Biggest Food Trends from 2016
2016 is nearing an end, and this year there have been a variety of inspriations that shaped the ever changing F&B scene. Here are our top picks for the biggest F&B trends this year, which is your favorite?
POP UP ICE CREAM & GELATO SPOTS
This summer has been one to remember with many pop ups serving gelato and dreamy ice cream favorites. Some picked up and left as the heat did, but some have stayed to continue providing the same deliciousness such as WIYF and Gracies.
Photo source instagram user clarasm1
MARKET STYLE DINING
With more restaurants providing the option of healthier eating, they’ve also created opportunities for diners to shop. Hunter Gatherer offers an area where diners can shop for groceries and other raw ingredients, making it easier to prepare healthy meals at home. The same concept flourished at More Than Eat, which opened earlier this year.
More than Eat
BAKERY BONANZA
Farine's
With the success of Farine’s on Fergueson Lane, there have been a gaggle of other openings of this same brand. But the sweet tooth cravings don’t stop after just one or two bakeries, oh no no. Al’s Diner opened a bakery specializing in American baked goods, and Lost Heaven opened Lost Bakery in September of this year, then of course Bread Etc just opened a month ago. From the perspective of bakery lovers, 2016 was exceptional.
Lost Bakery
CLASSIC CHINESE FOOD WITH A TWIST
Bo Shanghai, Deconstructed Xiao Long Bao
Fusion food is one of the most over-hyped terms in big cities, Shanghai’s modern chefs gave us reason to renew the hype this year though, with many new takes on Chinese food favorites. Have you tried a deconstructed xiaolong bao or, spiked pearl milk tea? Masters like Alvin Leung from Daimon Bistro and Bo Shanghai have made us into fusion believers all over again.
Daimon Bistrot, spiked milk tea
Not all Chinese food has to be completely deconstructed for a new twist. Baohouse keeps the same ingredients list from centuries ago, but gave their venue a new look to match the times.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Crossfit, Guavapass and the many fitness programs we got in 2016 made it a year of health-conscious living.
Green & Safe
Sprout Works, Green & Safe, Hunter Gatherer all offer diners natural and healthier meals.
Lizzy's All Natural
Need a detox? Lizzy All Natural Farmhouse Juices offer a healthy option to cleanse the body. Or, want a bowl with that workout?
Bowl from Yogalicious
ANIME WITH YOUR MEAL
Hello Kitty, the world’s most famous cat face opened a hot pot restaurant, creating fun meals and an odd but enjoyable environment. We’ll agree a cute Kitty face on your cocktail is nice, but tofu?
Hello Kitty’s Macchiato (made with Sake)
Tofu platter
Shanghai Disneyland
One of the biggest events of the year was the opening of Disneyland. They gave us all our favorite childhood characters as well as mind-bogglingly long lines and high prices.
Line Cafe afternoon tea
Line Cafe
The most recent animation themed opening is a café dedicated to the mobile app, LINE. We love food, but the best thing is all the cutesy faces around the café.
SPEAKEASY
Retro décor at Bunker
Hidden doorways, dark corridors and sinfully delicious drinks. This year, there was no slowing down for the speakeasies in Shanghai.
Shrine's entrance
With the shutting down of Flask, the Bunker has sprung in Xintiandi. Or, how about Shrine, where you physically need to touch the bible just to get in?
MICHELLIN GOSSIP
Shanghai began anticipating this list since May. For months, there were flurries of speculation on who might earn a star, or two. And when the results were announced, 21 restaurants received the highly coveted Michelin star. And of course, comments and controversy ensued, not the least of which was one of the restaurants closing within 24 hours of receiving a star.
F&B MASS EXODUS
Yong Kang Lu in July
No year in review is complete without the mentioning of the mass exodus of closings this year. The entire bar establishment on Yong Kang Lu has been shut down, not to mention the classics on Yong Fu Lu, which includes El Coctel, Boccado and in two weeks time, Shelter.
FOOD FESTIVALS
Savor Food Festival
What a fun year with amazing eats, especially the many food festivals that sprung up. Beginning with Savor Food Festival, featuring high profile restaurants and visiting Michelin starred chefs this October.
Savor Food Festival
There was also Shanghai Wine & Dine festival. But, there are plenty of occasion to nosh your face off, including the many Community Markets, Vegan Festival and Organic Fest.
Cheers 2016, you were beautiful, brutal and delicious and we’re hoping 2017 is maybe just a little less dramatic.