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India Today
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Chilli Oil is the pantry's new 'it girl', and achaar might be jealous
Once a niche ingredient, chilli oil is now the hottest thing in Indian kitchens, literally and figuratively, specially if you land into a kitchen owned by a Millennial or Gen flakes, garlic, sesame, soy sauce and other ingredients slow-cooked in vegetable oil, which packs a strong umami punch. Chilli oil is quietly slipping into our daily meals, transforming bland into bold, turning roti sabji into gourmet wraps, and even dal-chawal into a taste bomb. So, the big question is, has chilli oil become the new achaar? Chilli oil is every bit versatile, that's what makes it so special. (Photo: Unsplash) advertisementWell, not quite. But it's definitely getting there. 'Achaar still holds a nostalgic and cultural stronghold in most Indian households,' says Sagar Merchant, founder of chilli oil brand Kaatil.'But chilli oil is quietly carving out a space, especially among younger, urban audiences. It taps into the same craving for heat, tang, and depth, but in a global format.'From K-dramas to khichdi: How chilli oil got hereThere's no denying that we are in our global food era, learning and also imbibing a little bit from different parts of the world into our cuisine. Korean dramas taught us the art of making the perfect ramen, TikTok taught us how to make chilli oil eggs, and Instagram taught us to drizzle it on literally everything. And guess who's lapping it all up? Urban millennials and Gen Zs, particularly in Tier 1 and 2 2023 Mintel India study showed a 41% rise in interest in East and Southeast Asian condiments among Indian millennials and Gen Z,' says Sagar. 'Travel, YouTube food culture, K-dramas, they've all introduced people to Chinese chilli crisp, Korean gochujang, and Thai nam prik. Chilli oil fits right into this wave.' Be it pizza or khichdi, chilli oil pairs well with everything. Vidur Kataria, founder of MasterChow, agrees. 'What sriracha was in the 2010s, chilli oil is in 2025. It's pretty much everywhere now, from restaurant menus to home kitchens. And it's pipped to be the next big thing in the Indian pantry.'In fact, according to a 2024 InMobi consumer study, 47% of urban millennials and Gen Z consumers said they're more open to trying international flavours than they were just three years media made me buy itAs mentioned already, social media has a big, big part to play, otherwise how else do you explain the demand for international snacks in India, like seaweed sheets I think of social media tempting me to buy things, I can't deny the viral Reels featuring Chinese snacks that took over my Instagram algorithm. I'm talking about snacks like Latiao (wheat flour strips flavoured with chilli and pepper), Chinese plums, soft-shell crabs, and many more. By the end of it, I found myself searching for them on Amazon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chinese Childhood Nostalgic Shop Official (@ like Instagram and YouTube Shorts have amplified the trend,' says Sagar. 'Just search 'chilli oil' and you'll see millions of views on short-form videos. Influencers like @yourfoodlab (Sanjyot Keer) and even street food bloggers have shown how versatile chilli oil is, from being tossed with Maggi to being drizzled on momo, eggs, pizza, you name it.'Even Chef Ranveer Brar has jumped on the chilli oil train, frequently using it in fusion recipes. Globally, the hashtag #chillioil has over 750 million views on TikTok. That's not just a trend, it's a chilli oil works for the Indian paletteYou can use chilli oil in pretty much everything. From your shakshuka to curd rice to utthapam, idli or dosa. It's flavourful and versatile, and that's a perfect match made in heaven. Just one condiment that elevates your food. Not to mention why our Indian spice hungry palette love Mukherjee, founder of Moi Soi, says some of their customers even use their Sichuan Chilli Oil as tadka for dals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MOI SOI (@ not just a spicy condiment,' adds Vidur. 'It's complex, aromatic, and fits into almost any dish, toast, eggs, pasta, momo, and burgers. You can even spike your Bloody Mary with it. Some people go wild and add it to rosogulla. Who are we to judge?'Deb calls it a 'gourmet pantry staple,' made even more accessible thanks to its growing presence on quick commerce platforms, e-commerce, and modern trade not just heat, it's a high'There's definitely a thrill factor at play,' says Sagar. 