India’s Favorite Foods of 2024: How Biryani Continues to Rule the Nation’s Palate

India has always been a nation deeply connected to its food culture. From roadside snacks to elaborate festive meals, the diversity of flavors across states and regions reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. In 2024, this love for food has once again been captured through the data released by major food delivery platforms like Zomato and Blinkit. These insights reveal the dishes that Indians ordered the most over the year—and the results are as fascinating as they are delicious.

Biryani: The Undisputed King of Indian Cuisine

For the ninth consecutive year, biryani has maintained its position as India’s most ordered dish. Zomato reports that in 2024, a staggering 91.4 million plates of biryani were delivered across the country. But what makes biryani so irresistible?

Biryani is more than just rice and meat—it is a culinary art form. With its aromatic basmati rice, perfectly cooked meats or vegetables, and layers of spices such as saffron, cardamom, and cloves, biryani offers a symphony of flavors in every bite. Each region of India adds its own signature twist, from the rich and fragrant Hyderabadi biryani to the subtle yet flavorful Lucknowi (Awadhi) version. The continued popularity of biryani in delivery stats shows that traditional comfort foods have a timeless appeal, even in the age of fast food and modern culinary trends.

Pizza: Global Comfort Food, Local Favorite

Following biryani, pizza remains a close contender with 58.4 million orders in 2024. While pizza is originally Italian, it has seamlessly integrated into Indian taste buds, often customized with local toppings like paneer, spicy chicken tikka, and even masala corn. The rise of pizza’s popularity highlights India’s openness to global cuisines, especially in urban centers where convenience, variety, and novelty drive consumer choices.

Tea: India’s Beloved Brew

In a country where chai is almost a way of life, it comes as no surprise that 77.7 million cups of tea were delivered via Zomato in 2024. Tea is more than just a drink in India—it is a ritual, a moment of relaxation, and often a reason to connect socially. From roadside tea stalls to premium cafés, the beverage continues to hold a sacred place in Indian hearts, proving that tradition and modern convenience can coexist beautifully.

Maggi and Coca-Cola: The Snack-Time Staples

Blinkit’s data adds another layer to India’s food culture by revealing the popularity of quick and convenient items. Around 17 million packets of Maggi noodles were sold, along with over 10 million cans of Coca-Cola. Maggi, in particular, has become an iconic snack across generations, cherished for its taste, ease of preparation, and nostalgic value. These statistics highlight how India balances tradition with convenience, integrating global products and ready-to-eat meals into its culinary repertoire.

Regional Variations and Food Trends

While the top dishes are dominated by biryani, pizza, tea, and Maggi, the data also hints at the growing influence of regional cuisines on delivery platforms. Dishes like dosas, chaat, momos, and butter chicken continue to gain traction in urban areas, while traditional desserts such as gulab jamun, jalebi, and rasgulla remain favorites across generations.

Moreover, the rise of health-conscious eating is noticeable, with more orders for salads, smoothie bowls, and plant-based options. Despite this, indulgent comfort foods like biryani and pizza still dominate, reflecting the deep emotional connection Indians have with these flavors.

The Cultural Significance of India’s Favorite Foods

What these numbers reveal goes beyond taste—they reflect social, cultural, and emotional patterns. Biryani, often associated with celebration and gatherings, shows the Indian love for communal dining. Tea consumption reflects daily routines, office culture, and social bonding. Pizza and Maggi point to urbanization and the fast-paced lifestyle of India’s younger generations. Each dish on the list tells a story about India’s evolving identity, combining tradition with modern living.

What This Means for Food Businesses

For restaurateurs, food delivery platforms, and culinary entrepreneurs, these insights are invaluable. Knowing that biryani consistently tops the charts suggests opportunities for innovation in flavor profiles, premium versions, and even regional fusions. Meanwhile, the popularity of global foods like pizza indicates that cross-cultural experimentation and localization can yield success.

India’s food culture in 2024 is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. While biryani continues to rule as the nation’s favorite dish, pizza, tea, and Maggi demonstrate how global influences, convenience, and nostalgia all shape the culinary landscape. For food lovers, home cooks, and chefs alike, these statistics serve as both inspiration and affirmation of India’s unwavering love for diverse, flavorful food.

Whether it’s a festive biryani meal, a quick Maggi snack, or a comforting cup of chai, India continues to celebrate food with unmatched passion. The story of India’s favorite foods is not just about taste—it’s about culture, lifestyle, and the joy of eating together.