Explore myriad ways to merge

 

cultures
and cuisines.

Global fusion is all the rage, and there are multiple ways to bring it to the table.

Historical Fusion

Fusion food has been around since the emergence of trade routes, resulting in cultural mingling over long periods of time. In some cases, this fusion was a result of colonialism or immigrants merging their culinary traditions with that of the local population. Consider French cuisine in Vietnam resulting in dishes like pho and banh mi, or Spanish/Chinese cuisine in Filipino food integrating ingredients like bay leaves, garlic and soy sauce.

HGlobal Condiments

Sriracha has taken the restaurant condiment bar by storm appearing at breakfast diners and upscale restaurants alike. Condiments are a great way to introduce new cuisines and flavors whether on the main entrée or with the side dish. A popular sauce that can be added to sandwiches, fries, or just about anything is aioli. With patrons’ familiarity with mayo the herb and spice combinations that can be used to enhance it are endless.

Street Food

Given street food’s handheld nature, it’s a great opportunity for patrons’ entry into other cuisines. Whether it be different types of meat and vegetables on a stick (kebabs, BBQ, etc.) or tacos with unique flavors and fillings, these dishes are usually the first to trend, especially as a snack or lunch.

The Best Part of the Morning

Breakfast is a great daypart for introducing unique flavors or ingredients in familiar favorites. Recently some global offerings have started to trend, notably Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. For example, shakshuka, a hearty dish of poached eggs, tomatoes and herbs from North Africa, has been emerging on more menus.

Flavorful Mashups

Combining familiar favorites with less familiar ingredients, formats or flavors can make fusions more approachable. For example, offering Korean classics like bulgogi, galbi and kimchi in a Mexican burrito or bowl format can help you express creativity and delight patrons.

New Orleans cuisine is very soulful. Vietnamese cuisine is very bright. And when you put the two together, it hits on all cylinders.

It was my aha moment of, this is the perfect fusion: soulful and deep and bright and exciting. And I’ve been addicted to it ever since.

MAKE INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS AND SAUCES

YOUR CROWNING TOUCH

Trending flavors and sauces can top or accent many dishes, easily creating enticing global fusion recipes. Here are just a few that have seen tremendous growth over the past four years on U.S. menus

There’s a role that food plays in connecting cultures across the world.

It’s a common language spoken by everyone, just in different ways.

Flavors and Sauces

Asian
  • Kewpie Mayo: 109%
  • Sriracha Mayo: 65%
  • Duck Sauce: 63%
  • Gochujang: 46%
Asian
  • Kewpie Mayo: 109%
  • Sriracha Mayo: 65%
  • Duck Sauce: 63%
  • Gochujang: 46%
Asian
  • Kewpie Mayo: 109%
  • Sriracha Mayo: 65%
  • Duck Sauce: 63%
  • Gochujang: 46%

Datassential, The World of Global, 2023

KEEP MENUS EXCITING WITH

GLOBAL-INSPIRED LTOS.

Incorporating global fusion into your LTOs can be a great way to attract new customers and keep others coming back. Here are some strategies to consider:

Highlight Seasonal Ingredients

Use local and seasonal ingredients to create fusion dishes. This not only supports the local community, but it also ensures the freshest flavors. For instance, consider a summer LTO with a Thai-inspired entrée using summer vegetables and a seasonal protein to create a unique flavor experience

Leverage Popular
Fusion Trends

Mexican/Korean and Japanese/Peruvian fusion foods have been gaining traction on U.S. menus. Look at other trending global cuisines and incorporate them into your LTOs. From French/Vietnamese to Italian/Japanese, offer unique profiles to let your restaurant stand out.

Collaborate with Other Chefs and Share on Social Media

Partner with other chefs and operators to further promote your LTOs and generate buzz on social media. This can help attract a younger, more adventurous audience. This is especially true for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, whose eating behaviors are highly influenced by social media.

What’s traditional to you?

It was my aha moment of, this is the perfect fusion: soulful and deep and bright and exciting. And I’ve been addicted to it ever since.

It’s not traditional to everyone else. Just keep cooking with your heart and your soul, and we’ll make a better world.

Write a Memorable Story

Patrons love a good story, so consider developing a narrative around your fusion dishes. Explore the inspiration behind the dish and the cultures it represents. This can further enhance the dining experience and make the LTO even more memorable.

Offer Customization

Allow customers to customize their fusion dishes. This can help with catering to different dietary preferences and be a key to making the experience more interactive. For example, a build-your-own fusion bowl with various global toppings can be a hit for your patrons.

Refresh and Test

Use LTOs as an opportunity to test new flavors, concepts and formats with your patrons. Gather feedback from customers and further refine your offerings based on their preferences. This approach can help you find the perfect balance of flavors and create something that draws return customers.

I think the future of fusion cuisine or restaurants in general is very, very bright…

if you’re opening a restaurant now, you’ve got to be on it. You’ve got to have a story. It’s got to be soulful.