According to a commentary on 2025 food trends published by National Geographic, cocktails ditch sweet flavours for savoury and spicy notes, instant noodles (once the quintessential hustler meal for broke uni students) get a glow-up, while fresh and organic produce is now the ultimate prize – with heirloom veggies practically worth their weight in gold. The world, it would seem, is upside-down. And oddly enough, it works.
Much of these trends are driven by influencers on platforms like TikTok, where content related to pistachios alone has garnered more than 46 million views. According to Nat Geo's report, pistachios are no longer the poster nut for that viral Dubai chocolate (more on that later), but have now taken their rightful place as the crowning jewel of flavour enhancers – luxurious and pricey, yet worth every crunchy bite.
Soju, seaweed, and frozen dumplings are breaking free from their exotic labels to slide comfortably into the mainstream. What was once niche is now nosh, and suddenly everyone’s an expert on Asian flavour profiles. Yet, in the midst of this global flavour glow-up, one humble classic still reigns supreme: the hotdog, because no matter how fancy the palate gets, there’s something about a good ol’ dog that just hits right.
To bring some good-natured fun to your eating escapades, we've rounded up the food trends you can expect to taste more of in 2025 – and where to find them in Joburg.
Going nuts for pistachios
In 2024, a chocolate bar filled with crispy kataifi pastry, pistachio cream, and tahini made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai had the internet in a frenzy. It's a winning flavour combo, but it was more the exclusivity factor and high price that saw demand peak. And it didn't take long for DIY videos, 'honest opinion on the viral Dubai chocolate' taste tests, and ASMR videos to follow on social media.
While the hype has somewhat died down, what's left of the trend is the appeal of the nut itself. Say hello to your new favourite desserts, where pistachio is the star of the show. First up, De Baba Eatery in Melville spontaneously offers a pistachio and orange tart that’s apparently a fast-seller on the weekends. Marble in the Trumpet Building of Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank ups the ante with a luxurious pistachio cheesecake, while nearby Kanpai makes a mean pistachio semifredo stuffed doughnut. Crepe Republic at The Zone @ Rosebank serves a pistachio Nutella kataifi crêpe that’s pure indulgence. And Saint Pazzo Italiano, sister restaurant to Marble, gets seriously gourmet with a pistachio and lemon cannoli paired with pistachio crunch, lime gel, and vanilla gelato – a showstopper.
Fun fact: World Pistachio Day is on Feb 26! Now you know where to celebrate.
Hotdogs, but make it 'haute'
Turning to the traditional comfort mood, The Filthy Moustache is stealing a bit of the limelight with their unapologetically cheeky gourmet hotdogs. Known for their food truck flair and a permanent spot at Prison Break Market in Lonehill, these guys are slinging the kind of dogs that dreams are made of. Meet The New Guy: a freshly baked roll loaded with a giant 160g frank sausage, crispy bacon, jalapeños, caramelised onions, feta, and your sauce of choice. Or try The Crumb Catcher and The Lady Tickler for equally outrageous combos with the same hefty frank. Tried and tested – trust us, these 'Haute Dogs' are worth every bite.
Fun fact: In 1969, hotdogs were actually part of NASA’s astronaut food plan. They were packaged in special cans designed for space missions. NASA thought hotdogs would be easy to eat, light, and provide astronauts with a nice, familiar taste during the Apollo missions.
To bread and beyond
While the classic Albany, Sasko and Blue Ribbon breads might remain South African household staples, the rise of sourdough, paninis, rye bread, and ciabatta topped with creative fillings have changed the sandwich game forever. At Father Coffee in Kramerville, you can enjoy a tuna melt with aged cheddar, pickles, and salt and vinegar crisps (or 'chips', as we call them in SA) all sandwiched between grilled sourdough. Or opt for a club sandwich with panko fried chicken, bacon, cos lettuce, tomato, hot sauce honey butter, and mayo on milk bread.
