The hottest new culinary trends are now making their way into the streets of UAE. From pop-up restaurants, to innovations in food truck technology and Michelin star fine dining, UAE seems to have hit all the right spots. Our appetite has been whetted and we can’t wait to unleash the variety that UAE offers. From cutting edge culinary techniques, to fusion foods, UAE boasts of only the best. Here is a compilation of the top trends that is dominating UAE’s food industry.
While there has been a major influx of world class Michelin chefs coming up with their own start-ups in Dubai, there has also been an upsurge of home-grown, locally produced food that is clean, organic, satiating and healthy. Locally developed concepts that are well planned are what the UAE residents looking for. Local chefs are leaving an indelible mark paving the way for native recipes with exquisite twists.
Ever walked into a high end confectionary shop? You will be amazed to see their exotic creations of wedding cakes adorned and beautified with edible as well as inedible flowers. Food technology has outdone itself yet again as flowers from around the world are being studied and their taste as well as fragrance is being cleverly used to titillate the customer’s palate. Go to instagram and you will be literally blown away with their awe-inspiring food pictures that are popping with flowers. Flower infusions are being liberally used in bars and pubs all over the UAE in cocktails and gin and tonics.
Get ready to be spell bound as new seasonings like ground oyster shells, tree bark and insects are going to be generously doused on your ravioli and asparagus. Texture is an important parameter in food science and getting the taste of crunchy, squishy and pulpy bits in your food seems to be one of the top notch trends of 2018. Timut pepper, a potent seasoning from Nepal seems to be one of the most talked about ingredient because of its citrusy flavour.
The probiotics that are found in dairy products are said to maintain the levels of good bacteria flourishing in our gut. Kimchee, Miso and Kefir are now being touted as some of the best probiotic foods and are being used generously in milk shakes, smoothies as well as desserts.
Reading rave reviews about a new upscale restaurant in the magazine is no longer the persuasive element. Word of mouth is gaining momentum with almost 80 percent consumers eating at a restaurant on the sole recommendation of friends and family. Zomato, Swiggy and Time out are the top websites for restaurant reviews.
It’s raining donuts in the UAE with variety that will torment your palate. Ganache and Glaze are now being touted as boring. Stuffing the donut with a snicker bar is one way of upping its glam quotient. Your corner shops and haute cuisine are all showcasing donuts with uber glam fillings like matcha, barbeque sauce, mojito, mint leaf, black liquorice, margarita and cheddar. Talk about a donut makeover!
Emiratis are known to like their things sparkly and shiny. The fetish for jewellery especially gold has been taken to extremes with gold being incorporated in food. Add the gold into your sushi, risotto, dumplings and tacos and charge people 500 times the nominal amount. Guess what? Plenty are willing to pay.
As jobs get busier, lifestyles become more hectic, it’s no wonder that savvy consumers are now resorting to food apps to have food delivered at their doorstep. And for those using longer commutes, take aways are the newest rage. There is also a surge in chef for hire services, domestic caterers and meal plans.
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