Indian Cuisine Prevails as Top Pick, Delhi Shines as Culinary Haven in YouGov Food Rankings 2023

In celebration of World Food Day on October 16th, YouGov India conducted a survey among urban Indian respondents to gain insights into their preferred cuisines and favorite food brands. The results of this survey shed light on the culinary inclinations and brand preferences of urban Indians, offering intriguing observations and regional variations.

Cuisine Preferences

Indian cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of urban Indians, as a remarkable 81% of respondents named it as their favorite. Chinese cuisine came in second at 28%, followed by Italian cuisine at 25%. Notably, Chinese and Italian cuisines enjoy greater popularity among women, with 31% and 29% of female respondents favoring them, respectively. Men, on the other hand, exhibit a higher affinity for Japanese cuisine (10%) compared to women (6%), while Korean cuisine is preferred by 9% of women and 4% of men. Across generations, Indian cuisine reigns supreme, but it is intriguing to note that Gen Z exhibits a slightly lower preference (76%) compared to millennials (83%) and Gen X (82%). American cuisine finds a niche among the youngest adults, with 23% expressing a fondness for it.

City Rankings

Delhi emerges as the top-rated city for its culinary offerings, with 34% of respondents expressing their approval. Mumbai follows closely behind at 28%, and Hyderabad rounds out the top three with 21%.

Favorite Fast Food Brands

Among the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and fast food chains, McDonald's and Domino's lead the pack, with 46% of respondents favoring them. KFC garners 42% of the vote, while Pizza Hut and Burger King secure 27% and 24%, respectively. A noteworthy observation is that McDonald's resonates more with Gen X respondents, with 51% in favor. Regional variations in fast food preferences are evident, with Domino's being more popular in North India (52%), KFC in South (59%), and East India (53%).

Coffee Shops and Tea Lounges

Starbucks reigns supreme among coffee shops and tea lounges, capturing the hearts of 50% of respondents. Barista secures the second position with 20%, closely followed by Costa Coffee at 14%. Notably, MBA Chai Wala, a relatively recent entrant in this segment, claims the fourth spot with 14% of respondents favoring it, especially among males and the younger generation. Chai Sutta Bar rounds off the top five at 13%. Interestingly, Gen X seems to prefer coffee chains like Barista and Costa Coffee, while Gen Z leans toward tea bars like MBA Chai Wala and Chai Sutta Bar (21% each).

Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Brands

In the D2C space, Paper Boat emerges as the most preferred brand, with 42% of urban Indians choosing it. Happilo secures the second spot with 26%, followed by ID Fresh Food at 15%, Eat Better Co at 11%, and Snackible at 9%. An age-wise analysis reveals that the health-conscious Gen Z exhibits a higher propensity for new-age healthy snack brands such as Eat Better Co and Snackible, while the older Gen X tends to favor brands like Paper Boat and Happilo.

Meat & Seafood Brands

In the realm of D2C meat and seafood brands, Licious takes the top spot with 39% of the vote, followed by Fresh2Home at 30%, and Venky's at 25%. Nothing But Chicken and Tender Cuts secure the fourth and fifth positions, with 16% and 12%, respectively. Regional distinctions are evident, with Fresh2Home and Tender Cuts finding greater popularity in South India, while Venky's resonates more among residents of West India.

Indian cuisine remains a cherished choice, with intriguing variations across age groups. Brand preferences also vary across regions, offering a rich tapestry of culinary choices in this diverse nation. These findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolving tastes and preferences of urban Indians, making this survey a significant contribution to understanding India's dynamic food landscape.