Kenneth SZ Goh of The Potluck shares with us the top food trends of 2021. From birria tacos to feta pasta, find out which dishes were the most popular searches
2021 piled us with food trends such as dalgona candy, zero-alcohol beverages, luxe doughnuts and more plant-based food in local flavours. I checked out Google’s Year in Search 2021 to see which foodie moments captured the world’s attention this year. Here are five of them.
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1. Birria Tacos
What: Birria, a hearty traditional Mexican stew, saw its popularity rise this year—with the help of tortillas. Shreds of braised lamb or beef, drenched in sweet, sour and slightly spicy adobo, are ensconced in soft tortillas that are fried to a crisp, golden-brown exterior. Cheese is added to up the oomph and ooze factor and the tacos are served with a side of stew for one’s dipping pleasure.
Naturally, the food trend exploded in the United States, where Mexican food is ubiquitous. There was also high interest in the dish in South American countries like Costa Rica, Honduras and the birthplace of birria, Mexico.
Why it became trendy: Birria tacos became a Tiktok sensation in late 2020 and early 2021. With a bouquet of spices, rich colours and dipping action, #birriatacos videos on Tiktok has garnered more than 565 million views.
In Singapore, try the food trend at Muslim-owned online food outlet @thebirriaboys and Papi’s Tacos in Seah Street.
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