Welcome to the Food Computing Lab! We strive to deepen our understanding of food and its intricate connections, including but not limited to recipes, cooking, well-being, nutrition, dietary practices, agriculture, agrecology, misinformation, and heritage - particularly in the Indian context. Our work emphasizes the importance of understanding food not only as a source of sustenance and enjoyment, but also as a vital component of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Using novel AI-driven computational technologies, we mine, curate and analyze data and relationships within food systems to uncover insights that enable healthier eating habits, recipe generation, food recommendation, knowledge discovery, and informed decision-making. To know more about our work, please browse the research section.
Beyond Recipes: Tracing the Complexities of Indian Food
Prehistoric Food Systems
Early diets of hunter-gatherers, natural food sources, and the dawn of agriculture in India.
Pre-Vedic & Aryan Influence
Introduction of wheat and barley as staple grains and domestication of cattle.
Ancient Agricultural Innovations
Early crop rotation techniques, irrigation systems, and the domestication of native crops like rice, pulses, and millets.
Indigenous Rice Diversity
Thousands of traditional rice varieties were cultivated to suit local climates, tastes, and cultural rituals across India.
Harappan Civilization Diet
Sophisticated system and diversified diet, incorporating wheat, barley, pulses, and fruits, raising livestock, and culinary exchange and trade.
Vedic Diets
Vegetarianism, the rise of dairy, sacred food rituals, and fire offerings (homas) in Vedic traditions.
Indigenous Food Systems
Tribal and regional food practices, local grains, and early forms of fermentation and preservation.
Ancient Millet Cultivation
Millets such as ragi, jowar, and bajra were staple grains in ancient Indian diets, valued for their resilience and nutritional benefits.
Indigenous Fermentation Techniques
Traditional foods like idli, dosa, and fermented dairy products showcase the deep historical roots of probiotics in Indian diets.
Food & Caste System
Culinary practices, including cooking rights and dietary restrictions, reflect the intricate ties between food and caste hierarchies.
Religious Vegetarianism
Prominent religious sects such as Buddhism and Jainism promote plant-based eating.
Post-Vedic to Mauryan Food Evolution
Transition from Vedic diets to regionally distinct cuisines; rise in use of spices, dairy, and structured meals under early empires like the Mauryans.
Ayurvedic Food Principles
The development of food as medicine, with guidelines on diet based on seasons and the three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha.
Ancient Culinary Trade & Spice Exchange
Early food-related trade during the Indus Valley and Mauryan periods included the exchange of black pepper, turmeric, ginger, and sesame with West Asia, shaping early transregional flavor profiles.
Hindu Temple Kitchens
Among the earliest models of large-scale organized cooking, temple kitchens pioneered community feeding, ritual offerings, and culinary standardization across regions.
The Evolution of Indian Sweets
From temple offerings to festive treats, sweets like laddoos and barfis narrate stories of devotion and regional flavors.
Food in Indian Literature & Epics
Epic texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana reference feasts and food, highlighting their cultural and symbolic significance.
South Indian Royal Kitchens
Royal courts in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka nurtured elaborate cuisines focused on rice, coconut, tamarind, and sambar, emphasizing temple-influenced vegetarian traditions.
Gupta Era & Classical Age Cuisine
Flourishing of elite cuisine with codified rituals, sweets, and greater integration of Ayurveda in food systems during India’s classical golden age.
Evolution of Thali as a Meal Concept
The concept of the 'thali,' a balanced meal served in multiple small dishes, became prominent.
Sangam Era Food Culture
Rich Tamil literary sources describe diverse food practices, including seafood, toddy, rice, honey, and elaborate meat dishes, reflecting a mature culinary culture.
Rajput Court Cuisine
Rajput rulers emphasized rich, meat-based royal feasts, preserving techniques like slow-cooking in ghee and the use of dry spices suited to arid regions.
Chola Maritime Exchange
Indian food techniques and ingredients spread to Southeast Asia through Chola naval expeditions, leading to mutual culinary influences.
North-East Indian Culinary Traditions
Distinct food systems including fermented bamboo shoots, smoked meats, sticky rice, and rice beers like apong, deeply tied to the land and tribal culture.
