More Than Just Shoes: How Sneakers Became The Language Of Identity For Gen Z
'For Gen Z in India, sneakers have become a lot more than just shoes. They are no longer just a statement—they're a lifestyle and a representation of personality," says Kashika Malhotra, Chief Marketing Officer, Brandman Retail. 'What was originally meant for comfort or sport is now connected to creativity, self-expression, and a sense of belonging."
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Most bizarre food recipes that went viral on social media
Image credits: X Food has driven human life and activity for years immemorial. While earlier, due to a lack of resources, the drive was hunger; now it is taste. People all over the world will try any recipe as long as it guarantees them a taste that their buds have never explored before. With the rise of social media, recipes that were mostly a part of a person's own kitchen experiment went viral across the world, prompting people to try and see if they tasted good or not. Over the years, some highly bizarre and eye-raising recipes have seen a life of fame on the internet. Below are some of the most shocking ones (trust us)! Toilet bowl ice cream sundae Image credits: X Had to include this one (because of social media). The most bizarre recipe in this entire list is the toilet bowl ice cream sundae that had some sane people buying toilet bowl-shaped mugs to make the recipe and some insane ones doing it in the toilet bowl of their home after (thoroughly) cleaning it. Begin by adding crushed ice, some candy mix-ins and ice cream into the toilet bowl. Then add some soda or fruit punch to "flush" the sweets and melt the ice cream. Now, serve the dessert in sundae glasses. The trend originated as a prank and went on to become a craze. Chickle Image credits: X If there's a love as consistent as the sun rising in the east, it's Gen Z's for acronyms. Thus, a dish named chickle (pickle in a blanket) went viral on social media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rare, Refined, and Ready Soon – Monte South is the Answer Monte South A Joint Venture between Adani Realty and Marathon Realty Learn More Undo The easy two-ingredient snack requires wrapping a pickle spear in a slice of cheese and cooking on a non-stick pan until crispy. The video of the recipe garnered as many as 13 million views on TikTok and was also replicated by popular brands like Grillo's Pickles. Filthy kimchi martini Image credits: X If you are someone who loves trying bizarre food combos, then this recipe might be right up your alley. Created by Canada-born influencer Logan Moffit, popularly known as 'The Cucumber Guy, ' the cocktail includes kimchi-infused vodka, vermouth, kimchi juice, pickling soy sauce and garlic olive brine in a mix that is savoury and spicy. While a few tried it for the taste, most tried it for the dare. Oreo sushi Image credits: X/@RosannaPansino If Oreos are your favourite cookies and your love for sushi knows no bounds, then an Oreo sushi recipe is what you should have already tried by now. The recipe is extremely easy and frankly not necessary. But who says no to bizarre recipes, right? Begin by separating Oreo crusts and cream in two separate bowls. Take the crusts and grind them into a dough in a grinder with two tablespoons of milk. Melt the cream to make it into a paste. Now, on a plastic wrap, roll the Oreo dough into a layer and spread the cream on it. Cut it into long sections and roll like sushi. Freeze the dessert for an hour or so and enjoy Oreo sushi! Polish strawberry pasta Image credits: X/@YIMBYPoland It seems food that brings out the child in you and makes it happy is worth all the effort. Thanks to Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek, the internet got to try a Polish recipe that it fell in love with. Though bizarre, the Polish strawberry pasta is a part of Polish cuisine. It includes mixing cooked pasta with mashed strawberries and yogurt and adding a pinch of sugar and salt. Onion lattes Image credits: X/@chrisrickett Who would have thought onion lattes would get about 20 million views? The eye crossing recipe needs you to prepare a classic latte and garnish it with chopped green onion tops. While it is mostly served chilled, some like a warmer variation with dried or caramelised onions.
News18
a day ago
- News18
Why Millennials And Gen Z Prefer Cafés Over Traditional Restaurants
Last Updated: Millennials and Gen Z don't just want to eat out, they want to belong somewhere. And cafés, with their warm lights, good brews, and open vibes, offer just that. The café culture in India is brewing hotter than ever, and it's not just about coffee anymore. For Millennials and Gen Z, cafés have become the new cultural hubs, spaces where lifestyle, work, creativity, and connection seamlessly blend. From aesthetically pleasing interiors to flexible workspaces and innovative menus, cafés are replacing the formality of traditional restaurants with an experience-first approach that resonates deeply with today's youth. 'Millennials and Gen Z have redefined dining culture, increasingly favoring cafés over traditional restaurants," says Rajat Jaiswal, Pilot and Co-founder, WAB Cafe and Keydroid. 'This shift is driven by lifestyle choices, social habits, and evolving work patterns that align more with the casual and versatile nature of cafés." He highlights that the informal, flexible vibe of cafés makes them ideal for everything from solo productivity to social catch-ups. With simpler, more affordable menus and photogenic spaces that suit their social media habits, cafés are exactly what younger consumers are looking for. 'It's more than just food, it's an experience," he adds. The Rise of Café-First Hospitality Rajan Sethi, Managing Director, Bright Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., echoes this sentiment, having witnessed the evolution firsthand. 'Over the past decade, we have seen a clear shift in how Millennials and Gen Z approach dining, and cafés have naturally become the spaces they gravitate toward," he says. Sethi's brands, like Espressos Anyday and OMO – Soul Food Community, are built around this café-first mindset. 'With Espressos Anyday, we've created an everyday café that feels like your own corner in the city," he explains. 'Whether you're working solo or brainstorming with friends, the vibe is intentionally casual yet inspiring." Meanwhile, OMO takes it a step further by merging food and philosophy. 