INTRODUCTIONFast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any

meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically the term refers to

food sold in a restaurant or store with low quality preparation and served to the customer in a

packaged form for take-out/take-away.

Outlets may be stands or kiosks, which may provide no shelter or seating, or fast food

restaurants (also known as quick service restaurants). Franchise operations which are part of

restaurant chains have standardized foodstuffs shipped to each restaurant from central

locations.

The capital requirements involved in opening up a fast food restaurant are relatively low.

Restaurants with much higher sit-in ratios, where customers tend to sit and have their orders

brought to them in a seemingly more upscale atmosphere may be known in some areas as fast

casual restaurants.

HISTORY

The concept of ready-cooked food for sale is closely connected with urban development. In

Ancient Rome cities had street stands that sold bread and wine. A fixture of East Asian cities is

the noodle shop. Flatbread and falafel are today ubiquitous in the Middle East. Popular Indian

fast food dishes include vada pav, panipuri and dahi vada. In the French-speaking nations of

West Africa, roadside stands in and around the larger cities continue to sell—as they have done

for generations—a range of ready-to-eat, char-grilled meat sticks known locally as brochettes.

The Start of Fast Food Culture:

The concept of fast food pops up during 1920s.The 1950s first witnessed their rapid

proliferation. Several factors that contributed to this explosive growth in 50‘s were:

(1) America‘s love affair with the automobiles.

(2) The construction of a major new highway system.

(3) The development of sub-urban communities. (4) The baby boom subsequent to world war second.

The development of Indian cuisine has a very long and turbulent history and is ever changing even today as Indians try new cuisines and are exposed to new influences and people from other nations. Sen (2004) traced the historical origins of Indian cuisine and a summary of these different influences is shown next page:

Prehistory Early cultivation of plants and spices couple with early domestication of animals.

3000–1500 BC Crops such as wheat, barley and lentils are developed and meat and fish are staples.

2000–800 BC Aryan tribes migrate to northern India. Sugar

cane is grown and processed in southern

India.

1000–500 BC Hinduism develops and castes develop. This

leads to a rejection of eating meat, and particularly

cows.

6th century BC Buddha and Mahavira found Buddhism and

Jainism. Jains practice strict vegetarianism.

1st century AD Christianity arrives in India.

5th century AD Ayurveda (system of medicine based on food)

develops.

1206–1536 Central Asian dynasties introduce Central

Asian and Persian cuisines.

Late-15th Portuguese arrive in India, found an empire,

early-16th and bring new ingredients such as tomatoes

century ,chillies, potatoes etc.

17th century East India Company is formed.

1830–1850 Tea plantations established by British in

Assam and Darjeeling.

1857 British crown takes over government of India

and hybrid foods begin to develop.

1947 Tandoori chicken invented in Delhi.

1977 Indian food grows in popularity in UK and the

first Balti restaurant opens in Birmingham.

1996 McDonald‘s and Pizza Hut open in India.

2003 Restaurants continue to open offering new

international cuisines as the Indian economy

grows and urbanisation develops at a rapid

rate.

Emergence

The fast food culture emerged as early as the 19th century. During the Industrial Revolution, a

large workforce was required to work for 10 to 12 hours a day. With so much work to be done,

fast food was the idea of a quick and easy lunch.

In India, fast food culture emerged in the decades after independence, starting from the 1950‘s.

Eating at home used to be a significant aspect of Indian culture, so the change was gradual.

Over a period of time, with a growth in the number of nuclear families, economic growth and

increasing per capita income as well as globalization, fast food culture gained prominence.

Women were shifting from their conventional roles of managing the household and taking care

of the children. With growth in literacy, they started joining the workforce in large numbers.

Fast food became a time-saving alternative to cooking for them.

Similarly, children resorted to fast food to fill their stomachs in school and college. Their

exposure to global urban culture and Western cuisine accelerated their want for cheap and

delicious fast food.

Moreover, fast food costs less than traditional long meals commencing with appetizer and

concluding with dessert.

Nirula‘s and Pizza Corner – India‘s most popular domestic fast food chains – gained rapid

popularity during this period. Though the fast food culture originated abroad, these domestic

food chains could create a perfect blend of international food with Indian ingredients. Paneer

pizzas and aloo tikki burgers were indeed able to satisfy Indian taste buds.

With the liberalization of the economy in 1992, new multinational fast food giants started

dotting India with their outlets. Burger King, Wimpy‘s, Pizza Hut, Domino‘s Pizza,

McDonald‘s, and KFC outlets can be seen today in nearly every shopping mall and

other public areas. In fact, these multinationals have given their domestic counterparts a run for

their money. They are growing at a much faster pace than the Indian chains.

