Delivery Diaries | Brunch, Boards & Bubbles: How Gen Z is rewriting dining norms

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Not too long ago, dining out was mostly about celebrating a moment or a special occasion- birthdays, anniversaries, or that long-awaited family get-together. But today, the rules have changed. At the heart of this shift is a new kind of tastemaker: Gen Z. A purely digital native generation that is driven by vibe and is unapologetically expressive- Gen Z is not just eating out, it is rewriting the script on how, when, and why we do it. For Gen Z, food is not just sustenance or that one-off celebration, but a powerful vehicle for self-expression, social connection, and ethical alignment.

From “brinner” (breakfast at dinnertime) to international grazing boards, from mocktail flights to hyper-themed brunches, Gen Z is steering the dining scene towards something more personal, more playful, and infinitely more shareable. Food isn’t just nourishment anymore, its mood, identity and a social currency.

Dining is a Vibe, Not Just a Meal

For Gen Z, meals are no longer linked to time. The traditional lunch-at-one, dinner-at-eight rhythm is being replaced by something far more fluid, governed by moods, group chats, and what feels right in the moment. “Brunch,” for example, is less seen as a time slot today and more as a state of mind. Add a theme, a beautiful board of curated bites, some fizzy drinks, and you’ve got yourself an occasion.

Gen Z is also redefining what is on the table. Menus now feature everything from vegan mezze boards and Korean corn dogs to charcoal smoothies, blending hyper-local influences with global favourites. Matcha and Boba Tea have emerged as the top favourites of Gen Z in a short span of time. And it’s not just the food that’s evolving, so is the ambience of where one eats.

Social Dining Is the New Storytelling

Eating out, for this generation, is a social ritual- that is less about sustenance and more about the stories, the setting, and the company. In many ways, it’s theatre. It’s who you’re dining with, what you’re ordering together, and how it all comes together in the frame of a perfectly timed story or reel.

Gen Z actively post photos, vlogs, and shares its food experiences across social media channels. Their choices are also seen to be based on "Instagrammability" and unique aesthetics.

Gen Z brings a deeper intentionality to indulgence. Their choice of places that reflect their values, be it plant-based menus, sustainably sourced ingredients, or woman-led kitchens. Dining decisions are about alignment, not just appetite.

Interestingly, menus themselves are becoming more emotional than chronological. Gone are fixed courses; in come mood-led options like “breakup specials,” “matcha mindfulness” menus, and “retro relaunch” evenings. With cultural cues flowing in from K-dramas, global influencers, and recipe reels, the question isn’t “what’s available?”, it’s “what’s trending?”

The Emergence of Shared Plates and Stories

Dining out is also becoming increasingly communal again. Whether it’s a spontaneous catch-up or a pre-planned ‘board night’ filled with nostalgic snacks and inside jokes, the emphasis is on shared experience. We’re seeing a quiet revival of roundtables, collaborative ordering, and conversations that stretch long after the last bite.

In a world that’s often defined by individualism, this return to the table feels refreshingly intimate. It’s about finding your people, over tacos, over tangy mocktails, over a spread that sparks laughter and lingers in memory.

Global Cuisines and Fusion on the Menu

Gen Z has an adventurous palate, having been exposed to diverse cuisines from a very early age. They actively seek out bold, experimental, and authentic international flavours, leading to the rise of fusion cuisines. Also, the Gen Z likes ‘Newstalgic Flavors’- new takes on nostalgic comfort foods, blending familiarity with novelty.

What makes this moment in food culture especially exciting is how it blurs boundaries. You’ll find breakfast being served for dinner, street food presented like fine dining, and Middle Eastern spreads mingling with Korean flavours- all on the same table. It’s bold, it's curious, and it’s deeply Gen Z.

But it’s not just about the mash-up. It’s about meaning. Gen Z loves a good story: where the dish came from, who made it, why that ingredient matters. Yes, they appreciate innovation and visual appeal, but often, a quirky backstory or nostalgic twist will win hearts faster than a Michelin star.

Value-driven Consumption

Gen Z give high priority to sustainability and environmental impact. They look for sustainably sourced, ethically produced, and transparently labelled food, a very different trend from what has been seen in the past. They are concerned about climate change, food wastage, and animal welfare, and prefer to associate with brands that align with these values.

Emergence of Plant-Forward Food

If we look at the trend of plant-based and flexitarian eating, Gen Z is leading the charge. A large number of Gen Z are actively seek out plant-forward options and meat alternatives, driven by health, ethical, and environmental concerns.

Where It’s All Headed?

Gen Z has been reshaping the food industry- with their push unique experiences, transparency and convenience. Gen Z are increasingly supporting brands that align with their values, influencing the top trends across food and enabling innovation in areas like customized options and plant-based alternatives. As Gen Z’s voice becomes more prominent across culture and commerce, it’s important for food formats to adapt.

In a world of fleeting trends and scroll-speed opinions, food remains one of the few constants, an anchor of comfort, expression, and connection. However, for Gen Z, food isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about what you bring to the table.