Food trends shift as quickly as new recipes pop up online. Across the country, people are rediscovering old favorites and turning away from once-beloved bites. From sizzling street food to classic comfort meals, here are seven dishes America can’t get enough of, and seven that have worn out their welcome.
1. Craved: Smash Burgers
The magic of a smash burger lies in its crispy, caramelized edges and juicy center. Restaurants from New York to Los Angeles are perfecting the art of pressing beef thin on a hot griddle, creating that irresistible sear. Built to highlight pure beef flavor with minimal toppings, these burgers remind diners of classic diners while embracing modern simplicity. It’s comfort food reimagined, and lines out the door prove its comeback is no fad.
2. Craved: Nashville Hot Chicken
Originating in Tennessee during the 1930s, Nashville hot chicken has burst nationwide. This fiery fried chicken, dipped in a cayenne-infused oil, balances heat with crunch. Chains and independent spots alike are building their reputations on it, while home cooks experiment with spice levels. The blend of smoky burn and savory crisp satisfies thrill-seekers and flavor lovers, making it one of America’s most craved plates right now.
3. Craved: Authentic Ramen
Once a niche find, ramen shops now thrive in cities coast to coast. Built on slow-simmered broths and springy noodles, each bowl feels like a handcrafted experience. From rich tonkotsu to shoyu-based broths, the depth of flavor keeps diners slurping. This Japanese classic has evolved with regional American twists. Think smoked brisket or local greens, without losing its comforting soul, ensuring its spot on the crave list.
4. Craved: Korean BBQ
Interactive dining makes Korean BBQ a perennial crowd-pleaser. Guests grill marinated meats tableside, building communal energy around sizzling plates. The tradition dates back centuries in Korea, yet U.S. cities have turned it into a vibrant, modern night out. With banchan sides like kimchi and pickled radish, every bite is a mix of smoky, tangy, and sweet. It’s a feast built as much for fun as for flavor.
5. Craved: Gourmet Tacos
Tacos have always been beloved, but gourmet versions with house-made tortillas and inventive fillings have captured America’s heart. Chefs build layers of flavor, think charred vegetables, braised short rib, or spicy cream while respecting Mexican roots. Food trucks and trendy taquerias alike elevate the humble taco, making it an endlessly customizable favorite that people continue to seek out day and night.
6. Craved: Plant-Based Burgers
Built for flavor as much as ethics, plant-based burgers have shed their bland reputation. With pea-protein patties that sear and sizzle like beef, they appeal to carnivores and vegetarians alike. Chains and supermarkets have embraced them, reflecting a shift toward sustainability. Whether stacked with vegan cheese or classic toppings, these burgers prove meatless options can be indulgent and satisfying.
7. Craved: Artisanal Pizza
America’s love affair with pizza never fades, but wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies have ignited new passion. Built with slow-fermented dough, imported tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, these pizzas strike a perfect balance of chewy crust and charred edges. Local pizzerias experiment with toppings like truffle oil or seasonal vegetables, keeping each slice exciting while honoring Italian tradition.
8. Had Enough: Cronuts
When Dominique Ansel’s cronut debuted in 2013, people lined up for hours. A decade later, the croissant-doughnut hybrid feels more gimmick than treat. Built on novelty, it lacks the staying power of true classics. Bakeries once obsessed with replicating its flaky layers have moved on, and dessert lovers now crave simpler pastries or authentic European breads instead of this once-hyped indulgence.
9. Had Enough: Overloaded Milkshakes
Towering milkshakes dripping with syrup, candy, and entire slices of cake had their viral moment. Built for Instagram more than taste, these sugar bombs often overwhelm rather than delight. Diners now prefer balanced desserts or classic shakes with rich, creamy texture. The spectacle that once drew crowds is giving way to thoughtful flavor and quality ingredients over pure shock value.
10. Had Enough: Extreme Hot Sauces
For years, chasing the hottest possible chili pepper was a badge of honor. But sauces built solely on scorching heat often sacrifice flavor. Many diners have grown weary of blistering spice that numbs the palate instead of enhancing food. Today’s trend leans toward complex, fermented hot sauces that offer depth and tang rather than simply daring someone to survive the burn.
11. Had Enough: Rainbow Bagels
These brightly colored bagels were once a social-media sensation, but their novelty wore thin. Built more for eye-catching swirls than authentic taste, they often lack the chewy texture and malty flavor of a true New York–style bagel. Consumers now seek artisan craftsmanship and natural ingredients, leaving the rainbow trend as a footnote in food-fashion history.
12. Had Enough: Cupcake Craze
Gourmet cupcakes once dominated bakeries and TV shows, but the obsession has cooled. Built around endless frosting and decorative toppings, they’ve been overtaken by simpler sweets like cookies or seasonal pies. While still a pleasant treat, the days of cupcake-only shops commanding long lines are largely over, as tastes shift toward variety and less sugary indulgence.
13. Had Enough: Kale Everything
Kale enjoyed superstar status through the 2010s, appearing in smoothies, chips, and even cocktails. But overuse built fatigue, and many now favor other nutrient-rich greens like Swiss chard or arugula. Kale remains healthy, but the pressure to add it to every dish has eased. Diners have had enough of its sometimes tough texture and slightly bitter flavor dominating every plate.
14. Had Enough: Unicorn Lattes
Sparkly, pastel-coloured lattes once brightened Instagram feeds, but the magic faded quickly. Built with artificial colors and heavy sugar, these drinks prioritized looks over taste. Consumers now crave clean flavors and quality coffee, leaving the unicorn trend to nostalgic posts rather than everyday menus. Simpler, well-crafted beverages have replaced these photogenic, but forgettable cups.
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