In all aspects of life, we’re demanding bigger, better, more vibrant experiences that we won’t forget – and why should the food we eat be any different?
We’re in an era of sensory overload, and it’s time to lean into that. Diners are keen to see chefs tear up the rulebook and experiment more, using authentic Mexican sauces like salsa poblana to create modern burgers, for example. They want wild fusion, chaos cooking and a no-holds-barred approach to the dishes they see on the menu.
The future of dining is about seeing food as a form of escapism, a vision that is achieved through the need to surprise and challenge diners with sensorial dishes that are designed to delight.
With
Chef Joanne Limoanco-Gendrano
We find ourselves in an era that is starting to be shaped by Gen-Z diners. Their directness stems from their meticulous online research. Its members are swift in sizing up their experiences, making them quick to decide if something resonates with them, or otherwise pivot to the next enticing offer.
With their remarkable proficiency in tech, Gen-Z demands the same level of flexibility when it comes to their dining experiences. Convenience is paramount, which prompted the surge in restaurants’ expansion to provide takeout options. As a result, innovative food packaging strategies continue to emerge.
Food brands featured on delivery apps have also taken cues from their online behaviour, as they continuously expand their reach even to the point of making niche brands from abroad available locally through ghost kitchen operations or pop ups.
This generation seeks not only the restaurant’s brand name but also the individuals behind these unique food experiences. Similar to millennials, Gen-Z diners want to know the story behind the food, but with a twist: chefs now aren’t expected to reach celebrity status for guaranteed patronage but rather they must attain an influencer-level presence which allows them to be perceived as more approachable, adding more credibility to their affiliated restaurants.
Despite the wealth of available technology and services, the rising cost of goods and operations are challenging future investments. While adapting to this generation’s needs is crucial, maintaining a robust social media presence and upholding food quality still remain the most cost effective and compelling means to continuously attract and retain customers from any generation.
Salsa verde
The key ingredients of this green
sauce are garlic, onion, Serrano
peppers, and coriander.
Encacahuatado
Similar to a mole, the main ingredients
in this recipe are peanut and pumpkin
seeds, with some added spice from
Guajillo and Chipotle chillies.
Salsa poblana
Mild green poblano chillies, originally grown in the
Mexican state of Puebla, are roasted or fried to make
this sauce, which is delicious with chicken or pasta.
Salsa roja
This red sauce forms part of
Chilaquiles, a popular breakfast dish of
fried corn tortillas, but you can also use
it for tacos.
Mole rosa
Dried chipotle, rose petals and spices
including cloves, cumin and cinnamon
are used in this sauce, which
accompanies pork, chicken, fish, and
octopus.
With
Chef Carlos Venegas – Mexico
Written by
Ryan Cahill
For Mexican recipe ideas, visit unileverfoodsolutions.com.mx
Chef Joanne Limoanco-Gendrano, Arabia
For casual Independent Restaurants
Cost (€) per portion: 3-4
Batter
Vegetables
Miso Date Glaze
Chili Hollandaise
Tahini Dressing
For more information on these ingredients, click here.
Batter
King Mushroom “Scallops”
Chili Hollandaise
Black Eggplant Kushiage with Tahini
Corn Bomb
Kaffir Chili Dust
Tahini Dressing
Tofu kunafa
Miso Date Glaze
Vegetables
Black Eggplant Kushiage with Tahini
Tofu Kunafa
10g Knorr Aromat
Corn-Flaked Eggplant Kushiage with Chili Hollandaise
Kaffir Chili Dust
15k Knorr Lime Powder
Corn Bomb
5g Knorr Aromat
120g Hellman’s Vegan Mayo
Flavor Shock
1. Google Keyword Planner, Mar 2018-Feb 2022
Local Abundance
2. Q4443 Trendsetter March 2022, UFS e-panel plus d-hoc, 19 countries, Base n=1,303
Low-Waste Menus
3. wfp.org 4. Q4443 Trendsetter March 2022, UFS e-panel plus ad-hoc, 19 countries, Base n=1,303
Modernized Comfort Food
5. Q4443 Trendsetter March 2022, UFS e-panel plus ad-hoc, 19 countries, Base n=1,303
6. What’s new on your menu?. April 2023. Kantar for Global UFS e-panel.
Plant-Powered Protein
7. Nielsen IQ Panelview, 2022
8. sciencedirect.com
Irresistible Vegetables
9. Unilever Regenerati
Created by TCO London
Photography: Remko Kraaijeveld (food), Charmaine Wu (chefs) Recipes: Unilever Food Solutions Chefs
Food Styling: Chef Maurits van Vroenhoven
Recipe Editing: Chef Thais Gimenez, Chef Michael Yamashita
Research Studies: Daniel Quinn, Elspeth Edwards, and Charlotte McDonald of The Forge London, Unilever Food Solutions Consumer Marketing Insights, Kantar
Expert Insights: Chef Sam Kass, Patrick Chan, Sana Minhas, Christian Weij, Unilever Food Solution Chefs
Special thanks to: Chef Eric Chua, Unilever Food Solutions Singapore
The Future Menus 2024 Trend Report by Unilever Food Solutions was compiled from robust global data and extensive chef inputs, including industry reports of leading third-party sources (Kantar, Firmenich, Symrise, IFF, The Forge, CMJ-PDC), social media analytics using 77,000 keywords representing 69 million searches across more than 21 countries, perspectives from UFS’ 250 professional chefs and in-depth feedback of more than 1,600 chef professionals located in 21 markets worldwide via UFS e-panels. These insights have been translated into practical, action-driven solutions for foodservice operators globally, including recipe ideas, techniques, and ingredient solutions that operators can use on their menus.