Maratha & Deccan Influence
The rise of the Maratha empire led to the prominence of fiery flavors, ground spice blends like goda masala, and integration of dry and wet preparations suited to hilly terrains.
Kashmiri Cuisine & Persian Influence
The fusion of Central Asian and indigenous food traditions, including dishes like rogan josh and yakhni, flourished under Persian-influenced Kashmiri courts.
Pickle Cultures & Preservatives
Regional techniques like sun-drying and salt curing preserved seasonal produce, embedding pickles deeply into Indian culinary traditions.
Women & Culinary Lineages
Home kitchens served as sites for skill transmission, with women preserving and passing down culinary traditions through generations.
Mughal Culinary Splendor
Central Asian and Persian influences during the Mughal period introduced gravies, biryanis, rich desserts, and the use of dried fruits, saffron, and nuts in royal cuisine.
Development of Halal Cuisine
The spread of Islamic dietary laws introduced Halal cooking methods and distinct culinary practices across India.
Introduction of Coffee to India
Portuguese colonizers introduced coffee to India in the 17th century, establishing plantations in southern India, particularly in the region of Kerala. Over time, coffee became an integral part of South Indian culture and a major agricultural export.
Portuguese & Coastal Cuisines
Portuguese traders brought new-world ingredients like chili, potato, tomato, and vinegar, transforming coastal dishes and spawning new culinary fusions like vindaloo.
Colonial Trade & the Global Spice Economy
With European colonization, India’s spice trade became globally integrated — pepper, cardamom, and cloves became export staples, exploited by Portuguese, Dutch, and British interests.
Caste on the Plate
Who cooks, who serves, and who eats—food politics surrounding caste and purity.
Feeding the Empire: British Raj & Grain Trade
The British Empire restructured Indian agriculture, prioritizing cash crops like opium and indigo, while managing grain trade for export, often at the cost of local food security.
Colonial Tea Plantations
British-initiated tea plantations in Assam and Darjeeling turned tea into a national beverage, supported by marketing and mass consumption campaigns.
British Raj & British-Influenced Food
The British presence led to Anglo-Indian cuisine, hybrid dishes like mulligatawny soup, and localized curries served in colonial clubs and households.
Introduction of Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts
Ice cream and other frozen desserts, influenced by British colonialism, became popular in India by the late 19th century
Indian Spices and Cooking Techniques Go Global
Indian spices like turmeric and tamarind and cooking methods like tandoor shaped global cuisines and trade routes, influencing culinary practices worldwide.
Food & Protest Movements
From hunger strikes to communal kitchens, food played a pivotal role in India's social and political movements.
Independence & Nationalist Food Movements
The rise of a national culinary identity through campaigns such as 'Swadeshi' and the promotion of indigenous ingredients.
The Role of Food in Gandhi's Philosophy
The rise of a national culinary identity through campaigns such as 'Swadeshi' and the promotion of indigenous ingredients.
Festival Foodscapes
Festivals like Onam, Diwali, and Pongal feature unique dishes, reflecting regional diversity and cultural celebrations.
Post-Independence Caste & Food Politics
The role of food in caste and class dynamics, influencing access to resources and societal hierarchies.
Rise of Indian Snack Culture
Snacks like bhujia, samosas, and pakoras gained prominence as quick and convenient Indian foods.
Food & Faith
Langar, iftar, prasad—religious rituals as shared meals promoting community and solidarity.
Green Revolution Transformation
High-yielding seeds, fertilizers, and mechanized farming altered crop patterns and dietary compositions post-1960s.
Rural vs. Urban Foodscapes
Contrasts in access, diversity, and cultural diets between India’s cities and villages were shaped by mobility, media, and market reach.
Food Industrialization
he post-independence era saw a shift to packaged foods and ready-to-eat meals, transforming traditional cooking practices.
Kitchen Politics
Women’s unpaid labor preserves both family and culinary memory.
Shift to Profit-Driven Agriculture
The commercialization of agriculture, where farming is increasingly driven by profit motives rather than local sustenance, impacting food security and ecological balance.
