Food Trends So Far in 2017
Can you actually believe it is nearly the middle of the year? It feels like yesterday that we were setting New Year resolutions. Yes, 2017 is happening and quickly, but one good thing to come out of it is the food. As with every year, food trends wait for no man, so we’re looking at some of our favourites that we’ve already seen in 2017.
Turmeric Lattes
There seems to be a very popular health trend taking place this year and it’s starting with morning drinks. Contrary to the name, a turmeric latte contains no caffeine but is instead made with non-dairy milk, turmeric (preferably using the root itself and not just the powder), cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg. Maple syrup and coconut oil can also be added for sweetness and richness. If this sounds like it’s going to be weirdly spicy, it’s not. Turmeric just has a mild earthiness, so you’re really only tasting the other spices in there, which are similar to that of a chai tea. Why has the turmeric latte become such a huge trend? Well, turmeric seems to be having its moment in the sun, with its may health benefits to thank for its current popularity. Try one at Molten Toffee.
Unicorn Food
We’re not sure how this has become so popular in a time where healthy eating has flourished, but somehow this multicoloured food trend appears to be staying put for a while. After the limited edition release of Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappe, people seem to be going crazy for everything unicorn. While it’s lovely to look at, we’re going to stick to foods that don’t have ungodly amounts of colouring in them.
Poké
Poké arrived on the scene last year and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. The traditional Hawaiian dish has taken the world by storm, most likely because of it’s a purely simple and delicious dish, but it’s also pretty instagrammable. In Cape Town, we have two dedicated poke folk to indulge with, The Poke Co. and Hokey Poke. If you want to make your own, and really it’s so easy that you should, here’s our RECIPE.
Better-for-you ‘Fast Dinners’
Eating healthy-ish seems to be a serious trend for 2017. Gone are the days of glamourising fast food, people are looking after themselves more than ever and one way they’re doing that is with healthier ‘fast food’ options. The arrival of UberEats means that you don’t have to settle for greasy, bad takeaways, you can eat something you would in one of your favourite restaurants. uKitchen is a recent addition to Cape Town that allows you to order food from a local home cook in your area. This means real home cooked food, which as we know is much better for you. Lastly, dinner kits like uCook have been hugely popular, thanks to their ethically sourced ingredients and fun and interesting recipes that are easy to follow and deliver on flavour.
Sri Lankan Cuisine
The food world is always looking for the next big cuisine and this year it seems to be fixated on Sri Lanka. Last year we saw Vietnamese and Cambodian food reach peak popularity, and rightfully so, but it’s nice to see that this year’s culinary capital is only across the way. It’s easy to see why people are obsessed with this nation’s food. It features lots of rice and curry but incorporates tropical-ish flavours and ingredients such as coconut, fish and seafood, and sour lime. Fiery, expertly spiced and balanced, these curries are worth writing home for.
Cloud Eggs
Is it a cloud? Is a breakfast? The cloud egg seems to be the latest breakfast craze and it’s easy to see why. It’s made by separating the egg, whipping up the white until thick and then baking it for about 5 minutes. The egg yolk is then plopped into the centre of the egg white and then baked again for about 3 minutes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUetLculUFj/?tagged=cloudeggs
Smoothie Bowls
Continuing with their popularity from last year, smoothie bowls seem to staying put as a trend for 2017. This is possibly due to the fact that ‘healthy-ish’ seems to be a major trend for this year, but also probably because they’re a more filling way to enjoy your smoothie. We also love how utterly instagrammable they are.
Chia Seed Pudding Parfaits
We’re not going to hide our love for chia seeds, they’re ridiculously healthy and make for a striking treat too. Instagrammers have gotten seriously creative with these layered smoothie parfaits making them a feast for the eyes and for the belly. Many of them are vegan-friendly too, cementing another growing trend from 2016 and proving that vegan food is beautiful and tasty.
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