6 Catering Trends to Look Forward in 2023

As the world returns to a certain form of normalcy, new catering trends arise at a quick pace. Whether we adore them or choose to overlook them, food trends have individuals riled every year. There were some unforeseen culinary themes that did well during the year, and 2023 will be no exception. As we look ahead to the coming year, travelling, climate-friendly dining and healthy eating will strongly influence some of 2023's hottest trends in food. Learn more from Sarita Bazaz, Founder of The Food Affairs, about which cuisine trends are expected to rise to the top in the upcoming year and remain for a considerable time.

Experience-Based Catering: One of the most significant trends is people's keen interest in knowing their food source. Transparency in food service will be seen to grow more popular as people are becoming more conscientious, informed, and aware of what they are eating and where it is derived from.

Climate Change Responses: The food industry confronts the effects of climate change along with the environment. There is a shift in outlook as businesses now more than ever have a responsibility to accept and contribute to averting climate catastrophe. A localised experience that caters to the geographical conditions of the area is now widely valued in addition to being an effective method of food service. The ingredients that are readily available and appropriate for the season can also be taken into consideration when preparing food.

Progress towards Greater Sustainability: Sourcing locally is not just preferred due to climate change but also in the aim to progress towards sustainability. From ingredients sourcing to engaging with ecologically conscious vendors and eliminating food waste, all contribute to a greater good. We at The Food Affairs consciously aim to go green wherever possible from food to packaging & employ locally produced ingredients to lower the carbon footprint.

Reinstating Traditions: One sees a lot of evocative or nostalgic ideas being exchanged with each other bringing back the early 2000s trends, which leads people to long for comfort food that rekindles happy moments from home or simpler times when life was much more free-spirited and less stressful. Familiar flavours will be a rage as people crave dishes which they know will make them feel at home through an emotional connection not only through taste but also composition.

Pairings of Sweet & Salty: Even though the hot and sweet combination is still prevalent, savoury and salty flavours are growing wider as they provide the food with a distinct complex flavour.

Fusion of Daily Life Cuisine: Along with incorporating new food ideas and other cuisines, there seems to be a growing interest in fusing and blending kitchen traditions & styles. Joyful experimentation with ingredients and preparation techniques has been inspiring many and is continually expanding in the shape of new well-liked recipes. We believe that it's time to accept fusion as the New Normal and embrace glocalization!

So, let's look forward to seeing how the values of transparency, creativity, flexibility, safety, and sustainability will play out in catering in more nuanced ways in the coming year.