close button

Cheap Eats 2014: 5 Hot New Trends

Oct 9, 2014 Cheap Eats

yummy-korean2

Pickles at Yummy Korean, Birkenhead.

 

Big right now? Dumplings and hand-pulled noodles from northern China; chicken 65 and other curries that aren’t butter chicken; Korean barbecue and Thai dishes that are more about the flavour than the sugar; and a new generation of both gourmet burgers and fish and chips. But what’s next? Here’s our pick of five future trends.

1. Cold noodle dishes

There are two Korean favourites: naengmyeon (cold buckwheat or arrowroot noodle soup — it’s so much better than it sounds) and bibim naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with tossed toppings and a red pepper paste called gochujang). Readily found on most Korean menus.

2. Hoppers and appam

We predict a dumpling-like following for Sri Lankan hoppers and South Indian appam: pancakes that make the perfect vehicle for holding a fried egg or sweet coconut flesh, or for mopping up a fiery Keralan curry.

3. Pickles and fermented foods

A trend that crosses ethnic barriers. Kimchi is already a star, sauerkraut and pickled vegetables to accompany burgers are on the rise, and we predict more.

4. Barbecue

Whether it’s Texan or Carolinan, whole-hog or beef brisket, pit-smoked Southern barbecue and its traditional accompaniments haven’t really hit town yet. And let it be known: in its place of origin, barbecue is a noun, never a verb.

5. Asian greens

No longer just a token plate of steamed greens ordered at yum cha, the many and varied (and generally very nutrient-dense) greens used in Asian cuisines will become known for their individual qualities.

Cheap Eats 2014: Auckland’s 100 Best Dinners Under $20

Latest

Metro N°446 is Out Now shadow

Metro N°446 is Out Now

In the Autumn 2025 issue of Metro: Cheap Eats is back with the top 50 places to eat in Auckland for under $25. Delight your eyes with a bumper Contemporary Art Special including Emma McIntyre, Ann Shelton, Greer Twiss, Areez Katki, Bob Harvey's memories of The McCahon House parties and a scooter-load of reviews from Sam Te Kani. PLUS: The fall of David Grr, the recovery of Golriz Ghahraman, Anna Rankin spends an afternoon at St Lukes Foodcourt, Metro meets Awful Food Reviews and more!

Buy the latest issue