However, one of the largest international influences for Australian restaurants is Asia, in general. As Henly (2001) surmises, Australians want simpler lives but more complex food experiences. They want value, but also flavor and visual appeal.
As noted earlier, the food service industry is steadily growing due to increased consumer incomes and lifestyle changes.
Fast-food hamburgers are being replaced by Chinese takeaways.
However, Chinese takeaways is only a small portion of the picture. With more than 2,000 Chinese restaurants in the country, Chinese is clearly the most popular choice of Asian restaurants in Australia. However, Thai and Japanese restaurants are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, according to Elizabeth Chong, a Hong Kong Goodwill Ambassador, who has run a Chinese cooking class in Melbourne for four-decade states, "You hardly come across a menu in Australia nowadays that does not have an Asian influence" (cited in Henly, 2001).
Australians are increasingly knowledgeable about Chinese food as well. Trends will include more presence of yum cha dishes as well as fresh seafood offerings from restaurant tanks. In addition, a fine selection of Chinese teas will be mandatory in the most trend-forward restaurants. As Henly (2001) notes, Australians in 2008 will continue to look for more and more choices, both in their takeaway Chinese meals, as well as their in dining room experiences.
With these varied choices, will come a trend for a greater variety of other Asian cuisines. Australian's have increasingly sophisticated palates. As such, 2008 will see a drive for more variety in Asian food, including selections from Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Japanese menus. Chinese restaurants and fast food outlets will likely be seen varying their more traditional menu to include these selections and meet the increased demand for diversity (Henly, 2001).
But, the Asian influence doesn't simply stop at the increased availability of asian foods, but is also affecting what is often termed 'Modern Australian' cuisine found in upscale restaurants. Leading chefs will continue to experiment with Asian flavors and add them to the uniqueness of Australian cuisine. Henly (2001) believes that Asian fruits, dried mushrooms, peppers,...
From gourmet beef, with choices inspired by Japan's waygu beef, to varied Asian cuisines beyond the Chinese that will also continue to be a popular choice in Aussie dining, Australians will definitely be looking for more choice in the coming year. Spain will also have a significant influence on Australian cuisine, replacing France as the epicenter for fine dining trends, with their high quality meats and surf-and-turf as standard fare. Chicken too will make an increased appearance, due to a variety of facets making it a healthy and cost effective alternative to the more traditional choice of beef, as it has in many other countries. and, lastly, Australian cuisine will find itself further transformed by powerful Asian influences, creating a new, unique fusion as leading chefs continue to experiment.
There are many unknowns when it comes to the future, but there is one thing for certain, in 2008, Australian restaurants will offer a diverse selection of food thanks to influences from all over the world.
References
Food service in Australia, (July 2007), [Online], Available: http://library.marketlineinfo.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/library/Download.aspx?R=E461A761-E53E-4043-915F-8602D6A30CC4&pType=MarketProfile&itemHref=E461A761-E53E-4043-915F-8602D6A30CC4.pdf[11/03/08].
Gatfield, T. 2006, "Australia's gone chicken! An examination of consumer behaviour and trends related to chicken and beef meats in Australia," Journal of Food Products Marketing vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 29-43.
New wagyu farms," Dec. 2007, Food Service - Grill vol. 5, no. 11, p. 22.
Nourse, P. (2008), Australian Gourmet Traveler 2008 Restaurant Guide Awards, [Online], Available: http://gourmettraveller.com.au/australian_gourmet_traveller_2008_restaurant_guide_awards.htm[11/03/08].
Henly, S. (5 Jul 2001), Australian food goes Asian, [Online], Available: http://www.tdctrade.com/imn/01070501/food03.htm[11/03/08].