'Gen Z sees extreme spice as a badge of honour, thanks to pop culture, from Korean shows to YouTube challenges like Hot Ones. It's a form of self-expression now.'Frito-Lay's internal research in India backs this up: Over 60% of 18–24-year-olds are willing to try spicier snacks than their parents. That explains the boom in Bhut Jolokia-flavoured chips, Buldak noodles, and every "x-tra hot" label out don't confuse chilli oil with just heat. As Deb points out, a good chilli oil is 'steeped over 48 hours with spices, garlic, and other ingredients that bring serious flavour depth. It's addictive, savoury, and brings heat and umami.'The data talkGoogle Trends shows that searches for 'chilli oil' in India have doubled since 2021, peaking during the pandemic and continuing to trend steadily. A 2023 FICCI report flagged 'spicy sauces and condiments' as one of the top three fastest-growing sub-categories in India's gourmet retail space, with a CAGR of 18.5%.Swiggy's 2023 year-end report also noted a 30% spike in orders containing chilli oil momos or spicy noodles, often with a side of, you guessed it, dipping vs chilli oil: Can they coexist?Maybe, we don't have to choose because achaar is core memory and a tradition after all. Having said that, there's also no denying that chilli oil is no longer just an exotic extra; it's a full-blown pantry Sagar puts it, 'We're still in the early stages of this shift. But within a few years, chilli oil will have a special space in the Indian pantry. It may not replace achaar, but it's definitely here to stay.' advertisement
News18
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
From Matcha to Ramen: Food Trends Shaped by Social Media
Last Updated: From Matcha tea and chilli oils to ramen and chia seed puddings: How social media is shaping the way we discover food In a world where a scroll can transport us from a Tokyo ramen bar to a Sicilian gelato stand, social media has emerged as the new frontier for food discovery. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and now even WhatsApp Channels have transformed how we encounter flavours, recipes, and dining experiences. With every tap, swipe, and story view, digital platforms are not just showcasing food—they are actively shaping what and how we eat. Gone are the days when discovering a new cuisine meant stumbling upon a restaurant or relying solely on word-of-mouth. Today, food often reaches our screens before it ever reaches our plates. 'With the rise in access to different social media platforms, especially Instagram pages of creators, restaurants, and chefs, people now see a dish before they even know its name," says Sagar Merchant, Founder of Kaatil. 'This global exposure demystifies foreign cuisines and local dishes and encourages cultural tastings." Indeed, the visual-first nature of platforms like Instagram and Pinterest plays a critical role in tempting users to explore new culinary horizons. A single reel can make Korean corn dogs go viral in Mumbai or put chilli crisp oil on the must-have list of every home chef. Merchant explains that this dynamic has changed the way people interact with food. 'Local influencers, food bloggers, and independent restaurants are playing a crucial role in this shift. By serving as the torchbearers of authenticity and innovation, they are bringing both new and old food formats to the spotlight," he adds. This evolution has given rise to a phenomenon now being called FOODMO—a playful spin on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), but centered on food trends. Merchant points out how dishes like dalgona coffee, matcha tea, and trending desserts like Japanese souffle pancakes owe much of their popularity to the viral power of social media. 'The demand sparked by digital trends has influenced everything—from restaurant menus to what gourmet retail stores and quick commerce platforms stock." One such example is matcha, which has moved from a ceremonial Japanese tea to a modern-day wellness staple, thanks in large part to digital storytelling. 'Social media has quietly but powerfully shaped how Indian consumers discover and experience matcha," says Ishvani Patel, founder and CEO, ILEM JAPAN. 'At ILEM JAPAN, platforms like Instagram and YouTube have helped us introduce matcha not just as a tea, but as a mindful lifestyle choice." From matcha lattes to chia seed puddings, Patel notes that short-form content and influencer collaborations have made the ingredient more approachable. 'Rather than riding a trend, we have focused on storytelling that reflects matcha's authenticity and its relevance to contemporary wellness goals," she explains. 'Social media has enabled us to spark curiosity and create an emotional connection, positioning matcha as both aspirational and accessible in today's fast-evolving food culture." The trend is clear: social media isn't just a mirror to what's popular—it's a megaphone amplifying what's next. Whether it's a street food revival, a gourmet comeback of nostalgic flavours, or a niche superfood becoming mainstream, platforms are empowering both creators and consumers to experiment, engage, and elevate their culinary journeys. As FOODMO continues to shape what ends up in our shopping carts and on our tables, one thing is certain—your next favourite flavour might just be one reel away. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 10, 2025, 22:26 IST
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Planning a backyard barbecue party? Chef shares 4 must-have dip recipes for your menu
