It’s time to say, “Ami Kolkata-r Gulab Jamun”, because it has outshined the Rosogolla with 77 lakh orders for it on Swiggy during Durga Puja. But the good news is that chicken and mutton biryani grabbed the first and second spot on Swiggy’s top five dishes ordered in Kolkata in 2023. The food delivery app released its 2023 food report card – and the results show that the city did very well! My Kolkata delves into the numbers and takes a lowdown from CEO Rohit Kapoor for more.
What were the takeaways?
Hing Kachori
There was a lot of fried chicken involved last year! But, in a party of Chicken Popcorn, Hot Chicken Wings, Hot and crispy chicken etc., Bengal’s quintessential breakfast Hing Kachori managed to steal a spot.
We wish we could also get the data for the number of gym subscriptions this year.
The heart craves biryani…
Chicken biryani shutterstock
The heart of Kolkata beats for Biryani, and this was proved once again as the top two most-ordered dishes on Swiggy in the city were Chicken Biryani and Mutton Biryani. This was followed by Chicken Darjeeling Steamed Momo, non-vegetarian pizzas and Margherita Pizza.
Speaking about consumers’ mix-and-match for traditional and progressive cuisine, CEO Rohit Kapoor said, “While the love for traditional food continues, it is remarkable to see India also accepting new restaurants and concepts. While biryani and kachori are traditional Indian food, you can see people also liking chicken popcorn, pizzas etc.”
Who defeated the Rosogolla?!
Soft and spongy Rosogollas
The Gulab Jamun did! About 77 lakh Gulab Jamuns were ordered on Swiggy during Durga Puja 2023!
Kapoor said, “The win for Gulab Jamun was really surprising to me as well – because we associate Rosogolla with Kolkata as the most prolific sweet dish. Since I grew up in Kolkata, it is very surprising. The number for Gulab Jamun orders during Durga Puja was 77 lakh and I think that is incredible!”
Phirni, Gajar Ka Halwa, Shahi Kheer, and Shahi Tukra were the other top choices to fulfill the sweet cravings of Kolkata. Incidentally, the most ordered dessert in the year – before 2022 – was Rich Dutch Chocolate Cake.
A city of gourmets
The Gourmet category saw a significant uptick, with Kolkata alone recording close to a million orders on Swiggy! Among the top gourmet restaurants that contributed to this trend were Oudh 1590, 6 Ballygunge Place, Bar-B-Q, Mama Mia! — Italian Ice Creams, and KARIM’s — Original from Jama Masjid Delhi 6.
‘Where did my money go?’
That’s a question most foodies ask after ordering almost every day of the month. But now we can feel less guilty, because Swiggy has confirmed that the single highest billing was valued at Rs 30,619! A notch lower than 2022, which was Rs 32,994.
Dine out?
Kolkatans said yes! Swiggy Dineout users collectively spent Rs 62 crore. The highest individual bill processed through Swiggy Dineout peaked at Rs 1,10,328! While they spent lots, Dineout users saved about Rs 15 crore collectively!
“Dineout now gives you the option to know about feasts, parties and events, which the users find useful. The Dineout section has been made more user-friendly, which is why it is a hit among users,” said Kapoor.
Intercity deliveries on Swiggy?
Intercity delivery is not on the cards immediately for Swiggy Shutterstock
My Kolkata asked Kapoor if Swiggy would have intercity delivery of food anytime soon. He said, “Kolkata has so many food options! (laughs) I don't think people of Kolkata need intercity! But yes, people from other states may want to have food from Kolkata. But, delivering food from one city to another needs logistics for packaging, transportation, preserving the freshness of the food etc. It is a careful balance. It is not on the cards immediately, but we will be working on it.”
Swiggy’s 2024 resolution
Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor
According to Kapoor, Swiggy’s focus for 2024 will be on the consumer experience. “We aim to make our service even better with hassle-free, quick deliveries, customer support, handling etc. There is no cue to any big announcement yet. We don't like to say things in advance (laughs)”.
Citing Swiggy’s reach in West Bengal, Kapoor said, “We have pretty much covered West Bengal. There are about 7,500 actively transacting restaurants in Kolkata, and West Bengal has 10,000. Swiggy operates in a total of 41 cities across West Bengal.”
