Food preferences in India are changing rapidly and the impact is evident in people’s online shopping. The year 2025 has seen a big change in the world of instant food and snacks. Now not only Maggi or traditional noodles are people’s first choice, but Korean food options have made a special place in Indian kitchens and carts. Swiggy Instamart’s latest report shows how global trends are now reaching Indian households directly.
Demand for Korean snacks surges tremendously
According to Instamart’s annual report, orders for Korean snacks and food products have increased nearly fivefold in the past year. Korean ramen and instant noodles in particular are favorites, with Samyang Karbo Italian Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen becoming the most ordered Korean SKU nationwide.
Bengaluru tops the list of metro cities
Metro cities have been at the forefront of adopting Korean food. In Bengaluru, orders for Korean sauces and noodles have increased manifold year-on-year. In fact, one evening, thousands of packets of noodles were ordered in an hour. Interestingly, the best selling Korean product in Bengaluru was not noodles but Korean flavored spicy chips. While in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai, spicy ramen noodles were seen in the most carts.
Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are not far behind
Earlier it was believed that such a global food trend was limited only to big cities, but that is not the case anymore. Demand for Korean style chips and veg ramen has grown rapidly in tier-2 cities. At the same time, people’s preferences in tier-3 cities were also seen to be similar to metro cities. This clearly shows that the trend through social media and pop culture is now rapidly reaching even small towns.
Late night cravings and immediate delivery
The report also revealed that most Korean food orders come in the evening and late at night. People suddenly get hungry while watching K-dramas or scrolling through social media, and fast-paced commerce apps are instantly satisfying that craving. Delivery within two-three minutes has now become a new habit of people.
Increase desire for healthy foods
Not only spicy food, people’s inclination towards healthy food has also increased. Demand for protein bars, health drinks and wellness products saw a huge surge. In some small towns, health related orders have increased manifold. Health drinks like matcha are also becoming increasingly popular in big cities.