Supermarket customers are eager to see classic 1980s dishes return to their tables, according to a new survey from Waitrose. The research indicates that nearly half of UK adults (48%) believe dishes from the decade are making a comeback.
Top 80s Dishes Brits Crave
The survey found that 28% of Brits named prawn cocktail as the dish they most want to see again. This seafood staple, featuring cooked prawns in Marie Rose sauce served in a glass, is iconic of the era. Waitrose reports that sales of its luxury prawn cocktail have surged 170% year on year.
Other popular choices include beef bourguignon (24%) and quiche Lorraine (18%). Sweet treats are also in demand: bread and butter pudding (24%), rhubarb and custard (20%), and banana split (19%) are among the favourites.
Waitrose Launches 80s Dinner Party Guide
To capitalise on the trend, Waitrose has released a themed guide titled 'The Dinner Party Decade: The definitive 1980s dinner party resurgence.' The guide celebrates the decade's most iconic food, featuring nostalgic recipes and tips for hosting the ultimate 80s dinner party.
Some speculate the trend is driven by the return of Jilly Cooper's 'Rivals' series to TV, which showcases opulent 80s dining with dishes like fish mousse, pheasant with prawn sauce, and meringue castle with ice-cream moat. Coronation Chicken also remains a favourite.
Chef Gordon Ramsay has embraced the trend, serving pavlova from the dessert trolley at his newly opened Bread Street Kitchen in London's 22 Bishopsgate. TikTok creator Steph, known as @luckydragonsupperclub, has been recreating recipes from a vintage 1986 copy of Vogue Entertaining, including 'Pineapple with chicken mayonnaise' – shredded chicken and seasoned mayonnaise in a hollowed-out pineapple.
The 80s food revival reflects a broader nostalgia for the decade's vibrant culture and unique cuisine.
