Food

When did consumers begin staying home all the time?

People usually assume it’s a direct result of the COVID pandemic, but the trend actually began earlier. “There’s a long-term structural shift toward all of our lives becoming a little more home-centric,” Circana Senior Vice President David Portalatin explained on the Food Institute Podcast. People are working from home, entertaining at home, and eating at home.

It’s no wonder restaurants are worried about what the future holds. But take heart! As Portalatin puts it, consumers still need “to have those occasions where we say, ‘You know what? We’re going out. We’re going to have a great experience. We’re going to have that treat, that reward that we deserve.’”

So how can you get them in the door?

There’s something special about holiday food. Maybe it’s the power of nostalgia. Maybe it’s pride in your family’s traditions. Maybe it’s the time invested in making complex recipes. Or maybe it’s the fact that holiday food is just plain delicious.

Let’s dive into some global holiday food traditions. And if you run a restaurant, consider adding your own holiday dishes to the menu! Some customers love the chance to taste a special occasion meal they’ve never tried before—and others will just be glad they didn’t have to do the cooking (or the dishes).

Did you know that Hamilton Beach Commercial kitchen equipment is sold in more than 95 countries? We’re always amazed to discover how talented chefs use our culinary blenders, immersion blenders, rice cookers and more to put their distinctive stamp on local cuisine. Here are just a few of our favorite global dishes, with recipes and demonstrations.