Bottled Cravings

Scent and flavour have always been close companions. Much of what we perceive as taste is, in fact, smell, and some of our most enduring memories are anchored in aroma rather than sight. Food-inspired perfumes inhabit this intimate space, translating warmth, indulgence and familiarity into something wearable. They do not demand attention; they linger, unfolding gently, much like a well-loved craving.

Gourmand fragrances first made their mark with notes of vanilla icing and caramel drizzle—unapologetically sweet, instantly gratifying. For a moment, they feel delicious. But for many wearers, that sugar rush fades quickly. What we are seeing now is a shift towards food-flavoured fragrances that favour complexity and emotion over overt sweetness.

In this evolving landscape, perfume is less about making a statement and more about evoking an experience—the way a scent can echo a memorable meal, a late-night dessert, or a warm drink on a cool morning. Here are some of the most compelling food-inspired fragrances today, and what makes them worth lingering over.

Lost Cherry by Tom Ford
The Decadent Classic
Imagine biting into a ripe, dark cherry— lush, juicy, with a slick of liqueur richness. Lost Cherry captures that sensation effortlessly. It opens with ripe cherry and bitter almond, before revealing a soft floral heart of Turkish rose and jasmine. The dry-down of vanilla, tonka and woods feels plush and enveloping. Sweet, but never simplistic, this fragrance balances indulgence with depth. It is best suited to evenings, cooler weather, or moments when you want a scent that feels quietly intoxicating.
EDP 50ml ₹30,000 (approx.)

Twilly d’Hermès Eau Ginger by Hermès
Warm Spice, Playful Energy
Not all food-inspired fragrances lean towards dessert. Twilly Eau Ginger looks to the spice rack instead. Ginger takes center stage here, bright and lightly candied, softened by floral notes and grounded by cedarwood. Fresh, lively and uplifting, this scent feels playful without being juvenile. It is ideal for daytime wear, particularly when you want something effervescent and spirited, without any heaviness.
EDP 50ml ₹10,000 (approx.)

Yum Boujee Marshmallow by Kayali
Sweet Nostalgia
There is an unabashed joy to Yum Boujee Marshmallow. Soft, fluffy marshmallow notes mingle with whipped vanilla and gentle fruity nuances. This fragrance does not chase complexity; it embraces delight. Youthful, nostalgic and comfortably sweet, it manages to remain cheerful without becoming cloying. For those who gravitate towards cosy, feel-good scents, this is indulgence without pretence.
EDP 100ml ₹25,000 (approx.)

Infusion de Santal Chai by Prada
Comfort, Refined
Inspired by the ritual of chai, this fragrance moves away from overt sweetness. Sandalwood forms the backbone, supported by soft spices and subtle citrus notes that feel calming and composed. Infusion de Santal Chai evokes the sensation of holding a warm cup between your palms— grounding, familiar and reassuring. It is an everyday scent that offers comfort without predictability.
EDP 100ml ₹18,000 (approx.)

Fève Gourmande by Guerlain
Chocolate, Elevated
Chocolate has long held a revered place in perfumery, and Fève Gourmande treats it with restraint and sophistication. This is not confectionery sweetness, but dark cocoa warmed with spice and a faint hint of rose. Rich, layered and quietly luxurious, it rewards patience. This is gourmand perfumery for those who appreciate nuance— elegant, textured and enduring.
EDP 100ml ₹30,000 (approx.)