Chinese beats curry as UK's favourite food

by Tom Morgan - 09/02/2010

"CHINESE has overtaken Indian cuisine as the nation’s favourite food, it emerged yesterday. "

A study found 39 per cent prefer Chinese dishes, such as sweet and sour and chow mein, to Indian staples like chicken tikka masala.

British food only came third in the list, with Italian fourth and Thai in fifth place.

Researchers also found Britons are adventurous in the kitchen, with two-thirds regularly cooking “exotic” food.

A third are more likely to make their own ethnic meals rather than go to a restaurant.

The figures emerged in a study by Sharwood’s, who make Asian sauces and accompaniments, to mark the Chinese New Year weekend. A spokesman said:

“Traditional English dishes will always have a place in our hearts, but they will never be able to excite the taste buds like a Chinese meal can.”

The study of 3,000 people revealed the average Briton spends almost £20 a month on ingredients for exotic dishes, and another £31.44 eating out.

That’s more than £617 a year – or almost £20,000 between the ages of 18 and 50. People in Belfast have the most exotic tastes, spending £60.14 a month, Londoners were second (£56.32), followed by the residents of Brighton (£54.58). Those in Aberdeen were the least keen, spending just over £40 a month.

More Details: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/156956/Chinese-beats-a-curry-as-UK-s-favourite-food