#Japan #Tokyo #Foodist Service #Akari Hasegawa #Seiro Mushi

2025 Trend Food Word Awards: A Deep Dive into Culinary Innovations

The 2025 Trend Food Word Awards have revealed exciting results, showcasing popular cooking styles and flavors that have captivated food enthusiasts and home cooks alike. Led by the Foodist Service, a platform boasting around 30,000 food influencers, the awards were based on trending culinary terms from popular social media platforms including Instagram, X, and TikTok. The standout winner of the awards was Seiro Mushi, a traditional Japanese steaming technique that has taken social media by storm.

Celebrating Seiro Mushi

The victory of Seiro Mushi was no surprise as it exemplifies a growing trend towards simple yet health-conscious cooking practices. As more people gravitate towards meals that are easy to prepare and visually appealing, this cooking method has become a go-to choice for many. The buzz around Seiro Mushi is evident, with over 140,000 posts featuring the popular hashtag on Instagram alone. Additionally, the book 'All About Steaming: Seiro Recipes' by Riyoko has sold over 300,000 copies, indicating a significant cultural shift toward this easy and healthy cooking option.

Foodists have expressed their enthusiasm, citing the technique’s healthiness, simplicity, and aesthetic appeal. One user commented, “It’s healthy, delicious, and visually charming, making it an irresistible option for cooking.”

The Rising Interest in Food Storage

Closely following in second place was Bichiku Mai (emergency food rice). Faced with price surges and supply concerns due to climate anomalies, the demand for stored rice has skyrocketed. This topic has been widely discussed on social media and in news, with grocery shelves often running empty. As restaurants and convenience stores raced to secure stocks, unique methods for cooking the rice have emerged online, leading to viral trends showcasing innovative preparation techniques.

The Allure of Spicy Sichuan Cuisine

Ranking third was Mala Soup (Mala Tan), a spicy soup originating from Sichuan Province known for its numbing and spicy flavor profile. The popularity of this dish has soared, particularly with the opening of 22 new specialized stores of the renowned Chikyu Tan this year. The accessibility of ready-to-cook mala soup packets has also made it a favorite among those craving bold flavors.

Exploring New Trends: Dubai Chocolate and Tacos

The whimsical Dubai Chocolate, made with pistachio paste and crunchy elements coated in chocolate, placed fourth in the awards. This dessert has garnered attention on social media, leading to its increased availability in department stores and online.

Additionally, the Taco Boom ranked sixth, showcasing hearty tacos filled with vibrant ingredients and served in a playful manner. The trend has inspired pop-up taco stands and DIY taco parties among community members, reflecting a growing desire for fun dining experiences.

The Fast Appeal of Boiled Fish and Simplicity in Cooking

Interestingly, the trend of boiling fish instead of grilling it has caught on, taking the seventh position. This method emphasizes a healthier cooking style, where preparations are quick, yielding juicy, tender results, and has been widely embraced by many home cooks.

The emergence of cooking influencers such as Akari Hasegawa, who advocates for easy yet flavorful recipes, has only solidified this trend. With over a million followers, Hasegawa inspires countless home cooks with her charming attitude and healthy approaches to meals.

Emerging Innovations and Predictions for 2026

As we move into 2026, experts predict a surge in the personalization of food styles, influenced by ongoing cultural shifts. Key notes include the rise of herbal cuisine, which focuses on self-care through food, and a growing interest in customizable meals that allow for creativity in cooking. The low-effort trends, encouraging busy individuals to simplify their culinary processes, show no signs of slowing down.

The future of culinary arts continues to excite, as we anticipate more innovative recipes and cooking styles to emerge, enriching our relationship with food.