# Exotic Comforts Cultural ingredients are blended into comfort foods to familiarize exotic cuisine. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 3, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/exotic-comforts ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Exotic Comforts trend? **Exotic Comforts:** Consumers are infusing cultural ingredients into traditional comfort food formats to add an element of excitement to the eating experience. Offering up the "best of both worlds," this shift toward cultural food adaptations speak to a desire to escape the mundane, yet maintain a sense of familiarity. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 13, 2013 to Jul 1, 2014 - Published: Jul 3, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Exotic Comforts trend ### Cultural Comfort Fusion Cultural ingredients are blended into traditional comfort foods to create innovative flavor experiences. ### Unconventional Ingredient Pairings Consumers are seeking out novel ingredient pairings to add excitement to their eating experiences. ### Global Cuisine Adaptations Restaurants and eateries are adapting traditional global cuisines to make them more palatable and familiar to their customers. ## What the Exotic Comforts trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry Companies in the food and beverage industry should consider exploring unconventional cultural ingredient pairings to develop unique and innovative product offerings. ### For Restaurant Industry Restaurants should try adapting global cuisines into familiar dishes with unexpected twists to appeal to adventurous diners. ### For Snack Industry Snack companies should consider developing new products featuring unconventional ingredient pairings to cater to the demand for new and exciting flavors. ## Trend signals for Exotic Comforts Trend score 2.1 out of 10, from popularity 33%, activity 24%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 33% - Activity: 24% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Exotic Comforts trend 6 featured examples from Aug 13, 2013 to Jul 1, 2014. - [Instant Noodle Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-noodle-dish): This Creative Instant Noodle Dish is a Variation of a Grilled Cheese (Category: World) Implication: Exploration of incorporating ramen into non-Asian food dishes and using other unconventional ingredients as sandwich fillings can create new products and bring in new customers. - [Instant Noodle Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramenrito): The Ramenrito Offers Ramen Noodles as a Burrito Topping (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants and food trucks to experiment with fusion dishes that combine popular food items. - [Peculiar Poutine Sushi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poutine-sushi): The Vulgar Chef Comically Creates this Japanese-Canadian Food Fusion (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore and capitalize on the trend of poutine fusion by incorporating unique poutine-inspired dishes in their menus, attracting adventurous foo… - [Chocolate-Covered Sushi Specialities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nutella-sushi): These Nutella Sushi Rolls Blend the Best of Both Worlds (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity to develop innovative food products that combine unexpected flavors. - [Crispy Ramen Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramen-tacos): These Delicious Noodle Tacos Fuse Together Japanese and Mexican Cuisine (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for restaurants to experiment with fusion cuisine and offer unique dishes to attract customers. - [Instant Noodle Puddings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramen-pudding): Rocket News Created a Savory Pudding Flavor Called Ramen Pudding (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for innovative chefs and food manufacturers to explore and create new fusion food items. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)