9 Crore Biryanis and a Rs 5 Lakh Dining Bill

Biryani continued its reign as India’s favorite dish in 2024, with a staggering 9.13 crore orders placed via Zomato. The platform revealed that it received an average of 3 biryani orders per second throughout the year. When offline and other app orders are considered, it’s evident how deeply loved this dish is across the nation.

The Rs 5 Lakh Dining Bill

Zomato also disclosed an interesting highlight—a Bengaluru resident racked up a dining bill of Rs 5.13 lakh over the year. Astonishingly, this bill came from dining regularly at just one restaurant.

Popular Choices Beyond Biryani

Following biryani, pizza held the second spot with 5.84 crore orders. The platform also delivered 77 lakh cups of tea and 74 lakh cups of coffee. The surge in beverage orders shows a shift in how Indians approach even simple indulgences like tea and coffee.

Quirky Ordering Patterns

The report shed light on unique ordering habits:

• A train passenger placed an order for 120 Manchurian combos in one go.
• A Delhi resident tried food from 1,377 different restaurants over the year, displaying an impressive level of culinary curiosity.

Blinkit’s Contribution

Zomato’s quick-commerce partner, Blinkit, revealed its own trends:

• Delivered 17 million packets of Maggi noodles in 2024.
• Top-selling items included noodles, cool drinks, and condoms, with chips packs being Hyderabad’s favorite.

Changing Food Habits in India

The report underscores how food habits are evolving, especially in urban areas. Families and individuals are cooking less at home, opting instead for convenience through online food delivery. Even staples like tea and coffee are being ordered more frequently. There’s also a decline in interest in traditional and vegetarian meals, reflecting a shift in dietary preferences.

These insights highlight the profound transformation in India’s food culture, driven by urban lifestyles and the rise of on-demand services.