8 Food Trends in the Philippines for 2023

1. Modern Filipino Cuisine

When Pinoys look for comfort, local fare will always be top of mind. But you can't just offer them something they already cook at home. They now look for innovation and sophistication, and many modern Filipino restaurants confirm this shift. Several establishments, like Lore Manila and Linamnam, succeed in presenting homey Pinoy dishes with reimagined profiles and unique presentations. Follow suit by breathing new life into well-loved classics and discovering other regional specialties with our recipes.

2. Vegan or plant-based Filipino food

Filipino food is known for being heavy on meat: adobo, sinigang, bulalo, sisig, inasal, crispy pata, and more. The range of alternative meat options available today makes cooking in different formats more possible. You can fry, bake, sauté, or braise products from The Vegetarian Butcher and easily incorporate these ingredients into Filipino dishes. According to Barclays analysts, consumers globally are making a conscious effort to reduce their meat intake. Among them are Filipinos who have adopted lifestyle changes to lessen the risks of high cholesterol and other heart diseases.

Besides the rising popularity of plant-based eating, inflation is also driving consumers to look for meat alternatives. Plant-based meat items are also available for purchase in bulk, giving you bigger savings compared to retail grocers. It’s high time to add more vegan and vegetarian options to your menu!

3. Southeast Asian flavors

Say hi to your neighbors! As a result of the revenge traveling Filipino consumers have been enjoying post-pandemic, expect Southeast Asian flavors to be big in 2023. But menus will go beyond the usual chicken satay, beef rendang, and nasi lemak and feature untapped fare and regional delicacies. You'll also see these flavors infused into menu favorites like pasta dishes and sushi bakes. Stay on top of the trend by stocking up on  Knorr Salted Egg Powder, Knorr Oyster Flavoured Sauce, and Hellmann’s Miso Ponzu Dressing.  

4. Korean baked treats

Filipinos still can’t get enough of Korean culture, music, and food. K-barbecue restaurants and fried chicken shops still draw large crowds. Next on the radar are Korean baked treats and desserts. These include rice cakes, honey pastries, beautiful cream-filled croissants, or the croissant-and-waffle hybrid called croiffle. 

Variety is also a crucial factor in this trend. Make sure customers get to try more than one product at a time. Offer pastry boxes, which they can fill with an assortment of cookies, cake slices, bars, and flaky bread.

5. Open-flame cooking

Open-flame cooking is among the restaurant industry trends to expect in 2023. Win over customers with the smoky, deeply savory flavors of grilled meats and vegetables. Styles and methods can differ. Alegria Cantina uses an Argentine grill called a parrilla, while One World Butchers uses an open-flame asador to smoke sausages, brisket, and other meats. Ember in Makati is a specialty restaurant focused on charcoal grilling.

Before trying this technique, make sure you secure your location and its surrounding premises and check for fire hazards. To get started, try these recipes for pan-grilled liempo or this grilled tuna jaw.

6. Tasting menus

Now more than ever, Filipino diners are excited to partake in experiential tasting menu lunches and dinners. This allows chefs more room to play around in the kitchen. It’s also a chance to highlight local flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods in ways never imagined before. Among these restaurants are Toyo Eatery, Gallery by Chele, and Hapag.

Many chefs are also innovating by pairing up for special meals, giving regulars a reason to revisit and rebuilding the novelty of fine dining. An example is a four-hands dinner by Miko Calo of Metronome and Stephan Duhesme of Metiz. Expect more collaborations in the coming year that will lead diners to new concepts and experiences.

7. Online brands transitioning to physical spaces

Brands founded at the height of the pandemic have grown to own the digital space and build a community that supports them. Now that restrictions have eased, what’s next for them? 

You can expect these businesses to expand and scale operations by building physical retail spaces. The first step might be to pop up in bazaars, markets, or collaborative cafe spaces to activate the communities they’ve built over time. Eventually, the next logical step is to open a brick-and-mortar outlet where both digital and physical transactions can happen.

8. Coffee innovation

Coffee concepts are described in waves. Second-wave coffee chains, like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, were designed to scale and serve coffee and snacks quickly. Third-wave coffee brands, like Toby’s Estate and The Coffee Academics, serve specialty coffee in experiential cafes. However, both concepts fetch steep price tags. The rising trend is serving quality coffee at accessible price points.

Small business owners achieve this by advertising via social media and distributing products through delivery services. Others open small pickup shops to serve communities, like Papakape and Convenience Coffee Shop in Makati. Another option has been to put up kiosks in high-traffic areas, like the business model of PICKUP Coffee.