TL;DR:
- Once popular as accompaniments, fries and sides have become the star dish in the UK.
- People are now preferring customisable and shareable snacks inspired by global cuisines.
- Gastronomic innovations can be seen everywhere in the country, including pubs, street food markets, and fast food chains.
- This guide covers everything from new industry trends in the gourmet market to key FAQs.
Gone are the days when onion rings and salted chips used to be the go-to choice for food lovers. Side dishes have become the stars with the new trends in the snack industry. A new wave of culinary creativity has swept across the UK, bringing a global twist to the scene.
The basic potato dish is now transforming into an international feast, satiating the taste buds of food lovers. From Korean-loaded fries to truffle-infused sweet potato wedges, the elevated snack revolution has arrived, and it’s here to stay.
Read on to discover the advent and the lasting effects of the snack revolution in the UK.
Where It All Began
People were happily savouring their burgers and sandwiches with chips and onion rings. So what changed? As the British people began travelling and venturing into other parts of the world, their knowledge of international flavours grew. As a result, cuisines from Mexico, Japan, Korea, and the Middle East began to enter the British dining scene.
Gradually, the restaurateurs and street food vendors started upping their game to keep up with the changing palate of diners. In an attempt to promote a snack culture while also allowing people to make healthy food choices, the industry has seen a rise in customisable snacks with diverse flavours.
What’s Cooking: The Lasting Effects
What started as a popular trend in the street food market has now been elevated to a whole other level with the entry of casual chains and gastropubs in the scene. From pub classics to reinvented gourmet bar snacks, UK kitchens are giving comfort food a global twist with options such as halloumi fries, yoghurt dip, tempura broccoli, and so on.
Food trucks, chain pubs, and established restaurants are now offering a wide range of snacks to attract adventurous diners. Here’s what the gourmet snack trend is offering:
- A Global Palate: Receiving an international makeover, the basic potato chips are now prepared in diverse ways. Think Korean fried chicken and sides served with fermented vegetables, sesame seeds, gochujang mayo, and spring onions. Similarly, the Mexican fries are served with chipotle sauce, queso fresco, and spicy lime cream, turning simple chips into a fiery feast.
- Health-Conscious Choices: Today’s snacks focus on balancing taste with health. There are various food options involving air-fried techniques, plant-based ingredients, and globally inspired sides prepared with veggies.
- Sides with Gourmet Treatment: Starters and side dishes are now getting a gourmet treatment that’s taking the dining experience to new heights of excellence. For example, tempura and edamame beans have brought a Japanese twist to starters.
Conclusion
New trends in the UK food industry are changing the snack landscape rapidly. More and more diners are now getting access to flavourful food that is customisable, visually appealing, and nutritious. Sitting in a UK restaurant, you can enjoy the goodness of exotic veggies and Mexican spices together in a shareable snack. How cool is that!
With TikTok trends and cross-cultural menus driving food inspiration, it’s no wonder UK snacks are getting a gourmet glow-up. Want to try these trending snacks without overspending? My Exclusive Deals has curated dining offers to help you explore the changing gourmet food and snack scene without burning a hole in your pocket.
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FAQs
1. What is the purpose of gourmet food?
Gourmet aims to elevate the dining experience by focusing on high-quality ingredients and refined preparation techniques. It involves artistic preparation and is preferred by people who seek exceptional culinary experiences.
2. Is gourmet food healthy?
Gourmet doesn’t always mean healthy. Some dishes are rich and indulgent by design, while others are made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It really comes down to what’s on the plate. If it’s made with care and balanced ingredients, gourmet food can definitely be a part of eating well.
3. How does gourmet food taste?
Gourmet food is known to have exceptional flavours aimed at providing a multi-sensory experience. The preparation is focused on the taste and the texture, as well as the visual presentation.
4. What are some popular gourmet snacks in the UK?
Some popular gourmet snacks in the UK include sea salt baked crisps, pork scratchings, and halloumi fries.
5. What are fries called in the UK?
In the UK, fries are usually called chips. But not all chips are created equal. The chunkier, pub-style ones are your classic “British chips,” while thinner, crispier versions are often still referred to as fries.
6. Why are French fries so important to the fast food industry?
Simple: they’re quick, cheap, and wildly addictive. Fries are the ultimate sidekick to burgers, fried chicken, and wraps. They’re easy to prep and customise (think peri-peri or truffle-loaded).