–Vivek Vasant Tamhane – Sr. Executive Chef (F & B Production), BLVD Club.
The culture of food has transformedsignificantly over the years. When you think of food, there is a laundry list of choices available, featuring dishes from around the world. While many people are enthusiastic about tryingseveral cuisines, there are some who are satiated with home-cooked meals. Findings have revealed that in 2022, food trends will be heavily focused on rediscovering healthy snacking, hygiene,and culture and will be highly inclined towards diet-conscious foods.Although, there are a wide range of alternatives available for eating outside, the modern dining landscape is undergoing a healthy renovation.
There has been a visible paradigm shift in consumers’ tastes and preferences. It is no surprise that crucial factors such as the pandemic and increased awareness aboutzero waste, clean eating habits, and sustainability have played a vital role in amplifying this change.Chefs are looking beyond just the appearance of the plate. Now they are more focused on health than ever before. This phenomenon is popularly known as ‘mindful eating’– being in-the-moment with food and having an awareness of what one puts in their body.
Flavours play an essential part in the making of food. In fact, any dish is a mash-up of sensations induced by chemical compounds in the food or drink we consume. A good dish has the ability to awaken all our sensory organs. The application of flavour in foods is very critical.A balanced combination is vital to complement the taste rather than overpower it. A lot of synthetic flavouring is now used in dishes, which may transform the dish and appeal to the consumer visually, but often tastes like a medicine tablet.
If we look deeply, all the way from theconfluence of different cuisines to being nostalgic while preparing aloved one’s recipewhile being open to experimentation, 2021 has been all about bending the rules and exploring niche trends. The year 2022 has more trends that will rule your plate to bring to the table.
- Relivingthe Golden Era of Grandma’s Recipes
Reviving age-old grandma’s recipes continues to be a trend and is here to stay.Cooking your heirloom recipes not only takes you back to the memories associated with your ancestral home and how they helped you celebrate highs and lows through food, butis healthier in all aspects. It helps you stay connected with the present, reconnect with the past, and restore your sense of well-being.
- Ayurveda Food
Ayurveda food has gained a lot of popularity since Covid-19, as it helps us to balance the imbalances in our body and builds deeper, long-lasting immune power. Ayurvedic food restaurants have also witnessed immense growth globally as people are opting for food that is simple, less oily and helps the bodyheal. The holistic and nourishing attributes of Ayurveda are gaining steam across the world, as more and more consumers adopt ahealthier way of living.
- The Rise of Heritage Food
Heritage cooking means embracing a culture through food. They’re historic family recipes that have been passed down through generations. They are mostly cooked and prepared from scratch using simple, traditional, and old-fashioned techniques.
Chefs, food bloggers, restaurant owners, including passionate homemakers,are very enthusiastic about an authentic epicurean experience. Today, chefs are travelling the length and breadth of the country to meet home chefs to try and understand authentic regional flavours, discover new recipesand inculcate them into their repertoire.
- Relivingthe Golden Era of Grandma’s Recipes
Reviving age-old grandma’s recipes continues to be a trend and is here to stay.Cooking your heirloom recipes not only takes you back to the memories associated with your ancestral home and how they helped you celebrate highs and lows through food, butis healthier in all aspects. It helps you stay connected with the present, reconnect with the past, and restore your sense of well-being.
- Ayurveda Food
Ayurveda food has gained a lot of popularity since Covid-19, as it helps us to balance the imbalances in our body and builds deeper, long-lasting immune power. Ayurvedic food restaurants have also witnessed immense growth globally as people are opting for food that is simple, less oily and helps the bodyheal. The holistic and nourishing attributes of Ayurveda are gaining steam across the world, as more and more consumers adopt ahealthier way of living.
- The Rise of Heritage Food
Heritage cooking means embracing a culture through food. They’re historic family recipes that have been passed down through generations. They are mostly cooked and prepared from scratch using simple, traditional, and old-fashioned techniques.
Chefs, food bloggers, restaurant owners, including passionate homemakers,are very enthusiastic about an authentic epicurean experience. Today, chefs are travelling the length and breadth of the country to meet home chefs to try and understand authentic regional flavours, discover new recipesand inculcate them into their repertoire.
- Food for Spiritual Growth
We easily give in to the idea that our minds are separate from our bodies. That simply is not the case. We become what we eat. Although it’s tempting to have fast food, sugary sweets and processed items, all of these end up making our minds and bodies weak and lethargic. Food is a necessity for physical and spiritual well-being. A saatvik meal prepared with mindfulness impacts our body and mind spiritually. There’s a deeper connection with food and faith that is still prevalent in rural and urban areas. Raw fruits and veggies are helpful in maintaining a low calorie, high-nutrient level, and staying hydrated. Raw foods are high in fibre and are great for the digestive system, and they support your entire nervous system.