How is it already February? It seems just like yesterday we were ringing in 2019 with champagne and fireworks, and now we’re already over a month into the year. Time flies – especially when you’re busy keeping up with the ever-changing restaurant scene.
The food and drink industry is constantly evolving, and new trends are emerging all the time. This year has already shaped up to be different from years past, and we are loving the fresh new menus and ideas we are seeing. Here are the trends we expect to take over the food and drink scene in 2019.
- Vegan dishes
Vegan dishes became mainstream in 2018, and the plant-based takeover shows no signs of slowing down. Experts predict a notable uptick in vegan burger joints. Our current favourites are Mooshies and The Vurger Co, and we can’t wait to see what new vegan venues launch in London. But even big chains are hopping on the vegan burger bandwagon, like TGI Fridays, which recently launched its “bleeding” vegan burger across the UK.
- Gut-friendly meals
As we learn more about how the food we eat impacts our gut – and therefore our overall health – we are seeing more and more gut-friendly foods on menus. These dishes include probiotics, fermented foods and dishes heavy with fiber. Don’t be surprised if you see kimchi, miso and sauerkraut worked into dishes, as these foods are known to be great for your gut and your health. As for drinks, try out kombucha and kefir.
- Booze-free drinks
Dry January may continue throughout the year. Mocktails, infused teas and crafty sodas will be added to many cocktail menus in 2019. Take advantage of these hangover-proof drinks on your next evening out!
- Funky ice creams
This year, step out of your chocolate-and-vanilla comfort zone and experience the crazy ice cream flavours that are hitting the market. Nonna’s Gelato currently offers sorbets ranging from pear and cinnamon to chocolate and Sicilian blood orange, and you can pick up a chilled coffee & olive oil dessert at Chin Chin Ice Cream. We expect this trend to go mainstream in 2019, with more dessert brands developing their own unusual ice cream flavours.
- Rum, please!
Mocktails are great, but sometimes a boozy drink is necessary. For those nights, try a rum-based cocktail, which is projected to be a big 2019 trend. Although typically associated with the Caribbean, more and more UK distilleries are producing their own rum. Whether you fancy a Caribbean variety or a homegrown batch, jump on the bandwagon and introduce rum into your weekend drinks routine this year.
We’re looking forward to seeing how these projected trends play out over the year. Which 2019 food and drink trend are you most excited to try? Any that you could live without? Let us know in the comments below.
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