As global palates expand, consumers are increasingly seeking out authentic, regional flavors — whether from the comfort of their kitchens or through vibrant street food experiences. Let’s explore how different global cuisines are being consumed, what’s enabling this shift, and where brands can seize new opportunities.

Market Opportunities: Flavor Innovation

Globally, 65% of consumers are open to trying new experiences, and Millennials remain the generation that explores the most when it comes to ethnic flavors. Key purchase drivers for global cuisine are authenticity and cultural connection – consumers want to know the story behind their food and drink

Ethnic flavors have expanded beyond sauces and ready meals into snacks, dairy, and desserts. Household name-brands like Heinz and Terrapin Ridge Farms are launching globally inspired condiments and snacks. 

In the market, opportunity lies in fusing ethnic flavors with familiar formats like butter chicken tacos, for example. Packaging can be used for storytelling to highlight cultural authenticity, and innovation is ripe for underrepresented categories like bakery, hot drinks, and ice cream. 

As global flavors become more accessible, the question arises: are consumers enjoying these cuisines at home or seeking them out in restaurants? The answer varies by region and cuisine type, influenced by factors like convenience, cost, and cultural familiarity. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore how different global cuisines are being consumed, what products are making it easier to bring these flavors home, and where brands can find untapped opportunities in both the retail and foodservice landscapes. 

Latin America

Familiar, Flavorful, and Home-Friendly 
Latin American cuisine — especially Mexican — is a staple in US households. With a strong presence in meal kits and a 43.4% share on menus, it’s both a restaurant favorite and a home-cooked classic. 

Products enabling home cooking: 

• Tex-Mex meal kits (e.g., tacos, fajitas) 

• Ready-made sauces and spice blends 

Market opportunities: 

• Expand beyond Tex-Mex into lesser-known dishes like birria, molletes, and torta ahogada. 

• Innovate with weekday-friendly, street food-inspired kits. 

• Highlight prep methods like grilling, frying, and stewing for authenticity. 

Explore more about Koren/Thai inspired Street Food.

Thailand

Takeout Favorite with Meal Kit Momentum 
Thai food is still primarily enjoyed outside the home — via takeout or dine-in — but meal kits are gaining traction due to the cuisine’s complexity and bold flavors. 

Products enabling home cooking: 

• Thai green curry and chicken salad meal kits 

• Ready sauces with authentic ingredients like Gochujang and Thai chili 

• Quick-prep kits that replicate street food experiences 

Market opportunities: 

• Emphasize speed and convenience in meal kits. 

• Introduce regional specialties like khao soi and larb. 

• Position Thai cuisine as a bridge between indulgence and health. 

Explore more about Thai inspired Street Food.

Korea

Dining Out Favorite, Growing at Home 
Korean food is still strongly associated with dining out, but cost-conscious consumers are turning to meal kits for at-home experiences. 

Products enabling home cooking: 

• Korean BBQ and bulgogi meal kits 

• Fusion-ready items like pork belly bao and Korean udon 

• Fermented staples like kimchi in convenient formats 

Market opportunities: 

• Simplify complex dishes for home cooks. 

• Highlight fermentation and health benefits. 

• Tap into Gen Z and Millennial interest in bold, spicy flavors. 

Explore more about Korean inspired Street Food.

India

A Home-Cooked Staple 
Indian cuisine is overwhelmingly enjoyed at home, with a strong cultural connection to home cooking and celebration. 

Products enabling home cooking: 

• Tikka masala and butter chicken meal kits 

• Spice blends and seasoning mixes 

• Ready-to-eat flatbreads and biryani kits 

Market opportunities: 

• Elevate regional specialties like haleem and patrode. 

• Offer ultra-convenient kits that retain authenticity. 

• Bridge the gap between home cooking and restaurant-quality experiences.

Explore more about Indian inspired Street Food.

Global cuisine is no longer confined to restaurants or travel –

it’s becoming a daily experience in kitchens around the world. Brands that can balance authenticity with accessibility, and tradition with innovation, will be best positioned to win over adventurous eaters. 

To help you deliver on consumer expectations for authenticity and traditional recipes from around the world, Synergy’s food and drink experts will help you every step of the way. From comforting classics to bold new flavor profiles, our collaborative environment will help you deliver a product that stands out in a competitive market. 

Contact us to learn more about our food and drink expertise and to schedule your Street Food Presentation and Tasting Demo.   

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