How India’s Valentine’s Week Dining is turning Into a Full Sensory Experience

From Mumbai to Bengaluru, restaurants are redefining romance with immersive food, music, and mood-led experiences this February 7–14.

New Delhi. Valentine's weddings in India are becoming about more than just tables with a candle lit and traditional romantic dinners. All around the country, restaurants and hotel food experiences are creating unique immersive "multi-sensory" experiences that are sure to make the week of February 7 to 14 a memorable one for people who want something out of the ordinary.

What's dynamic this change is a change in how urban consumers are viewing food, as part of a larger experience rather than simply something to eat. Restaurant owners and chefs are designing their menus, table settings, and activities to create an emotional connection with consumers by offering them a moment rather than just providing something to eat.

Some of the award-winning restaurants in Mumbai and Bangalore have embraced this new way of looking at Valentine's Day by introducing new Valentine's Day menu items designed around this idea of making dining a multi-sensory experience. They are doing this by offering themed or craft cocktails to go with their menu items along with the all-important creation of a lovely atmosphere for the diners to experience.

In Bangalore, diners can expect to see plates that are visually stunning and cocktails specially created for Valentine's Day, with regard to look, color, and ingredients used. In Mumbai, restaurant owners are providing the feeling of intimacy and the atmosphere of excitement at their restaurants through the utilization of their outdoor seating, taking advantage of the cooler nights that February brings.

According to industry experts, this trend has also been seen in other areas of the hospitality industry. In particular, the younger demographic is seeking experiences through the use of music and/or entertainment that is happening around them while they are eating.