Regional roots, modern menus

In the last decade, the Indian culinary movement has taken great strides, finding pride of place in heirloom recipes and hyperlocal fare.

- Sayoni Bhaduri

The spotlight on regional Indian cuisines was the biggest shift in the pre-pandemic world, but it is seeing renewed interest, innovation and experimentation. Regional Indian cuisines, such as Konkani, Orissi, and Manipuri, whose explorations have fueled gourmands and specialists, have become democratised and reached curious diners. "The perception has shifted from nostalgia-driven comfort food to a cuisine that can hold its own on the global stage. The narrative has evolved where it is no longer a niche, but the backbone of Indian identity," adds Zorawar Kalra, founder and managing director of Massive Restaurants.