This year is finally (emphasis on finally) coming to a close, which means it’s nearly time to ring in the new year and write up our list of resolutions for 2021. On that list, why not include something that encourages you to step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to food orders?
According to the data science team at Yelp, there’s a handful of dishes and beverages that are projected to surge in popularity, based on how many times they were reviewed on the platform last year. Trust us—you’ll want to be in the know when it comes to these options. Below, you’ll see eight food trends to watch out for next year.
typically brined in buttermilk and deep fried until it’s crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside.
Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra releasing lines of hard seltzers next year, you're bound to hop aboard the trend—if you haven't already.
According to Yelp, Japanese sandwiches, also known as "Sandos," are beginning to dominate menus nationwide.
Hard seltzer sales have been on the rise since the beginning of 2019 and this year has seen their popularity soar. According to Nielsen data, canned hard seltzers drove more than $100 million in off-premise retail sales for four consecutive weeks between May and June.
According to Yelp data, the amount of times hard seltzers were mention in user reviews increased by 189% in 2020.
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If you have yet to try Mike’s hot honey, 2021 is your year. Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, the chili pepper–infused honey can be found in grocery store shelves and on restaurant menus all across the U.S.
Founder of the sensational condiment, Mike Kurtz, originally drizzled it on top of pizzas, and whether you follow suit or add it to waffles or even in your cocktail.
you’re in for a treat. According to Yelp’s report, the rate of review mentions of hot honey increased by 48% this year.
According to Yelp, Japanese sandwiches, also known as “Sandos,” are beginning to dominate menus nationwide. This year, several stores and pop-ups that specialize in the sandwich have already popped up in a few Texas cities, as well as in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
Try the traditional Katsu Sando, a deep-fried pork cutlet sandwich, or an egg salad version.
Sandos are made with soft and sweet milk bread, so be prepared to sink you teeth into a fluffy sandwich. The rate of review mentions on Yelp of Sandos is up 97% this year.
Boba (bubble) tea isn’t new to the food and beverage scene by any means, however, for those who have been sleeping on the trend, 2021 may be your year to try it.
Bubble tea originated in Taiwan, and is made with sweetened tea, milk, and tapioca balls often called pearls. There are many flavors of Boba tea aside from the traditional or jasmine tea, such as taro, lavender, and mango.
According to the Yelp report, expect to see emerging flavors, such as brown sugar, become available, as well as desserts made with the beverage such as boba flan, popsicles, and ice cream.
Birria (pronounced “beer-ya” with a rolling “r”) is a warming, juicy meat stew native to Jalisco, Mexico, and according to Yelp, the dish “made waves” on the food truck scene this year. Made with tough cuts of either goat, beef, or lamb, the meat is cooked until tender and flavored with chilies and Mexican spices.
Expect to see traditional birria tacos and and even fun twists, such as quesadillas called “quesdabirrias” in the year ahead.
The rate of review mentions of this dish increased on Yelp by a whopping 235% in 2021.
