Brits share international foods they would most like to try - Filipino tops list

19 September 2023 , 14:14

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Italian, Chinese, and Indian dishes have topped a list of Brits' favourite cuisines – but bold foodies are most keen to try delicacies from Brazil, Vietnam, and the Philippines, research has found.

A survey of 2,000 adults found that four in five would describe themselves as “adventurous” when it comes to food – with Sri Lankan and Caribbean foods also ranking highly as cuisines they have never tried before, but would like to sample.

Familiar favourites such as Mexican, Spanish, Greek, and Japanese are among the top international foods that Brits already know they enjoy the most, with Gen Z enjoying a sushi dish multiple times each month.

But of the 54% of Brits who are eager to travel more, one in three say their main motivation for visiting new countries is to experience authentic international dishes – with Millennials and Gen Z most likely to travel for this reason.

It also emerged that Brits cook seven different foreign cuisines each year in their own homes – and 43% of younger, Gen Z adults turn to social media for recipe inspiration.

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Meanewhille, 38% admit they are impressed when they find authentic international food in the UK.

The research was commissioned by Jongga, which produces traditional Korean fermented food, Kimchi – which a fifth of those polled (21%) say they would like to try, or to tuck into again if they have already given it a go.

Eight in ten Brits consider themselves 'adventurous' when it comes to food (SWNS)

Jennifer Lee, head of Global Food Business Unit, Daesang, at Jongga, said: “When you see the data and globetrotting nature of the nation's tastebuds, it is impressive.

“Unfortunately for many, the current financial climate means it can be tricky to jet away and try as many international cuisines as they’d like. Fortunately for them, many UK supermarkets – not to mention specialist shops – sell ingredients that in the past you’d have had to travel thousands of miles to find.”

The research also revealed the top barriers to Brits travelling abroad to try new dishes – including struggling to get time off work (27%), and not having anyone to go with (17%).

And the biggest problem, for 54%, is finding spare money during the cost-of-living crisis – an issue which rises to affect almost two-thirds (62%) of Gen Zs. However, when people do manage to go abroad, the number one thing they love doing is taking a tour of the local areas (47%) – followed by eating in locally recommended restaurants (45%).

Just over two in five (41%) like finding hidden spots such as lakes, fields, or beaches, while 36% enjoy sampling local wines or beers.

Millennials and Gen Z are the most likely to travel abroad to try new international cuisines (SWNS)

And a quarter prefer other cuisines to traditional English foods, like a roast dinner or fish and chips, according to the OnePoll.com figures. It also emerged that, of those who have tried Kimchi before, Gen Z are most likely to tuck into it – with 29% enjoying the dish at least once a fortnight.

Knowing that travel may be off the agenda for many Brits, Jongga is bringing a slice of Seoul to the UK – with a free, three-week pop-up, which launched on Saturday, September 16, in Covent Garden, London.

Jennifer Lee added: “Trying new foods is one of the most exciting parts about being away, and a key driver for travel. It’s fun to be able to tell people that you’ve eaten something they may have never even heard of, let alone tried in the past.

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“Seoul’s food and flavours attract many to the city every year, and it was interesting to note that almost a quarter of the UK population wanted to try Kimchi, or try it again if they’ve already sampled it.

“It’s all about being adventurous. If you’re not sure, just close your eyes, hold your breath, and give it a try – you might find a new favourite.”

TOP 20 CUISINES BRITS WANT TO TRY: