Nearly 1 in 5 Indians prefer eating on the sofa and more choosing to eat in bed

Food remains one of the most powerful ways Indians connect with family culture and everyday life It is never just about the meal but about shared stories laughter and connection that linger long after the plates are clearedCurious about how Indians cook and eat at home today IKEA explored everyday moments in the kitchen and around the table The Cooking amp Eating Study reveals how changing routines and modern lifestyles are reshaping these habits at homeThe survey is one of the largest of its kind drawing on insights from more than 31000 interviews across 31 countries to offer a global lens on everyday cooking and eating behaviours While factors such as busy schedules compact homes and competing priorities are global realities Indian homes reflect a unique connection with foodMore Indians step into the kitchenThe confidence in cooking is growing with nearly half of Indians believe they will become more confident in their cooking abilities over the next decade This is significantly higher than the global average Nearly 1 in 5 expect to cook using homegrown produce in the future reflecting increasing awareness around sustainability selfreliance and mindful consumptionThe rise of mindful cooking at homeThe research finds that many Indians are becoming more mindful in the kitchen More people in India are likely to save water buy local produce and use energyefficient appliances as part of their everyday routines There is also a strong sense of responsibility when it comes to food waste Over half of Indians feel a responsibility to reduce the amount of food wasted in their homes and many express guilt when food is wasted However 1 in 3 believe that little food is wasted in their household Overcooking and oversized portions remain key contributors pointing to opportunities for better planning storage and portion controlWhere and how India eatsEating at home in India reflects a fluid mix of tradition and modern living The dining table is no longer a fixed space For some itrsquos the sofa for others the floor or even the bed While sitting on the floor remains rooted in comfort and cultural practice informal eating habits are increasingly common with nearly 1 in 5 Indians eating on the sofa and more choosing to eat in bed This shift reflects to changing lifestyles and the rise of shared living spaces that adapt to how people live gather and eatWatching television while eating is common when dining alone and continues even when eating with others Nearly 1 in 5 use social media regardless of device during meals This highlights how screens have become part of everyday eating habitsIndia dines later than the worldThe report finds that India tends to eat dinner later with the average weekday dinner time at 814 PM compared to the global average of 644 PM Work schedules commuting patterns and daily routines continue to shape when families come together to eatMealtimes are often unhurried with people spending slightly longer over dinner around 30 minutes compared to global norms Meals continue to serve as moments of pause comfort and connection at the end of the dayEvolving kitchen needs in Indian homesPeople are increasingly looking for kitchens that can do more and Indian homes are no exception Many feel their kitchens could better support everyday needs through smarter storage more surface space or layouts that adapt to how they cook and live todayAs homes become more compact and lifestyles more fluid the kitchen is taking on a broader role It is no longer just a place to prepare meals but a shared space for eating connecting and spending time together Younger generations are seeking kitchens that feel better suited to the realities of everyday life This highlights the need for flexible spaceefficient and wellorganised kitchen solutions that adapt to different routines preferences and household sizesCooking and eating as care and connectionFor many Indians cooking carries emotional meaning beyond daily necessity Over a quarter describe cooking as their language of love nearly double the global average A similar share view cooking as a form of selfexpression while others see it as part of their daily routineAt the same time some Indians say they never cook Common barriers include lack of time limited skills lack of inspiration or the responsibility typically resting with another household member Fresh ingredients remain central to Indian kitchens with over half preferring to cook with them while many also prepare food for multiple meals at a timeHosting meals continues to be an important social ritual Nearly 4 in 10 Indians say having guests over helps build relationships with family and friends while a similar number value the opportunity for social connection Compared to global data more Indians also say they enjoy experimenting with new recipes when hostingBalancing experimentation with familiar flavoursMany Indians show a strong interest in trying new recipes and foods while preferences for Indian cuisine remain strong Plantbased alternatives are also gaining interest with adoption levels higher than the global average Popular food choices continue to include strong flavours fast food nostalgic dishes latenight snacks and a growing preference for spicy flavoursThe Cooking amp Eating Survey highlights a global truth while food continues to hold deep emotional meaning modern life is reshaping how people cook eat and connect at home Even as homes become smaller and routines busier the desire to come together around food remains central to everyday life As part of Ingka Group IKEA India continues to turn global insights into local action supporting the many people with ideas inspiration and solutions that make cooking and eating at home easier joyful and more meaningful