Let’s say your Instagram feed is split between someone’s fancy dinner at a 5-star restaurant and another friend posting their street-side pani puri adventure.
That is exactly Gen Z’s preferences.
For them, food turns into an experience, a means of connecting, and even a representation of lifestyle.
Regarding Gen Z, their selections demonstrate much about their lifestyle and mindset.
A recurring question is: do they favour street food or upscale cuisine? Let’s discover.
The actual response? Both, though it’s complicated.
The reality of Gen Z dining preferences is that they don’t choose only one option.
These savvy food enthusiasts understand when to indulge and when to economise.
On weekdays, they savour street food with friends and reserve fine dining experiences for birthdays or special events
Why street food wins most days
It’s real: Street food feels more honest. No fancy plating, no weird ingredient names you can’t say. Just good food made by people who really know how to cook.
Budget-friendly: Let’s be honest – Gen Z isn’t swimming in money. Street food allows you to enjoy fantastic meals without overspending. Why pay 2000 rupees for a single upscale meal when you could sample 5 various street foods for that amount
Social media gold: That perfect shot of colourful chaat or a messy burger? Way more relatable than a tiny fancy dish on a huge white plate.
Quick and easy: Fast casual is the most popular choice with 36% of Gen Z preferring it. They want good food fast, not a 3-hour dinner experience every time they’re hungry.
When fine dining makes the cut
Special occasions: Birthday? Anniversary? Job promotion? That’s fine dining time. Gen Z saves fancy restaurants for moments that actually matter.
Experience over food: Sometimes it’s not about the food – it’s about the whole experience. The fancy place, the service, the special feeling part.
Social proof: Let’s be real, that fine dining Instagram story is different. It shows you’re doing well in life.
What Gen Z really wants
Food autonomy: This generation desires increased control over their meal choices, leading to the popularity of establishments like Chipotle and Poke Bowl, which provide customizable and diverse options.
Value for money: They are savvy consumers. Even when they indulge, they desire to feel as though they received good value for their money.
New experiences: 73% enjoy exploring new foods, making them eager to sample something unique, be it from a food truck or an upscale dining spot.
Authenticity: Fake vibes are a definite no. They can sense when a location is overdoing it, and they dislike it.
Gen Z food trends show they’re practical food lovers. They’re not anti-fancy food, but they’re also not impressed by expensive food that doesn’t taste good.
Street food wins their hearts (and daily meals) because it’s real, tasty, and affordable. Fine dining gets its special occasion money when the experience justifies the price.
Smart generation, if you ask us. They’ve figured out that good food comes in all forms – from roadside stalls to fancy restaurants.
By Sakshi Luhariwala
