The Changing Culture of Eating in India
The Changing Culture of Eating in India

 Franchise India carried out an extensive survey evaluating the percentage of people eating out. According to the survey, 34% of the people eat out two to three times a week, while 27% eat once a week. About 11% eat three or more times a week, 12% eat once a month, 3% eat on special occasions, while 12% love to eat daily at a restaurant.

Analysing the current growth of the eating out trends in the industry, it is clear that the people are becoming much globalised in terms of food. Celebrating special occasions, dating and hanging out with friends have turned to be routine culture driven by the Indian youth. They are not only conscious of the food they are taking, but are also careful about their preference for brands. As per our survey, 60% of the people prefer to have dinner at a restaurant to a takeout, while only 3% of the people opt for taking a breakfast at a restaurant.

Types of Meal Percentage
Breakfast 3%
Brunch 3%
Lunch 7%
Evening refreshment 25%
Dinner 60%
After Dinner Snack 2%

In terms of people’s preference for partners, it was found from our research that people prefer to dine more with their friends than being alone while eating out.

People preference for eating out Percentage
Alone 5%
Family 27%
Spouse 16%
Friends 40%
Colleagues 12%

 

“Eating out culture is the main reason behind the development of QSR’s and other chain restaurants serving fast foods in India,” says Chef Suchit Garg, Spice It, Ibis, Gurgaon. He further adds, “Eating out trends have not only evolved with the new restaurants in the market but has also become a regular form of entertainment  – especially in the metros, mini-metros and Tier-I cities – that is driven by higher incomes, greater number of nuclear families and working women and urbanisation.”

The creative marketing strategies by the food brands, with more emphasis on the menu, are also attracting customers. The use of television, online and print is also acting as a smarter tool to attract the customer. The transformation of cuisines from simple and traditional food to a menu that offers diversity in taste, style and origin is also the reason for the changing food culture in India.

As per Indian Food Services Report 2013, NRAI, “the continuously evolving economy, societal, and demographic changes have reshaped the Indian consumers profile, behaviour and spending patterns. This transformation is under pinned by a surging economy, rapid urbanisation, and the rise in personal disposable incomes as well as in the number of double income households, the higher exposure to international lifestyles, and the elongation of individual lifestyles.”

 
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