# Mozzarella Bars Obikà in Manhattan By Andres Colmenares | Published 2008-10-01 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concept-food-first-mozzarella-bar-in-manhattan References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/dining/mozza.html?ex=1379044800&en=259a6a46343fd486&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink) & [ww.obika.it](http://ww.obika.it) Mozzarella is the new sushi in New York, ever since the opening of Obikà (pronounced Oh-bee-KA), Manhattan’s first [mozzarella bar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kamiku). It is like a [sushi bar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sushi-masu) that uses buffalo mozzarella instead of fish, and has been a hit in Rome since 2004. Obikà, from the word obiccà, means “Here it is,” in Neapolitan. Its innovative concept focus involves offering the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, a premium cheese, along with recipes and [artisanal products from Italy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-culinary-crossover). The minimalist and modern style of the Obikà kiosks are also available in Rome, Milan, London, Turin and very soon in Kuwait City. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Mozzarella Bar Trend:** The increasing popularity of mozzarella bars offers an opportunity for the food and beverage industry to explore new dining concepts centered around this versatile cheese. - **Alternative Ingredient Trend:** The use of buffalo mozzarella as an alternative ingredient to traditional sushi fish presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the culinary industry to create unique fusion dishes. - **Premium Cheese Focus:** The growing demand for premium cheeses, such as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, opens up opportunities for the cheese industry to develop high-quality, specialty products and expand their market. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage Industry:** Restaurateurs and entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry can capitalize on the mozzarella bar trend by creating innovative dining experiences centered around this popular cheese. - **Culinary Industry:** Chefs and culinary professionals can explore the use of buffalo mozzarella as an alternative ingredient to traditional sushi fish, bringing unique flavors and textures to fusion cuisine. - **Cheese Industry:** Producers and suppliers in the cheese industry can focus on the production of premium cheeses, such as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, to meet the growing demand for high-quality and artisanal products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flavored Lactose-Free Mozzarella Cheeses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infused-mozzarella.md) - [Foodservice-Inspired Frozen Cheese Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-mozz-sticks.md) - [Nugget-Style Cheese-Packed Appetizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-mozz-nuggets.md) - [Grillable Mozzarella Cheeses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/galbani-grill.md) - [Flavored Mozzarella Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavored-mozzarella-sticks.md) - [Bite-Sized Snacking Cheeses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snacking-cheeses.md) - [Low-Moisture Fresh Mozzarellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baking-fresh-mozzarella.md) - [High-Quality Artisanal Cheese Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisanal-cheese-bites.md) - [Infused Mozzarella Ciliegines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/galbani-cheese.md)