REASON FOR EMERGENCE

Gender Roles:

Gender roles are now changing. Females have started working outside. So, they have no time

for their home and cooking food. Fast food is an easy way out because these can be prepared

easily.

Customer Sophistication and Confidence:

Consumers are becoming more sophisticated now. They do not want to prepare food and spend

their time and energy in house hold works. They are building their confidence more on ready to

eat and easy to serve‘ kind of foods.

Paucity of Time:

People have no time for cooking. Because of emergence of working women and also number of

other entertainment items. Most of the time either people work or want to enjoy with their

family.

Double Income Group:

Emergence of double income group leads to increase in disposable income. Now people have

more disposable income so they can spend easily in fast food and other activities.

Working Women:

Working women have no time for cooking, and if they have then also they don‘t want to cook.

Because they want to come out of the traditionally defined gender roles. They do not want to

confine themselves to household work and upbringing of children‘s.

Large population:

India being a second largest country in terms of population possesses large potential market for

all the products/services. This results into entry of large number of fast food players in the

country.

Relaxation in rules and regulations:

With the economic liberalization of 1991, most of the tariff and non tariff barriers from the

Indian boundaries are either removed or minimized. This helped significantly the MNC‘s to

enter in the country.

Menu diversification:

Increase in consumption of pizzas, burgers and other type of fast foods.

Impact

The emergence of the fast food industry has, to an extent, transformed urban food culture in

India.

It is common knowledge that too much fast food is bad for health and may lead to obesity. An

essential component of most fast food is fat – the kind of fat that in excess can lead to artery

clogging. In large quantities, fast food may lead to obesity as well as hypertension, diabetes,

high cholesterol and heart diseases. Even certain types of cancers have been observed to spread

due to lack of safety standards in some sectors of the fast food industry.

There are also several environmental problems associated with how fast food outlets process

and package their products. Food packaging is done using plastic, Styrofoam and other

synthetic products which are not biodegradable. In recent times, many fast food outlets have

switched to paper bags. Though paper is biodegradable, at the large quantities in which paper

waste is generated in India, currently paper is seen more as a pollutant. Metal and glassware

would be more favorable to serve food, but they destroy the whole purpose of consuming food

on-the-go. The need of the hour is a law or regulation that forces these outlets to recycle the

paper, plastic and foam they use everyday.

India‘s fast food industry is growing at 40% per annum and generates over Rs. 4800 crores in

sales. The multinational segment of the industry generates over Rs. 7000 crores.

Fast food has, in a way, impacted the Indian economy by creating jobs. Outlets require a large

number of unskilled workers who are willing to work for low wages. On the one hand, this

generates widespread employment. On the other hand, some analysts feel that it weakens the

economy by forcing people to take up jobs in which there is little room for advancement.

Fast food industry has been very successful in India, both in financial terms as well as in

popularizing its quick service culture among the population.

Jobs and labor issues

Today, more than 10 million workers are employed in the areas of food preparation and food

servicing including fast food in the world.

Employees are the backbone of the fast food industry. Proper training is crucial to the orderly

and quick service customers expect. Yet, employee turnover can be as high as 200% per year.

With such a turnover, owner-operators of franchise and non-franchise restaurants have the

daunting task of constantly training an entirely new workforce. Policies and procedures need to

be explained to each new employee.

Globalization

In 2006, the global fast food market grew by 4.8% and reached a value of 102.4 billion and a

volume of 80.3 billion transactions. In India alone the fast food industry is growing by 40% a

year. McDonald's is located in 120 countries and on 6 continents and operates over 31,000

restaurants worldwide.

KFC is located in 25 countries. Subway has 29,186 restaurants located in 86 countries, Pizza

Hut is located in 26 countries, Taco Bell has 278 restaurants located in 12 countries besides the

United States.

Health issue

Tran‘s fats which are commonly found in fast food have been shown in many tests to have a

negative health effect on the body.

The fast food consumption has been shown to increase calorie intake, promote weight gain, and

elevate risk for diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked obesity as the

number one health threat for Americans in 2004. It is the second leading cause of preventable

death in the United States and results in 400,000 deaths each year.

Is Indian Fast Food HEALTHY??

One of the richest diets high in calories is Indian Food. If you can pinch more than an inch, it‘s

probably time for you to cut down on the calories you eat in Desi food, especially if you want

to lose some pounds to be healthier and look fitter.

It may seem so innocent just to have that bite size Pakora but we really don‘t know what fat or

calories it contains. This is true; most of us don‘t actually know what were eating when we

have an Indian meal at home or at an Indian restaurant.

A small spicy plate of curry is enough usually to fill our appetites but we don‘t know how

many calories are in it. Today, the younger generation is more aware of calories and fat than

before.

