Bite-sized dining is the hottest trend in Indian restaurants

Gone are the days of ordering two big main dishes, side dishes and full plates of dessert. Small plates and mini portion sizes are quietly changing the way India dines. For decades, eating out meant ordering a few hearty mains and sharing generously across the table.

However, that has now changed. A new wave of dining culture is emerging—one that prioritises variety, presentation, and mindful eating.

A quiet revolution is brewing in Indian restaurants

Instead of loading up on two large plates, diners are now exploring 7 to 14 artfully crafted courses, each designed to offer just a bite or two of a different flavour. These elaborate tasting menus last for about 2.5 hours and gives the customers a chance to enjoy small dishes but flavourful dishes for a long period of time.

Fine dining establishments have been at the forefront of this change. Chef’s tasting menus, once reserved for special occasions, are becoming more common. Trendy pop-ups and experimental kitchens are pushing the concept further.

Indian restaurants are leading the way

Take Binge in Mumbai, for example. This stylish spot offers curated menus of bite-sized delights. The aim is to give diners a chance to sample a spectrum of dishes without leaving them sluggish or overly full.

It’s not just about novelty, though. Chefs are also using small plates as a platform for creative expression. With no need to deliver a heavy meal, they can focus on perfecting a singular bite.

Global trends influencing the plate

The move toward smaller portions isn’t unique to India. Globally, restaurants are rethinking serving sizes for multiple reasons. One surprising factor? The rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which reduce appetite. According to a report by The New York Times, many Americans on Ozempic are eating and dining out less. And if they do dine out, they eat less.

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Environmental consciousness is another driver. Smaller plates naturally reduce food waste, which is a growing concern.

Will it work in India?

In a country where food is often a central part of social and family gatherings, the question remains: can small plates truly replace the joy of a heaping biryani or a sizzling tandoori platter?

Guess, we have to wait and watch.