Comfort is the New Luxury: Marriott International Unveils Asia Pacific’s Culinary Future

Marriott International has unveiled its Future of Food 2026 report, spotlighting transformative culinary trends across the Asia Pacific region. Here's a flavorful breakdown of what "comfort as luxury" really means:

Key Culinary Trends
- Fine-Casual Dining: A shift from formal fine dining to elevated comfort food—think caviar-topped fried chicken and à la carte menus that offer personality and flexibility.
- Immersive Experiences: Dining is becoming a multisensory journey, with guests seeking interactive formats like omakase, edible art, and themed environments.
- Local Ingredients, Global Appeal: 85% of Marriott properties now incorporate locally sourced or indigenous ingredients, celebrating heritage and sustainability.
- AI-Enhanced Hospitality: From booking systems to menu engineering, AI is helping personalize and streamline the dining experience.
- Emerging Culinary Hotspots: Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Mainland China are gaining global recognition for their vibrant food cultures.
- Third-Gen Asian Chefs: A new wave of chefs trained in Michelin-starred kitchens are blending tradition with innovation, redefining Asian cuisine.

Leadership Insight
Petr Raba, VP of Food & Beverage for Asia Pacific (excluding China), emphasized that:
- “Food is no longer just fuel; it’s a form of storytelling, identity, and cultural connection.”

This report reflects Marriott’s commitment to evolving with guest expectations and delivering dining experiences that are emotionally resonant and culturally rooted.