India's love affair with food delivery has reached delicious new heights, with biryani reigning supreme as the undisputed king of orders. According to the latest annual food trends report released by the online food delivery platform Swiggy, the nation placed a staggering 9.3 crore (93 million) orders for biryani in the year 2025. This monumental figure underscores the dish's iconic status in the Indian culinary landscape.
A Nation's Favourites: Beyond Biryani
While biryani occupied the top spot, other classic comfort foods showed impressive numbers, reflecting the diverse palate of the Indian consumer. The report highlighted that adrak (ginger) chai logged an impressive 2.9 million orders, proving that a simple, warming cup of tea remains a perennial favourite. Not far behind, the humble yet irresistible samosa saw 3.42 million orders, cementing its place as the go-to snack across the country.
The data, compiled from millions of transactions on the Swiggy platform, offers a fascinating snapshot of India's eating habits. It goes beyond mere numbers to reveal patterns, regional preferences, and the evolving relationship between technology and taste. The report acts as a culinary census, showing what India craves when it decides to order in.
Decoding the Trends: What the Numbers Reveal
The sheer volume of biryani orders points to its universal appeal, transcending regional boundaries and occasions. Whether it's a family dinner, a solo treat, or a weekend indulgence, biryani emerges as the preferred choice for millions. The significant orders for adrak chai and samosa highlight a continued preference for traditional, familiar flavours alongside more elaborate meals.
This data is crucial for multiple stakeholders. For restaurants and cloud kitchens, it underscores the enduring demand for these items, guiding menu planning and inventory. For consumers, it's a mirror to the nation's collective taste buds. The report also hints at the scale of the food delivery economy, illustrating how digital platforms have become integral to everyday food consumption in urban and semi-urban India.
Implications for the Food Industry and Culture
The findings from Swiggy's 2025 report have broader implications. Firstly, they validate the strength of certain food categories in the market. The consistency of biryani's popularity suggests it is a low-risk, high-demand item for any food business on a delivery platform. Secondly, the strong showing of samosa and chai indicates that snackification and small-bite culture are deeply entrenched, driven by convenience and affordability.
Ultimately, this is more than just a list of popular dishes. It's a story of India's food culture in the digital age. It shows how technology has made iconic dishes more accessible than ever, while also proving that, despite a world of new fusion cuisines and international options, the heart of the Indian diner still beats strongly for timeless classics. The 9.3 crore biryani orders are not just a statistic; they are 9.3 crore stories of cravings satisfied, meals shared, and a national passion served hot and steaming, right at the doorstep.
