Marriott International recently unveiled its latest report, The Future of Food 2026, featuring various dining habits and preferences based on a regional survey of F&B teams across 270 properties in 20 different Asia-Pacific markets, with insights from 30 of the region’s most influential chefs, mixologists, food media, and industry leaders.
Marriott International’s report is based on key trends that shape the region’s culinary landscape, and the results show the rise of casual, comfort-driven dining. “Comfort food is a new luxury. In a fast-moving, unpredictable world, guests crave familiarity and comfort food done exceptionally well. We’re seeing chefs applying fine-dining techniques and premium ingredients to everyday favorites,” said Daniel Ayres, Director of Restaurants & Bars, Luxury Operations, Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China.
The report features Asia’s Next Culinary Hotspots, showcasing locations cooking up new trends, laying the table for culinary innovation, and ready to be plated as the next gastronomic getaway. First on the list is Indonesia. Indonesian food writer and restaurateur Kevindra Soemantri shared in the same report that there is a growing interest for the culinary history that Indonesia has to offer. This is in part a result of the government’s support for promoting Indonesian heritage, like through reviving the ancient temple of Muaro Jambi on the banks of Batanghari River in Sumatra—a thousand year old temple where age-old culinary techniques and ingredients were found and are used in modern Indonesia.
Next on the list is the Philippines, which has been in talks of becoming “The Next Big Thing” in the culinary world. A contributor to this is the diaspora of rising Filipino chefs showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines, like award-winning chef Ross Magnaye and Aisha Ibrahim. The Philippines Department of Tourism is investing in the culinary as well, sponsoring the country’s first Michelin Guide in 2026 and hosting the Terra Madre Slow Food initiative in November.
The last Southeast Asian country on the list is Vietnam. The country’s booming economy increased the appetite of the growing wealthy class of young Vietnamese, eager to explore high-end dining and progressive cuisines. Chefs Chris Fong and Peter Cuong Franklin have placed Vietnamese cuisine in the public eye through their restaurants Quince and Anan Saigon, and the Michelin-selected Oryz Saigon.
Southeast Asian countries have truly stepped up their culinary standings, showcasing diverse food cultures and unique cuisines. Click here see the full report from Marriott International.
What are your favorite dishes from Indonesia, The Philippines or Vietnam? Tell us your picks in the comments!