Street Food Inspiration
January 2017
Global street foods have been trending for the past few years. Diners are still demanding authenticity and portability when it comes to global cuisine. Bring global flavors to the menu in unique ways with these tips.
- Street food starters and small plates: More than 40% of consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 are looking for ethnic-inspired small plates. Appetizers and smaller-portioned dishes give diners the opportunity to sample unfamiliar tastes without ordering an entire entrée. Bring a bit of Mediterranean flavor to your appetizer selections with these Grilled Sesame Turkey Kebabs.
- Mexican mashups: Tacos, burritos and empanadas have been a part of mainstream American cuisine for quite some time. Chefs are experimenting with using the format of a taco to house ingredients from all kinds of ethnic cuisines. California-based restaurant Curry Up Now is serving Indian-themed burritos filled with paneer tikka masala, butter chicken and more. Use this recipe for Turkey Chorizo Soft Tacos as a base for your Mexican food fusions.
- Emerging Italian: Street food isn’t limited to Mexican and Asian flavors. Italian street food is starting to shine. The piadina, a traditional Italian flatbread sandwich, is one example. Try this take made with turkey breast: Italian Turkey Flatbread.
Discover more global flavors in the Culinary Center.
SOURCES
Cobe, Patricia. 2017 trend: Street sense, FoodService Director, October 2016.
Janssen, Sarah. Consumer Influence on the Menu, Prepared Foods, August 2016.
Tristano, Darren. Street Foods Inspire Starters, Prepared Foods, January 2016.
Global Street Food Comes to Main Street, Mix Magazine, August 2016.
Wolf, Barney. Street Cred, QSR, September 2016.
