Bold condiments from this global hotspot serve as high-impact ingredients

Aron Habiger is chef/owner of On the Lam, a traveling pop-up culinary concept based in Santa Ana, Calif. We asked him to share a flavor trifecta that demonstrates creative, unexpected flavor play.

Flavor has always been an imperative on menus, but today the expectations are higher than ever. Chefs are outdoing themselves, raising the bar with creative flavor combinations. Access to the global pantry, along with a joyful experimentation in mash-ups, is raising expectations while making flavor possibilities endless. Here are some menu builds that showcase creative components that pack a significant flavor punch.

Timothy Griffin is the director of culinary innovation at Kona Grill, an upscale casual grill based in Scottsdale, Arizona. We asked him to share a flavor trifecta that demonstrates creative, unexpected flavor play.