How and where we eat has massively changed from even just a few decades ago. From switching dining tables for sofas and trays, to dining out instead of eating at home, food trends are evolving.
Overall, there has been a shift from formal eating scenes, which has brought about a surge in people choosing street food over other meals and dining experiences. Oldrids and Downtown, providers of dinner sets, looks deeper into the trend.
What are people saying about formal and casual dining?
The idea of waiter-service, napkins and polished cutlery is typically a dining experience you’d save for a special occasion. In a recent survey, we found that 70% of adults are frustrated with the idea of waiting in a restaurant, while waiting for your food to arrive and waiting for a table were listed in the top three restaurant-related frustrations for 18-34-year-olds.
Perhaps its due to these sentiments that we’ve witnessed a shift from formal dining to casual eateries. Following the rise of fast-food and take-away restaurants, a fine dining experience has become a second-thought to most people choosing to eat out. Restaurants that offer buffet-style food, street food and outdoor eating areas have become a popular choice for a lot of people — especially families.
One of the top points to consider when dining out is price — do you fancy splashing out or are you wanting cheap and friendly? According to a report by Trajectory, the affordability of eating out is a big factor for families. Chain restaurants — such as Nando’s, Wetherspoons and The Harvester —offer comfortable dining experiences that are moderately priced and tend to have a more relaxed atmosphere. Nando’s, in particular, has been voted our favourite restaurant chain in the UK on Ranker.com, proving the casual dining experience has been a huge hit across the UK.
Pop-up restaurant popularity ratings
Another theory for our changing eating trends could have something to do with a more adventurous palate.
Eventbrite carried out a survey featuring 2,000 respondents that had attended pop-up dining experiences, and found that 75% believed a unique dining experience was worth the extra money. After analysing more than 40,000 of these pop-up dining events, Eventbrite also discovered that the pop-up dining experience was the fastest growing trend — recording 82% growth. With 74% of people surveyed stating that they’re interested in seeing their food being cooked in front of them with chef interaction, and 66% describing themselves as passionate about food and drink; it’s clear that the UK is becoming a foodie nation!
The popularity of street food
What do you first think of when you hear street food? If it’s burgers and hot dogs, you need to get in on the rising trend of gourmet street food! This way of eating has existed for years in countries such as Thailand, but is relatively new to the UK — but now it’s here, it’s really taking off.
Looking at research around the trend, we found that search volumes for street food have grown by more than 80% between 2014 and 2016, while the Food and Agriculture Organisation claimed that more than 2.5 billion people are now eating street food daily.
The range of delicacies available with street food seem limitless, enabling you to sample dishes from all over the globe on the same street. From Indian, Thai and Chinese, it’s unlike any other dining experience. Forget tables and fancy cutlery, street food is all about taste, and your food is usually served from a van in a public space such as a market or music festival.
In a society where time is precious and getting everyone together to enjoy a multi-course meal seems impossible, casual dining is proving to be the way forward. And it looks like the trend is here to stay, with 47% of consumers planning to eat more street food in the next year!
