Add dash of spice to open a world of flavour

In global and fusion cooking, spices and herbs are taking the main stage in 2024! They can easily turn something familiar into something exciting and new. This holiday season, experimenting with spices can add a special touch to your festive meals. Use them to blend influences from different cultures, creating dishes that are both globally inspired and packed with flavour. Whether you're spicing up a classic holiday recipe or trying something entirely new, adding some vibrant seasonings can make your celebrations even more memorable!

Tip! Check the trends before deciding on a dish. For desserts, trending flavours this year include elderflower, popcorn, yuzu, (spiced) honeycomb, matcha, peanut and pistachio!*

*Source: Normec Event Food trends 2024

Eco-friendly cheers for the festive season

According to the latest trends in foodservice, the local food movement is still gaining more and more traction in 2024, and the holiday season is the perfect time to embrace this trend. As consumers are increasingly aware of where their food comes from, incorporating locally sourced ingredients into your holiday menu can be a recipe for success. Adopting a farm-to-table approach is a great way to connect with your community and reduce your environmental impact. Partnering with local farms and producers can enhance your holiday offerings while contributing positively to a greener food system.. Already doing this? That’s awesome! Transparency is another trend that’s still going strong. Therefore, emphasising your vision or approach on your menu or in your storytelling is a fantastic way to stand out in the upcoming holidays.

Did you know that buying local doesn’t always have to mean sticking to traditional ingredients? In 2024, a growing number of local exotics are producing surprising ingredients!

Celebrate every tradition

A great thing happening now is the impact of globalisation. Gen-Z, in particular, is becoming more aware of different cultures.  It might be wise to consider celebrations beyond the holidays you’re most familiar with. Inclusivity during the holidays is all about embracing and celebrating a variety of traditions and cultures. While Christmas is a widely recognised holiday, it’s important to acknowledge and honour the diversity of celebrations too. Think of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival, Iftar, a celebrational feast right after the Muslim Ramadan, or Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights. By incorporating and respecting these diverse festivities, you create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, ensuring that all cultural traditions are valued and celebrated.

Looking for inspiration to boost your global celebrations this festive season? Check out our collection of festive content from around the world!

Festive fungi and groovy grains

Another item on the list of food trends for 2024 is one that’s been going on for a while now: The 40/60 protein ratio is here to stay, and plant-based foods will be a big hit this holiday season. With more people being aware of the benefits for health, the planet, and animals, holiday tables will now feature delicious and colourful dishes made from vegetables, beans, nuts, and grains. From tasty mushroom wellingtons to creamy pumpkin pies with coconut milk, plant-based options are perfect for everyone. One thing is for sure: the move towards more sustainable dishes is here to stay, and holidays are no exception!

Speaking of groovy: Hemp seeds are an unusual but very interesting ingredient for vegan dishes. Even though hemp comes from the same plant family as cannabis, it's a super nutritious food full of healthy fats, protein, and minerals. It has a mild, nutty taste that’s amazing in meals.

And… don’t forget about the kids! 

Parents today are more focused than ever on what their kids eat, making sure they get healthy options. A menu of just pancakes and ice cream won’t cut it anymore. It’s important to offer menu choices that are not only delicious but also nourishing. Try adding more organic and locally sourced foods to your kids menu. And, more important than ever: think about the sensory experience. Make your food appealing in structure, colour and shape. If you need inspiration, look up the Japanese art of wagashi that’s all the rage right now. It’s a great way to serve up meals that are healthy for the kids and have their parents smile, too!

Not much of a sculptor, but still want to create a visual feast for both kids and parents? You can easily add a playful visual touch to your dishes with the incredible moulds from MOLDBROTHERS. You’ll find these and other useful holiday kitchen tools here.

Eatertainment keeps ‘em coming

With more people choosing take-out and staying in, restaurants need to up their game to get people to come out. That’s where eatertainment comes in: combining great food with fun activities to make dining out more exciting. There are plenty of cool options, such as holiday-themed live music, a festive comedy show, or a board game night, to enjoy alongside some tasty holiday meals. Find an activity that fits your space and menu, and you’ll create a fun experience that draws in new customers looking for something special beyond just a good meal.

Looking for more ways to draw in new customers during the holiday season? We’ve listed some effective creative promotions to attract diners.

Set the holiday mood right with the perfect tunes

Music plays a crucial role in setting the vibe in your restaurant, especially during the holiday season. Festive tunes can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel more at home and enhancing their overall dining experience. Upbeat holiday classics can energise the space and boost the festive spirit, while softer, soothing melodies can create a cosy and intimate ambiance. Choose wisely!

And once it’s all over…

Don’t let your holiday leftovers go to waste! Transform them into delicious new dishes once the holiday season is over. Roast turkey can be shredded for hearty soups or sandwiches, while mashed potatoes can be turned into crispy potato cakes. Leftover vegetables can be tossed into a frittata or stir-fry, and extra ham can be diced into omelettes or pasta dishes. Get creative with your leftovers to make tasty meals or side dishes, ensuring you minimise waste and make your guests enjoy every last bite of your festive feast.

Using your holiday leftovers isn’t only great for the planet, it’s a great way to optimise your profits too! Want to know more ways to boost your profit margins? In this article we’ll tell you all about it