While 2023 brings the best of technology in the F&B space, we ask Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Executive Chef, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia – what is hot in the fine-dine menu, what is brewing in beverages, and the technological influence in fine dining restaurants.
What’s hot on the fine dining menu?
• Millet-based dishes will be the biggest and most popular food in 2023. We, at Radisson Hotel Group, have already started including millets in our menus and have hosted the Farmers Millets Brunch at our hotels across India. We are also planning to organize additional millet-based events and promotional campaigns throughout the year.
• Veganism and plant-based foods is another trend we foresee this year. Various organizations are working towards this and are looking at ways to fortify and enrich the dishes with key nutrients and proteins required and expected from any vegan or plant-based dish.
• Rotation of fats and oils: We are noticing a shift towards healthy traditional cooking with the use of ghee. Awareness and the importance of rotation of dietary fats in daily cooking and its benefits are gaining momentum amongst chefs.
• A trend towards regional cuisines and a special focus on delicacies from Northeast India is on the rise. Modern restaurants can be seen experimenting with regional delicacies. We are confident that this trend will continue to grow this year with more regional dishes from different corners of India gracing the menus of our favourite eateries.
What’s brewing in beverages?
Hitherto Indian-made foreign liquors and imported liquors have always been in trend. I believe we will see connoisseurs making continuous efforts to create great home-grown Indian liquor and wines. Trends of foods being paired with Indian spirits and indigenous liquors shall take centre stage.
Tech influence on fine dining
Technology in the restaurant business has seen massive growth. Speed and convenience are now a necessity to back this trend. With QR codes replacing traditional menus, the consumer journey is completely transformed – from ordering food to paying the bill, without having to touch your wallet. We have even witnessed a shift in technology in the kitchens, with procurement, inventory control, order taking, handheld POS systems etc. I believe technology will keep advancing over the years, making life convenient and hassle-free.
