The culinary world is in the midst of an exciting transformation, with new food trends, advanced technology, and a growing focus on sustainability shaping dining experiences globally. In its latest Future of Food Report 2025, Marriott International’s Luxury Group, which encompasses a portfolio of high-end hotels, unveils some intriguing predictions about the future of food, particularly the rising prominence of Asian cuisine. The report is based on extensive research and interviews with over 30 pioneering chefs, mixologists, and food industry experts from across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. According to the report, Asian cuisine is on track to dominate the global culinary scene, with some experts even suggesting that an Asian restaurant could soon be crowned the world’s number one dining destination.
The Future of Asian Cuisine on the Global Stage
As the world’s culinary scene evolves, cuisines from the “global south,” including those of Asia and the Pacific region, are gaining more recognition than ever before. The report indicates that Asian restaurants are not just emerging—they are rising to the same level of prestige traditionally reserved for Western fine dining establishments. This shift is particularly evident in the number of Michelin stars being awarded to restaurants from APAC, surpassing the traditional dominance of Western restaurants in places like Central London.
Chefs and food enthusiasts are increasingly embracing Asian culinary techniques, ingredients, and traditions, with many seeing the APAC region not as an “emerging” dining destination but as a current leader in global gastronomy. The rise of Asian cuisine is reflected in the growing global recognition of restaurants from cities across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular attention to the innovative ways Asian chefs are bringing regional flavors to international palates.
Japanese Cuisine’s Enduring Influence
Japanese cuisine has long been an influential force in global dining, known for its meticulous preparation, fresh ingredients, and aesthetic presentation. However, the future of Asian food is now expanding beyond Japan. In the report, experts highlight the global reach of Cantonese cuisine, which is now being championed by chefs in cities like Istanbul, Copenhagen, and Barcelona. These chefs are taking the traditional flavors of Cantonese dishes—rich in umami and balance—and adapting them to modern global tastes, further solidifying Asian cuisine’s place on the world stage.
India’s food culture is also garnering increasing attention worldwide. The country’s rich array of spices, including cumin, turmeric, and cardamom, offers depth and complexity to vegetarian cooking, which has inspired many chefs around the world. Additionally, the art of cooking in a tandoor oven, a hallmark of Indian cuisine, is being embraced by international chefs who are using it to add new layers of flavor to their dishes. As Prateek Sadhu, the chef at Naar restaurant in the foothills of the Himalayas, notes, the global fascination with India’s culinary techniques and spices is inspiring chefs and food enthusiasts to explore new flavors and culinary creativity.
Mumbai Emerges as a New Culinary Capital
As the report identifies the rise of culinary tourism in Asia Pacific, it highlights several cities that have rapidly become culinary capitals of the region. One such city is Mumbai, India, which is fast becoming a global dining destination. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Mumbai’s dining scene is a reflection of the city’s socio-economic disparity and history as a melting pot of migrants. The city is home to a diverse range of restaurants, each offering unique takes on Indian and international cuisines. Among the top restaurants identified in the report are Masque, Ekaa, and Noon, all of which are leading the way in showcasing Mumbai’s vibrant and ever-evolving food culture.
Mumbai’s rise as a culinary capital is indicative of the growing interest in exploring regional flavors and cuisines that reflect the unique cultural and historical contexts of their locales. Travelers from around the world are flocking to cities like Mumbai to experience the intersection of food, history, and culture, making it an essential destination for food tourism.
Top 10 Up-and-Coming Culinary Capitals in the Asia Pacific
The Future of Food Report 2025 highlights several other cities that are emerging as key players in the global culinary scene. These up-and-coming culinary capitals are expected to continue growing in prominence as they offer unique and innovative dining experiences that reflect the rich diversity of the Asia-Pacific region. Here are the top 10 cities to watch:
- Bali, Indonesia – Known for its tropical flavors and rich culinary traditions, Bali is becoming a hub for both traditional Indonesian cuisine and modern culinary innovation.
- Busan, South Korea – As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan is quickly gaining attention for its seafood-based dishes and unique fusion of traditional Korean flavors with global influences.
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – With its vibrant street food scene and growing fine dining offerings, Ho Chi Minh City is fast becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top culinary destinations.
- Jeju, South Korea – Famous for its fresh produce and unique dishes, Jeju is gaining recognition for its farm-to-table dining experiences.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures is reflected in its diverse food scene, with Kuala Lumpur offering everything from street food to high-end dining.
- Manila, Philippines – Known for its fusion of Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous influences, Manila is a city to watch as it continues to innovate and elevate Filipino cuisine.
- Mumbai, India – With its diverse and dynamic food scene, Mumbai is rapidly becoming a global food destination.
- Niseko, Japan – Famous for its ski resorts, Niseko is also known for its growing number of high-end restaurants that focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Shanghai, China – As a global economic powerhouse, Shanghai’s food scene is equally cosmopolitan, blending traditional Shanghainese dishes with international flavors.
- Tasmania, Australia – Known for its pristine environment and sustainable food practices, Tasmania is becoming a center for innovative, farm-to-table dining.
Key Food Trends in the Asia-Pacific Region
The Future of Food Report 2025 doesn’t just focus on specific cities—it also sheds light on some of the overarching trends shaping the future of food in the Asia-Pacific region. These trends include:
- Redefinition of Fine Dining: The concept of fine dining is evolving, with a growing emphasis on inclusivity, creativity, and sustainability. High-end restaurants are moving beyond traditional European-inspired menus and embracing a more diverse range of cuisines and techniques.
- Revival of Forgotten Ingredients and Traditions: Many chefs are rediscovering forgotten or overlooked ingredients, often native to the Asia-Pacific region, and reviving traditional cooking methods. This focus on culinary heritage is helping to preserve local food cultures while introducing them to global audiences.
- Conscious Cuisines and Sustainability: With increasing awareness about climate change and sustainability, many restaurants are prioritizing local, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients. Conscious cuisine emphasizes the importance of sustainability in both food production and preparation.
- Wellness and Technology: Technology is playing an ever-greater role in food innovation, from the use of AI to personalize menus to advancements in food production. Meanwhile, wellness-focused dining is becoming more popular, with an emphasis on nutritious, balanced meals that promote health and well-being.
- Sensory Dining: This trend focuses on creating multisensory dining experiences that engage not just taste but also sight, smell, touch, and sound. The idea is to make dining a more immersive, unforgettable experience.
The Future of Food Report 2025 makes it clear that Asian cuisine is poised to take center stage in global dining, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the way in culinary innovation. From the rise of culinary tourism to the increasing prominence of cities like Mumbai, the future of food looks incredibly exciting. As global dining continues to evolve, Asian restaurants, chefs, and cuisines will play an integral role in shaping the culinary landscape for years to come. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a culinary professional, or just someone who enjoys great food, the rise of Asian cuisine is a trend worth watching.
