We often grow fond of things that are familiar to us; tried and tested comfort foods that you can’t go wrong with – particularly during times of uncertainty and economic difficulty. Everyone is guilty of fixating on the same dish when out for food.
Whilst that is not always a bad choice, there is a world of exotic and exciting cuisines to explore. That is where fusion foods are stepping up to the plate.
Fusion foods combine elements of distinct cultural cuisines into a single dish, offering consumers with a middle ground of trying new tastes in a comfort dish long known, but reinvented. They allow for ingredients and flavours to be integrated into classic favourites which otherwise haven’t been considered.
It is vital that businesses begin to tap into this trend in order to meet the demand of the more adventurous younger generation. This generation values new culinary experiences, with a substantial percentage actively seeking out menus featuring innovative, cross-cultural flavours. Nearly half of all Gen Z’s enjoy trying new food fusions, making this a major driver for food service providers to experiment with dishes that combine global tastes. This interest is amplified by Gen Z’s frequent exposure to multicultural influences via social media and travel, which fuels their demand for variety and novelty in food.
This trend is one which allows bakers and chefs to experiment and use their imagination to create unique and quirky creations, which will get consumers talking and set them above competitors. It also allows consumers to experiment by trying new flavours.
Not only that, but it is a chance to unite communities and cultures through food. In today’s world, nations and regions consist of various cultures, all of whom help to shape the food scene.
This is particularly evident in Australia, where as a result of migration, the country has a range of nationalities, and as such, restaurants use it as an opportunity to combine flavours and formats from the likes of Europe and Asia to appeal to their consumers.
British fusion, which is the migration of a classic British dish with one of another culture, is popular now. According to Bidfood, 42% of UK consumers find British fusions appealing. This is because it allows consumers to try new flavours whilst also having the comfort of familiar flavours, reducing the risk which comes with trying something new.
Fish and chips is one of Britain’s most loved dishes, with as many as 86% of consumers ranking it top of the list when it comes to British dishes. With pizza ranked as the top takeaway meal, why not fuse both together to create a fish and chip pizza.
We have also seen the likes of toffee apple crumble and Sunday roasts added to pizzas.
Sausage rolls are another popular savoury treat. By adding harissa to the sausage meat, you can add a little Middle Eastern spice to your pastries, giving your sales an extra kick.
Thinking ahead to Easter already? Why not put a spin on traditional hot cross buns by adding Spanish chorizo.
Whilst British fusions are popular due to their blend of comfort foods, that shouldn’t limit you to not pushing the boundaries even further.
Following on from the UK’s love for all things Italian, we have another extremely popular sweet fusion. But don’t worry, you don’t need to travel to Rome for this one, despite the creation dating back to the Roman Empire times. Maritozzi’s, the soft, sweet buns which are typically filled with whipped cream, can be given a Yankee makeover by swapping the cream for Macphie Cookies and Cream Frosting.
Bao buns, the Asian treat which is one of the growing trends in the UK, can be combined with flavours from around the world to appeal to a wider audience. Try this S’mores version, which takes inspiration from the popular American flavour.
Because Macphie products are so adaptable, they are a great starting point for you to blend flavours from foreign cuisines into exciting new creations. This helps to give a boost in sales and offers your customers a taste of adventure.
Furthermore, fusion foods are all about experimentation and creativity, which brings a degree of risk. Fortunately for you, as our products are extremely versatile, if your creation isn’t successful, you can use the rest of the ingredients in another application without leaving it to go to waste.
To support you, we have created a range of fusion recipes to help get you started and to spark inspiration – https://www.macphie.com/recipe-categories/taste-the-world