Curating a Successful Restaurant Menu Catering to the Indian Palate
India is known for many things, but its rich culinary heritage is one of the most famous reasons why global citizens recognize India on the map. As a land of spices and some of the most exotic tropical delicacies varying across different states, creating a menu that appeals to every palate in an Indian restaurant can be daunting. Whether it is about understanding the target audience’s dietary preferences, cultural background, or just budgetary constraints, a little help from the leading Restaurant Consultancy Firms in India can come a long way. Looking for some inspiration for curating a successful restaurant menu? Here are some tips!
Research the Target Audience
The first step in creating a successful restaurant menu is to research the target audience. This involves understanding the dietary habits and preferences of the Indian population. According to a report by the National Sample Survey Organization, more than 70% of Indians are non-vegetarian. Therefore, a restaurant menu should include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to cater to a broad range of tastes. It is also essential to consider regional preferences. For instance, most people from the north prefer wheat-based dishes, while those from the south prefer rice-based dishes.
Focus on Authenticity
Indian food is known for its use of aromatic spices and herbs that give it a unique flavour. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the dishes on the menu are authentic and made using traditional recipes. Whether you are opening a restaurant which serves the distant delicacies of North East India or you are giving the entire limelight to Marwari, Marathi, Bengali, Odia, Punjabi or any other cuisine, authenticity is the key to driving customers to your eatery and getting a competitive edge over other restaurant businesses in the industry.
If You Cannot Bring Authenticity, Bring Fusion
Undoubtedly authenticity can be a massive USP for your restaurant, but excelling in Indian cuisine in terms of its authenticity is no cakewalk. If you don’t want to stick to one specific kind of cuisine or don’t have the resources to master authenticity, you can always try fusion dishes that cater to a broad range of tastes and attract more customers.
Consider The Budget
India has a mass of foodies who believe in spending wisely. If you are planning your menu, conduct a thorough industry analysis for finalizing the budget. Your price point shouldn’t be too high or low. Ensure to keep a fair profit margin after covering all your base expenses, and don’t overcharge unless you are catering to a high-end audience. Indian cuisine is often associated with affordability, and therefore, you must ensure that the dishes on the menu are reasonably priced.
The bottom line You can also follow other tips like creating a separate vegan menu for the Jains or those who don’t prefer to indulge their taste buds in meat or dairy. For more tips, you can always reach out to professional Food and Beverage Consultants in India at Tech4Serve!