Food & Identity
Food as a medium of cultural expression, signaling social, caste, and religious identities.
Street Food Economies
Street food as both a livelihood and a reflection of informal urban economies.
Rise of Indian Cafes and Coffee Culture
With the growth of coffee plantations, Indian coffee culture developed, especially in southern cities like Bangalore.
Food & Globalization
The emergence of global Indian cuisine with the rise of Indian restaurants worldwide.
Food in Political Discourse
Ration politics, symbolic meals, and food bans illustrate how cuisine intersects with power and protest in India.
Commodification of Food
Capitalism drives the global food market, turning traditional food practices into profit-driven industries, often distorting cultural roots.
Food in Cinema & Pop Culture
Food is used in Bollywood, regional films, and television to both express emotions, traditions, and social dynamics as well as influence popular culture and societal norms.
Food Advertising and Branding
Major corporations and local startups increasingly use aggressive marketing strategies to sell food products.
Midday Meals & ICDS
The development of nutrition-based school meal programs as a public health intervention for children.
Deceptive Marketing and Labeling Practices
The misleading portrayal of food products on packaging, where the visual appeal, ingredients, and nutritional claims often do not reflect the actual contents or quality, influencing consumer perceptions and choices.
Development of India’s Hospitality Industry
The rise of luxury hotels, restaurants, and culinary tourism significantly impacted the global perception of Indian cuisine.
Growth of Canned and Packaged Foods
The post-independence era saw the development and popularization of canned and packaged foods across India.
Fusion Foods & Hybrid Dishes
The incorporation of global ingredients into traditional Indian dishes, leading to hybrid foods like Maggi pizza and butter chicken tacos.
Big Food & Fast Food Chains
The rise of Western fast food chains and their adaptation to Indian tastes.
Climate Change & Food Security
Erratic weather patterns, shrinking monsoon seasons, and their impact on Indian agriculture and food security.
Food as Right
The push for food justice and legal guarantees for equitable access to nutritious food for all.
Street Food & Informality
The regulation of street food, balancing food hygiene standards with the informal economy.
Digital Recipes & Recipe Archives
The rise of collaborative and digital platforms to archive regional recipes and culinary histories.
Food Tourism in India
Travelers increasingly seek authentic culinary experiences, exploring regional cuisines and traditional food practices.
Urban Palates & Fast Food
Urbanization led to changing food habits, with a rise in fast food consumption and a decline in traditional home-cooked meals.
Mass Media & Food Modernity
Television shows and social media platforms have significantly influenced food choices and culinary trends in India.
Rise of Meal Kit Delivery Services
Growth in meal kit services that provide pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for home-cooked meals, often catering to health-conscious and time-pressed consumers.
Introduction of Fast Casual Dining in Urban Centers
Fast casual dining, combining fast food with a focus on quality, became increasingly popular in Indian cities.
Popularity of Fad Diets
The rise of temporary food fads like keto, paleo, and intermittent fasting in urban populations.
Efforts to Combat Food Waste
Social movements and urban initiatives focused on reducing food waste and redistributing surplus food.
Packaging the Past
Traditional foods reimagined as marketable products: turmeric lattes, ayur-snacks, and packaged khichdi kits.
Food & Health Misinformation
The spread of pseudoscience, diet myths, and misinformation through social media and WhatsApp forwards.
Organic Turn
The growing trend of organic farming in India reflects a shift towards chemical-free agriculture and sustainable food systems.
Agroecology & Indigenous Knowledge
Non-industrial farming practices rooted in indigenous knowledge, promoting sustainable and holistic food systems.
Government Initiatives on Food Security
The introduction of food policy reforms such as the National Food Security Act to ensure access to affordable food.
Digital Cooks and Recipe Sharing Platforms
Social media platforms allowed home cooks to share recipes, boosting regional food cultures across India.
Rise of Indian Veganism
Influenced by traditional dietary practices and modern health trends, veganism is gaining popularity across India.
Food Safety Regulations & Modernization
Introduction and enforcement of food safety standards and regulations to ensure hygiene, quality, and consumer health amid growing food industries and international trade.
