What will be the top 5 food trends of 2021?
I’ve been thinking what to write about for a while now. The restaurants are still closed, so of course, KEEP ORDERING! Don’t forget, the restaurants need your support right now more than ever. Especially the start-ups in this industry. However, a new year has started. And I’ve never hoped for a better year ever before.
“New year, New me”, right?
So, what about all the restaurants in the Netherlands. Let’s see what changes this new year might bring for them. Let’s analyze the trends over the past few years and see how this might change aspects in the restaurant scene this year. Every year is full of surprises, so I’m sure 2021 will bring crazy stuff too.
1. Digitalization
First of all, digitalization. Many people gained digital knowledge through online payments and online ordering. The developments are not new at all, but no one was obligated to do so before. The developments were pushed through in daily life due to the speed of the corona crisis and new regulations. And after all? We all seem quite fond of it. The digital way offers a much faster service compared to before. Besides this, it is way safer and more hygienic too, always a plus with crazy viruses jumping around. Now we have gotten used to it, I expect this trend to raise with an astonishing speed the upcoming years.
2. High-end delivery will stay
Eating with the quality of a restaurant, but the intimacy of your own home; what else? Eat-in became a rarity the past year. Flexibility is an absolute must and the restaurants were challenged on the highest level with this in 2020. High-end delivery meals will continue to rise after the corona crisis. With this crisis taking way longer and beyond anyones expectations, we are creatures of habit. We are getting used to the way things are going, especially the things we are comfortable with. And trust me, after trying a high-end delivery meal for multiple times now, I can’t imagine a world without it. The option went straight to my heart and I think it’s fair to say for many more people.
Be fair, what goes above serving a delicious and perfect meal to your guests without spending all day in the kitchen?
3. We are getting used to our privacy
This might be an obvious one or you might disagree (let me know in the comments). But when sitting down in a restaurant or bar straight next to strangers; it’s not the most ideal situation anymore. Imagine they hear your conversation, ew. That’s a joke, but due to the one and a half meter distancing and cough screens, it appeared that we got used to having more privacy. Many quests seem to actually like this distance and not having many others listening in on your juicy stories. No, you don’t have to place a ton of plastic screens in-between tables; but maybe think of a more strategic placement of table settings and distinguish yourself from others.
4. Sustainability and food with a story
Sustainability has been a common word for a long time now. It’s everywhere, on the news, in your house, politics, and yes in your food. Acting responsibly in your daily activities is a must. But, serving your food in a restaurant with a story and then preferably a responsible story, will continue to raise in importance. Of course, not everything needs to have a story or needs to be sustainable; but having a few options with a story and telling this when serving seem to generally do very well. Especially with the corona crisis and people watching their health a lot more now, fresh and healthy produce is on the rise. This might have an impact on the overall served menu’s.
Food with a story, such as regional products, win in popularity!
5. Dutchies can’t go without their restaurants
I am so serious about this. If there is one thing that stood out during the year 2020, it’s that Dutch people can’t live without their restaurants. Either you go shopping for a day, taking a stroll through the city or meet up with friends; it’s not complete without your regular cup of coffee or lunch. We can’t miss the fun and, as the Dutch say, ‘gezelligheid’ or going out to a restaurant, pub or cafe. Whatever will happen next, the hospitality industry is deeply rooted in our culture and will always be able to jump back to where it once was. So, if you want to be sure that you will be able to return to your local cafe, restaurant or bar once this crisis is over and celebrate? You should bite their food and show your support.
Bite 2 Support & Happy New Year!
