6 food trends to watch in South East Asia

Whether you're running a cafe or an eatery, it's always important to pay attention to the latest food crazes and changing diners preferences. From the popularity of street food to the rising demand for healthier options, here are some of the major food trends taking shape across South East Asia. Trend #1: More restaurants are reinventing classic Asian dishes Trend #1: More restaurants are reinventing classic Asian dishes Popular traditional dishes are now being given new life by innovative chefs, and you too can create your own spin on old favourites. For instance, you can turn familiar Asian flavours such as satay and beef rendang into a new burger creation. Start with simple changes and see how your diners take to it. Adapt your recipe to their feedback, keep adding your signature twist and you’ll soon have a unique menu that will help your business stand out. Trend #2: Asian street food is on the rise Trend #2: Asian street food is on the rise Street food is moving from the sidewalk to the restaurant table, as more diners are drawn to its simplicity and variety of intense flavours. Eateries can ride on the growing popularity of street food to serve up fun and adventurous dishes to attract both tourists and local diners. Trend #3: The demand for halal cuisine is growing Trend #3: The demand for halal cuisine is growing A large portion of the Muslim population who dine out now are younger, and they are more likely to be savvy and interested in choice and convenience. They are willing to pay for quality food and enjoy the taste of international cuisine. Getting halal certification can help capture these diners and show them what your restaurant has to offer. Trend #4: A growing appetite for healthier food choices Trend #4: A growing appetite for healthier food choices Diners of all ages in South East Asia are now eating healthier. In fact, research conducted by Nielsen found that 93% of diners are willing to pay more for healthier food fare*. With the growing consumer interest in health and freshness, chefs are delivering more creative vegetable dishes. These include spaghetti made with zucchini, and sweet potatoes, or Thai noodle salad created from zucchini, mango and peppers. Learn more about delicious, desirable and healthy food that can meet the demands of your diners. Trend #5: Millennial diners matter Trend #5: Millennial diners matter With over 130 million millennials in Asia food operators need to cater to the tastes and preferences of this tech-savvy generation. Millennials like to be connected, and look for places that have information that is easily available to them online. The origins of your food and whether it’s organic or locally produced matters to them. Having this – along with contact details, opening hours, address and other information – available across various social platforms can entice them to visit your restaurant. See how you can bring more millennials into your restaurant. Trend #6: New hot ingredients in Asia Trend #6: New hot ingredients in Asia From sambal to Korean gojuchang sauce, a new wave of Asian flavours is spicing up the menus for curious diners. Top favourites making their mark in kitchens include yuzu for its zesty taste, coconut for its richness, and the very versatile salted egg yolk. *We Are What We Eat. (2015, January). Retrieved July, 2016, from Global Health and Wellness Report - January 2015. Want more articles and recipes like this?