Gastronomy trends worldwide: These developments shape the industry

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving. In addition to new eating habits, technological innovations, and increased environmental awareness, cultural trends are also driving kitchen concepts around the world to continually reinvent themselves. Anyone who wants to keep up with the times—whether as a restaurant operator, food truck owner, café owner, or canteen manager—should familiarize themselves with the most important restaurant trends worldwide .

In this article, we present six exciting trends that are increasingly shaping the international gastronomy landscape. Would you have expected these developments?

AI & Automation in the Hospitality Industry

Whether it's robotics in the kitchen, automated ordering systems, or AI-supported menu optimization, artificial intelligence is making inroads into restaurants – especially in Asia and the USA. In Japan, robots are already serving ramen, while in the USA, virtual kitchens ("ghost kitchens") are supported by AI tools that automatically reorder inventory. Chatbots for ordering and smart POS systems are also on the rise.

Zero Waste & Circular Gastronomy

Restaurants around the world are increasingly turning to zero-waste concepts . The trend goes far beyond waste separation: From completely recycling food to reusable packaging systems, everything is being done to conserve resources. Leading the way are major cities like Copenhagen, Melbourne, and San Francisco, where more and more restaurants are springing up that feature in-house composting, local supply chains, and consistently seasonal cuisine.

Plant-based (R)Evolution

What began as plant-based alternatives to meat products has now developed into a culinary megatrend. Plant-based cuisine is therefore no longer a niche topic worldwide. In countries like Great Britain, the USA, and Germany, more and more vegan fine-dining concepts are emerging. Furthermore, plant-based products are becoming increasingly innovative – for example, with mushroom proteins, pea milk, or fermented meat substitutes made from mycoprotein.

Fusion Street Food – Globally inspired, locally implemented

A clear trend in major cities like Berlin, New York, Bangkok, and Cape Town is creative fusion street food . This combines traditional recipes with international influences: Korean tacos, sushi burritos, bao burgers, and Mexican ramen are just a few examples. The trend thrives on diversity and authenticity – and is particularly popular with young, urban target groups.

Gastro-ecology & climate menus

Climate change is also affecting the restaurant industry – and not just financially. More and more restaurants around the world are offering so-called climate menus . These are dominated by dishes with a particularly low carbon footprint, highlighted directly on the menu as a selling point. Pioneering countries for this trend are Sweden and the Netherlands, but the topic is also gaining increasing traction in German-speaking countries.

Gastronomy on wheels: Mobile concepts & pop-ups

Mobile catering concepts are booming, especially in urban areas – food trucks, pop-up restaurants, mobile cocktail bars, and event catering that operate flexibly, quickly, and in close proximity to target groups. This form of catering has long been established in countries like Brazil, South Africa, and the USA, while the scene is growing rapidly in Europe, primarily through music festivals, markets, and urban events. Tip: You can find an overview of the best sustainable street food disposable packaging here .

Perhaps you'll find some inspiration for your own restaurant business in these global restaurant trends . What trends will emerge in the coming years? We're excited – and will keep you updated in our advice section!