Popular food trends of 2023 that changed the idea of proper nutrition
Last year was a year of discovery and restaurant growth. A large number of tourists around the world were making up for years of isolation caused by the pandemic and discovering new destinations, including gastronomic ones.
In addition, thanks to social media, which actively influences our lives, people were actively looking for restaurant recommendations and health tips. NDTV.com shares what was trending and influenced taste preferences in 2023.
The popularity of home bars
Although we have completely overcome isolation, the desire to be alone and seek a cosy vacation remains. Thus, there are more people who do not want to visit noisy bars and prefer home bars instead. Some even bought special equipment for this purpose and stocked up on drinks and alcohol to make cocktails on their own.
Evolution from plant-based meat to lab-grown meat
In 2020, in order to reduce the significant dependence on food imports, Singapore began to develop the production of artificial meat in laboratories. At the same time, in 2023, US regulators authorized the sale of chicken grown from animal cells. Such actions have given the industry a boost, which may have a particularly positive impact on some markets. In particular, for India, whose population predominantly prefers plant-based foods.
India's alcohol breakthrough
The Indian alcohol industry made rapid progress in 2023. Broken Bat by Nao Spirits was recognized as the best gin in Asia at the Gin Guide Awards 2023. The peculiarity of this gin lies in the unusual process of storing alcohol, where Kashmiri willow was chosen instead of traditional oak barrels. In addition, Indri single malt whiskey was also honoured, winning double gold at the Whiskies of the World competition.
Global and popular
Last year, it was not difficult to find familiar milkshakes, cheesecakes, or tiramisu in small towns or tiny bakeries. This shows the democratization of global food, which is a consequence of global cultural influence.
The composition must be complete and perfect
From now on, food presentation is even more important not only for large restaurants but also for ordinary cafes. Today, it is not just an eye-catching element but also an important detail when serving food. Thus, restaurants are trying to improve not only the food but also the dishes and decorations that go hand in hand with the food.
F&B combination
Last year, bars stopped being something secondary. Thus, more and more restaurants started offering cocktails that complement the menu and add to the overall story of the restaurant.
Modernization of traditional cuisine
A whole wave of traditional cuisine restaurants have started to incorporate traditional techniques and ingredients into modern restaurant dishes. Nostalgia sparks interest in traditional ingredients and kitchen utensils, making the familiar, homely, and slightly outdated more modern and interesting.
Millet becomes mainstream
During the G20 summit held in New Delhi in 2023, a menu that appeared at the delegations' dinner went viral. All the dishes on the menu were prepared with millet. And this is symbolic because 2023 was named the International Year of Millet at the suggestion of India. Ultimately, such actions became an impetus for other establishments to prepare dishes from this cereal.
Zero waste
Last year, most establishments focused on the wise use of products. In this way, home cooks, large restaurants and hotels tried to reduce waste by buying local ingredients in smaller quantities and in precise proportions without unnecessary waste.
