Top Melbourne Food Trends Caterers Need to Know
Melbourne’s food scene offers a smorgasbord of traditional, innovative, and culturally-diverse dishes.
There’s a good reason why Melbourne is known as Australia’s foodie capital. It truly is the place to be when it comes to evolving food trends.
Join us as we take a closer look at what Melbournians are hungry for. Here are the top Melbourne food trends of 2023 that every food specialist should know about — caterers, we’re looking at you.
What Is A Food Trend?
A food trend is a widespread change in the way people consume, prepare, and think about food.
A food trend may be centred around an ingredient, a special cooking technique, a presentation style, or even a cultural practise.
These trends often emerge because of shifts in consumer preferences, advances in technology, evolving health and wellness considerations, and cultural and societal changes.
It’s important for those in the food industry to be in the know about what’s new and exciting to stay competitive and meet consumer demands.
Top Melbourne Food Trends of 2023
1. Plant-based power
Plant-based diets have been gaining momentum worldwide for quite some time. However, it seems Melbourne has fully embraced veganism.
There are a number of reasons why people could be making the switch: the high carbon emissions produced from animal-based products, the rising costs of meat and dairy, and the general health benefits of going green.
More than a passing food trend, plant-based dishes have become a top player on menus all across Melbourne. Chefs ensure sustainability tastes truly delicious by offering a wide range of flavorful plant-based options.
This trend goes beyond soy and tofu, with jackfruit, tempeh, and seitan stepping up to the plate.
2. That gut feeling
Melbourne's health-conscious foodies are gravitating towards the fermented trend with unmatched enthusiasm.
Be it the zesty bite of kimchi or the refreshing tang of kombucha, fermented foods are all the rage right now.
Restaurants and cafes have started offering these probiotic-rich delights, promoting gut health and deliciousness in equal measure.
3. Back to our roots
Indigenous Australians have been using ‘bush tucker’ ingredients for thousands of years. Recently, these ingredients have been garnering more attention and popularity.
2023 has brought a new appreciation for Australia's indigenous ingredients, such as rich Kakadu plums and macadamia nuts.
Melbourne's top restaurants are infusing menus with these native treasures, adding a distinctly Aussie flair to dishes while celebrating the land's rich culinary heritage.
4. The best thing since sliced bread
If you walk through the laneways of Melbourne, you’ll find the irresistible scent of freshly baked sourdough. The humble loaf has seen an overwhelming resurgence.
Local bakeries have become weekend hot spots with their artisanal techniques and natural fermentation.
There are many classes and workshops running in Melbourne, proving that the art of bread-making is no longer confined to professional kitchens.
5. Recipe for change
Sustainability in food is all about the methods of growing our food, the journey it takes to reach us, and the handling of leftovers and waste.
Sustainable food trends are proving that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in Melbourne's food scene—it's a commitment.
The city's restaurants are introducing zero-waste cooking, utilising every part of their ingredients, and ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Melbourne is making waste-free dining mainstream, and we’re all for the conscious move.
6. Grab a bowl
This trend is a throwback to 2015, when smoothie bowls reigned supreme.
Compact, nutritious, and Instagram-worthy, bowl meals are back and are taking over casual dining.
These dishes are not only visually appealing but seriously nutrient-dense—think vibrant acai bowls, protein-rich poke, and earthy grain salads.
With this food trend, Melbournians are simultaneously levelling up their Instagram game and their health.
7. Melting pot of flavours
With a cosmopolitan crowd, Melbourne's dining scene is a melting pot of global influences.
This year, experimental fusion foods have reached new heights. Chefs are playing with flavours and ingredients, introducing the city to some unexpected but appreciated dishes.
If you’re trolling Melbourne for tasty Italian-inspired ramen or Thai-infused burgers, you’re sure to find something that will hit the spot.
8. Sip on that
Move over, sugary sodas!
2023 is the year of beverages that quench your thirst and offer wonderful health benefits.
Spotted frequently in Melbourne's cafes are drinks infused with adaptogens, antioxidants, and herbal goodness. Turmeric lattes, ashwagandha teas, and chaga-infused coffees are just a few examples of this growing trend.
9. All the buzz
One of the latest trends taking Melbourne by storm is non-alcoholic beverages.
It’s almost impossible to tell the difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks nowadays, with non-alcoholic drinks capturing the essence and complexity of their boozy counterparts.
Crafted with the same attention to detail as traditional cocktails, these beverages focus on intricate flavour profiles, using different botanicals, herbs, and spices.
So whether you’re participating in Sober September or simply don’t need the liquid courage to socialise, there’s never been a better time to go booze-free.
Sayonara, hangovers!
10. Dining in: The new dining out
You’d think that post-pandemic, people would be itching to get beyond their familiar four walls. Surprisingly, it’s just the opposite.
Instead of bustling restaurants and crowded bars, the heart of Melbourne's food scene is now pulsating within its homes.
Dinner parties and potlucks are the new dining out. For many, they capture a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of a time when food was a tool to bring families and communities closer.
But today, they're also a testament to the city’s resilience and adaptability. Amidst global uncertainties, residents have rekindled their passion for home-cooked meals while recreating the vibe of their favourite restaurants at home.
This food trend highlights the enduring spirit of Melbourne and the evolution of dining habits in the face of adversity.
What Influences Food Trends?
One of the biggest influences on food trends in recent years is undoubtedly social media. How does social media influence food trends?
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have turned dishes and diets into viral sensations overnight. Picture the wave of rainbow-coloured foods or the sudden obsession with cloud bread and Dalgona coffee.
All of these trends largely owe their widespread popularity to social media platforms, where aesthetics play an integral role in user engagement.
Previously, one might have relied on gourmet magazines or celebrity chefs to learn about the latest culinary trends. Today, a 15-second video on TikTok can popularise a new recipe or food hack, reaching millions of users globally in an instant.
Social media influencers act as powerful trendsetters thanks to their significant followings. Their endorsements or the simple act of sharing a meal can thrust an otherwise plain dish into the limelight.
The interactive nature of these platforms is what drives food trends further. For example, when one user introduces a new food creation or hack, others immediately try it and put their own spin on it.
This collaborative approach explains why new trends pop up and spread like wildfire.
Top Melbourne Food Trends: Eat Your Heart Out
The 2023 Melbourne food scene is an embodiment of its spirit – vibrant, multicultural, and forward-thinking.
These food trends reflect Melbourne’s evolving tastes, its commitment to sustainability, and its deep respect for culinary traditions, both local and global.
As we look forward to what’s next, one thing is certain: Melbourne continues to set the benchmark for food trends everywhere.
We encourage you to get a taste of what Melbourne’s all about and explore the food culture for yourself. Bon appétit!
