Australian Catering Trends: What's Hot and What's Not

Catering in Australia is evolving at a rapid pace, with new trends and techniques emerging all the time. From fusion cuisine to healthy eating, customers are looking for exciting and innovative options that are both delicious and satisfying. In this article, we'll explore some of the hottest trends in catering Melbourne and what you can expect to see on menus in the coming months.

Plant-Based Options

The demand for plant-based options is on the rise in Australia, with more and more people adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. This trend is not limited to those who follow a meat-free lifestyle; many customers are also looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet for health and sustainability reasons. Caterers are responding to this trend by offering creative and delicious plant-based dishes that cater to all dietary requirements.

Examples of plant-based dishes that are gaining popularity in Australian catering include:

• Vegan burgers: made with a plant-based patty and a range of toppings, from avocado to grilled mushrooms

• Plant-based cheese boards: featuring a range of vegan cheeses made from nuts or plant-based milk

• Cauliflower steaks: grilled or roasted cauliflower steaks seasoned with herbs and spices

• Vegan desserts: using ingredients such as coconut cream and cashew butter to create creamy and delicious desserts without dairy.

Fusion Cuisine

Fusion cuisine is all about blending different cuisines and cooking techniques to create unique and exciting dishes. This trend has been gaining popularity in Australia for a while now, as customers look for new and innovative options. Caterers are combining ingredients and flavors from different parts of the world to create dishes that offer a new twist on traditional favorites.

Examples of fusion cuisine that are popular in Australian catering include:

• Korean tacos: featuring Korean-style marinated meat or tofu in a taco shell with toppings such as kimchi and pickled vegetables

• Sushi burgers: a twist on the classic burger, featuring sushi rice "buns" and fillings such as tempura prawns or teriyaki chicken

• Vietnamese-style sliders: mini burgers made with a steamed bun and filled with pork belly or tofu, pickled vegetables, and hoisin sauce.

Sustainable Catering

Sustainability is an important issue for many Australians, and this trend is reflected in the catering industry. Caterers are looking to reduce their environmental impact by sourcing local and seasonal produce, using eco-friendly packaging, and reducing food waste. This trend not only benefits the environment, but also shows customers that the caterer is socially responsible and committed to ethical business practices.

Examples of sustainable catering practices include:

• Sourcing local and seasonal produce: using produce that is in season and sourced locally can reduce food miles and support local farmers

• Using eco-friendly packaging: using compostable or recyclable packaging reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfill

• Reducing food waste: by planning menus carefully and donating excess food to charities, caterers can reduce the amount of food that is wasted.

Healthy Options

Healthy eating is a trend that is gaining popularity in Australia, and caterers are responding by offering a range of healthy options. This trend is not limited to those who follow a specific diet or lifestyle; many customers are looking for healthier options to balance out indulgent treats. Caterers are offering a range of options, from low-carb and gluten-free dishes to salads and smoothie bowls.

Examples of healthy options that are popular in Australian catering include:

• Low-carb and gluten-free dishes: using alternative flours such as almond or coconut flour to create dishes that are low in carbs and gluten-free

• Salads: offering a range of salads featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients, such as roasted beetroot and quinoa salad or a classic Greek salad

• Smoothie bowls: a healthy and delicious breakfast option made with a blend of frozen fruit, milk or yoghurt, and toppings such as nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit.

Food Stations

Food stations are a popular catering trend that allows guests to sample a variety of different dishes. This trend is all about creating an interactive and engaging experience for guests, where they can see the food being prepared and choose what they want to eat. Food stations can be tailored to suit the event and the guests' preferences, making them a versatile option for catering.

Examples of food stations that are popular in Australian catering include:

• Grazing tables: a table filled with a range of meats, cheeses, dips, and crackers that guests can pick and choose from

• Live cooking stations: featuring chefs cooking dishes such as paella, stir-fries, or pasta to order

• Dessert stations: featuring a range of desserts such as mini cupcakes, macarons, and doughnuts, as well as a DIY ice cream or waffle station.

While these are just a few of the trends currently taking the Australian catering scene by storm, it's worth noting that traditional favourites such as barbecues and seafood buffets are still popular choices for many events. Ultimately, the key to a successful catering experience is to offer a range of options that appeal to all tastes and dietary requirements. By keeping up with these trends, caterers can ensure they are offering the best possible experience for their clients.