Much like the United Arab Emirates, the food industry is constantly evolving and changing. As we head into 2023, a number of exciting food trends are set to take the world by storm. If you're an expatriate or tourist in the UAE, you'll be happy to know that many of these trends are already making their way into the local food scene, including in the realm of food delivery. In this article, we'll explore some of the tasty food trends that you can expect to see in 2023 and how they will impact the food delivery scene in the UAE.

Plant-based options will become more popular

The last few years have witnessed a steep rise in the popularity of plant-based foods, and this trend is set to continue in 2023. An increasing number of people are becoming aware of the impact of excessive meat consumption on health and are looking for alternative options. UAE has a rich culinary tradition, with a strong heritage of plant-based cuisine. If you're looking for tasty plant-based food options, there are plenty of lip-smacking dishes to choose from. 

The most popular names include falafel, hummus, and baba ganoush. These delicacies are made with fresh ingredients rich in flavour. You can also try filling and satisfying dishes like vegetable biryanis, lentil soups, and stuffed grape leaves. Hunting for something a bit more continental? Try vegan burgers, pizzas, and pasta now served at many restaurants throughout the emirates. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy or something sweet, there's sure to be a plant-based dish in the UAE that will tantalize your taste buds.

Fusion cuisine will continue to gain popularity

Fusion cuisine combines elements of different culinary traditions. It has been gaining popularity in recent years, a trend set to continue in 2023. Chefs from around the world are experimenting with flavours and techniques from different cultures, making the outcomes more interesting than ever. Today, one can expect can easily get exciting and unique dishes available for delivery in the UAE, such as Korean-Mexican tacos, Japanese-Italian pasta dishes, and Middle Eastern-inspired pizzas, and these mouth-watering combinations are here to stay. 

You can try Middle Eastern-inspired sushi rolls, or Indian-inspired pizzas topped with spicy paneer or tandoori chicken. Many eateries have also combined traditional Emirati dishes such as camel burgers and shawarma wraps with international flavours like Korean-style sauces and Mexican-style grilled vegetables. The tantalizing mix of flavours and textures makes fusion cuisine the find of the century for food lovers in the UAE.

Comfort food will make a comeback

While the recent pandemic years may have made the public a bit more conscientious of the nutrition in their meals, comfort food certainly reminds them of simpler times. Classics like mac and cheese, fried chicken, and burgers will continue to be popular in 2023 the way they have been for decades. We can also expect rapid globalization to see chefs from different sociocultural backgrounds putting their own spin on these classic dishes, using high-quality indigenous ingredients and innovative techniques to create innovative versions of age-old favourites.

In the UAE, traditional Arabic comfort foods like Machboos, Thareed, and other Middle-Eastern delicacies will continue to be popular among expats and tourists. If you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of comforting desserts to try, such as sticky date pudding, Baklava, or Knafeh, a cheesy pastry soaked in syrup. No matter what your tastes or preferences, there's a comfort food in the UAE that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Health-conscious options will be more prevalent

While comfort food will continue to be popular, the post-pandemic world is also likely to be more health-conscious. Therefore, healthy options will also dominate in 2023, especially in the UAE. With scores of highly talented professionals flocking to the emirates from all over the world, the demand for healthy and balanced diets is likely to rise. Healthy options that don't sacrifice flavour will particularly be in demand. Expect to see more salads, bowls, and other healthy options available for delivery in the UAE. 

Many restaurants offer nutritious salads, vegetable-based soups, and grilled fish or chicken dishes, all available for food delivery across the UAE. You can also find vegetarian and vegan options that are rich in protein and fibre, such as lentil soups, falafel wraps, and hummus platters. In addition, you can also get meals prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients in their meals delivered anywhere in the emirates, ensuring that you're getting the most nutrients possible. Likewise, you can also get particular health-focused diets like gluten-free or low-carb options to avoid gaining those extra kilos.

Local and regional cuisine will be in the spotlight

Finally, in 2023, we can expect to see a greater interest in local and regional cuisine as it has been the trend for the past few years. The emirates have a diverse tradition of culinary excellence, and expats and tourists love exploring these traditions. Similarly, the large population of foreigners has made the UAE a melting pot of cultures and traditions from all over the world, bringing exotic and regional cuisine to the emirates. The UAE's rich cultural heritage has plenty of traditional dishes for foodies to discover, including Machboos, and Thareed. 

You can have Balaleet for breakfast, a sweet vermicelli pudding, or chebab, a pancake-like treat served with date syrup. Seafood is also a strong forte of the local cuisine in the UAE, with dishes such as grilled prawns and Hammour, a local fish that is often served with rice or salad. The sweet hunters can try local desserts such as Luqaimat, a sweet dumpling served with syrup, or Al Dafin, a sweetened vermicelli pudding with cardamom and rose water. Food delivery services in the UAE will be catering to this trend by offering these local and regional dishes from the emirates, along with authentic dishes from Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and India. 

So, 2023 promises to be an exciting year for food delivery in the UAE. From plant-based options to fusion cuisine, comfort food to health-conscious dishes, and local and regional cuisine, there's something for everyone. The next time you're hungry and looking for food delivery in the UAE, be sure to keep an eye out for these tasty food trends!