The Changing Palate: Indians’ Attitudes Towards Innovative Approaches in Traditional Cuisine
- May 15, 2024
- Category Market Research
- Comments
In effort to get to the essence of Indian cuisine, our team started on an interesting research study that went beyond taste testing. It was a passionate investigation into the heart of Indian culinary traditions and the possibility of integrating new flavors into this rich assortment. Our goal to discover how new biriyani varieties could complement the classic Indian palate while also standing out in a competitive culinary environment.
But how can you explore a country having such a rich culinary heritage? Our answer was a meticulously designed blind product test that aimed directly at the essence of Indian cuisine. The task at hand was an exploration of the complexities of flavor, tradition, and innovation.
Our process was both direct and immersive, with face-to-face interviews conducted in a central location. Our volunteers came from every aspect of Indian life, from young people to seasoned parents, and they all had one thing in common: they had enjoyed biriyani, kebab, or curry in the month prior to their arrival. Their dining habits and preferences provided a vivid picture of the current culinary scene, emphasizing not only popular restaurants but also the numerous tastes that define Indian dining culture.
We started with designing broad questionnaires, then moved on to the practical challenges of venue management, and concluded with the comprehensive analysis of the data collected. Over the course of 25 days, we listened to 480 individuals living in Delhi (NCR) share their frank suggestions and preferences, providing us unique insights into the foundation of Indian cuisine.
So, what have we learned from this experience? First and foremost, it emphasized the unique qualities of Indian cuisine and palate, emphasizing the country's deep-rooted culinary traditions. Our research not only just assessed reactions to new biriyani types but also it was an in-depth look at how these new flavors may be smoothly integrated into the Indian culinary scene. We derived a better understanding of the competitive market.
But why are these findings so important? Understanding consumer preferences is not only advantageous in a busy and competitive market like India, but also crucial. Our study's findings provided a solid structure for strategic planning, covering everything from defining effective go-to-market strategies to developing product positioning that resonates with consumers on a deeper level.
So how can we preserve the authenticity of classic flavors while still embracing the creativity of new culinary techniques? The answer lies in striking the correct balance between understanding the tradition of Indian food and encouraging new ideas. While this combination of tradition and innovation is the future of the culinary world, it also symbolizes the changing tastes of a country that loves its gastronomic past while being open to global influences.