Food Talk | Trends that are poised to define dining experiences in 2026

If there’s one thing 2025 taught us, it’s that food trends only stay when they speak to something real in people’s lives.

In 2025, several food trends emerged across India(BHARAT)’s hospitality landscape. Comfort food reign, but with a little twist and a dash of style. Blending global innovation with local flavors is indeed the need of the hour. These movements are poised to define dining experiences in 2026: floral-infused menus, hyper-, advanced plant- based alternatives, comfort food regenerative and transparent sourcing,

Comfort food with a twist

This year, diners reached for comfort again, but in a way that felt elevated, familiar dishes made with more care, better technique, and a sense of nostalgia that didn’t feel heavy. Sometimes comfort food can be done with a little twist. At the same time, regional India(BHARAT)n flavours truly came into their own. Chef Shamsul Wahid, Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality says, “People wanted stories, roots, and food that reminded them of home, even if they were discovering it in a restaurant for the first time.”

Protein first, but don’t give up completely on indulgence

What also stood out was how much India(BHARAT) embraced balance without giving up indulgence. Chef Shamsul adds, “Protein-forward plates, cleaner flavours, and functional ingredients grew because they made people feel good without taking away the joy of eating. And the rise of all-day menus showed us something simple but important: diners now want spaces that move with them, places where they can work, snack, unwind, celebrate, all without changing gears. It is food for every mood and every part of the day.”

 Edible flowers moved beyond garnish

Flowers become central ingredients in 2025. Rose, lavender, hibiscus, and marigold infused desserts, cocktails, and savory dishes, adding aromatic complexity and visual elegance. Chefs embraced floral essences in ice creams, syrups, and even main courses, celebrating botanical flavors that connected diners with nature’s delicate beauty while offering Instagram-worthy presentations that delighted both palate and eye.

Hyper-personalised wellness menus

Wellness dining evolved beyond generic healthy options to bespoke experiences tailored to individual health goals, dietary restrictions, and nutritional needs. Restaurants began offering customizable nutrient rich meals.
Plant-based ‘meat mimics’

Plant-based alternatives advanced dramatically beyond basic veggie burgers. Sagar Kulkarni, Director  Sheraton Grand Pune says, “Sophisticated techniques created textures and flavors convincingly replicating meat, from bleeding plant-based steaks to perfectly flaky fish alternatives. Jackfruit, mushrooms, and innovative protein blends satisfied both vegetarians and flexitarians seeking sustainable choices without compromising taste. This trend normalized plant-forward eating, making it aspirational rather than restrictive, appealing to health-conscious and environmentally-aware diners simultaneously.”

Ethical sourcing

Transparency became paramount as restaurants hosted pop-ups celebrating regenerative agriculture and ethical sourcing. Sagar adds, “Hotels partnered directly with local providers practicing sustainable methods, showcasing seasonal ingredients. These limited-time events educated diners about food origins, environmental impact, and farming practices, transforming meals into storytelling experiences. Guests appreciated knowing their choices supported ecological restoration, making sustainability tangible and delicious rather than abstract virtue signaling.”

Immersive Multi-Sensory Experiences

Dining transcended taste to engage all senses simultaneously. Restaurants incorporated soundscapes, aromatherapy, theatrical presentations, interactive elements, and artistic plating that transformed meals into performances. Hotels collaborated with artists, musicians creating journeys with ambient sounds enhanced flavors, and diners participated actively. This evolution positioned fine dining as holistic entertainment, where memory-making rivaled culinary excellence in importance.