a champion of Kerala cuisine and one of the top chefs of the nation, Chef Regi Mathew says that his bet for the biggest food trend of 2024 in India is on regional Indian cuisine. “I think South Indian cuisines such as those from Kerala and Karnataka as well as East Indian cuisines from states like Nagaland will make a huge impact in 2024,” he says. “Indian food is still known for the North Indian cuisines, but regional and micro or hyperlocal cuisines are finding a great way to the palate now.”
Video Credit: YouTube/Chef Pooja Dhingra
Chef Pooja Dhingra
The queen of desserts and MasterChef India judge Pooja Dhingra is the best person to ask about where the Indian sweet tooth will head in 2024. “I definitely feel eating more sustainably will be a significant part of the Indian food scene - especially in the pastry scene with the demand for indulgent yet wholesome, health-conscious desserts,” she says. “I also feel there has been an increase in appreciation and focus on regional and traditional Indian cuisine, with people genuinely delving deeper into this space and wanting to learn more, so we could see more of that too in 2024!”
Saee Koranne-Khandekar
An expert of Maharashtrian cuisine as well as all things baked to perfection, Saee Koranne-Khandekar believes 2024 will be all about Indians seeking out their culinary cultural roots. “The ever-evolving food scene in India, I think, has been pointing to one unwavering trend these past few years--and that is a return to regional cuisines and traditional foods,” she says. “Whether in high-end dining out, convenience food or food retail, there is a distinct interest in regional foods. The increasing number of regional cuisine restaurants, cookbooks, ready to eat snacks, etc. show that the consumer is looking for the familiar in the new.”
Chef Irfan Pabaney
As the man behind Monkey Bar in Kolkata, Chef Irfan Pabaney also says that regional and hyperlocal food is going to be the biggest trends in Indian in 2024. “We as a country have such diversity, it's actually unbelievable,” he explains. “Connectivity within the country has improved leaps and bounds, and even remote locations aren't that remote anymore. The newer crop of chefs have had access to lesser-known ingredients because of this and have been experimenting a lot. I, for one, would love to travel all over India and be part of something wonderful, our food diversity and heritage."
Chef Akriti Malhotra
For the creative talent behind AKU’s, the food trends of 2024 that India will see are not one, but three. “Cleaner eating spaces will rise up,” she says. “The fast-casual concept will only grow and there's no looking back as the discerning customer is getting more and more aware of what's good for them and what's not. Farm-to-fork concepts would continue, thanks to people being more aware of dietary constraints. We will also see more of the off-beat fine-dine concepts around the country as Indian chefs get more confident.”
Chef Ajay Thakur
The man behind Mumbai’s popular Bayroute restaurant chain, Chef Ajay Thakur firmly believes that Indians have developed a great kinship with Middle Eastern flavours. “In 2024, Middle Eastern cuisine embracing vibrant flavors and plant-based innovation will dominate the Indian food market,” he explains. “Dishes featuring ancient grains, inventive spice blends, and elevated vegetarian options will redefine culinary experiences. The fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary twists will captivate palates, reflecting a harmonious blend of authenticity and modernity, making Middle Eastern cuisine a dynamic force in the Indian culinary landscape.”
Chef Prithish Gupta
This chef leads Hard Rock Cafe, one of India’s most popular chains, in Kolkata, and believes that sustainability will be the key food trend of 2024 in India. “The Indian food scene is already going through a radical change, where chefs are already working on more inclusive menus that are sustainable in terms of less wastage, and a lesser carbon footprint,” he explains. “The use of localized indigenous products has been on the rise. The usage of the process of fermentation is also on the rise like never before. Alternative chocolates will be seen a lot, and so will grains like millets.”
Corporate Chef Shubhash Shirke
The man behind Mumbai’s popular Woodside Burger Shop & The Pantry chain says wellness menus and local cuisines will see a rise in 2024. “Chefs’ growing interest in local and indigenous flavours will result in more diverse meals, single bowl meals as comfort meal, more designed or customised healthy meal services,” he says. “We can also see more wellness menus with gluten-free, vegan options and special vegetarian dishes will increase in popularity. Less food waste again will be the top priority for chefs this year.”
