Before we officially bid farewell to 2025, let’s take a moment for the 2025 Lifestyle Recap, exploring the year’s most interesting food trends, viral crazes, and notable stories.
It’s hard to believe 2025 is almost behind us. The past twelve months have been packed with so much that it’s almost overwhelming to recall it all. Before we say goodbye to the year, #legend_th invites our wonderful readers to enjoy a concise recap of fashion, beauty, entertainment highlights, and lifestyle moments that stood out — all through a series of articles we’ve crafted as a special gift.
In this piece, we’ll follow the lifestyle trends that are likely to continue and those that might be best left in 2025.
Matcha Fever
The “Matcha Fever” trend has been impossible to ignore. From the start of the year to its close, the craze has shown no signs of slowing. It began with a surge in demand that left Japanese matcha in short supply for a while. Once the shortage eased, interest among Thai consumers grew even stronger. People started discussing matcha grades, cultivation regions, health benefits, and the careful, skillful, and patient techniques required to prepare it.
As a result, drinks like matcha latte and pure matcha have become must-try beverages, rivaling iced coffee, all in less than a year. Naturally, matcha cafés have followed suit, opening steadily across the country.
Looking ahead, this trend shows no sign of slowing. Matcha is evolving from a trendy drink into a health-focused beverage that anyone can enjoy. It’s easy to drink, provides caffeine without the jitters, suits morning or afternoon, and is packed with nutrients that benefit the body.
Shio Pan and Hand Roll
Thai people have always loved Japanese cuisine, so it’s only natural that we highlight the hottest Japanese food trends in the 2025 Lifestyle Recap. First up is Shio Pan, or salted bread. By mid-2025, this bite-sized, minimalist bread became a sensation in Japan. Visitors couldn’t resist trying it, and the trend spread rapidly. Its compact, portable shape, crisp exterior, soft interior, and rich buttery aroma make it easy to enjoy anywhere, pairing perfectly with any drink. Now, wherever you look, Shio Pan is everywhere.
Following the salted bread craze comes the Hand Roll, a single-hand sushi roll that’s convenient to eat without chopsticks or cutlery. Portable and nutritionally complete, it’s like carrying a full sushi set wherever you go. Perfectly suited to the fast-paced modern lifestyle, hand rolls allow people to enjoy quality food quickly while sampling new dishes in manageable portions.
From Peak Health to Everyday Balance
In early 2025, it was clear that people were taking their health more seriously than ever. New approaches to fitness and nutrition gained popularity, as individuals explored ways to improve their wellbeing.
By the second half of the year, however, the health trend shifted. Maintaining wellbeing was no longer about rigorous effort; it became about adapting habits to fit daily life. The focus moved to sustainable routines that promote long-term health without stress, pressure, or boredom, making it easier for people to stay committed without giving up.
Up-and-Coming Hotspot: Song Wat
It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that Song Wat is taking over from Bann Tha Thong as the place to be. In 2025, the area has seen a surge in popularity, attracting attention from locals and visitors alike. Luxury brands such as Longchamp, The Ordinary, Birkenstock, and PANPURI have chosen Song Wat for pop-up stores and brand events.
The neighbourhood’s charm lies in its relaxed pace, allowing visitors to enjoy life at their own rhythm amid beautifully preserved historic buildings that seem frozen in time. A diverse range of businesses has sprung up here, from restaurants and bakeries to coffee shops and trendy vintage stores like Oyster & Things, making it a vibrant hub for culture, cuisine, and lifestyle.
Hiking Becomes the Go-To Way to Unwind
For the 2025 Lifestyle Recap, we’ll wrap up with a travel trend that has steadily gained momentum: hiking. According to Agoda, the past year saw a resurgence in hiking, especially during the end of the rainy season and the start of winter, when the weather is at its most pleasant.
Hiking offers a full immersion in nature: your feet on the earth, your lungs filled with fresh air, your body brushing past leaves and branches. It soothes the mind, eases daily stress, and provides a refreshing escape from the hustle of everyday life. Beyond relaxation, it challenges us to try new things — from camping independently to cooking meals on a portable stove — all while surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.
