Is The Indian F&B Industry Prepared For The Rise Of Solo Dining?

The concept of dining alone at a restaurant was once considered unusual. People used to react with surprise or sympathy when they saw someone sitting at a large table by themselves. However, in 2024, dining alone in a restaurant is no longer stigmatised. In fact, it's becoming a new trend.

Going Solo

Solo dining at restaurants is becoming increasingly popular, with single-person reservations rising 29 per cent at American eateries over the past two years, as reported by reservation platform OpenTable. A recent survey revealed that more Americans now prefer dining out alone, believing that one's company is better than a crowd when it comes to dining out. This trend isn't limited to the US, as OpenTable data indicates that one-third of Europeans have all their meals solo. Additionally, 46 per cent of all adult meals consumed in the US are solitary occasions, and half of the meals in South Korea are solo affairs.

The trend of dining alone is also on the rise in other parts of the world, such as the UK, where solo dining has increased by 14 per cent in the current year, and in Germany, there has been an 18 per cent boost. Japan has also seen an increase, with about 23 per cent of people regularly eating out alone, up from 18 per cent six years ago, according to the country's Hot Pepper Gourmet Eating Out Research Institute.

Me Time For Gen Zs

India too is catching up to the solo dining culture, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. “Solo dining is particularly gaining popularity among younger generations like millennials and Gen Z,” says Mohammed Anas, cofounder of Beyondburg Inc. “At BeyondBurg, we’ve noticed more individuals choosing to dine alone, appreciating the time to unwind or catch up on work. Many enjoy the flexibility of savouring their meals without the need for social interaction. This shift isn’t about rejecting social dining but rather embracing a more personalised, independent lifestyle.”

Whether due to work schedules or a desire to dine alone without social interaction to fully immerse in the culinary experience, it's a trend that significantly challenges the long-held belief that dining is primarily a social affair. “The concepts of 'me time' and self care culture among millennials and Gen Z has reinforced the idea that eating alone can be a way to unwind,” says Vamsi Mareddy, Co-Founder, Paper & Pie. “Social media also plays a role since many solo diners are eager to document their meals for online platforms, highlighting the experience as more introspective and personal.”

The key reasons behind this rise are transitioning demographics, dining out becoming a lifestyle instead of a luxury, the rise of individualism and shift toward personalised lifestyles, work pressures, and the opportunity to deeply connect with flavours and textures. “Interestingly, I often find myself dining solo during work trips or between meetings,” says Adeeb Shah, co-founder of Kofteci Group.

“We believe this trend will continue to rise as more people become comfortable dining alone and as society increasingly embraces it as a normal and enjoyable experience.” Shah observes that though dining has been a communal activity, especially in cultures like India where food brings people together. “However, with changing lifestyles, the rise of digital culture, and a faster-paced environment, solo dining has gained popularity. Interestingly, social media and OTT platforms play a significant role in this shift, as people remain connected online. In many cases, solo dining doesn’t necessarily mean being alone—it's often accompanied by the company of a phone.”

The rise in solo dining is also linked to changes in work culture and urban lifestyles, says Ajay Mehra, Director of Food and Beverage, The Leela Bhartiya City. “As people work longer hours and experience increased mobility, there's a growing need for dining options that fit into their busy, often solitary routines.” Mehra too links the change to the noticeable shift among younger generations towards solo dining. “This demographic values flexibility, convenience, and experiences that cater to individual preferences.”

Tailored To Fit

The trend is taking off across the world, but the question is: Is the restaurant industry ready to welcome this change? The increase in folks dining solo has led to many restaurants adjusting their offerings. For example, they now offer small serving plates for solo guests and tasting menus, which provide a selection of small plates for guests to choose from, allowing them to enjoy the dining experience. Traditionally, eating establishments have catered to larger groups, but now, there is a greater emphasis on creating intimacy and atmosphere.

Paper & Pie has responded to the trend by creating spaces for single seating, community tables, and several two-seater tables. “These areas are often occupied and we frequently also see the two-seater tables being used by solo diners,” says Mareddy. The staff is also trained to be less intrusive, allowing the customers to enjoy their meals with minimal interference.

Restaurants are increasingly designing spaces to accommodate solo diners, says Mehra. This includes creating comfortable, well-designed solo seats at bars, counters, or small tables, often emphasising providing a pleasant view or a sense of privacy. “Moreover, waitstaff are encouraged to engage appropriately, respecting the solitary experience while offering friendly service. Menus are being designed with solo diners in mind. This includes smaller portion sizes, tasting menus, or customisable dishes,” he says.