In an ever-crowded market, it’s more important than ever to create standout dishes and signature ‘house’ flavours. With so many fast food options available, operators need to grab people’s attention w

With consumer trends shifting towards convenience and personalisation, quick-serve solutions are more relevant than ever. UK customers are looking for flavour, speed, portability and flexibility at a price that suits everyday budgets. Caterers who can provide high-quality, fast-turnaround meals will be well placed to capture this growing demand.

Recent analysis from Lumina Intelligence reveals we are in an era of selective spending where ‘smart choices over cheap eats’ influences dining decisions. The report goes on to say, while value-led behaviour dipped slightly (-1 percentage points), consumers are seeking quality (+3 ppts), brand trust (+3 ppts) and health considerations (+5 ppts).1

Global fast food favourites, such as smash burgers, birria tacos, loaded fries and fusion bowls inspire value-driven, quick serve options; these well-loved menu items are often featured across social platforms, and are perceived as a reliable, satisfying choice.

Today’s diners are well-versed in world cuisines and appreciate culinary accuracy especially when it comes to authentic flavours. Quick serve scenarios call for the right products that will deliver speed, consistency and product performance, all of which are paramount to an effective, fast service.

Operators can maintain quality and consistency at speed by focusing on the foundations of each dish. Ensuring that base flavours are reliable and balanced is a simple yet crucial step toward satisfying repeat customers. Using premium, ready-to-use sauces and seasonings, such as those from Lee Kum Kee’s Professional range, helps standardise taste while saving preparation time. Their products offer an extensive selection of authentic Chinese and Asian-inspired sauces and seasonings, enabling operators to deliver complex, layered flavours without compromising speed or quality.

By combining reliable foundational flavours with fresh, seasonal produce, operators can maintain cost-effective menu planning and consistently serve meals that are both high-quality and on-trend, even during peak service periods.

The complex layers found in many Asian sauces can be time-consuming and challenging to achieve; by choosing ready-made, their rich and concentrated flavours can elevate dishes and increase appeal. Designed for flexibility, the sauces can be used straight from the bottle or blended to build bespoke flavour profiles, enabling chefs to deliver premium, authentic taste with minimal labour. They work particularly well in fusion applications, helping elevate familiar Western dishes, such as hoisin-glazed duck paired with figs on a pizza base, without compromising speed or consistency.

Lee Kum Kee’s versatile sauces, condiments and seasonings upgrade everyday offerings into must-try meals that stand out in hot cabinets, chillers, and across social feeds. For time-pressed, flavour-hungry consumers, the right products and pairings can make all the difference.

Sides are no longer an afterthought; when planned strategically, fries and other potato-based dishes can become versatile, high-margin menu drivers that perform across every daypart.

Recipe inspiration

Dirty Fries: Loaded, Layered, and Full of Flavour

Gone are the days of fries as a simple side dish. Dirty fries have evolved into a centrepiece menu item, layered with indulgent, eye-catching flavours that encourage trade-up and sharing. A sprinkle of Lee Kum Kee Premium Mushroom Seasoning Powder adds instant umami depth, enhancing savoury richness while delivering the kind of indulgent flavour associated with Truffle Fries — without the cost of fresh or infused truffle products. Made from shiitake mushrooms, the seasoning offers a naturally rounded, meaty profile, and because it is highly concentrated, a little goes a long way, helping operators control portions and manage food costs effectively. Finished with a drizzle of Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow Chilli Oil for a warming, aromatic kick, these loaded fries deliver premium appeal, strong margins and broad menu flexibility, working equally well as a side, sharer or standalone snack across multiple dayparts.

Chicken Korokke: Trendy Asian Bite with Umami Depth

Chicken Korokke (croquettes) are emerging as a trendy, portable Asian snack that stands out alongside classic sides like fries, offering both novelty and bold flavour. By incorporating Lee Kum Kee Premium Mushroom Seasoning Powder and Oyster Sauce (Gluten-Free), these golden fried bites gain rich umami and depth, elevating the taste without adding complexity in preparation. The dish is highly versatile: ingredients can include side vegetables or leftover proteins from other menu items, helping operators reduce waste while creating a high margin offering. Pre-made and easy to serve, these korokke are ideal for fast service, ensuring consistent quality at speed while delighting consumers with satisfying textures and globally inspired flavours.

1 Lumina Intelligence ‘UK Eating Out Market Consumers: Selective Spending and Smart Dining’ Nov 2025

To learn more about Lee Kum Kee and its range of products for foodservice call 0207 068 7888, go to www.LKKprofessional.com or email enquiry.europe@LKK.com