World Bites, Datassential’s TrendSpotting Report that covers authentic flavors, dishes and ingredients from cuisines around the world, has identified several global flavor trends. After testing more than 250 dishes with consumers, Datassential discovered that pastelitos, the mini Cuban pastries filled with everything from guava to ground beef, were the most appealing food overall. The second most appealing dish also hailed from Cuba—vaca frita, a dish of shredded and fried beef flavored with lime juice and garlic. According to Mike Kostyo, publications manager of Datassential, “Operators should pay attention to Cuban cuisine — not only did these dishes score well, but with political relations between the U.S. and Cuba thawing, interest in Cuban cuisine is booming.” Other popular items included Mexican buñuelos, enchiladas, carne asada, and pollo a la brasa, the marinated rotisserie chicken dish from Peru.
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