Preserving Indigenous Crops and Agricultural Biodiversity
Efforts to protect and conserve India’s vast array of indigenous crops and agricultural biodiversity, promoting sustainability and resilience against climate change.
Food Sovereignty
Grassroots movements advocating for self-sufficiency, local food control, and access to nutritious food.
Dual Burden of Obesity and Malnutrition
The paradox of rising obesity rates alongside widespread malnutrition, with undernutrition still prevalent in rural areas while urban centers struggle with overconsumption and lifestyle diseases.
Recognition of the impact of Industrial Agriculture & Global Supply Chains
The rise of industrial agriculture and global supply chains has created imbalances in food systems, resulting in issues like food waste, unequal access to nutritious food, and significant environmental degradation.
Sustainable Food Logics
Ancient practices like composting and zero-waste cooking are being revived to promote sustainability in modern kitchens.
Modern Millet Resurgence
Driven by health concerns, climate change, and cultural heritage, millets are making a comeback in Indian diets, supported by government initiatives and public awareness campaigns.
Commodification of Authenticity
Restaurants and food apps 'packaging' regionality and heritage in a market-driven approach.
Technological Advancements in Agriculture
The integration of technology in farming, such as precision agriculture, drones, and AI-based solutions, reshaping traditional farming methods and boosting productivity.
Food & Propaganda
Food as a tool for nationalism, nostalgia, and cultural storytelling in the context of Indian political discourse.
Platform-Era Eating
Food delivery apps and gig economy have transformed urban food consumption patterns, offering convenience and variety.
Digital Food Influencers
Social media influencers and bloggers play a crucial role in shaping contemporary culinary trends and popularizing regional cuisines.
Revival of Ghee and Traditional Fats in Cooking
Health movements and nostalgia led to the resurgence of ghee and other traditional fats in Indian cooking.
Urban Food Deserts
Increasing concern over the lack of access to nutritious food in underserved urban and rural areas, leading to health disparities.
Mindful Consumption
The growing trend of mindful and spiritual eating rooted in yoga philosophy, focusing on sattvic, non-violent foods.
Evolution of Virtual and Cloud Kitchens
Growth of cloud kitchens in urban areas offering food delivery with minimal physical presence.
Revival of Traditional Foodways
Efforts to preserve and promote traditional recipes and cooking methods are revitalizing India's rich culinary heritage.
Startup Kitchens
Innovative food startups are reimagining Indian cuisine, focusing on sustainability, health, and convenience.
Nutrition Informatics & Health Apps
Rise of AI nutrition trackers, digital thali planning, personalized diets.
Rise of Home Gardens and Urban Farming
Growing interest in home-grown food through backyard gardens, urban farming, and rooftop cultivation to promote self-sufficiency and food security.
Food Technology and Plant-based & Lab-Grown Meat
Advancements in plant-based meats, lab-grown proteins, and food innovation startups focusing on synthetic meat, millet burgers, and lab-grown paneer.
Food Traceability & Blockchain
Using blockchain for traceability in Indian food exports, ensuring quality, origin integrity, and transparency for global consumers.
Food, Data & Multimodal AI
AI-powered knowledge graphs, food recognition, portion detection, and calorie estimation using images and text; personalized diet planning based on health data. preferences, and cultural context.
Announcements
Summer Internship Opportunities [Summer 2025]
We are actively seeking enthusiastic and passionate students for summer internship 2025. If you are interested in working with us, please fill the Google Form to express your interest.
NCVPRIPG'25 RASOI Data Challenge [July 2025]
RASOI – Recognition and Segmentation of Indian Thali using AI data challenge will be hosted by FoodComputing@Ashoka along with NCVPRIPG 20025 at National Institute of Technology Srinagar from 16th to 18th July 2025. The main themes of the challenge are object detection, food classification, and total calorie estimation.
ACM Multimedia - MMFood'25 [October 2025]
The call for papers is open for the 1st International Workshop on Multi-modal Food Computing (MMFood'25). It will be hosted in conjunction with the 33rd ACM International Conference on Multimedia (ACMMM25) on 27th/28th Oct in Dublin, Ireland. 2025. The deadline is 11th July. The details of the hackathon based on Indian food knowledge graph will be made available soon.