PROJECT REPORT ON FACTORS IMPORTANT FOR CHOICE OF STREET FOOD by- Ananya Sarkar student in Amity UniversityTABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract Introduction Aim of the Study Objectives of the Study Research Methodology ANALYSIS Findings Conclusion Bibliography Sample QuestionnaireABSTRACT Street food is an integral part of urban culture, offering a wide variety of affordable and accessible food options. This research project investigates the factors influencing consumer choices when selecting street food. The study focuses on key elements such as taste, price, hygiene, convenience, variety, cultural preferences, and social influence. Data was collected through surveys and interviews conducted among diverse demographics in urban settings. The findings reveal that taste and price are primary determinants, while hygiene significantly impacts choices, especially among health- conscious consumers. The researchalso highlights how convenience and cultural connections contribute to the popularity of street food. These insights can help vendors improve offerings and guide policymakers in promoting safe and sustainable street food practices. INTRODUCTION Street food holds a special place in India's culinary culture, offering a diverse range of flavors, affordability, and accessibility. The street food market in India thrives due to its widespread appeal across economic and social strata. Here’s an introduction to the key factors important forchoosing street food and understanding the market dynamics in India: Factors Important for the Choice of Street Food 1. Taste and Variety Indian street food is known for its rich and diverse flavors, with regional specialties catering to different taste preferences. People are drawn to the unique and authentic taste that often cannot be replicated in restaurants. 2. Affordability Street food is budget-friendly, making it accessible to a broad audience, from daily wage workers to students and office-goers. Its low cost is one of itsprimary attractions. 3. Convenience and Accessibility Street food vendors are typically located in busy areas such as markets, railway stations, and office hubs, providing quick and easy access to meals. 4. Cultural and Social Connection Street food is deeply embedded in Indian culture, offering traditional flavors that represent the culinary identity of various regions. It also serves as a social hub where people from different backgrounds interact. 5. Experimentation and Innovation Vendors frequently experiment with ingredients and cooking styles, offeringfusion dishes and modern takes on traditional recipes, attracting younger consumers. 6. Hygiene and Safety While traditionally not a priority, urban consumers increasingly consider hygiene when choosing street food. Vendors are adapting by improving cleanliness to meet changing expectations. Street Food Market in India 1. Market Size and Growth The Indian street food market is vast,with millions of vendors catering to daily demands. Its growth is fueled by urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increasing disposable incomes. 2. Regional Diversity Each region has its unique offerings: North India: Chole Bhature, Golgappa, and Aloo Tikki West India: Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Dabeli South India: Dosa, Idli, and Bhajji East India: Puchka, Jhal Muri, and Momos 3. Contribution to the Economy The street food industry provides livelihood to millions, particularly in the unorganized sector, contributingsignificantly to the informal economy. 5. Digitalization and Delivery Platforms With the rise of food delivery platforms, some street food vendors have partnered with these services, extending their reach to a larger audience. 6. Health and Safety Regulations Initiatives by food safety authorities are encouraging vendors to adopt better practices, making street food safer for consumers. In conclusion, the street food market in India is a vibrant mix of tradition, innovation, and economic activity. The factors influencing consumer choice highlight the evolving dynamics of thiscultural and culinary phenomenon. Aim of the Project: The primary aim of this project is to identify and analyze the key factors influencing consumer choices when selecting street food. This research will provide insights into consumer preferences, behaviors, and decision- making processes, helping to understand the popularity and challenges associated with street food consumption. Objectives: 1. Investigate the demographic profile of street food consumers.2. Explore the factors that affect consumer preferences (e.g., taste, cost, hygiene, convenience, cultural influence). 3. Assess the role of health and safety concerns in street food choices. 4. Understand the impact of location shygiene, and variety on consumer decisions. Research Methodology: 1. Study type: This data is quantitative in character and is acquired directly from the target set of clients. 