COMFORT FOOD HAS HAD A MAKEOVER
FAMILIAR FAVOURITES,
NEW WAYS TO INDULGE
Comfort food has always been about familiarity, indulgence and satisfaction. But as we look ahead to 2027, those familiar favourites are continuing to evolve for a new generation of diners.
Operators are finding new ways to make classic dishes feel exciting again — from nostalgic favourites and global influences to bold flavours, premium touches and dishes designed to deliver more perceived value.
In this edition of Beyond the Plate, we explore how comfort food is evolving, what’s shaping the trend and where operators can find practical opportunities to refresh their menus for the year ahead through flavour, texture and simple upgrades.
NEWSTALGIA: Nostalgia is back, with familiar favourites getting a modern upgrade. Think smashed burgers, elevated toasties, loaded fries and indulgent mac & cheese.
GLOBAL COMFORT: Global flavours are making their way into familiar formats — from Korean chicken and birria to Caribbean curry bowls and butter chicken.
INDULGENCE WITH VALUE: Customers still want to treat themselves, but value matters. Generous toppings, sauces and premium touches can make dishes feel indulgent without adding complexity.
THE TEXTURE EFFECT: Texture is key to making comfort food more memorable. Think crispy chicken, melted cheese, crunchy toppings, toasted breads and creamy sauces.
Sources: National Restaurant Association, 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast; Mintel, 2026 Global Food & Drink Predictions; Datassential, 2026 Food & Beverage Trends.
BEYOND THE BURGER -
HOW COMFORT IS SHOWING UP ACROSS THE MENU.
BREAKFAST: Loaded breakfast sandwiches, indulgent pancakes and globally inspired morning dishes.
LUNCH: Elevated toasties, crispy chicken sandwiches, loaded wraps and satisfying bowls.
SIDES: Loaded fries, crispy potatoes, mac & cheese and sharing dishes moving beyond the supporting role.
DESSERT: Nostalgic puddings, sundaes, brownies and familiar desserts with premium toppings and flavour twists.
The opportunity is to take the comfort factor and apply it across the menu.
PUTTING THE TREND TO WORK
Opportunities across Foodservice
QSRs: Build limited-time offers around nostalgic favourites with bold flavour twists.
Cafés & Coffee Shops: Reinvent toasties, brunch dishes and sweet treats with indulgent toppings and sauces.
Independent Restaurants: Give classic dishes a signature identity through premium ingredients and distinctive flavours.
Pubs: Push beyond traditional burgers and wings with loaded sides, sharing dishes and upgraded comfort classics.
Travel & Workplace Catering: Bring familiar, satisfying dishes into bowls, wraps and grab-and-go formats.
The strongest ideas are familiar enough to understand, exciting enough to try and satisfying enough to come back for.
The Final Bite
Comfort food isn't disappearing —
it's evolving.
For operators, the opportunity isn't always about creating something completely new. Start with the dishes customers already know and look for simple ways to make them more distinctive through flavour, texture, toppings, presentation or a signature twist.
The next menu favourite could already be on your menu.
IT MIGHT JUST NEED A MAKEOVER.
Our team can help explore flavours, formats and product solutions that turn current foodservice trends into practical menu opportunities.
Talk to the Excellence team
(01)
832 3300
info@excellence.ie