Therefore, if you‘re seeking to control the calories when choosing a dish, make sure you

minimise the ghee or oil content and have more of the other ingredients. If cooking, use

alternatives such as Olive oil. When ordering in a restaurant, request less fat to be used in your

dish.

Seasonal eating plays a key role in our diets. During the winter we tend to eat heavier foods

such as deserts and spoil ourselves with scrumptious hot meals usually full of comforting

ingredients, thus, making it harder to shift the pounds with exercise.

Eating out can always be a dilemma between choosing a tasty dish and one that is low in

calories. Therefore, choosing your courses wisely can help you manage the calorie count.

When considering what to eat for your starter, it is perhaps best to choose something light, such

as a Popadom as this contains only 65 calories. Unlike Samosa‘s or Onion Bhaji‘s which

contain higher calorie content in each portion

Dips are used to enhance the taste of a starter, but don‘t be fooled, these also contain calories. A

Cucumber Raita or a Tomato Sambal contains approximately 20 calories each. This is

significantly less than Mango Chutney or Lime Pickle; a little as 1tbsp can contain up to 70

calories. Yes, you read correctly, 70 calories!

In the present times, it is the fast food craze that has created sensation all over. The fast food

has occupied a demanding position in the list of top hot fad foods. People are getting lured into

trying yummy fast food dishes, without possessing adequate knowledge regarding Indian fast

food nutrition. Well, there is a need for bringing forward some eye opener nutrition facts about

fastfood.

These days, the fast food chains are booming in number and witnessing flourishing business.

Abraham Lincoln had once said, "let the people know the facts and the country will be safe".

Well, it also holds true regarding the information about fast food nutritional content. The prime

motive is to make the people aware of the fact and then let them take conscious decision.

Here are some facts about fast food nutrition:

In the list of fattening dishes, Korma and Biryani are on the top.

If a sauce solidifies in room temperature, it's an indication that it consists of high saturated

fats.

Pappadums contain relatively high calories.

Indian curry makes use of green chilies that are rich in Vitamin C.

All food items like Tikka dishes that are cooked in dry oven contain low fat.

Instead of creamy pasta sauce, eating tomato sauce is a better option, as pasta sauce contain

high fat content.

Lasagna contains multiple cheese layers; therefore it is a very fatty item.

Chips are high in fat and calories.

Well, the basic reason that can be attributed to the increasing consumption of fast food is the

fact that fast food is readily available, quick to make and easy to serve. Media truly deserves

the credit for the wide publicity of fast food stuff. But it is always advisable to eat healthy

nutritious food that can help maintain your overall fitness.

Profile of Fast Food Industry

Indian Fast Food Industry Overview

The fast food industry in India has evolved with the changing lifestyles of the young Indian

population. The sheer variety of gastronomic preferences across the regions, hereditary or

acquired, has brought about different modules across the country. It may take some time for the

local enterprise to mature to the level of international players in the field.

Many of the traditional dishes have been adapted to suit the emerging fast food outlets. The

basic adaptation is to decrease the processing and serving time. For example, the typical meal

which called for being served by an ever alert attendant is now offered as a Mini-Meal across

the counter. In its traditional version, a plate or a banana leaf was first laid down on the floor or

table. Several helpers then waited on the diner, doling out different dishes and refilling as they

got over in the plate.

In the fast food version, a plate already arranged with a variety of cooked vegetables and

curries along with a fixed quantity of rice and Indian flatbreads is handed out across the counter

against a prepaid coupon. The curries and breads vary depending on the region and local

preferences. The higher priced ones may add a sweet to the combination. Refills are generally

not offered.

The diversity of Indian cuisine poses logistical problems when it comes to handling. Hence it is

common to serve different cuisines at different counters within the same premises. Presence of

a large vegetarian population, who eschew non-vegetarian food, has given rise to outlets which

exclusively serve vegetarian fast food. Also, different variety of food may be served depending

on the times of the day. Beverages

such coffee, tea, soft drinks and fruit juices may also be served in such outlets. Some outlets

may additionally have specially designed counters for ice-cream, chaata etc.

India isn‘t probably the type of country you‘d associate with an abundance of fast food

restaurants, and to some extent that‘s the case but along with everywhere else in the world, fast

food is becoming part of the lifestyle in India.

The big fast food chains have all made brave attempts to conquer the Indian market.

McDonald's, Domino's and KFC all found it difficult to cater for Indian tastes, but then decided

to change their own menu to adapt rather than expect a cultural shift – and now McDonald's

and Domino's have a wide presence in India. KFC have struggled. The key to the success of the

big chains is adapting the traditional Indian snacks and cuisine to make them fast food friendly.

