Les Marchés Tradition is already 25 years old! For a quarter of a century, we have seen culinary trends come and go. Some have disappeared for good, while others have gracefully endured the test of time. To celebrate this special milestone, we’ve compiled a list of our 25 favourite trends. Discover, explore, or revisit these trends—they’re practical AND delicious!
1. Cooking one-pot meals
Popularized in 2014 by the queen of kitchen Martha Stewart, one-pot style meals have come a long way! This technique, which allows all the ingredients to be cooked in the same pot, has gained many avid followers thanks to its practical and versatile nature. Just one reason why you should keep this recipe for pho soup in your repertoire, especially on busy weeknights.
2. Cooking sheet-pan meals
In the same vein as one-pot meals, sheet-pan recipes group all the ingredients together for a no-fuss cooking technique. In such cases, your protein is cooked in the oven along with your sides, like in this recipe for jerk chicken drumsticks with root veggies. So simple . . . and almost no dishes to wash!
3. Using the air fryer
Everyone’s talking about the air fryer. And with reason! This super-versatile device makes it possible to make crispy and delicious meals, minus the oil and greasy smell. A balanced meal the whole family will love!
4. Making Mason jar meals
Because they’re cute, and just as convenient, Mason jar meals have been a staple in our kitchens since the mid-2010s. Salads, soups, or these succulent oats: these iconic jars now have their place in everyday life (and not only during canning season)!
5. Consuming less meat
We all know the impacts of high meat consumption on our health and on the planet. Which is why many people are choosing to turn to flexitarianism, a term that combines the words flexibility and vegetarianism. Less restrictive than vegetarianism, this diet allows you to eat meat occasionally. Our recipe for beef and black bean burgers perfectly embodies this balanced trend! For 100% veggie evenings, try our [mushroom bolognese]−comforting and delicious!
6. Exploring world cuisine
With the proliferation of recipe platforms, there is no shortage of recipe ideas inspired by the four corners of the globe. Asian stir-fry, oriental couscous salad, Mexican skewers: take your taste buds on a culinary journey every night!
7. Meal prepping
First popular among athletes in the 1990s, meal prepping quickly went on to conquer everyone. This method, which consists of making all (or part) of your meals for the week, saves a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s become a weekly must for all!
8. Enjoying poke bowls
This dish of Hawaiian origin has gained in popularity over the last couple of years! Poke bowls are typically composed of a rice base, pickled fish cubes, and fruits and vegetables. Made with fish, vegetables or grilled chicken, the poke bowl always gets a thumbs up!
9. Adopting the anti-waste movement
Because we care about our planet, we want to get the most out of our food . . . and therefore avoid throwing any of it out. We grouped together loads of great tips on how to minimize food waste. A trend that also helps you save money . . . it’s a win-win!
10. Presenting dishes in verrines
Talk about a timeless classic! These elegant bites have revolutionized our get-togethers, and for the better. From starter to dessert, verrines are a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds.
11. Incorporating bacon . . . and not just at breakfast!
We mean incorporating it everywhere . . . from main courses, to desserts, to cocktails. We’re very confident that everyone is going to love this
12. Swapping cocktails for mocktails
Cocktails can be a wonderful accompaniment to any festivity. In order to adopt a more balanced lifestyle, many people choose to occasionally turn to their alcohol-free version: mocktails. Let’s raise a glass to this healthy trend!
13. Eating local
Consuming local food means reducing your ecological footprint, encouraging local artisans, and, above all, enjoying quality products. So let’s continue to put Quebec on our plate!
14. Ushering in fall with a pumpkin beverage
It was a popular American coffee chain that decided, at the turn of the 2000s, to add a pumpkin latte to their menu. An idea that has turned into a much-loved tradition over the years. Who doesn’t love to welcome the fall weather with a pumpkin-flavoured beverage?
15. Biting into avocado toast
Here’s the perfect example of a trend being propelled by social media. Avocado toast appeared in the 2010s, flooding news feeds everywhere. Topped with eggs, chicken, or smoked salmon, at breakfast or at dinner, there are a million and one different—and delicious—ways to enjoy avocado toast!
16. Eating organic
Initially considered marginal at the turn of the century, the organic movement gained popularity in the 2010s in Quebec. Foods bearing this label are free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, and growth hormones. In short, their benefits are as numerous for our health as they are for the planet.
17. Trying out bento lunches
A relatively recent culinary trend, bento boxes are perfect for when you’re pressed for time. Each food is compartmentalized, but the whole forms a harmony of flavours. Colourful and varied, bentos are as delicious as they are fun. Sure to put a smile on the face of young and old alike!
18. Serving charcuterie platters
Although charcuterie platters are nothing new, the art of the aperitif has been refined over the years. Artisanal bread and dried fruits now rub shoulders with cheeses and their jelly, while mustards elevate pâtés and terrines . . . and let’s just say we’re not mad about it at all!
19. Sipping iced coffee
In the morning and in the afternoon, iced coffee has become a summer staple. You can easily make homemade iced coffee, adjusting the ingredients as you see fit. More bitter or sweet, with a touch of vanilla or chocolate . . . there’s something for everyone!
20. Opting for Greek yogurt
From a complete unknown at the turn of the century to a culinary superstar, Greek yogurt rose high on our favourite food list in 2013. And it’s not surprising, since it contains twice as much protein as its conventional counterpart. Snacks, sauces, dips, and smoothies have never been so creamy, rich . . .and filling!
21. Pouring a glass of milk . . . plant-based milk that is!
Soy, almond, cashew, coconut, oat, and rice milk: there are many plant-based beverage options to accompany your cereal, colour your coffee, and quench your thirst. And these beverages are no longer enjoyed by vegans only! They have gradually become more commonplace, showing strong growth over the last five years. Some consume them due to allergies, lactose intolerance, or diet, others simply to savour their divine taste.
22. Spicing things up with sriracha
This sauce originated in the city of Si Racha, Thailand, the region for which it’s named after. Versatile and just spicy enough, sriracha saw its popularity explode in the mid-2000s in the United States. And you can now find a bottle in most Quebec homes!
23. Celebrating with cupcakes
Ah, cupcakes! These cute desserts had a moment of glory in the 1950s, before gradually disappearing from the spotlight. The popular American series Sex and the City, however, put them back in the spotlight in the early 2000s. A trend that is not about to blow over!
24. Turning macaroni and cheese into a gourmet dish
Gone are the days of dull macaroni and cheese! This classic of southern American cuisine is experiencing a beautiful renaissance: prepared with various cheeses, bacon, or salmon, it can be made in a thousand and one different and delicious ways!
25. Finding comfort in casseroles
These retro dishes have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity since the early 2020s. Simple, tasty, and economical, casseroles have revived our nostalgia . . . and our appetite!
