From timeline to tasting menu

Scrolling is as much a part of chef's work these days as braising, sautéing, and steaming. Social media channels like Instagram and TikTok are overflowing with surprising techniques, recipes, and flavor combinations. Even herbs are going viral. Get inspired by the top 10 spices currently dominating timelines.

Everything with chili

Many consumers love a bit of spice. Aficionados know their chili classics and consciously choose Aleppo flakes , habanero , Szechuan pepper , or ancho pepper . But the trend that foodies can't ignore on TikTok and Instagram lately is crispy chili oil . This spicy Chinese seasoning is used in rice dishes, soups, dips, pizzas, and even on a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Impress your guests with a unique homemade crispy chili oil. It's surprisingly easy to make yourself with oil, chili flakes , garlic, and shallots. Give it your own twist with spices like star anise, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, or cardamom.

Togarashi

Is your timeline suddenly filled with photos of bustling Tokyo streets or Buddhist temples? No wonder, because Japan is currently a popular destination and cuisine. This means that soon, guests in the Netherlands will be searching for their favorite dishes. Not just sushi, but also eggs. Sando , ramen, and okonomiyaki . A key Japanese seasoning is togarashi , a blend of Szechuan pepper , chili flakes , white and black sesame seeds, ginger, roasted orange peel, nori , and hemp seeds. It can be used as a rub for grilled meat, ramen, okonomiyaki , yakitori , tuna, or simply stirred into mayonnaise.

Za'atar

Have you ever gotten 18.3K Instagram likes for a new dish? It happened to Amsterdam-based Maijard Smashburgers when they launched their smashed falafel burger, featuring pomegranate molasses, tahini, dried lime, and za'atar as the main flavorings . That Middle Eastern blend of nutty sesame seeds, tangy sumac and slightly bitter thyme go perfectly with flatbreads , hummus or grilled vegetables.

Dill

Fresh, anise-flavored dill is a regular ingredient in the recipes of Veggilaine , one of the Netherlands' most popular food influencers . Her TikTok and Instagram videos showcase the herb's versatility, from rosti salad to spanakopita . Dill complements many international cuisines and also brightens up a fusion dish , like pasta with halloumi . It adds vibrancy, character, and freshness to a plate of vegetables.

Swicy

On social media, influencers are competing with each other with increasingly adventurous flavor combinations, such as chocolate with pickle and vanilla ice cream with soy sauce. Swicy —a portmanteau of sweet and spicy—fits perfectly. Sweet and spicy in a single bite makes a dish exciting from the start. Think of the viral New York Times recipe for gochujang caramel cookies . Try it yourself with adventurous sweet-and-spicy combinations, like spicy chicken wings with honey, chocolate cake with chipotle , or a watermelon and chili salad.

Turmeric

Nowadays, food should not only be tasty, it should also serve a health purpose. Functional Such ingredients are called foods . Turmeric is just such a spice; it's packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with pepper, turmeric also supports digestion, balances blood sugar levels, and strengthens the immune system. And we haven't even mentioned that beautiful bright yellow color. It makes drinks, sauces, and dressings extra appealing on social media. Try it with a Buddha bowl, a golden coconut chickpea curry , or a turmeric tonic.

Sumac

Thanks to Yotam Ottolenghi has made this tangy spice a permanent fixture in kitchens worldwide. The dried, ground berries taste a bit like lemon and are essential in Middle Eastern cuisine. Recipes for sumac onions and sumac chicken are a constant on TikTok . The onions, in particular—red onions marinated in lemon juice, salt, and sumac —are a hit. Ottolenghi often uses them as a fresh, dairy-free accent with grilled meats, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables. A simple seasoning with a big impact.

Ginger

Botanical flavors are booming. Think flowers, roots, seeds, and fruits like jasmine, lemongrass, or pandan . Fresh and spicy ginger plays a key role in this trend, probably because ginger combines so well with other botanical flavors. Currently, these flavor combinations are mainly found in drinks and pastries, think ginger-hibiscus kombucha or ginger- lavender madeleines . But as the trend continues to develop, we'll undoubtedly see more dishes like ginger- turmeric noodle soup or kale salad with ginger, yuzu , and miso .

Ras el hanout

After Korean, Mexican, and Lebanese cuisine, African cuisine is now gaining popularity. Think crunchy Egyptian dukkah , spicy South African chakalaka , and fresh Moroccan chermoula . But the best-known and most popular condiment from this continent is ras el hanout . A blend of turmeric, coriander, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon, among other ingredients. Among the more than 45,000 posts with #raselhanout on Instagram, you'll find plenty of couscous dishes and hummus bowls , as well as pumpkin soup, roasted salmon, sweet potato fries, and even apple galette .

Hawaii

Hawaij is the Arabic word for "mix." This spice blend, originally from Yemen, has several variations, including both savory and sweet versions. The savory version contains turmeric, black pepper, cumin, cardamom, and coriander and is delicious with soup, stew, roasted cauliflower, or hummus . The sweet version, with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, is popular in coffee and desserts. Influencer Nadir Nahdi (412K+ followers on Instagram and TikTok ) even launched his own version of this spice mix.