Char’s 2025 Food Trend Predictions

More International Chains

Last year, Wendy’s and Dave’s Hot Chicken announced plans to come to Ireland. We reckon this could open the floodgates for more international chains to come to our shores. It makes sense for businesses to come here. Remember when Krispy Kreme came to Dublin and became the company’s most profitable branch? We like to eat. So, what’s coming next? Maybe a Jollibee or a Taco Bell? Time will tell!

Guinness Dethroned by Beamish

Guinness’s popularity has reached astounding heights, breaking into new demographics and making waves overseas. The Brits even had to ration it due to demand. But you know how it goes—when something ‘cool’ gets too popular, people lose interest. Beamish is in a prime position to take the spot of favour. It’s good news for homesick Corkonians, as you can expect to see more places offering this bad boy. The new ultimate status symbol for a pub will be boasting the trifecta of Guinness, Beamish, and Murphy’s.

Alcohol-Free Revolution

In 2024, we finally said goodbye to the dark ages of alcohol-free options. Guinness 0.0 reported a 50% increase in sales, while brands like Fierce Mild, BÆK, Hollow Leg, and Lucky Saint are delivering genuinely great alternatives. There will be even more innovation. Look out for zero-proof cocktails that have all the complexity of the real thing and breweries taking embracing the non-alcoholic space.

Dumpling Culture

Delicious and convenient. Dumplings are all over Dublin. Whether you’re having a bao bun on the go or a massive Dim Sum spread they are the perfect snack or meal. And we can’t get enough. We predict even more dumpling-focused sit-down and takeaway spots popping up in 2025. Plus, we expect to see creative experimentation with fillings—perhaps even some Irish fusion? Coddle-filled xiaolongbao, anyone?

Pickle Palooza

Love ’em or hate ’em, pickles are king in 2025. From adding pickle juice to your cola to snacking on a cornichon as part of your “girl dinner” spread, they’re versatile and delicious. And it’s not just cucumbers. You can pickles just about anything. More joints are bound to lean into the trend with pickle/ferments spreads in 2025. Pickle martinis, pickle desserts, pickled everything. And yes somebody will inevitably open a pickle bar, and you’ll love it.

Retro Food

There’s not much evidence for this one just yet, but we see it in the crystal ball and feel it in our bones. Weird, kitschy food of a pre millennium era is coming back big time. While we truly hope aspic stays in the past where it belongs, other nostalgic delicacies of yesteryear are ready to make a return bring with them a comforting aura of simpler times. Pineapple and cheese on a stick, vol-au-vents, trifles, and the grand dame of party snacks: the cheese ball. They’ll be back in oour bellies soon enough.

Supper Clubs

People aren’t just looking for sustenance when they dine—they want an experience. And chefs want to express themselves in what they do. Curated, thoughtful menus showcasing delicious ingredients, the chef’s personality, and a story are what supper clubs are all about. There’s a communal vibe that perfectly matches the ethos of bringing people together.

Crisp Appetisers

Did you catch the Chippy Boys trend on TikTok? Kettle chips topped with gorgonzola, toasted in the oven, and finished with a sweet balsamic drizzle. Basically, posh nachos. But you know who loves crisps? The Irish. We invented modern flavoured crisps after all. We foresee the loaded crisp taking the place of the pub toasty. Imagine an unending variety of Tayto flavours topped with cheeses and sauces. Perfect with a pint. 

Imagine Tayto Smokey Bacon topped with cheddar, jalapeños and sour cream. Or Cheese and Onion King crisps with blue cheese and and lashings of hot sauce.

Filipino Food

We’ve really embraced Asian cuisine here in Ireland, with a fabulous selection of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese offerings. Now it’s time for Filipino food to have its moment in the spotlight. Expect adobo, sisig, and lumpia on more menus this year. And for the sweet tooths, we think halo-halo is the next big thing: a delightfully sweet blend of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients like flavoured jelly, ube, pudding, sago, and fruits. It’s endlessly customisable and beautifully colourful.

Big Plates

Small plates can kick rocks—we’re here to FEAST. Just kidding, there’s room on the table for plates of all sizes, but the sharing plate is about to have a massive moment. With the likes of Mister S, Bovinity, and Achara leading the charge, it’s all the fun of family-style dining but with a proper big feed that leaves everyone satiated.

Elevated Struggle Meals

We’ve seen people work hard to yassify simple, cheap, struggle meals recently—instant ramen topped with the likes of mozzarella, fresh veggies, and perfectly poached eggs. We predict this trend will only grow in 2025, turning humble meals into gourmet creations. We foresee the likes of beans on toast topped with burrata, smoked sea salt and truffle oil.

Butter

Butter is having a moment. Irish pride in our salty, creamy gold is palpable, and it’s finally receiving the international attention it deserves. We predict butter will get star treatment in 2025. Think elaborate butter sculptures on restaurant tables, butter tasting menus, curated butter pairings with fresh-baked bread, and butter-themed merch and jewellery.

Elsewhere on Char CHAR’s 25 Best Looking Dishes of 2024