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Cookpad Unveils the 2025 Food Trend Awards and 2026 Predictions

On November 26, 2025, Cookpad Inc., the operator of Japan's leading recipe service, announced the winners of the 2025 Food Trend Awards and the 2026 Food Trend Predictions. This annual event celebrates the diverse and enjoyable aspects of home cooking, utilizing data from recipe searches, access trends, and the Cookpad News media platform.

This marks the ninth year of the Food Trend Awards, and the top winner for 2025 is the innovative cooking method called the "One Plate Steamer". This cooking style allows for steaming ingredients in a single pot, simplifying meal prep while doubling as an attractive serving dish. Following closely, in second place, is the trendy "Mala Soup" (またはマーラータン), a flavor-packed dish that has captured the attention of Generation Z. In third place, the concept of "Stretch Cooking", which encourages culinary creativity as a means of budget-friendly meals, received recognition. Overall, a total of seven trends were highlighted.

The 2026 Food Trend Predictions include standout dishes like the "One Bowl Three Dishes", a healthy and time-efficient meal, and "Fusion Medicinal Cuisine", which incorporates traditional medicinal ingredients into everyday meals.

As part of this year's event, a new award titled "Cookpad Food Trend Award 'Person of the Year'" was introduced to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the evolution of home-cooked meals. The inaugural recipients include the founder of the Shichihonmala Soup restaurant, Ikegami Hideyuki, along with nutritionist and chef Hasegawa Akari, culinary creator Riyoko, and special award winner and Cookpad ambassador Yocchi, who is recognized for her expertise in stretch cooking. All were honored during the announcement ceremony.

Revolutionary Cooking Method: One Plate Steamer

The One Plate Steamer is a groundbreaking approach to cooking that allows for main dishes, side dishes, and staples to be prepared simultaneously in one steamer. This method saw an astonishing growth in search interest on Cookpad, with users searching for "steamed dishes" increasing by an incredible 635.8% year-on-year. The popularity of the #SteamedDishes trend on social media illustrates the method's widespread appeal.

This innovative cooking style addresses modern consumer desires by offering multiple benefits. Users can enjoy time-efficient cooking as the steaming process requires minimal supervision, it’s a healthier option that uses no oil, and it significantly reduces the cleanup process as meals are served directly in the same pot. This method appeals to a diverse audience, from busy dual-income families to health-conscious individuals and cooking enthusiasts, making it accessible to all.

The One Plate Steamer draws out the natural flavors of the ingredients, rendering vegetables sweet and meats juicy. Over 640 recipes have been developed for this cooking style, ranging from dumplings to bibimbap, making it a game-changing method for 2025.

Summary of 2025 Food Trend Awards and 2026 Predictions

The food trends for 2025 reflect a response to current challenges by discovering new ways to enjoy food amidst rising costs and intense heat waves. Consumers have begun to replicate popular items from specialty shops at home, leading to the emergence of unique adaptations like Natto Tacos. The One Plate Steamer exemplifies innovation by allowing multiple dishes to be cooked at once, while Stretch Cooking elevates frugality into satisfying meals.

According to Takako Kotake, head of Cookpad's public relations department, this year's trends showcase a growing demand for customization, as seen in the ingredient selection for Mala Soup and Custom Tea pairings.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Food Trend Predictions emphasize that there is no single correct way to enjoy food, suggesting a shift towards more enjoyable and individualized culinary experiences. Global cuisines like Biryani and No-Cook Soups are becoming staples in Japanese homes, while the One Bowl Three Dishes concept brings small moments of happiness to self-prepared meals. This year is set to integrate global culinary wisdom with the warmth of traditional Japanese home cooking.

About the Food Trend Awards and Predictions

The Food Trend Awards represent the culinary trends that symbolize each year, alongside the Food Trend Predictions that highlight potential upcoming trends for the following year. Sponsored by Cookpad since 2017, the event uses various data sources, including the leading recipe service's search and access logs, social media buzz, and insights from culinary experts, to present these trends annually.

For more information and to explore delicious recipes, visit Cookpad.