Chow Mein and Halva in Europe? Consumption Frequency of Different Cuisines in Europe

Abstract

Due to the globalizing world, nowadays it is not necessary to travel to a given country in order to get acquainted and taste the gastronomic specialties of them. In order to analyse the consumption frequency of different international cuisines and to identify the features of their consumers a questionnaire survey was conducted in seven European countries (Austria, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands and Slovakia). Results of 1731 consumers showed the strong dominance of national cuisines. Italian and Chinese were found to be the most frequently consumed as well as the most admitted ones. Respondents preferring spicy meals chose Chinese, Japanese/Thai or Indian cuisines more frequently. In addition Indian meals are also preferred by respondents showed high willingness to try new or special herbs and spices. Higher consumption frequency of young adults, big city citizens, single households and higher educated participants was found in case of several cuisines. Open-mindedness of young consumers was identified, thus rising popularity and consumption frequency of international cuisines is expected. As appearance and rising consumption popularity of international cuisines will be occurred in the future, nutritional surveys as well as strategies to promote healthy eating and nutritional policies have to take them into consideration.