A La Cosmopolitan

Globalisation and evolution of the Indian palate

- GAYATRI THAKKAR

Food has long evolved from being a means of nutrition to a cornucopia bursting with opportunities. It has a social element, a cultural one, and has recently developed an educational one as well. Today, learning about different cultures need not be limited to avenues such as books and documentaries; food presents a far more immersive and visual experience. Eating food is one of the best ways to learn about and embrace the nuances of a culture. The creation of a simple dish has many aspects to it such as the unique ingredients of a region, the use of spices, preservation techniques, the cultural significance behind certain meal preparations and more. The Indian palate is quickly evolving to accommodate the plethora of gastronomic experiences that are now easily available.

For a long time, the Indian population was reluctant to experiment with international cuisines and preferred safer choices that Indian cuisine had to offer whilst dining out. Fortunately, exposure to globalisation has steered an upward trend in the international food industry in India. With increasing disposable incomes, an expanding market, and a smorgasbord of opportunities to showcase world cuisines, restaurants and hotels accounted for the highest consumption among the food services industry across the country. In the past few years alone, an increase in luxury dining has grown by a staggering 120 per cent. Chefs have recognised the profitability of using high-quality and imported ingredients to provide an authentic dining experience. In this feature, we delve into some of the top restaurants that offer a diverse selection of dining options for every gourmand to boast a well-travelled palate.

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