Chefs predict food trends for 2021

With 2020 almost in the rearview mirror (thank goodness), it’s time to look forward to what we can expect in the coming year. For many of us, 2021 will still be a slog as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on our healthcare systems and economy, especially service establishments like restaurants, but with vaccines beginning to be distributed, there is at least light at the end of the tunnel and a slow return to normalcy possible. Food & Wine recently asked several chefs to predict food trends for 2021.

Until people are finally able to regularly and safely return to in-person dining, they will want to savor any restaurant experience, so chef Jojo Ruiz predicts that ‘special occasion’ dining will dominate next year. The chef says “think tasting menus, private dining experiences that go above and beyond with ingredients and access. People will go out for a truly memorable dining experience where they feel safe and can expect an experience unlike anything they’ve had before.” On the flip side, many folks will opt for bringing the dining experience home, predicts Rick Billings, executive chef of José Andrés ThinkFoodGroup. Chef Daniel Boulud agrees, saying that “Restaurant-style meals packaged for the family will definitely keep trending in the year to come.”

Virtual cooking classes, slow to take root pre-pandemic, will continue to grow in popularity, according to chef Geoff Rhyne. It’s more than just because people can’t go to in-person classes – Rhyne believes that there is a renewed ‘thirst for knowledge’ that didn’t exist even a year ago. This will extend to home gardening, and trends that were already growing – such as fermentation, pickling, and canning – will continue to accelerate in popularity. Make sure to grab those canning lids when they become available next spring!