Fastest-Growing Appetizers

When it comes to the fastest-growing appetizers on Canadian menus, combo offerings, premium choices and indulgent comfort foods are reigning.

Two-item samplers top the list of fastest-growing appetizers, a combo offering that provides value. These samplers appear in several varieties, including double protein offerings, double veggie offerings or a mix of a protein and a veggie.

A premium option growing on appetizer menus is foie gras, an indulgent spread made from duck or goose liver. The pricy appetizer often appears alongside toasted bread and jam.

Classic comfort foods are also growing on appetizer menus, with seasoned/herb fries and boneless wings both on the rise. Operators are serving seasoned fries appetizers in a range of flavours, including Cajun, truffle and garlic Parmesan. Boneless wings are also on offer in an array of flavours, allowing for a level of customization.

Another protein appetizer increasing on menus is nonbreaded chicken appetizers, often in global formats and flavours. This includes piri-piri chicken, chicken tikka and other Indian- and Asian-inspired chicken dishes.