Omakase, Bagels, Barbecue, and ‘Culinary Class Wars’: 2024’s Food Trends
Restaurants led by chefs from Netflix’s hit cooking competition Culinary Class War took center stage this year, while sushi omakase, bagels, and Korean barbecue emerged as the most sought-after dining experiences, according to the 2024 Gourmet Trend Report released by restaurant reservation platform Catch Table on Friday.
The analysis, based on reservations made between January and October, offers a snapshot of diners’ preferences and evolving culinary habits.
Riding the wave of Netflix stardom, Via Toledo Pasta Bar, owned by Culinary Class War champion Napoli Matfia, became the platform’s “most saved restaurant” of the year. Known for its traditional Italian pasta, the restaurant captivated food lovers with its authentic flavors and innovative presentation.
The enduring appeal of chef-curated dining experiences was also evident, with sushi omakase maintaining its position as the top dining trend for a second consecutive year. Diners continue to crave the creativity and craftsmanship showcased in this “leave-it-to-the-chef” style. Other popular categories included Italian cuisine, dining bars, hansik (Korean food), and hanwoo beef omakase, underscoring a diverse range of culinary interests.
In terms of specific dishes, noodle-based offerings like cold naengmyeon saw the biggest surge in attention, reflecting growing interest in refreshing, texture-rich meals. Other notable trends included chicken and duck dishes, Thai cuisine, and hot pot-style shabu-shabu.
London Bagel Museum, with branches in Seoul’s Jongno, Gangnam, and Jamsil neighborhoods, claimed the title of the longest wait time for a reservation. The bakery draws crowds with its wide array of bagels, ranging from sweet and savory classics to generously filled creations.
For reservations, Montan Jeju, specializing in straw-grilled aged beef short ribs and pork neck, led the pack. Opened in August last year, the restaurant has quickly gained a devoted following. Other highly reserved spots included The Buffet at Inter-Burgo in Daegu, Osteria Orzo in Hannam-dong, Seoul, and Saladaeng Temple in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.
As 2024 comes to a close, the trends highlight an exciting blend of creativity and tradition in the dining world, fueled by bold culinary experimentation, celebrity chefs, and a global palate eager for fresh and flavorful experiences.
