Globally inspired dishes have been influencing the world for years, and consumers today still can’t get enough of tasting more adventurous and exciting flavors. In today’s world, demand for ethnic cuisines remains strong, and manufacturers are striving to satisfy demand for new flavors.
Indian food has become one of the fastest growing segments of the restaurant industry today. The Indian diet for centuries has been noted for its inclusion of exotic spices, colors, taste and fragrances. Bombay Mahal in Brunswick, Maine has been helping its customers taste India’s love of spices for over 30 years and shares their 5 predictions of what the next ethnic food trends could be.
1. West African food – More and more people are gravitating toward the flavors of West Africa, partly because of the bold ingredients like chilies and ginger that create vibrant bases for dishes. Keep a look an eye out for West African food – it’s likely to become a large part of the culinary conversation soon.
2. Levantine cuisine – Levant, which refers collectively to eastern Mediterranean countries like Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan, Israel, Syria and Egypt, is set to be the next big thing. Not only is it one of the healthiest and freshest cuisines on the planet, it’s also one of the most delicious, and particularly suited for modern consumers who want more plant-based options but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
3. Arepas – A staple dish of South American cuisine, Arepas dates back to pre-Colombian times. They’re set to be the next big food trend because of how tasty and dynamic they are, and not to mention cheap. Definitely another one to be on the look out for.
4. Sichuan Mala Sauce – Mala is a fiery sauce hailing from China’s southwestern region of Sichuan, and is quickly making its way around the world in the form of mala-flavored sandwiches, pizzas and snacks. Known for its intense flavor, it’ll be sure to leave its mark.
5. Ube – The ube is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. Especially, it’s a bright purple sweet potato, with a very similar nutritional profile. High in vitamins, healthy carbs, and surprisingly delicious, it’s safe to assume this will soon be hitting the stores in a big way.
