Just like fashion, food trends come and go in the blink of an eye. Every year, we see a rise in these fads that inevitably affect the way we eat and plan our meals. From superfoods to juice cleanses, the modern dining pattern has undeniably been influenced by the presence of a health-conscious effort, which we see continuing into 2018.
Poke bowls:
This year observed a spike in popularity of this Hawaiian speciality in our local dining scene and Poke Bowls are set to go much further in 2018. Not just your average fad, Poke Bowls remain popular thanks to well-rounded ingredients that consist of raw, marinated fish cubes, a wide variety of vegetables, and rice.
Essentially sushi in bowl form, it's easily customisable recipe earns favour with today’s generation given its convenient fast food concept and a wide array of flavours to choose from.
Hybrid food
Hybrid food is the result of combining two or more different cuisines into a truly one-of-a-kind culinary treat. With creative and ingenious combinations springing up every now and then, it’s no surprise local cafes have picked up on this phenomenon in the past year. From cronuts to the delectable waffogato (ice-cream waffle soaked in espresso), these gastronomic creations are set to delight foodies everywhere.
Plant-based dining
With nutrition and wellness taking centre stage in the F&B industry, the team at International Taste Solution sees a consistent pattern in bringing this practice to kitchens and menus. Already proven to be a major hit in 2017 with the increased availability and variety of vegetarian and vegan meal options in restaurants, diners are slowly embracing animal-free diets as a health-conscious effort.
Meanwhile, 2018 is also expected to see a continued rise in flexitarianism, a plant-based diet with the occasional inclusion of meat. The ideal option for consumers seeking a balanced meal plan between a normal and fully vegan diet, going green is the obvious trend to follow next year.
Fermented food
It may seem unappetising, but fermented food has been doing surprisingly well in the recent years and the culinary experts are expecting it reach its full potential in 2018. Some examples of fermented food vary from dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese to vegetables like kimchi and pickles.
These wholesome bites are excellent energy boosters while improving the digestive system with cultivated probiotics. They also possess a preservation property that helps increase their shelf life, making them an easy staple to include in today’s modern kitchen.
Coloured edibles & Floral flavours
The food industry’s direction towards healthy meals also sees a growing interest towards natural ingredients, but with a colourful twist. Experts anticipate a jump in demand for fusion treats from beetroot lattes to yam cheesecakes, with culinary creations becoming more and more imaginative than their classic predecessors.
Culinary experts also believe floral flavours will catch up fast next year. Orchid, lavender, and elderflower are just some examples of these flavours that are a fragrant addition to sweet treats like gelatin, shortbreads, and milkshakes.