Food trends come and go. Who could forget the shawarma and pearl shake stands that mushroomed all over the Metro several years ago? Some of these crazes last a season then pack up, but a few stellar ones actually help redefine the changing (or unflinching) eating habits of Filipinos. Worth mentioning is the growing number of foodies, bloggers, and food publications with discriminating tastes that have helped spark a newfound public interest in a lot of these influential it-foods. Word of mouth is still the most powerful advertising after all. So where did we wine and dine in 2009? Yummy brings you the last word on this past year’s food trends:

Frozen Yogurt
Muppet foodie, Miss Piggy said it best: “A bowl of fruit is sometimes served in place of dessert. This practice should be discouraged.” But would it really hurt to save some room for both fruit and dessert? Arguably healthier than dairy ice cream, and containing calcium, protein, and digestion-friendly enzymes, frozen yogurt was an easy choice for consumers who went for its refreshing, sophisticated taste.

Suddenly, people were flocking to shops like Red Mango, White Hat, and Yoh-Gürt Froz for a different kind of dessert experience. For many, a big part of that experience was personalizing their order with a variety of toppings ranging from slices of tropical fruit to clumps of mochi and red bean, which appealed to Asian tastebuds.

The players: Red Mango, The White Hat, California Berry, Green Mango, Lulubelle, Yogurbud, Yoh-Gürt Froz, The Ice Cream Bar, Golden Spoon

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Red Mango

Burger Joints
While restaurants like Brothers Burger and Hot Shots have been plying buns and patties for years, the tipping point came when word spread about independent, often small-scale shops specializing in gourmet burgers. These burger joints went beyond being a stopover to grab a bite, and became homey diners where famished college students and yuppies alike could hang out over drinks and burgers.

Don’t mistake these for your typical fast food fare though. Customers swore by Charlie’s Burger’s Black Angus monster and Burger Avenue’s hefty Ridiculous Burger (customers were refunded if they could wolf it down in 5 minutes or less), made perfect with a siding of potato wedges or onion rings. Other offerings like Good Burger’s chicken and faux beef options, or Lusso’s decidedly upscale foie gras burger satisfied a more selective palate.

The players: Charlie’s Burger, Burger Avenue, Big Better Burgers, Ben’s Burjers, Sango Master Burger, Good Burger, Murray & D’Vine

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Bora Bites

Sango

Bite Club

Healthy Eating and Juice Bars
While in the past, some Filipinos would shy away from a plate of greens, 2009 saw a renewed love for healthy dining. Echoing a bigger public interest in personal wellness such as yoga and an organic lifestyle, the demand gained momentum with restaurants like veggie-friendly Corner Tree Café, Healthy Kitchen, and Greens making noise. Most offerings were sumptuous, creatively made and guilt-free dishes made for eager vegetarians, health buffs, and (yes!), even regular folk looking for something new to try.

Upscale juice bars like Mondo, Jugo, and Naked also began popping up in malls and various commercial places catering to professionals and gym-goers that found a natural healthy alternative to soda and coffee that nevertheless complemented their fast-paced, active lifestyles.

The players: Corner Tree Café, Healthy Kitchen; Juice bars Mondo, Jugo, Naked

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Mondo Juice

Bubble Tea

Greens

Online Bakers
A growing interest in cooking and baking encouraged some enterprising individuals to start their own baking businesses. But with the market saturated by big commercial names and fierce competition, where did these professionals-cum-bakers turn to for exposure? The internet of course! Advertising their desserts on Facebook, Multiply, and in blogs, they found a cheap, accessible way to advertise while working from the house or juggling a daytime job.


Customers loved their homemade cakes, cupcakes, and desserts, which couldn’t be found or mass-produced elsewhere anyway. It was no surprise that word spread quickly about their websites, and their ever-growing popularity is, well, icing on the cake.

The players: A lot including Yummy Piece of Cake, Dessert Barn, The Sweet Life by Ange, Sugar Rush Lab

The players: Barcino, Distillery, Cav, Bugsy’s

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