'OMO is for people who want their dining spaces to align with their values—offering grounding meals, seasonal ingredients, and a calm, conscious atmosphere," Sethi says. The rise of the 'laptop and latte" work culture, particularly in metros like Delhi and Gurgaon, has made cafés a modern-day second home and office. Social, Sensory, Shareable What's also redefining this space is the experiential element. According to Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, 'At Barista, coffee is more than just a beverage, it's a lifestyle and cultural experience, especially for Millennials and Gen Z." He points out that these generations crave connection, ambiance, and self-expression. Barista caters to this demand with curated offerings like Coffee Bubble Tea, Iced Tiramisu Latte, and live brewing sessions, trendy, flavorful, and highly Instagrammable. 'Through experiential marketing, playful menus, and community-driven spaces, we've made Barista a go-to destination where coffee culture meets contemporary lifestyle," Agarwal says. It's not about fancy dining, but about engaging environments that balance affordability with innovation. A Safe, Creative, Comfortable Space Shreya Ghai, owner, Bean & Coffee Kitchen, beautifully sums up the emotional value cafés offer: 'For Millennials and Gen Z, a café isn't just a place to eat or drink, it's an extension of their lifestyle. It's where work happens, friendships grow, passions are explored, and everyday moments become memorable." She emphasizes that what people seek today is comfort without formality, creativity without judgment, and connection without pressure. 'It's about being surrounded by warm lights, familiar faces, and the quiet hum of inspiration," Ghai shares. 'At Bean & Coffee Kitchen, the stories shared at every table are as important as the food on it." The Bottom Line What we're witnessing is not just a shift in dining preferences but a broader cultural evolution. Cafés have emerged as the modern-day living rooms, creative studios, and informal workspaces for younger generations. They combine aesthetics, affordability, flexibility, and community, qualities that traditional restaurants often lack. In short, Millennials and Gen Z don't just want to eat out, they want to belong somewhere. And cafés, with their warm lights, good brews, and open vibes, offer just that. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 16:28 IST News lifestyle » food Why Millennials And Gen Z Prefer Cafés Over Traditional Restaurants Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
41st anniversary of The Times of India, Bengaluru: Generation Z is reshaping Bengaluru's social fabric
Bengaluru's social landscape is being reshaped by Gen Z, a digitally native generation prioritizing independence, sustainability, and unique experiences. This group, comprising 377 million individuals in India, favors renting over owning and supports eco-friendly brands. By Generation Z, often referred to as Gen Z, is revolutionising the social landscape of Bengaluru. They are redefining norms and making a significant impact on the communities they live in. Gen Z includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012 — digital natives who grew up during a time of technological advancements, socio-economic transformations, and increased global connectivity. According to the BCG-Snapchat report titled 'The USD Two Trillion Opportunity: How Gen Z is Shaping the New India', Gen Z is a rapidly growing demographic in the country, comprising 377 million individuals. This group is expected to be a major driver of consumption growth, with projections indicating they will contribute $1.8 trillion in direct spending by 2035. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Genesis of Gen Z Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of the Retailers Association of India (RAI), describes the characteristics of Gen Z in India: 'They value independence, sustainability, unique experiences, social engagement, and innovation. Gen Z tends to favour renting over owning — from wardrobes and gadgets to homes — opting for access rather than accumulation. They prioritise eco-friendly, purpose-driven brands and are willing to spend more to support sustainability. Their lives unfold online, as they share every experience and purchase on social media. Also, they manage their finances early, using trusted digital tools for saving and investing.' Numerous studies and surveys have been conducted to understand the characteristics and spending habits of Gen Z. Amit Misra, CEO, MSL South Asia, shares insights from their survey 'Make Way for Bharat Z'. According to the study, Gen Z is leading the digital spending wave. 'Over 55% prefer online platforms for discretionary purchases, compared to just 14% who shop offline. Whether booking travel, ordering food, or subscribing to OTT platforms, they are digital-first and highly discerning in their choices,' says Misra. Sharing insights on Gen Z's shopping behaviour, Suman Saha, CXO, House of Brands and FWD, Myntra, says it is defined by a sharp eye for trend-meets-value. 'As early professionals or college students, these digital natives actively seek stylish yet pocket-friendly finds. We have seen strong traction for value-driven offerings such as denims priced at ?299 or buy two dresses at ?799. These deals witnessed a fivefold increase compared to regular constructs during a recent End of Reason Sale (EORS),' adds Saha. 'Need is the primary factor influencing their spending decisions, while 90% emphasised 'value for money' as a key consideration. Only 12% are influenced by celebrity endorsements. On the other hand, 67% are influenced by word of mouth from family and friends, and 45% turn to their social media networks,' shares Misra. Gen Z's Consumer Code According to experts, Generation Z is reshaping the consumer landscape. Their values and behaviours influence their spending patterns; hence, retailers and other sectors need to change the way they engage with this generation. 'Social media activation, through creator tie-ups, shoppable posts, and livestreams, is key, given that nearly 80% of Gen Z shoppers explore or make purchases on social media platforms. Fast, seamless shopping journeys supported by personalised recommendations and clear brand values will help retailers stand out and connect meaningfully with this generation,' suggests Rajagopalan.
