2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the culinary industry, with chefs, bartenders, and culinary experts sharing their predictions for the trends that will dominate the scene. According to Forbes, here are the exciting trends to watch in 2024.
2024 Flavor of the Year: Ube
The Flavor of the Year for 2024 has been announced as Ube, a purple yam with a unique flavor profile that is taking the culinary world by storm. From mashed potatoes to desserts and beverages, expect to see Ube featured in a variety of dishes.
Focus on Sustainability
The emphasis on sustainable dining practices will continue to grow in 2024, with a spotlight on incorporating more vegetables, natural sugars, and ancient wines into menus. Additionally, the integration of AI tools will help reduce food waste and promote sustainable operations.
Exploring Unique Salts
Consumers can look forward to exploring a variety of unrefined salts, each with its own story and culinary applications. From Black Hawaiian Salt to Fleur de Sel, chefs will be sourcing salts with rich histories to enhance their dishes.
Rise of Tinned Fish and Seacuterie Boards
The popularity of luxury tinned fish is on the rise, leading to the emergence of seacuterie boards featuring unique conservas like Spanish sardines and smoked oysters. These boards are set to become a staple on menus in 2024.
Cabbage Reigns Supreme
Cabbage will take the spotlight in 2024, showcased in a variety of preparations that highlight its taste and texture. From charred to fermented, expect to see cabbage featured in innovative ways on plates.
Innovative Dry Aging
Dry aging won’t be limited to beef in 2024, with chefs experimenting with duck, lamb, fish, and vegetables like never before. Even spirits like bourbon and gin will undergo the dry aging process to enhance cocktails.
Revival of Pastry
Desserts with Asian and French influences will make a comeback in 2024, featuring unique
flavor combinations like carrot mochi and chocolate smoked salt croissants. Alternative sugars like date-based and coconut sugar will also be in the spotlight.
Embracing Luxury Ingredients
Chefs will be incorporating high-quality ingredients like caviar and truffles into their dishes in 2024, reflecting the advancements in sturgeon farming and truffle production.
Anticipated Dining Trends in 2024
Immersive Dining Experiences
Consumers in 2024 will seek out dining experiences that engage all the senses, with a focus on presentation, glassware, music, and aromas to create a truly immersive dining experience.
Approachable Fine Dining
In the near future, fine dining establishments will become more accessible, offering unique
dishes that highlight culinary expertise and originality without requiring reservations months ahead of time.
Revival of Fine Dining
After the pandemic, there will be a comeback of sophisticated fine dining experiences with
refined service and indoor dining, reflecting a desire to go back to traditional dining settings.
2024 Cocktail and Beverage Trends
Sensory Cocktails with Textured Elements
Cocktails will incorporate sensory ingredients like rose and pistachio dust, dragon fruit crisp, and edible helium bubble clouds, adding texture and visual interest.
A New Era of Umami
Bartenders will explore fat washing techniques to create smooth, creamy, and velvety spirits using ingredients such as salmon, duck confit, and spam.
Kitchen Pantry Ingredients in Beverages
Ingredients typically found in the kitchen, like Brazilian biquinho peppers, Mexican salsa macha, soy sauce, fish sauce, whole cacao, black tahini, lion’s mane, and sweetened condensed milk, will be featured in cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
Extravagant Garnishes
Garnishes will become more elaborate, elevating cocktails with ingredients like snap peas and 3D-printed designs.
Rediscovering Cinnamon
Cinnamon will be reimagined as a versatile addition to beverages and dishes, blending
seasonal flavors in creations such as cinnamon and smoked salt coffee and chicha morada.
Unique Spirits from Latin America
Spirits from Latin America like Aguardiente, Singani, and Cocuy will increase in popularity,
featured in artisanal cocktails or enjoyed neat.
Focus on Locally Sourced Ingredients and Sustainability
Bars and restaurants will emphasize using local ingredients and sustainable practices, attracting customers who value environmentally friendly approaches.
Tea Takes the Spotlight from Espresso Martini
Non-alcoholic beverages featuring teas and coffee will become more popular, offering depth and bitter flavors that enhance the drinking experience.
The Trend of Dry Spritz Continues Through Summer
Dry spritz cocktails will remain a favorite, with menus highlighting local ingredients sourced from farms and distilleries.
