Foods that ruled the culinary world of 2025

From pantry staples reinvented to indulgences that broke the internet, 2025 proved to be a year when food trends were driven as much by curiosity as by comfort. Flavours travelled faster than ever, crossing cultures and platforms to land on everyday plates. Hot honey emerged as a quiet disruptor, drizzling its sweet heat over pizzas, fried chicken and even desserts, while matcha continued its steady rise, moving beyond lattes into bakes, breakfasts, and wellness-forward menus. Middle Eastern influences made a strong statement too, with kunafa-inspired desserts gaining mainstream popularity for their rich textures and nostalgia-led appeal. Perhaps the most talked-about indulgence was Dubai chocolate-opulent, layered, and unapologetically decadent-reflecting a larger appetite for luxury treats with a story.

In this newsletter we will discuss how, together, these trends didn’t just dominate menus and social feeds; they revealed how 2025 diners sought bold flavours, global influences and small moments of escape through food.

Read more at: What is Hot Honey? The food trend that dominated searches in 2025

What’s so special about Dubai Chocolate

Dubai chocolate has become a global sensation thanks to its unique Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar from Fix Dessert Shop, made with layers of phyllo, pistachio cream and chocolate that offer a distinct taste and texture. Its rise to fame was fueled by a viral social-media video showcasing its striking appearance and satisfying cut, putting it in the spotlight worldwide. The confection’s luxury presentation and association with Dubai’s high-end culinary scene have added to its allure. While its flavour-texture combination has won many fans, it’s considered worth trying mainly for adventurous dessert lovers seeking something novel rather than an everyday sweet.

Read full article: 5 reasons why Dubai chocolate has become so popular and is it really worth the hype?

The world went green with Matcha

In 2025, matcha-a vibrant powdered green tea rooted in Japanese tradition surged from café menus to mainstream culture, becoming one of the year’s defining beverage trends. Its rise was driven by a mix of social-media visibility, growing wellness consciousness, and experiential café culture, making it a favourite in lattes, smoothies and desserts. Industry data shows matcha search interest grew significantly, reflecting changing drink preferences. Experts attribute its popularity to perceived health benefits, including antioxidants and steady energy, as well as its visual appeal and association with modern mindful living. Supply challenges due to rising demand have also shaped the trend’s trajectory.

Read full article: How Matcha took over 2025

How Kunafa became a sweet sensation

In 2025, kunafa- a Middle Eastern dessert of crispy kataifi dough with a gooey, syrupy centre became a global sweet sensation, capturing taste buds and social feeds alike. Its rise was propelled by viral social-media content and mainstream moments, including a tie-in with Bigg Boss 19. Chefs and influencers helped reinvent it with variations such as Nutella, kulfi-style and chocolate twists, making it visually and gastronomically exciting. Experts say kunafa’s popularity reflects a broader shift toward culturally rich, experiential desserts that offer contrast, indulgence and shareable moments, signalling how global flavours are increasingly shaping food trends

Read full article: How Kunafa became the sweet sensation of 2025

END OF ARTICLE