Generic Indian Street Food:

The street food in India is as diverse as the population, but there are some snacks that you‘re

likely to find all over the country. You really can‘t visit India and not sample some of the

native Chaat – a hugely variable spicy snack mix, often seasoned with lemon, pomegranate

seeds, Kala Namak (black salt), tamarind, and various chutneys. Chaat can be anything from a

fruit dish with guava, banana, apple or melon, crisp pancakes called paapri, served with yogurt,

or sometimes potatoes sauteed with black cumin powder.

Also on the street carts as standard are Pani Puri – hollowed out crispy dough balls with various

fillings, Aaloo Tikki - deep fried mashed potato and masala patties usually served with a curry

called Chholey (chick peas). They are most popular in Northern India in the winter. If you‘re

on a train, you‘ll often be offered a Chaap, a potato patty dipped in flour batter and deep fried,

usually dished up with onion slices.

Indian Tea and Biscuits:

For a quick sweet snack, try a Chai-faen which is simply a combination of tea with a roasted

biscuit called "faen", or occasionally ‗khaaree biscuit‘. Another tempting

sweet treat is Vada pav – a great example of West Indian street food, eaten with Masala chai

which is a delicately spiced tea. For anyone with a real sweet tooth though, the ideal snack is a

jalebi or jangri, which is a syrup-covered deep-fried sweet available throughout India.

Regional Variations on Indian Fast Food:

What‘s available on the streets to eat can understandably vary depending on where you are. For

example in Calcutta you can find ample street food, and the wide selection includes phuchka,

which is much loved in the city and thought to be the favourite snack. It consists of little dough

balls filled with all sorts of goodies, like mashed potato and herbs, and dunked in tamarind

water and cumin for flavour. Jhaal-mudi, another Calcutta specialty, consists of puffed rice

spiced with lemon and coriander and sometimes also mixed with peanuts, chopped onions, and

chilli.

In Calcutta, common varieties of fritter are the beguni (aubergines fried in chickpea batter),

phuluri (fried chickpea batter), and pakodas (assorted vegetables fried in chickpea batter). If

you want to stop and pass the time while you eat, Calcutta is also known for its rice hotels,

which serve rice-centric snack style meals.

Moving on to Kerala, in South India, the fast food there is available from ‗thattukadas‘ which

are covered catering carts fully kitted out stoves and utensils. They usually offer ‗thattu dosa‘

which are rice-flour crepes fried in coconut oil and served with coconut chutney. You‘ll also

find thattukadas serving up omelettes, spicy pork , and parottas (like naan breads, but beaten

and mixed with oil).

Popular formats of fast food business in India have the following features in common:

Wide opening on the road side

Easy to maintain and durable décor

A cash counter where food coupons are sold

A food delivery counter which invariably is granite topped

Additional counters for Ice Creams, Chaats, Beverages etc.

A well fitted kitchen located so as to be visible to the customers

Tall tables, usually of stainless steel, where one can eat while standing

A drinking water fountain adorned with a water filter

Rust-proof and non-breakable crockery

Most of the fast food outlets in India are stand alone establishment, few of them having more

than one branch.

Fast food and its different categories:

• Indian fast food/finger food-local

• Family diners-udupi joints,thalis

• Sandwich & salad parlours-Subway

• Multi-cuisine food courts-Hangouts

• Ice-cream and juice/beverage parlours-Baskins Robins,Mamamia

• Indian "desserts" and "snack food" chains- Haldirams

Varieties of food offered:

The kind of fare they offer as of date could be just anything and everything. Preference of the

local population and the location of the outlet influence the menu more than anything else.

Some of the popular dishes offered at Indian fast food outlets are:

South Indian:

Idlis – Rice Idli, Rava Idli

Vadas – Uddina Vada, Rava Vada, Masala Vada, Maddur Vada

Dosas - Masala Dosas, Set Dosa, Rava Dosa

Upma, Kesaribhath

Puliyogere

Pongal

Vangibhath

Vegetable Bonda

Others:

Bonda Soup

Bajjis– Banana Bajji, Green Chili Bajji

Pakoras– Onion Pakora, Vegetable Pakora

Thalis- vegetable, Chicken, Mutton

Rajma rice

Omelette bread

Chinese food

Pasta

Burgers(chicken, mutton, veg)

Wraps & rolls

Grilled chicken

Samosa, patties, bread pakoda

Milkshakes

Doner kabab

Dum biryani

Fish & chips

Salads

Momas

Fruit beer

Chicken wings

Grilled Sandwich

Mutar kulcha

Pav bhaji

Stuffed paratha

Fruid salad

Idli sambar

Vada sambar

Dahiwada

Fried Rice

Noodles

Mini Meals

Pizzas

Beverages:

Coffee

Tea

Lassi

Aerated Drinks

Fresh fruit juice