Ethnic Eating

As families continue to eat out more and more, they are finding more ethnic choices at their favorite dining spots. A recent survey from R&I Magazine determined that 50 percent of menus feature Mexican food. And if “Tex-Mex” had been an included designation, this number would have jumped higher. Even Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Indian cuisines are finding their way onto mainstream menus. There are many reasons for the increased presence of ethnic foods. Restaurateurs use ethnic foods to give patrons greater variety and dishes they usually don’t make for themselves. As an added bonus, many of these items can be prepared at a reasonable cost, with ingredients they already have in their kitchens. Diners perceive ethnic foods as being healthy. And because people are traveling more and they have access to unlimited information at the click of a mouse, they have more familiarity with these types of foods. Kids are also becoming more adventurous with foods because of greater familiarity from school lunches and from friends of different ethnicities.

WonderGroup's Perspective
This is more the continuation of a long-running trend than new, ground-breaking news. That being said, next time you go out to eat, take a close look at the menu and chances are you’ll be surprised at just how big the ethnic influence is – even in good ole American chains. There is something about these foods themselves that Americans like, but ethnic foods’ popularity is also a bit about the “new” factor. Americans’ palates are becoming more adventurous and they crave new taste experiences. Restaurateurs are sure to continue to offer more ethnic cuisine and to give traditional favorites an ethnic spin. While many experts predict most of the activity to happen along the Asian and Hispanic fronts, look for greater excitement and exploration in unchartered ethnic territories such as African and Caribbean cuisine. And consumer packaged goods companies should also take note as grocery stores seem primed for more new products with a greater focus on ethnic foods and flavors.