Melbourne’s Top Catering Trends from 2023
Melbourne is a metropolis that loves its food, and the catering scene is no exception. Each year, new trends emerge as chefs and caterers push the boundaries of what’s possible with food.
In 2023, here are some of the top catering trends that we’re seeing in Melbourne:
1. Fusion cuisine
Fusion cuisine is a blend of food styles, with two or more culinary traditions amalgamated into one delicious dish, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in the Melbourne catering scene. This innovative approach allows chefs to create unique and exciting dishes that tantalise the taste buds. Some examples of fusion cuisine that we’re seeing in Melbourne include:
• Asian-inspired pasta dishes with Italian ingredients
• Mexican tacos with Korean fillings
• Indian curries with Australian native ingredients
2. Sustainable and ethical catering
More and more people are becoming conscious of their impact on the environment and the ethical impact of their food choices. This is reflected in the catering industry, with a growing demand for sustainable and ethical catering options. For this reason, caterers are now using locally sourced and ethically grown produce, reducing food waste and avoiding products with a negative social or environmental impact.
Some examples of sustainable and ethical catering practices include:
• Using compostable packaging
• Donating unused food to charities
• Sourcing ingredients from local farms and suppliers
• Avoiding products that contain palm oil or other unsustainable or unethical ingredients like caged eggs
3. Interactive and immersive catering experiences
Guests are seeking more than just a good meal at a catered event. They want an experience they’ll remember long after the event is over. That’s why we’re seeing a trend towards more interactive and immersive catering experiences.
Some examples of interactive and immersive catering experiences include:
• Cooking demonstrations
• Cocktail-making classes
• Pop-up eating experiences like the Van Gogh-inspired cafe at the Lume
• Food stations for guests to assemble their own food creations
• Themed events with food and décor to match,
• Immersive experiences like dining in the dark
4. Personalised catering
People want catering that reflects their unique tastes and preferences. That’s why personalised catering is becoming increasingly popular. This means working with caterers to create a menu tailored to the needs of the event and the guests. Home chefs are popular, too, with chefs coming to your home to create a unique food experience that no one else will have.
Some examples of personalised catering include:
• Creating custom menus for each guest
• Offering dietary restriction-friendly options
• Incorporating the client’s branding into the food presentation
5. Creative and visually appealing catering
They say we eat with our eyes, so food has to taste delicious and look fantastic. That’s why caterers are paying more attention to the visual presentation of their food, which includes using creative plating techniques, foam and smoke for a dramatic effect, edible flowers and other garnishes to make their food stand out.
Some examples of creative and visually appealing catering include:
• Grazing tables with a variety of colourful and delicious foods
• Dessert stations with over-the-top treats
• Food trucks with unique and innovative menus
Here are some additional catering trends that we’re seeing in Melbourne in 2023:
• Small plates and shared meals: Guests are increasingly seeking smaller shareable dishes, allowing them to try various foods and interact with each other more easily. A shared experience fosters a sense of connection.
• Locally sourced ingredients: People want to support local businesses and eat fresh and seasonal food. That’s why caterers are increasingly using locally sourced ingredients in their menus.
• Healthier options: Guests are looking for healthier catering options without sacrificing taste. Caterers are responding to this by offering more nutritious dishes that are low in fat, sugar and salt and high in protein and nutrients.
• Sustainability: Caterers are reducing their environmental impact by using compostable packaging, donating unused food to charities, and sourcing ingredients from sustainable suppliers. Yum Catering has been using sustainable packaging and bamboo containers for years, so we’re proud to say we’re leading the way in valuing sustainability.
If you’re planning a catered event in Melbourne in 2023 or 2024, keep these trends in mind.
At Yum Catering, we are always happy to create a customised menu for you and your guests and will do our utmost to offer you a truly memorable experience with delicious food. So get in touch, and let’s discuss your upcoming event.