Premium tastes over budget nights: SOCIAL report decodes Gen-Z

Are you surprised to hear that the average Indian youth isn’t swapping cocktails for coffee? Or that Gen-Z'd rather swap out a chance to sunbathe by the sea for a tricky hike in the hills?

Well, this latest report, Voices from the Hood by restaurant chain SOCIAL, actioned to examine behaviour and preferences among the young 'uns in India, draws inputs from over 10,000 respondents across multiple cities, with finds that I'd deem pretty fascinating. Some of the stuff is fairly obvious: that cinema's a leading leisure activity and that screen time is off the charts. Some stuff, though, you maybe wouldn't see coming. Here are the best bits:

Adventure > relaxation in 2026 travel plans

This year’s travel mood is decisively off-grid, with about 55% of respondents saying they prefer adventure-led trips, compared to only 37% opting for relaxation. The shift suggests that Gen-Z wants to get in on risky, sporty stuff while they still can. Perhaps the plans for sunbathing in the Italian riviera are shelved for later?

19% are dating thrice a week

The apps are APP-ING. Young folks are dating actively, with nearly one in five reporting that they go out on a date thrice a week! At the same time, attitudes are pretty fluid: 31% say they’re open to whatever comes their way, even as 43% still see marriage in their future. Cultural identity also remains important, with 46% expressing a strong sense of rootedness. Across priorities, financial success stands out, with 67% calling it essential.

More than half like to drink on a night out

As many as 56% of respondents said they enjoy a drink when they spend a night out on the town, and about 26% said they like to do the same thing sober. But several other bits of the late-night culture are defined by slightly baffling contradictions: Indians say they spend an average of ₹1,000-2,000 on a night out (which is fairly cheap), at least 50% respondents said they prefer premium alcohol brands – which are typically far more expensive. 

Nearly a third dine out 1-2x a week

Eating out's become a core urban norm. It's a reason to doll up, catch a date, or just get out of laptop-induced depression. For 28% of respondents, dining out once or twice a week is normal. How do they choose where to go? Well, 53% go by word of mouth, 36% social media, and 25% are hanging on to influencers' every last word.  

Apart from tracking going out behaviour, the report also found cool factoids on streaming platforms and delivery apps.