A barbecue party is an entire gastronomic rage that is an unmissable dining experience, whether you are hosting it in your backyard, patio, or poolside. Good gossip, smoky charred flavours in the air, and taking turns manning the grill, it's all part of the wholesome fun. From grilled meats like succulent chicken wings, fish, or prawns on skewers to veggie options such as paneer and charred bell peppers, the menu at a BBQ party is smoking hot. Take your party up a notch with standout dips that transform your every grilled bite into an explosion of flavours. Chef Sagar Merchant, Founder of the condiment brand Kaatil, shared the recipes to four dips that can complete your BBQ menu: 1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yoghurt, smoked paprika, garlic, onion and olive oil. 2. Add salt and a small squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well. 3. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. Grilled chicken skewers, BBQ potato wedges, roasted mushrooms, and charred corn. 1. Combine the mango, onion, green chilli, and coriander in a bowl and toss. 2. Add the lime juice and coriander leaves, followed by the salt. Taste to adjust. 3. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Grilled tacos, BBQ prawns, grilled paneer, smoked chicken wings. 1. In a mortar or bowl, add the avocado, lemon juice and garlic. Smash with the pestle or the back of a spoon. 2. Add the hung yoghurt/sour cream and hot sauce and mix well till combined. A little texture from the un-smashed bits of avocado would be great. 3. Add the mint, taste, and add salt to adjust the seasoning. 4. Chill for 30 minutes and serve. Zucchini fritters, charred sweet potato, chicken sausages, and veggie skewers. 1. Combine the roasted tomatoes, garlic and bell pepper and blitz in the blender on low speed. 2. Once blended, remove to a bowl and add the hot sauce and salt. Mix well. 3. Drizzle in some olive oil for a smooth dip. 4. Taste and adjust heat and salt as needed, and enjoy! BBQ Lamb Chops, grilled tofu, grilled quesadilla, and goes great as a spread on the bun of a BBQ Burger. ALSO READ: Cool down this summer with infused water: Try this 4-ingredient vitamin-C rich recipe
News18
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
From The Viral Cucumber Salad To Instant Chilli Oil Noodles: 4 Food Trends That Reshaped Indians' Food Choices
Indian food trends have seen a major transformation with viral recipes that are reshaping everyday choices. Here's how these trends are influencing India's culinary culture. Indian food culture has seen a huge shift over the last decade. With endless swipe-ups and a 30-second consumption pattern, quick format recipes have become all the rage. To keep it within that timeframe, it requires the recipe to be a hack or a quick, no-nonsense way to transform something simple into something incredible in the fastest way possible. That's where the birth of global trends like Dalgona Coffee took place, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While comfort food like dal chawal and butter chicken continues to be favourites, India is now adopting these viral recipes in their day-to-day diet, some with that perfect desi twist. The Viral Cucumber Salad Craze Cucumbers are cool again! This viral salad that started on social media is the fastest way to transform a simple cucumber into an umami-filled, spicy, crunchy, and cool treat. It involves smashing cucumbers with a knife, tossing them in a bowl with a healthy helping of chilli oil, crushed garlic, sesame seeds and topping off with chopped fresh herbs. This one just hit the spot! It ignited nostalgia for Indians who have memories of eating masala kakdi, or cucumber with salt and red chilli powder on a hot summer afternoon. Crispy Smashed Potatoes Potatoes got the coolest shift from being the extra in Indian staple food, something that adds volume to a dish, to being the main hero after this trend. It's simple, quick, and customizable to no limit – simply boil baby potatoes, smash them with the back of a bowl and shallow fry them until golden brown. Season with salt, red chilli powder, and some lime and enjoy. India took this trend and made it their own with versions topped with chaat masala, tandoori masala, mayonnaise, and even cheese. Crunchy, quick, and filling, and the option to pair it with unlimited dips made this one a favourite from Diwali parties to cafe menus. The latest, and seemingly most effective trend has been the rise of a thick chocolate bar from Dubai, a mad fusion of pistachio cream, shredded knafeh pastry and chocolate, that brought pistachios back to the centre of attention – from being a popular choice of kulfi, pistachio and chocolate have quickly risen in popularity among chocolate bar producers and home bakers alike. Indians took to making their own desified versions – with crushed up biscuits, brownies, and even experimental ones like motichoor and gulkand. Being a relatively new but visually appealing and very Instagrammable trend, who knows what versions we will see next? Instant Chilli Oil Noodles It's tough to find someone who hasn't experienced the instant chilli oil noodle trend. This recipe is one for the ages, and gives a Gen-Z twist to a millennial favourite – instant noodles. Talking about this trend, Sagar Merchant, the founder of Kaatil, said, 'Indians started innovating by replacing noodles with leftover rotis and parathas, to make the perfect desi-Chinese dish! Chilli oil noodles soared in popularity and are now a staple at many street food carts in India." Just a quick toss of boiled noodles topped with chilli oil, chopped spring onions, and peanuts, and you have an umami flavour bomb that will leave you craving for more.
