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On 19 June 2025, Johannesburg became the latest city to host the Future Menus 2025 Vol. 3 launch – a high-energy event by Unilever Food Solutions spotlighting the global food trends reshaping modern menus. Chefs, foodservice professionals, and industry leaders gathered to explore how these restaurant trends can be translated into local kitchens.

Missed It? Watch the Highlights and Explore the Trends!

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Food Trends 2025 in Focus

Food Trends 2025 in Focus

The Future Menus 2025 trend report identifies four global food trends every chef should know. These trends reflect evolving diner expectations and the opportunities they create for South African chefs to innovate and stay competitive.

“Today’s diners crave more than good food – they’re looking for cultural connection, customisation, and creativity on the plate,” says UFS South Africa General Manager Kevin Lakay. “These aren’t passing fads – they’re food trends that are driving where menus need to go.”

 

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Street Food Couture

Street Food Couture

Where bold flavour meets culinary flair. From street-inspired dishes to high-end presentations, this trend shows how chefs can elevate everyday favourites with global influences and modern techniques. Guests enjoyed deep-fried cauliflower tacos, pap bowls with slow-roasted tomato, and creative street-style plates that reflect Johannesburg’s multicultural energy.

Borderless Cuisine

Borderless Cuisine

When food travels, it evolves. Borderless Cuisine celebrates how flavours cross borders and adapt to new cultures. Johannesburg’s diverse dining scene is the perfect canvas for this trend, which invites chefs to honour tradition while introducing fresh global twists. From West African staples to Asian marinades and Latin American influence, this is food without borders.

Culinary Roots

Culinary Roots

Rooted in tradition, ready for the future. Culinary Roots puts heritage ingredients, indigenous grains, and time-honoured techniques back on the menu – but reimagined for today’s diners. Think open-fire cooking, fermentation, and dishes that celebrate South Africa’s rich culinary history in exciting new ways.

Diner Designed

Diner Designed

Flexible, personalised, and interactive – today’s diners want a say in what’s on their plate. Diner Designed empowers chefs to co-create with guests, using technology like QR menus, modular dishes, and allergen-aware plating to deliver memorable, tailored dining experiences.

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A Celebration of Culinary Community

The Johannesburg event wasn’t just about food – it was about connection. Local chefs shared ideas, explored new menu trends, and discussed how to keep restaurants future-fit in an increasingly competitive market. From embracing global food trends to tapping into homegrown flavours, South Africa’s chefs are ready to lead the next chapter in foodservice innovation.

“To us, success means helping chefs say, ‘Yes – I can do that,’” says Yonela Motloung, UFS Marketing Lead. “Whether it’s boosting in-house dining or evolving with food trends 2025, we’re here to support chefs every step of the way.”

Diner Designed
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TEST THE MENU TRENDS

The Future Menus 2025 Vol. 3 report is packed with insights, practical strategies, and chef-driven recipes to help your kitchen tap into the latest restaurant trends.

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