Food On The Go

GADGETS GIZMOS GEEKS By Manil S Dodani

FOOD ON THE GO

Even the F&B industry has been revolutionised by technology. Let’s take a look at how and why it’s easy to get food at the tap of a button

Hunger is often defined as a feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat. I leave home at 7 am almost every day of the week, stopping by the local McDonalds to pick up some coffee and pancakes, followed by breakfast at college, lunch at office and then dinner back at home. A food routine like this is the most common one in the world. But recently, an external stimulus is changing all of this; when I feel hungry, what I eat and (astoundingly) how I eat.

THE FOOD FACTOR
Working in a space where people get hungry faster than normal has led to me asking for convenience every time I wish to eat. is convenience has been instilled by technology, technology that defines my bon appétit experience. From reading reviews on Zomato to online ordering on FoodPanda or TinyOwl, to reading food blogs and foodstagramming, the way we consume food is being redefined by technology.

FOOD TECH
The intermingling of food and tech is witnessing the emergence of a very new and interesting space. To illustrate, a bubble shaped device titled Scentee from Japan and an app on your smartphone releases food scents whenever you get a Facebook like or send a text message! e device features scents like lavender, coffee, mint, rose, curry and cinnamon. Restaurants in India are slowly adopting the iPad to act as a menu card, a feedback system and a device to keep you engaged while you wait for your food! Germany website Foodsharing.de allows you to share food with others before you throw it, the only rule being that you can offer only edible, healthy and consumable food that you would eat yourself, if you weren’t going to dispose it.
Anyone can now be a food critic, a bad review on Zomato can adversely impact a restaurateur’s bottom line and Internet users are receptive to this fact. Recipe sharing is a wildfire trend amongst homemakers. Copying and pasting recipes from the internet and emailing them off to friends/cooking enthusiasts is slowly becoming an everyday activity. To add to this, contemporary cooking shows have sparked off Sunday cook-offs where food apps become your mentors and you, the chef in the oh-so-white apron and toque hat. And finally as you get up to pay, there’s no need to ask for a check, simply tap your phone to the cashier’s counter and walk away, satisfied.
To quote Antoine Ego from the cult movie Ratatouille “The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends.”

APPS of the MONTH

TOP 5 APPS FOR ULTIMATE CONNECTIVITY

EVERNOTE FOOD
Platforms : Android, iOS

Evernote Food helps you remember the food you love. From discovering great recipes and restaurants to capturing your memorable food experiences, it makes you find the best recipes from across the web and save them to My Cookbook to try later. Find great restaurants near you or anywhere in the world; add them to your wish list or book a reservation and share photos and recipes to friends and society by connecting through social media.

FOUR SQUARE
Platforms: Android, iOS

Foursquare is a city guide in your pocket, to find the best places to eat, drink, shop, or visit in any city in the world. It finds favourite things and gets to know you. Search for the best restaurants, coffee, nightlife and shops. Access over 60 million short reviews from local experts.

FRAPP
Platforms : Android, iOS

A useful app for students to get discounts in selected restaurants and cafes; students can just walk in and present the code and get discounts through this. Save on all your favourite brands and enjoy the treats of student discounts.

FOOD FOOD
Platforms : iAndroid, iOS

This app is especially for the foodie who always wants to experiment new delicious varieties. is app helps you stay updated with new food and techniques to make food. Easy way to learn how delicious foods are made and what will be the secret ingredient.

ALLTHECOOKS RECIPE
Platforms: Android, iOS

It’s a unique cooking community app where people post recipes, pictures, follow recipes from stay-at-home cooks, and also post the photo of their own attempt of making the recipe, on which others can comment. It helps you to find recipes to match your taste and find people that you can exchange the delicious recipes and healthy facts and share your food with friends through social media.

Volume 5 Issue 2