10 Culinary Trends: 2022-2023

If you are a food lover like me, you are always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy your meals. Whether you are dining out, ordering in, or cooking at home, you want to try something different and delicious. That's why I'm here to share with you some of the new culinary trends that emerged in 2022 and are continuing. These are the trends that will make your taste buds happy and your Instagram feed envy-worthy.

Novelty in food concepts One of the biggest trends in 2022 was novelty in food concepts. This means that people are looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy food, such as fusion cuisines, interactive dining experiences, and creative presentations. For example, you might see a sushi burrito, a pizza cone, or a cotton candy cloud on your plate. You might also get to participate in making your own food, such as rolling your own ice cream or tossing your own salad. Or you might be amazed by the artistic and whimsical presentation of your food, such as a flower pot cake, a rainbow bagel, or a unicorn latte.

Spectacular and amusing venues Another trend that gained popularity in 2022 was spectacular and amusing venues. Restaurants are creating unique and memorable atmospheres for their customers, such as themed decor, live entertainment, and immersive storytelling. For example, you might dine in a medieval castle, a tropical jungle, or a spaceship. You might also enjoy a live show, such as a magic act, a comedy skit, or a musical performance. Or you might be part of the story, such as solving a mystery, escaping a room, or joining a quest.

Food halls These are large spaces that offer a variety of food options from different vendors, allowing customers to sample different cuisines and flavors in one place. For example, you might find a food hall that has stalls for pizza, tacos, ramen, burgers, salads, and desserts. You can mix and match your choices according to your mood and appetite. You can also enjoy the social and lively vibe of the food hall, where you can meet new people, watch live events, or join fun activities.

High demand for nutritious food options Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and seeking out foods that are fresh, organic, plant-based, gluten-free, or low-carb. For example, you might see more restaurants offering salads, smoothies, bowls, wraps, and soups that are made with wholesome ingredients and superfoods. You might also see more vegan, vegetarian, keto, and paleo options on the menu. Or you might see more labels and certifications that indicate the quality and origin of the food.

Organic and sustainable food People are also more aware of the environmental impact of their food choices and prefer foods that are locally sourced, ethically produced, and minimize waste. For example, you might see more restaurants using seasonal and regional ingredients, supporting local farmers and producers, and reducing their carbon footprint. You might also see more restaurants adopting practices such as using upcycled ingredients, donating excess food, or composting organic matter. Or you might see more initiatives such as planting trees, saving water, or promoting animal welfare.

A rise in the use of food delivery services  The convenience and safety of ordering food online, more people are opting for delivery or takeout instead of dining in. Restaurants are adapting by offering more delivery-friendly options, such as meal kits, family packs, and ready-to-eat dishes. You might also see more variety and customization in the delivery options, such as choosing your own ingredients, adding extras, or requesting special instructions. Or you might see more features and benefits in the delivery platforms, such as ratings, reviews, rewards, or discounts.

Reducing the amount of food that is thrown away This means that food waste is a major issue that affects both the environment and the economy. Restaurants are finding ways to reduce their food waste by using upcycled ingredients, donating excess food, or composting organic matter. You might also see more customers being mindful of their food consumption and waste, such as ordering smaller portions, taking leftovers home, or sharing dishes. Or you might see more awareness and education on the topic of food waste, such as campaigns, events, or documentaries.

Fried chicken sandwiches This classic comfort food has been reinvented with different flavors, sauces, and toppings, making it a popular choice for many customers. For example, you might see a fried chicken sandwich that is spicy, sweet, tangy, or cheesy. You might also see a fried chicken sandwich that is topped with coleslaw, pickles, bacon, or avocado. Or you might see a fried chicken sandwich that is served on a bun, a biscuit, a waffle, or a donut.

Charcuterie boards These are platters of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other snacks that are perfect for sharing and grazing. They can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions. For example, you might see a charcuterie board that is savory, sweet, spicy, or vegan. You might also see a charcuterie board that is themed for a holiday, a season, or a celebration. Or you might see a charcuterie board that is paired with wine, beer, or cocktails.

Globally inspired flavors Customers are eager to explore new cuisines and cultures through food. Some of the most popular flavors include sriracha variations, Southeast Asian dishes, and globally inspired salads. For example, you might see a sriracha mayo, a sriracha ketchup, or a sriracha honey on your food. You might also see a pad thai, a pho, or a banh mi on your plate. Or you might see a Greek salad, a Mexican salad, or a Thai salad in your bowl.

These are some of the new culinary trends that you might've seen or tried in 2022. I hope you find them interesting and appetizing. Let me know in the comments which ones are your favorites and which ones you want to try next. Happy eating!