It was an eventful and flavorful year, with local and international food brands taking over the country's dining scene.

Dear readers, we're serving you now the best food and dining trends of 2023.

Homegrown cafes

Local coffee brands continued to grow last year. In most neighborhoods, a number of new places opened shop, offering their own specialties and treats created from local beans. Even specialty coffee chain Pick Up saw more branches than ever before, proving that coffee is also irresistible to the young crowd.

Sunnies Coffee opened its newest branch in Filinvest Mall, Alabang. The team behind it, Eric Dee, Bea Soriano, Martine Cajucom and Georgina Wilson, have conquered the local eyewear game with its sister brand, Sunnies.

Thai milktea

The milktea craze shows no signs of slowing down, and now local tea lovers are embracing Thai brands, too. Thai milktea brand KOI Thé opened its first branch in Bonifacio Global City. Cha Tra Mue, meanwhile, headed North with its second branch in Ayala Malls Trinoma. Baa Baa Thai Tea opened in Cebu and UPTown Cagayan de Oro.

Specialty grocery stores

Filipinos can now meet, shop and eat at some of the newly opened modern grocerants. Joel's Place, founded by Donnie and Christopher Tantoco, is divided into the sections: The Grocer, The Butcher, The Fishmonger, The Dairy and The Charcutier.

One World Deli is a food grocery that offers the best ingredients, fit for the recipes of kitchen newbies or professional cooks.

Healthy selections

Dining options for health-conscious individuals have expanded, as an increasing number of eateries, including SaladStop!, Juju Eats and The Wholesome Table, now offer nutritious, delicious selections like salads, smoothie bowls and vegan dishes.

Craft beer

The craft beer culture in the Philippines is on the rise, evidenced by the emergence of numerous microbreweries such as Crazy Carabao, Engkanto Brewery, Pedro Brewcrafters, Joe's Brew and Katipunan Craft Ales.

plant-based diets

A growing trend in the Philippines sees more individuals embracing plant-based diets, with establishments like The Good Choices PH, Green Bar and The Vegan Grocer catering to those reducing or eliminating meat and dairy from their meals.