Over at Ti Amo Italian Deli, inside the Sandhurst Shell garage, you can grab a special focaccia sandwich or pastrami on sourdough. Coined the '10-day sandwich', it’s a smoked Wagyu brisket pastrami, brined and smoked for nine days, and then served on toasted sourdough bread on the 10th day – unfortunately, this is not a menu staple, so it might be worth contacting the deli to find out when it's available. We also highly recommend the sandwiches from Super Sconto. Tucked away in Hyde Park shopping centre, this fine Italian delicatessen offers panini or ciabattina bread with more than 16 fillings, including crudo, salume, mortadella, tuna, and vegetarian options.
Fun fact: Peanut butter and jam sandwiches were initially considered a delicacy and were enjoyed only by the upper class.
Seas the day with seaweed
Seaweed is like a regular weed, except that it lives underwater. Members of this plant species don't have roots, stems, or leaves like regular plants. Instead, they soak up nutrients and sunlight directly from the water.
According to Nat Geo's report, seaweed is a healthy addition to one's diet because of its iodine content for thyroid support, and vitamins K and B, as well as iron, zinc, and antioxidants that can help protect our cells from damage. You've likely encountered seaweed in sushi: this is called 'nori' and it's one variety of edible seaweed that's dried and pressed into thin, dark green sheets. It has a slightly salty, umami-rich flavour and a smooth, papery texture that adds a subtle taste that complements other seafood ingredients perfectly.
Want to try it in other forms? PRON in Linden serves it straight up as a seaweed salad with garlic and chilli. If you're feeling really adventurous, KōL Izakhaya at Hyde Park Corner brings the drama with Appuru-Konbu – oysters soaking up apple seaweed vinegar. And if you want to play chef, you can readily find seaweed at your local Market Kokoro.
Fun fact: Most of the world's oxygen comes from seaweed.
Bao down for dumplings
A dumpling is basically a little pocket of dough stuffed with something delicious – like meat, veggies, or even something sweet. They can be steamed, boiled, fried, or baked, depending on the vibe you're after. And it’s easy to see why these are so popular. They’re quick, versatile, and downright delicious. Market Kokoro (with stores in Rivonia and Fourways, to name but a few) and Chinatown Cyrildene are a treasure trove for dumpling lovers, offering authentic varieties that bring a taste of Asia straight to your kitchen. For those looking to stock up, DumplingD delivers hand-folded dim sum dumplings frozen to perfection. And if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, Umami Food Studio in Midrand offers hands-on cooking classes to master the art of dumpling-making.
Fun fact: Dumplings are the OG fast food. They were made to be a one-bite wonder! Slice them open, and you're just asking for the good stuff to spill out.
Sip happens
Yes, you're picking up on a theme. Nat Geo's report makes plain that Asian food will have an impact on food trends in 2025. But it's not about the edibles only: drinks are on the line-up, too. Enter Soju, a distilled rice spirit that originated in Korea and quickly rose to fame thanks to its low price and ready availability. If you’ve tasted it before, and were able to keep a straight face until the burning sensation in your throat died down, you might have been tempted to link its flavour profile to vodka, which is very similar. The most popular brand of Soju you're likely to encounter in Joburg is Jinro Chamisul Soju in a friendly green bottle. Flavours vary from original to strawberry, green grape, plum, and grapefruit, and can also be purchased at your local Market Kokoro store.
Fun fact: Soju Rhapsody is a new delicious Netflix series that examines the history and evolution of Korean cuisine and continues with a celebration of the national drink, Soju.
Instant noodles, done up
The preparation time for instant noodles may be around two minutes, but its convenience is something that is timeless, and now, people are elevating the dish with ingredients like chilli oil, nori (the seaweed we spoke about earlier), and cripsy onions. While you can purchase instant noodles at any one of your go-to supermarkets, it's the Asian grocery stores that really do it differently.
If you've been lucky enough to have a late-night experience at the international 7-Eleven grocery stores, you'll be familiar with the excitement of choosing a packet of instant noodles, or ramen, either in a cup or colourful packaging and being able to prepare and enjoy it in the store. Fortunately for us local noodle lovers, Market Kokoro has imitated this experience, offering visitors a chance to do the exact same thing in store. Simply purchase, prepare, and choose from a variety of toppings including spring onion, cheese, bonito flakes, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and plenty more. For an extra R10, you can add in an egg!
