5 Food Trends in the Philippines That Will Fill Our Plate This 2018

These fresh food trends will dominate the Philippines this year.

By: Patricia Marie Prado | January 06, 2018

Share this article

facebook

twitter

Filipinos are known to follow trends. Whether we admit it or not, we are always on the lookout for the newest fads on social media, may it be in fashion, technology, or makeup. Among all these, one of the things we are most excited to know about is what’s trending in the world of food. By trying anything and everything that comes our way, we have cultivated a diverse palate that is game for new flavors. It’s no wonder then that whenever a culinary trend makes it into the international scene, our local restaurants are quick to follow with their own versions.

To keep you ahead of the game, we’ve come up with a list of food trends that we might soon see on our plates this 2018. Taking a cue from international publications, we handpicked the freshest fads that can make waves in our local food scene. Check them out below.

1. Indian and Middle Eastern Cuisine

Middle Eastern spices, flavors, and dishes will take the center stage this 2018. (Images: Om Indian Kitchen)

For years, the only Asian cuisines that dominated the Philippine food scene were Japanese and Chinese fares. But during the recent years, we Filipinos have started introducing our palates to other flavors—something which the recent popularity of Korean and Vietnamese cuisines can attest to. This coming 2018, another Asian flavor is going to take the center stage: Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

This comes as no surprise as we have been long obsessed with shawarma and curry, and food joints like Halal Guys and Om Indian Kitchen also strengthened our liking for this particular cuisine. But aside from the usual favorites, in 2018 we may see more Indian and Middle Eastern food items like humus, naan breads, chicken tikka, and biryani.

Check out our list of Indian restaurants in Metro Manila or browse the Dining & Leisure category of the ShoppersGuide Directory.

2. Plant-Based Proteins

From breakfast bowls to vegan bulgogi, we may see more plant-based proteins on our plates this coming year. (Images: L, Agico Vegetarian Cafe; R, Greenery Kitchen)

Vegetarians have always had a hard time looking for good restaurants and markets where they can buy good quality vegan food that also tastes great. Luckily, in the recent years more and more vegan restaurants have opened, thus giving vegetarians plenty of healthy and yummy options. Along with this healthy revolution, plant-based proteins are now also on the rise.

Now there’s no need to settle on vegetables alone as vegetarians can also enjoy meat options without sacrificing their diet. Although many vegetarian restaurants like Greenery Kitchen and Agico Vegetarian Café are already doing this trend, we may see more meat-based meals like ribs, burgers, and steaks made from plants invading our plates this coming year.

Read: Top 9 Best Healthy Restaurants in the Philippines 2017

3. Transparency and More Information about Food

People want to know more about what they eat and put on their food. (Images: L, EchoStore; R, Healthy Options)

Along with the healthy revolution that is invading our country, another trend that we might see more of this 2018 are detailed labels on our food. Gone are the days when consumers were only curious of how many carbs they were consuming from a piece of cookie. Today consumers are itching to know how, where, and when their food was made and what’s in it.

Words like “GMO-free,” “Gluten-free,” and “Fair trade” are expected to be more visible in the packaging of food items that we consume. You can already see products from stores like EchoStore and Healthy Options with proper labels on their packaging. Online healthy groceries like The Green Grocer and The Superfood Grocer are also filled with these items.

4. Rich Japanese Food

Drop your chopsticks; you’ll need your hands for these yummy yakitoris. (Images: L, Adrian Marin; R, Tori Tori Kushuyuki Snackbar – Ortigas)

Japanese food has always been a favorite among Filipinos, but for years it’s the sushi and noodle soups like ramen and soba that we have fallen for. This year, the richer part of the cuisine will have its turn in the spotlight. Some of the rich Japanese meals include the savory yakitori, which refers to skewered grilled meats or vegetables from Japan that are often slathered with indulgent shio or salt, or tare, a combination of soy sauce, sugar, sake, and mirin.

Over the past few years we have already been seeing a steady rise of Japanese restaurants in the country that serves yakitori as a main part of their menu. Some of the places where you can have your fill of yakitori and partner it with a cold beer are Tori Tori Kushuyuki Snackbar or at Izakaya Kikufuji.

5. Ultra Violet Food

Ultra violet food will soon be taking over your Instagram feed. (Image: L, Patrick Lawrence; R, @yummybites604)

The last trend on the list that will probably invade your Instagram soon enough is ultra violet food. Every year, the Pantone Color Institute releases a color of the year that guides companies in using the particular color in product development, brand identity, and as a strategic asset. It won’t be a surprise then if we see restaurants incorporating ultra violet, the color of the year, in one or some of their meals.

And as lovers of ube (purple yam), we are already ahead of the trend. In the past we only saw ube on top of our halo-halo, but today we can now see it in various dishes and forms, such as Paper Moon Cafe’s Ube Mille Crepe and Dolcelatte’s Ube Keso Cronut.

Whatever is on trend, we Filipinos will surely find a way to get our hands on it. Let us know on the comments section which of these food trends you are excited to try this year.

About Patricia Marie Prado

Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.

Learn more stories on:

food food trends Filipino food trends Indian food 2018 trends food fads ultra violet food vegan vegetarian yakitori Japanese food

Location Tags:

Manila

Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.