In Tokyo, Japan, the Kipposhi restaurant is now serving an unusual ramen dish that's bring called 'Clear Chicken Soup Blue.' True to its name, the dish is made with a broth that makes use of a Chinese cooking technique and the naturally blue algae spirulina, which creates a finished food product that's incredibly rich with flavor.
For years, restaurants and manufacturers have avoided making food items that boast "unappetizing" colors, such as blue, since they are instinctively regarded as unnatural. However, a new interest in algae as a food source has popularized a variety of food and beverages that are intensely blue or even green, naturally. Some are even affectionately calling this unique soup dish from Kipposhi "unicorn ramen."
Algae Noodle Soups
Kipposhi's 'Clear Chicken Soup Blue' is Made with Spirulina and Ramen
Trend Themes
1. Algae-based Food - There is a growing interest in utilizing algae as a food source, leading to the creation of unique blue and green food and beverage products.
2. Unconventional Flavored Soups - Restaurants and manufacturers are exploring unique and unusual flavor combinations, such as the blue algae broth in Kipposhi's 'Clear Chicken Soup Blue'.
3. Natural Colorful Foods - There is a shift towards embracing naturally vibrant and unconventional colors in food products, challenging the notion of 'unappetizing' colors.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can explore new ways to incorporate algae as an ingredient and create visually appealing products with unconventional flavors.
2. Restaurant - Restaurants can tap into the trend of utilizing natural and vibrant colors in their dishes to attract customers and offer unique culinary experiences.
3. Food Manufacturing - Food manufacturers have an opportunity to develop and market innovative food products that utilize algae and unconventional flavors, catering to consumers seeking novelty and natural ingredients.