How food is shaping holiday home travel trends in India, reveals new report

Booking.com’s Taste of Home report shows how Indian travellers are blending cooking, culture, and connection through holiday homes designed for food-led experiences.

For Indian travellers, holidays are no longer just about scenic views or luxury stays — they’re about the meals shared, recipes discovered, and ingredients explored. Whether it’s a seaside villa filled with the aroma of fresh curry or a hillside cottage where friends gather to cook together, food is increasingly becoming the heartbeat of India’s travel experiences.

According to Booking.com’s latest Taste of Home research, food is now shaping where Indians stay, how they spend their time, and what they bring along on holiday. The study, which explores how culinary experiences influence travel behaviour, reveals that Indian travellers are choosing holiday homes for the freedom to cook, eat, and connect. For many, these stays offer privacy, flexibility, and access to kitchens — turning vacations into opportunities for culinary exploration and cultural exchange.

When Food Drives the Journey

The report highlights how deeply food influences Indian travel decisions. A remarkable 88% of travellers say food shapes their choice of destination, while 82% admit to picking a location solely to visit a specific restaurant or food spot. Dining out remains a major part of the travel experience — with 59% regularly eating at local restaurants abroad — but more travellers now want the best of both worlds: 36% book holiday homes to enjoy authentic local cuisine while also cooking their own meals.

This shift has made holiday homes the preferred accommodation type for India’s growing community of food-loving travellers. The research shows that 97% of Indian foodies alter their cooking and eating habits while travelling. They frequent local markets (84%), experiment with new recipes (38%), and even attempt local dishes (37%), making food not just a highlight of their trip but a central part of it.

The Changing Face of the Holiday Kitchen

the study identifies four key trends shaping the culinary holiday home experience in India and across the Asia-Pacific region.

1. The New Head Chef

The role of the cook in the family holiday kitchen is changing. Once dominated by mothers, it’s now the younger generations who are taking charge. Millennials (26%) and Gen Z (22%) are most likely to cook their own meals, often blending traditional family recipes with modern techniques. Gen X (48%) and millennials (42%) still hold on to nostalgic dishes, while 28% of Indians cook to host others during their stays — rising to 30% among Gen Z.

2. Holiday Kitchen Personalities

The research reveals four emerging kitchen personas among Indian travellers:

• The Traditionalist (43%) – finds comfort in family recipes and familiar flavours.
• The Experimenter (38%) – enjoys trying new cooking styles and ingredients.
• The Minimalist (42%) – prefers quick, simple meals when travelling.
• The Socialite (32%) – thrives on communal cooking and hosting.

3. The Rise of Trolley Tourism

A new trend dubbed “trolley tourism” is emerging, where food shopping becomes an essential part of the journey. Travellers are visiting local supermarkets, food markets, and culinary festivals not just to eat but to experience local culture through food. In India, 84% of travellers say they love exploring local markets, rising to 87% among frequent holiday-home bookers. Many use these trips to support local producers and cook with regional ingredients.

4. The Portable Pantry

Indian travellers are also redefining the art of packing. The study shows that 95% of Indians bring food or cooking items on their holidays — from dry fruits (41%), pickles (37%), and spices (36%) to instant noodles (36%) and chutneys (30%). Favourite utensils also make the cut, including electric kettles (31%), knives and peelers (30%), pressure cookers (25%), and portable grill pans (22%). For many, these items are small comforts that bring a sense of home to unfamiliar places.

Cooking, Celebrating, and Connecting

Beyond food, holiday homes are also about community and connection. The report finds that 25% of Indian travellers book them for trips with friends, 21% for birthdays or anniversaries, and 24% for wellness or self-care retreats. These spaces allow guests to cook together, celebrate milestones, and unwind — blending leisure with togetherness.

When it comes to preferred stays, beach houses (37%) are the top pick for food-focused holidays, followed by private villas (33%), city apartments (28%), country cottages (25%), and lakeside cabins (20%). Each offers travellers the comfort of a kitchen, the freedom to experiment, and the joy of shared meals.

The New Recipe for Travel

The report captures a growing truth: for Indian travellers, food is no longer just an element of the journey — it’s the journey itself. Whether through cooking family recipes in a new setting or exploring local markets for fresh ingredients, travellers are redefining what it means to feel at home while on the road.

In today’s travel landscape, the kitchen has become more than a convenience. It’s where culture, comfort, and creativity meet — and where India’s love for travel and food truly comes alive.