A resident of Mumbai ordered food worth Rs 42.3 lakh from Swiggy in 2023, the online food-delivery app said in its annual report on December 14. As 2023 draws to a close, Swiggy has unveiled its annual food delivery report, ‘How India Swiggy’d in 2023’. The report features insights into India’s dining preferences, with Biryani reigning supreme as the nation’s most beloved dish ordered through the platform.
But, it is the story of the Mumbai resident that will probably make you read the aforementioned statement twice. “A user from Mumbai placed food orders worth Rs 42.3 lakh (no, that’s not a CTC),” Swiggy said in its report.
The recap also offered a glimpse of different cuisines and food items like cakes, gulab jamun, pizzas occupying the top spots.
Biryani – the King
Indians love Biryani, and that was evident in the staggering statistics shown in the report. People ordered Biryani at an astonishing rate of 2.5 servings per second throughout the year. Biryani has consistently topped Swiggy’s charts, and 2023 was no exception, as it clinched the title for the eighth time in a row.
A Hyderabad food enthusiast emerged as a standout Biryani lover, having ordered a grand total of 1,633 biryanis over the year – averaging more than four plates each day.
While chicken Biryani continued to be a hot favourite, vegetarians made their presence felt with one veg Biryani being ordered for every 5.5 of its chicken counterpart. The craze for Biryani reached its peak during the high-voltage India vs Pakistan cricket match, when a family from Chandigarh placed an order for 70 plates at one go.
And the other winners are…
A Jhansi resident also made waves by placing an astonishing order of 269 items in a single day. Meanwhile, in Bhubaneshwar, a household opted for a pizza feast with an impressive order of 207 pizzas, reflecting the nation’s love for the cheesy delight.
These records, coupled with Bengaluru earning the title of ‘Cake Capital’ for its 8.5 million chocolate cake orders and the entire country collectively ordering 271 cakes per minute on Valentine’s Day, exemplify the diverse and indulgent food culture across India.
Moreover, 2023’s celebration of the International Year of Millets left its mark, witnessing a significant 124% growth in orders for millet-based dishes on platforms like Guiltfree. The health-conscious trend also manifested in a 38% surge in search queries for millet-centric meals.
Hyderabad took its love for idlis to new heights when a dedicated customer spent a staggering 6 lakhs exclusively on this South Indian delicacy.
Additionally, the culinary preference for Japanese anime over K-pop was evident in the 2x higher orders of Japanese cuisine compared to its Korean counterpart, showcasing the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of India’s food choices.
Swiggy’s report serves as a culinary snapshot of India’s diverse palate, where traditional flavours blend seamlessly with modern-day convenience. As we bid adieu to 2023, it’s clear that Biryani’s legacy continues to spice up the lives of millions across the country, one savoury spoonful at a time.
Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