Fun Fact: Despite noodles being all the rage in Asian communities, the word 'noodle' is actually German.
Savoury cocktails with zest and zing
The rise of savoury and spicy cocktails in local bars and restaurants bears witness to mixologists exploring how flavours like wasabi and coriander pair with the usual margaritas and martinis in 2025. Joburg's cocktail scene is no stranger to this and, once you've sampled a few, you might never think of cocktails in the same way again. Obscura Cocktail Bar & Eatery in Oxford Parks has a Spicey Candi Margarita that's dedicated to lovers of tequila. The recipe is a fusion of Don Julio Reposado Tequila, fresh mango juice, jalapeño syrup, fresh lime juice, cucumber bitters, habanero tincture, and a touch of tajin spice.
Or try the latest addition to the cocktail menu at Smoking Kills bar in Melville: The Mother-In-Law. In this one, rum, lime, soda, orange, coriander, atchar oil, marsala mango, and Inverroche limestone come together to delight your tastebuds. And last up in our Asian offerings, Zioux Restaurant's Wasabi Sake-tini is warmth in a glass, with floral and citrus notes from wasabi-infused saké, elderflower syrup, cucumber, and lemon.
Fun fact: Cheese might seem like an odd choice for a cocktail, but some drinks do feature cheese in their savoury flavour profile. Think a creamy, salty cheese-infused martini or a drink garnished with cheese around the rim.
Kale yeah! Plant-based foods soar
Indulgence may be stealing the spotlight in 2025, but many are embracing a healthier, greener lifestyle instead. Plant-based foods – made entirely or mostly from plants like vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes – are becoming a deliciously sustainable choice. Crowned Best Vegetarian Restaurant by Best of Joburg, Fresh Earth Food Store at Delta Central, Blairgowrie, is an all-in-one deli, cafe, and health shop that serves up a variety of tasty baked goods, drinks, and grocery essentials, with the added convenience of online shopping. For more ecofriendly finds, visit Farm Table in Linden, Bryanston Market, or Jackson's Real Food Market and Eatery (with locations in Bryanston, Kempton Park or Midrand) for the finest natural and organic produce.
If you’re seeking a refreshing alternative to Joburg's meat-heavy dining scene, Glory offers a fresh and flavourful culinary journey that celebrates health, sustainability, and vibrant southeast Asian-inspired cuisine. Specialising in pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, its six-course menu is crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with each plate bursting with bold, tangy flavours that tantalise the palate. Led by cook Nick Scott and stylist Caroline Olavarrieta, Glory’s warm, thoughtfully curated space in Parktown North promises a delectable and guilt-free dining experience with every visit. Read our review of this experience here.
Fun fact: Since cucumbers contain seeds and grow from the flower of a plant, they are botanically fruits, though they’re often treated as vegetables in cooking.
In a pickle
Pickles have long been a staple on charcuterie platters, but now their creative use in everyday meals is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of pickles beyond the platter, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon and discover where all the pickle goodness is at. First up, one of our favourites – Razia's Pickle! This mother-daughter duo from Pretoria offers mouthwatering pickles, sauces, and spice mixes, all made with a whole lot of love. Stop by Razia's Deli at 58 Nuwe Hoop Street, Maroelana, for a taste.
If you're in the mood for a savoury snack, head over to Bagel Zone at Benmore Centre for their classic egg, mayo, pickles, tomato, and onion bagel, or try the sticky Szechuan and honey chicken wings at PRON in Linden – they're paired with a refreshing palate cleanser of pickled daikon, carrot, and cucumber that we rate a solid 10/10. The Schwarma Company, a beloved spot in Norwood, offers more than just delicious schwarmas. At the deli counter downstairs, you'll find an array of Middle Eastern pantry essentials, including standout pickles that are a must-try.
Fun fact: The high electrolyte content in pickle brine can help replenish your body after a night of partying, making it a popular hangover remedy.
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