Melissa Thompson 2023's most exciting food finds

The people, places, ingredients and dishes to look out for in the year ahead 

This year is going to be a bumper one for food. Now more than ever, there's a hunger for learning about different global cuisines, with the resources to do so hitting the mainstream, and new, exciting prospects in the form of restaurants, chefs, businesses and more. It's not a moment too soon, and these are some of the people, places and cuisines to watch out for in 2023.

1 THE RESTAURANT

Akub

Palestine's culinary landscape is rich and fruitful, but underrepresented on the restaurant scene. Akub opened at the end of 2022, and will fully spread its wings under head chef Fadi Kattan and business partner Rasha Khouri.

Akub is a marriage of different influences. Palestinian produce from Fairtrade co-operative Zaytoun is paired with seasonal British ingredients and memories from Fadi's childhood, especially meals from his grandmothers. Heritage recipes are made with modern-day techniques, including arak-cured sea bream, freekeh risotto and Dead Sea chocolate cake.

Fadi, who grew up in Bethlehem, travelled widely and ran a restaurant in his home city, as well as food tours introducing visitors to the delights of the nation's produce and cuisine. There's no one better placed to showcase the food in the UK.

2 THE CHEF

Nathaniel Mortley

Nathaniel Mortley set out to change his life after a stint in prison, and did just that through food.

His cooking is a combination of his Guyanese, Bajan and Welsh heritage, plus his classical French training - using typical Caribbean ingredients such as yam, plantain and scotch bonnet.

Nathaniel's love of food began with baking cakes with his auntie. In his teens, he got into trouble. Faced with the threat of being sent to the Caribbean, he instead went into catering.