2. Data Collection: Primary Data: A structured questionnaire is designed to collect first hand information from participants. The questionnaire will include Demographic questions (e.g., age, gender, incomelevel). Factors affecting street food choices (e.g., taste, price, hygiene, variety, accessibility). Secondary Data: Review of literature, reports, and articles on street food consumption for contextual understanding. 3.Statistical Tools: Spreadsheet is used for descriptive data analysis, as well as tables and charts for data analysis. Analysis of Data: Our study is based on original data, which we acquired directly from the target groups. This information was gathered offline from a sample of 50 respondents using questionnaires. GENERAL INFORMATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC DETAILS:Table 1: AGE - AGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE UNDER 18 0 18-20 21-24 ABOVE 24 [Xc- >= -20) Paes 0% 90% 8% 2% 100% ABOVE 24 INTERPRETATION: we gathered information from 50 peopleand From the above graph we can see that maximum numbers of respondents (45) are from 18 - 20 age groups. Table 2: year of university YEAR FREQUENC | PERCENTA Y GE 1° year 7 14% 2™ year 35 70% 3™ year 5 10% 4" year 0 0% Graduated 6% Total 100% FREQUENCY Wistyear 2nd year m3rdyear m 4th year 0%INTERPRETATION: From the above data we can see that maximum students are from 2” year (35) students and (7) students from 1* year Table 3: Location PLACE. —— PERCENTAGE ‘Hostel’ | (8% = (living alone) foe 6% ce commuter | 170% (Home) a || TOTAL Flat (iving alone) PG Dally commuter (Home)INTERPRETATION: We gathered information from 50 people and from the above graph we can see that the maximum number of respondents are daily commuters (70%) where 8% are from hostel, 16% of the respondents lives in alone in flat, while 6% are in PG . TABLE 4: CONSUMPTION OF STREET FOOD Dally Only on weekends) Only on weekdays Once a week Quite often TOTAL FREQUENCY ™ Daily 1 Only on weekends) 1 Only on weekdays Once aweekINTERPRETATION: We gathered information from 50 people and from the above graph we can see that the maximum number of respondents are consumes street food quite often (40%) where 16% consumes it daily, 20% consumes only on weekends while the other 20% consumes it once a week, and 4% of the respondents have voted that they consumes street food only on weekdays. TABLE 5: RANKING FOOD ACCORDING TO LIKING FOOD (Least 2 3 4 5(most preferred preferred ) Hakka an] noodles Samosa Fried rice Biryani Roll Sandwic h Momo Maggi‘Sandwich 1 (Least preferred) Roll m2 Biryani he m4 Fried rice 5(most preferred) ‘Samosa Hakka noodles INTERPRETATION : We can see that the most preferred food item is biryani And fried rice and momo are the second most preferred items least preffered is samosa Table 6: MONTHLY BUDGET 1000 7 34% 1000-1500, 13, 26% 1500-2500 1 22% Above2500, 9 18% TOTAL 50 100%FREQUENCY 1000 1000-1500 1m 1500-2500 1B Above2500 INTERPRETATION: We gathered information from 50 people and from the above graph we can see that maximum numbers of respondents (17) are wanting the budget to be Rs.1000. 1ABLE /: PRICE RESPONSE ke No Es TOTALFREQUENCY WyYes HNo BMaybe & Vv. INTERPRETATION: We gathered information from 50 people and from the above graph we can see that maximum numbers of respondents (31) are agreeing that price of street food matters. Table 8: Considering the quality of ingredient used for cooking. FREQUENCY PERCENTAGEGoel tag INTERPRETATION: we gathered information from 50 people and form the above Pie chart, we can see that maximum numbers of respondents (39) are from YES. TABLE 9: Price Range PRICERANGE | | PERCENTAGE Less than 100 38% 100-150 38% 150-200 14% Above 200 10% Total 100%@ Less than 100 @ 100-150 @ 150-200 @ Above 200 INTERPRETATION: we gathered information from 50 people and from the pie chart we can see that maximum numbers of respondents are from two groups (19 equally). TABLE 10: Factors that affect your choices FACTORS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE CLEANLINESS |33 66% QUALITY 39 78% TASTE 39 78% HYGEINE 37 74% QUANTITY 24 48% PRICE 32 64% SERVICE 1 2% GOODNESS 1 2%INTERPRETATION: We can see from the above data that quality and taste are the most important factors affecting people’s choice (78%) respondents and 66% for cleanliness. TABLE 11: MONEY SPENT ON STREET FOOD PER MONTH PRICE | 100-200 200-300 | 300-400 Above400, | TOTAL,INTERPRETATION: From the above data we can see that most of the people spend around 400 monthly on street food and 20% of the people spend around 100 to 200 on street food. TABLE 12: LOCATIONFREQUENCY INTERPRETATION: From the above data we can understand that location is a very important factor for all the respondents and 59.2 % of people say that location is one of the most important factors they see before choosing the street food they want to consume and 12.2% say no as they feel this is not as important as it should be TABLE 13: WHICH STREET FOOD IS MOST CONSUMED FOOD ITEM PERCENTAGEMOMO MAGGI PHUCHKA CHAAT FRIES SANDWICH PAKORAS SAMOSA FRIED CHICKEN BREAD OMELETTE ‘SOresponses Moma Mago Pruchka Fred chicken Bread omeleteINTERPRETATION : We have gathered information and according to that we can see momo is the most consumed street food and the least consumed street food is samosa sandwich and puchka are also very much preferred after momo FINDINGS Based on the analysis the findings of this project are summarized below: It is observed that most of the participants are from the age group of 18 to 20 (90%) It is also served that 68% of the participants live home and a daily commuters We found that most of the people consume street food quite of him usually on weekends and on weekdays as well According to people biryani is the most like food by the people who responded to the questionnaire andfollowed by momo Least preferred item is hakka noodles and samosa According to the acquired data we see rupees 1000 is the monthly budget of most of the people 62% of the people say that the price of street food is a very important factor for them when purchasing the food According to the data we found that 78% of the people consider the quality of the ingredients that are used in the food Most of the people prefer food items under rupees 100 and some more people prefer it to be around 100 to 150 According to the data quality taste hygiene and cleanliness are the most important factors affecting the choice of people while choosing the food they want to consume Most of the people around 44% spent above 400 rupees per month on street food 59.2% people say that the location of the vendor is avery important factor for the choice of street food e Most of the people say according to the data momo and Puchka are the most consumed street food by them CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION The study provides valuable insights into the street food consumption patterns and preferences of participants, primarily aged 18 to 20 years. It reveals that street food is an integral part of their lifestyle, with most participants consuming it frequently. Price, quality, hygiene, and taste are the key determinants influencingtheir choices, making affordability and cleanliness crucial for vendors targeting this demographic. Biryani, momos, and fuchka are the most favored street foods, while items like Hakka noodles and samosas are less popular. The majority prefer food items priced under 2100 and maintain a monthly budget of around 1000, with a significant portion spending over 400 on street food. Furthermore, the vendor's location plays a crucial role, emphasizing the importance of accessibility. These findings can help food businesses and street vendors optimize their offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies to align with the preferences of young, urban consumers. Recommendations: 1. Focus on Popular Items: Vendors should prioritize serving biryani, momos, and fuchka, as these are the most preferred street foods. 2. Affordable Pricing:To cater to the majority, ensure food items are priced under 2100 or within the 2100-2150 range. Offer combo deals or discounts for regular customers to stay within their monthly budget of 1000. 3. Emphasize Hygiene and Qual Invest in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at the stall, as these are critical factors for consumers. Use high-quality ingredients to build trust and loyalty among customers. 4. Improve Accessibility: Set up stalls in convenient and high-traffic locations, as the vendor's location is a significant factor for consumers Consider proximity to colleges, workplaces, or residential areas to attract daily commuters.BIBLIOGRAPHY https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-quide/top-20- places-for-street-food-in-kolkata https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_food_of Kolkata https://www.holidify.com/pages/street-food-in-india- 1549.htmI https://www.journalcra.com/article/food-safety-and- hygiene-practices-among-street-food-vendors-delhi-india https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2023/voli2iss ue6/PartAT/12-6-294-245.pdfQUESTIONNAIRE FACTORS IMPORTANT FOR CHOICE OF STREET FOOD What is your name? * What is your age ? * o Under 18 o 18-20 o 21-24 0 Above 24 What year of University are you in! O 1" Year © 2" year © 3" year O 4" year almost O Graduated Where do you live? O Hostel O Flat (Living alone) OPG O Daily commuter (home) O Other How often do you consume street food? O DailyO Only on weekends O Only on weekdays O Once a week O Quite often Rank the street according to your liking- 1 least preferred 2 3 4 5 most preferred Hakka noddles Samosa Phuchka Biryani Roll Sandwich Chili chicken dry Maggi Pakora Fried rice Momo What is your monthly budget for food? O 1000 O 1000-1500 O 1500-2000O Above 2500 Does the price of street food matter to you ? O Yes O No O Maybe Do you consider the quality of ingredients used for cooking? © Yes o No © Maybe What price range do you usually prefer for street food? O Less than 100 O 100-150 O 150-200 O Above 200Factors that affect your choices o Cleanliness © Quality o Taste o Hygiene © Quality o° Price o Other How much do you spend on street food per month? O 100-200 O 200-300 O 300-400 O Above 400 Does the location of the vendor matter to you o Yes o No © MaybeWhich street food do you consume the most? o Momo © Maggi 0 Phuchka o Chaat o Fries 0 Sandwich o Pakoras o Samosas o Fried chicken o Bread omlet