Jitin Joshi, chef partner of Culinary Arts Group, unlocks the bold regional flavors and innovative trends shaping Indian cuisine.

Indian cuisine stands apart from others due to its diverse terroir, vibrant cultures and deep-rooted culinary traditions across regions. Consequently, this remarkable variety creates a rich tapestry of bold flavors, making Indian food distinctive and unforgettable on the global stage.

Indian cuisine evolution

India’s rich, ancient history and literature often reference food in manuscripts, showcasing the evolution and complexity of its diverse regional cuisines. Over time, various influences, from invaders to settlers and migrants, gradually shaped the culinary landscape. This resulted in the introduction of new layers of flavor and technique. Additionally, India served as a major anchor along trade routes by land and sea, exposing locals to countless global ingredients and ideas. As a result, these elements became woven into the nation’s culinary fabric, ultimately becoming synonymous with the richness of Indian cuisine today.

Latest food trends in Indian cuisine

More recently, Kashmiri cuisine and its unique ingredients are being thoughtfully explored and revisited by chefs seeking deeper regional culinary stories.
Simultaneously, many restaurants are now incorporating fermentation and foraging techniques into their menus, adding innovation and seasonality to traditional formats. Moreover, diners are increasingly steering away from classics, instead choosing to explore diverse cuisines and experimental dining on a weekly basis.
>As a result, people now dine out at least once or twice a week, driven by curiosity and evolving food preferences.

The future hold for Indian gastronomy

Increasingly, micro cuisines, meaning hyper-local, traditional dishes and food customs, are stepping into the spotlight, drawing attention to India’s culinary diversity. At the same time, many young chefs are breaking tradition, creating experience-led dining where innovation, storytelling and thoughtful execution take center stage. Consequently, the future of Indian gastronomy appears incredibly bright, fueled by bold creativity and deeper exploration of regional culinary identities. Therefore, I believe it’s only a matter of time before guides like Michelin and Gault Millau officially recognize the subcontinent.