Why Is Mediterranean Fusion Cuisine So Popular?

The specialties of Mediterranean cuisine are fresh and healthy ingredients with zesty flavors. From the sunny shores of Greece to the fragrant markets of Morocco, the entirety of the Mediterranean coastline has so many colorful experiences to offer that one lifetime is not enough to exhaust all of the culinary adventures that are around every corner. In this day and age, chefs across the world have embraced Mediterranean ingredients and cooking techniques, bringing them together with flavors and ingredients from other regions' cuisines to offer something new and innovative. This fusion is what gave birth to Mediterranean fusion cuisine, which has ignited imaginations in kitchens around the world since then.

One of the key elements of Mediterranean fusion cuisine is the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Common to the Mediterranean area, the use of locally sourced produce, meats, and seafood defines the style of Mediterranean cuisine. Mediterranean fusion cuisine follows the long-established tradition of using only the freshest ingredients available on the market.

The menu at Mediterranean fusion restaurants ranges from salads of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil to robust stews of lamb and vegetables simmered in rich tomato sauces. Furthermore, the creativity of the fusion style of cooking is also evident through the use of spices and herbs that are the cornerstone of Mediterranean fusion cuisine. There are a good number of fragrant herbs and spices from the Mediterranean region, which include oregano, thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon, among others, as the main components used in blending flavors. Like all traditional Mediterranean spices, it is fused with spices from other cuisines, like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, to get an exciting new flavor.

One popular example of Mediterranean fusion cuisine is the classic dish of Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine. A tagine traditionally refers to the slow-cooked stew of lamb, vegetables, and a spice mixture, all made in a distinctive pot of the same name. On the other hand, in Mediterranean fusion cuisine, a chef throws in apricots, almonds, and honey to give the tradition a sweet-savory twist and a unique flavor profile. 

Mediterranean fusion cuisine also includes a mix of methods for cooking from different culinary traditions. While this mostly falls onto grilling, roasting, or stewing, Mediterranean fusion chefs modernize time-tested classics through new methods like sous vide, smoking, or even molecular gastronomy. Chefs use these not only to prepare foods but also to serve them in an appealing manner, bringing some theatricality to the table. 

Another explanation for the popularity of Mediterranean fusion cuisine is the spotlight on health and wellness. The so-called Mediterranean diet, which includes rich amounts of fruits, vegetables, and grain products of all kinds, along with an abundance of olive oil, has always been one of the most popular diets in the world. Through the use of these, Mediterranean fusion chefs make their foods tasty and good for the body.

If you live in Walnut Creek or nearby cities such as Pleasant Hill, Concord, or Milpitas, you can sample the delights of Mediterranean fusion cuisine today at Manakish Oven & Grill. Our specialty is manakish, and we have become famous for our bold manakish flavor combinations influenced by other dishes such as pizza. Also, ask about our catering services for parties and business gatherings.