International Snacks

International snacks like doughnuts, burgers and waffles have today become common among not only the millennials but people of all ages. Their popularity has become equivalent, if not more, than that of the Indian snacks. Their adaption to suit the Indian palette, have contributed to their widespread consumption. Ashok Malkani delves on the factors contributing to their finding favour with the populace and their future.

- Ashok Malkani

International snacks, already popular with the populace, are becoming more trendy and a rage with Indians. Be it Pizza, Burger, Doughnuts or Waffles, they are being considered as cool options for Indians. Of course, there have been certain changes made in some of them - like Burgers to suit Indian tastes but international snacks have adapted to cater to the tastes of the populace and have proved tough competitors for Indian snacks.

In the case of burgers, it may be said that when McDonald's opened its first outlet, in an upscale Delhi neighbourhood, in 1996, many customers were not very keen on the stuffings, so it tailored its menu to suit Indian palette. This saw the birth of McAloo Tikki (a tangy burger made out of potatoes and peas), Pizza McPuff (a calzone-like sandwich stuffed with pizza toppings and cheese), and spicy wraps made from cottage cheese. The burger had gone national!

Take the case of doughnut. Tejas Kapadia, armed with a law degree, having no experience in business or in food industry, decided to start Mumbai's American Donut Shoppe in 2008. At that time, the humble doughnut was a ring with of baked dough with sugary or chocolatey coating. Cut to the present scenario. Today this exotic item on the menu may have a forest berry cream filling or dark chocolate ganache or something more interesting. Today, besides American Donut Shoppe's 4 outlets, 'Mad Over Donuts' 50 outlets across India, several new chains are innovating the doughnut scenario.

Besides, burgers and doughnuts you have snacks like pizza, waffle, pancakes, burritos, etc. which are also finding favour with populace here.

So, one may ask, What are the reasons for the popularity of international snacks in India?