Food from the Philippines, Brazil, and Vietnam have topped a list of the 20 international cuisines Brits are most keen to try. Sri Lankan, Scandinavian, and South Korean delicacies were also included in the list of the most-desired international dishes.
A poll of 2,000 adults found, on average, adults cook seven different foreign cuisines at home each year, and eight in ten consider themselves “adventurous” with their eating.
Of more familiar foods, Greek, Indian, Spanish, and Japanese featured in the top 20 most loved plates – with Gen Z tucking into sushi multiple times each month.
And 43 percent of the younger generation, who have made international dishes before, have sought inspiration from social media.
The study, commissioned by Jongga, found over half of adults (54 percent) want to travel more, to experience authentic international foods from different countries.
However, 27 percent find it hard to get enough time off work, while 17 percent don’t have anyone to go with.
And the biggest problem, for 54 percent, is finding the spare money during the cost-of-living crisis – an issue which rises to affect almost two-thirds (62 percent) of Gen Zs.
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 found more than one in five adults (21 percent) would want to try Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food – or try it again, if they’ve already had a go.
And Gen Z are most likely to tuck into it – with 29 percent enjoying the dish at least once a fortnight.
Exactly a third would travel to another country to experience more authentic international cuisine – most true of Gen Z and Millennials.
Nearly four in ten (38 percent) also admit to being impressed when they find authentic international food in the UK.
And a quarter prefer other cuisines to traditional English foods, like a roast dinner or fish and chips, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
When people go abroad, the number one thing they love doing is taking a tour of the local areas (47 percent) – followed by eating in locally-recommended restaurants (45 percent).
Just over two in five (41 percent) like finding hidden spots such as lakes, fields, or beaches, while 36 percent enjoy sampling local wines or beers.
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.
“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.”
