Best-selling dishes attract customers more easily because people often prefer familiar or trendy food. They would stick to something that makes them feel comfortable rather than trying something exotic. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how you can use popular menu items to build a successful restaurant menu, and why it’s a winning strategy.

What is the most popular food ordered in a Restaurant?

According to a report by TasteAtlas, the most popular food ordered in restaurants across the world is pizza, followed by sushi, ramen, and tacos. These dishes have found fans across different cultures, making them a great option for your restaurant menu items list if you’re targeting a diverse audience. Meanwhile, burgers and fried chicken remain top choices in the fast-food category, with burgers contributing to over 60% of fast-food sales worldwide.

In Malaysia, the food landscape is also rich and diverse. Based on a survey conducted by Statista, Nasi Lemak is the most popular local dish, followed by Char Kway Teow, and Satay. So, if you’re operating in Malaysia, incorporating these local favorites could attract more customers to your restaurant. With these insights, you now know what to have on a restaurant menu to appeal to both local and international tastes.

Why You Should Focus on Best-Selling Food Items?

When customers look at your restaurant menu, they tend to gravitate towards food that they already know and like. This is where including best-selling fast food and other popular items come in. By offering familiar dishes, you reduce the decision-making time for your customers and increase the chances of an order.

According to a survey by TouchBistro, 80% of diners prefer to order tried-and-true dishes over experimental or unfamiliar ones. This makes focusing on popular items a smart strategy. Offering the most popular menu items keeps your customers happy, and more importantly, keeps them coming back.

How Do These Dishes Boost Sales?

When you feature best-selling restaurant menu items, it’s easier to upsell additional products like sides, drinks, or desserts. People are more likely to spend more money when ordering a dish they love. According to a report by Technomic, 50% of diners are more likely to order an appetizer or dessert when the main dish is something they really enjoy. This increases the average order value, benefiting your bottom line.

For example, pairing a burger with fries and a drink as a combo deal can encourage customers to purchase more. You can also use similar tactics for items like sushi by offering side dishes like miso soup or edamame.

How can you Test and Assess your menu?

Once you’ve built your menu using popular items, you can experiment and make adjustments based on what sells best. Use your Point of Sale (POS) system to track which items are performing well. If a dish isn’t selling as much as you hoped, consider rotating it out or replacing it with something else that’s trending.

Data from the National Restaurant Association reveals that 49% of customers appreciate when restaurants update their menus based on current trends. So don’t hesitate to update your menu regularly. Keeping up with food trends and consumer preferences can give you a competitive edge.

Building a menu with best-selling restaurant menu items can significantly boost your restaurant’s success. By focusing on best-selling food, you cater to what your customers already love, making them more likely to return. Remember to balance between local favorites and global hits, offer customization options, and use your POS system to track what’s working.

With careful planning and a focus on popular items, you can create a menu that keeps customers satisfied and your sales rising. Stay on top of food trends, keep testing your menu, and always offer something exciting to keep diners coming back.