Online restaurant reservation service Resy has tracked dominant foods in the year 2023 and what is expected to become less popular in 2024.
Its report outlined that regenerative dining is the new trend, with more mindfully farmed menu items sought by younger generations and consumers. A third more diners (32 per cent) said they are more interested in how ingredients are sourced, compared to last year, according to a survey of 2,000 diners.
Consequently, it is anticipated that eateries throughout the city will increasingly be collaborating with small suppliers to harvest herbs, vegetables, and seaweed from around the country.
Based on Resy's UK restaurants, main courses are out of fashion, with more than a third of Londoners (37 per cent) preferring to order small plates, as it gives them more choice.
There has also been an increase in diners in 2023 around midday, which is probably due to many Britons returning to the workplace.
Most surprisingly, perhaps, is that diners are looking to treat themselves and becoming less self-conscious about it. There were 25 per cent more solo diners than the year before.Here are a few foods restaurateurs state were popular in 2023 and foods they expect will decrease in demand over 2024.
Popular foods in 2023
Mushrooms
More and more, mushrooms are showing up in almost every facet of contemporary life. Food, beverages, clothing, health care, and interior design. It has remained a classic in 2023 and predicted to remain popular as we go into the new year.
Ivan Tisdall-Downes, formerly of Native, said: "The resurgence of this superfood isn’t slowing down, they’re even being grown on site in some of your favourite dining establishments, like Fallow. Expect to see them taking the main character role in savoury desserts like Native’s apricot and mushroom ice cream sandwich and dedicated tasting menus like the one at Parilla."
Roast chicken
Considered a "comfort food", the love for roast chicken wasn't just spotted at home but at restaurants, too.
Resy's international editor David Paw said: "The capital’s love of the large format roast chicken shows no sign of abating, making appearances as Peruvian pollo a la brasa, flanked by regional French accoutrements, and playing a starring role in a swathe of upscale rotisseries."
Chilled natural reds
The trend of natural wine seems like it is here to stay in 2024, as enthusiasts and hobbyists craved light-bodied, chilled red wines this year.
Founder Brodie Meah, of Top Cuvée, said: "There’s always room for red in your fridge and, if there’s not, it’s time for a re-jig. Now that natural wine has hit the mainstream and nights are warmer than ever, expect to see a lot more diners enjoying chilled reds – even outside of the summer months – to enhance those fresh, fruity flavours."
British Seafood
One of the most popular foods in the UK is seafood, with more than 100 different species available to us.
The UK spent about £4.33 billion on fish annually in 2022.
Resy's Paw said: "A post-Brexit rule change to fisheries has some top restaurants proudly serving bluefin tuna caught in British waters. Meanwhile, rising sea temperatures means spider crab may become more common on menus."
Popular foods predicted to be unpopular in 2024
Sourdough
Sourdough became popular during the pandemic as bakeries were shut and it was practical to make at home.
But it seems like the trend of consuming sourdough is dying out.
Restaurateurs Sertaç Dirik and Ivan Tisdall-Downes said: "Could 2024 mark the end of the sourdough boom? Don’t be surprised if yeast-based or heritage-grain breads start to replace the go-to millennial loaf on menus next year."
Burrata
New York magazine predicted this one. Earlier this year, the magazine called the cheese a "big fat blob of boring".
Resy's Paw said: "More than one hot take has predicted the demise of the popular starter. Its peak has been long and celebrated but its ubiquity may affect its status as chefs move to more creative options."
