Consumer taste for the bold, adventurous flavors of global cuisine is on the rise, especially among Millennials and Generation Z. Coupled with the changing population, that demand will continue to drive menu innovation.
Foods from around the world offer both authenticity and originality to experience-seeking guests, a chance for an international adventure and the opportunity for creative play.
According to Technomic, 24% of consumers are trying more unique types of ethnic food and beverages than they were two years earlier, a number that rises to 35% for 18-to-34-year-olds.
And while menumakers may focus on the food side of the menu, 70% of consumers agreed that operators who offer ethnic foods should also offer beverages from that cuisine. Younger consumers show the most interest in global thirst-quenchers, with 43% saying they would consider ordering one.
Global street foods in particular are becoming more popular. Anywhere in the world that you find markets and other public gathering spots, you’ll find street food—delicious little snacks that are meant for eating on the fly (such as Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, Indian chaat, and Mexican antojitos). This is food for a fast-paced lifestyle: economical, tasty, and fun.
In a study by Technomic, 64% of consumers agree they’d be very likely to order ethnic dishes described as street foods if they were available on menus.
Continue reading on the next page to get the latest trend info on global cuisine with our articles, recipes, and videos.
Articles
Indian Street Food—Favorite New Global Snack
How to Leverage Indian Flavor Appeal
Mediterranean eBook Takes You From Gibraltar to the Nile
Discover Regional Pastas—They’re a Hot Trend
Middle Eastern Fare Takes the Spotlight
Asian Flavors, Traditional or Fusion, Get Rave Reviews
Japanese Hits All the Trend Notes
Explore South American Cuisine With Us
Going Global? Don’t Forget the Beverages
Blend Global Flavors Into Plant-Based Cooking
Infographic: What's Trending in Global Flavors
Recipes: Food
Chicken Tikka Masala
Hot Masala Chicken Wings
Stuffed Pepper "Elote"
Mexican Street Corn Mac & Cheese
Mexican Burger
Tomato and Cucumber Gazpacho
Chipotle Beef Tacos
Asian Pepper Steak Sliders
Teriyaki Chicken Breast
Hoisin Glazed Meatball Banh Mi
Mediterranean Falafel
Yogurt Tzatziki
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Recipes: Beverage
Espresso Mojito
Sugar Free Mexican Mocha
Nestlé Abuelita Atole
Iced Tiramisu Latte
Irish Crème Green Tea Bubble Tea
Iced Vanilla Chai
Product Brochures: Minor's Masala Curry Flavor Concentrate
Minor's Masala Curry Flavor Concentrate Brochure
Minor's Masala Curry Flavor Concentrate Inspiration Matrix
Product Brochures: Minor's Flavor Concentrates
MInor's Flavor Concentrates Full Line Brochure
Minor's Flavor Concentrates Inspiration Matrix
Product Brochure: Minor's Latin Flavor Concentrates
Minor's Latin Flavor Concentrates Plus-One Inspiration Matrix
Videos
How to make Korean BBQ shrimp tacos for your restaurant
How to make Curried Beef Tacos using Minor's Masala Curry Flavor Concentrate
How to make General Tso’s Udon Noodle Salad using Minor's General Tso’s RTU Sauce
How to make Chilaquiles using Chef-mate ¡Que Bueno! Nacho Cheese Sauce