Glocalisation: think globally, eat locally

Context

The pandemic curtailed travel and the chance to experience cultures around the world, so consumers have turned to exploring global cuisines in neighborhood restaurants. New ‘foodies’ are emerging and they’re curious to learn more about different cultures to experience global travel through the palate. Glocalization of menus is giving way to a ‘borderless’ menu trend that blends cultures, flavors and ingredients.
Meanwhile, consumers have also become more health-conscious, looking for functional ingredients that will support their overall wellness – from skin and gut health, to overall immunity.

Did you know?

73% _{of consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers new flavors^[5]}

Poised to be this year’s biggest flavor & ingredient trends:

_Fermented:

Fermented and the sour and umami flavors produced from it are set to be the biggest menu trend in this year. Think kimchi, miso, beet kvass, pickles and kombucha. But the hottest item? Umami.
It will feature in anything from sauces and sandwiches to desserts
and cocktails.

_{Sweet & savory pairings:}

Along the same lines, sweet & savory combinations are growing in demand. This is a trend that chefs are capitalizing on to make unique dishes. Imagine a fish sauce with caramel, or a miso-buttercream cookie topping.

_{Swicy food:}

Sweet + spicy = swicy. From spicy honey and chili dark chocolate desserts to hot sauce & strawberry jam, swicy food is on the rise. Inspired by Korean cuisine, it’s no surprise that this food trend is growing in other markets.

_{Better-for-you ingredients:}

Prebiotics, probiotics and other gut-microbiome-nurturing ingredients are featuring, along with immunity boosting ingredients – including salmon, beans, veggies and other foods high in omega-3, vitamin B, fiber, magnesium and iron.

_{Specialty mushrooms:}

Sustainable ingredients have been a welcome trend in restaurants; and while Shiitakes, portabellas, and crimini are sure to remain old favorites – others like oyster mushrooms and Trumpet mushrooms are set to be the biggest new hit.

Tips for menu success:

Give your menu a mini mash-up! Take one or two menu items and get creative; experiment with different flavors and ingredients to give your customers a taste of something new. While some of the combinations may seem strange, they’re a great way to add depth and flavor to your dishes.
Be transparent: let your customers know where your ingredients are being sourced from and offer nutritional information (fat/calories/sugars) where possible.
Educate your consumers: use your menu as an opportunity to teach your customers about different food cultures, the origins of booming food trends and the benefits of different ingredients..

_{^{Did you know?}}

Plant-based menu options are a great way to cater to health-conscious consumers, as they offer a great source of low-fat protein.