Top signs you’re a ‘foodie’ – including visiting other countries just for the cuisine

Nearly four in ten adults polled think they have the characteristics of a true ‘foodie’ – including cooking from scratch whenever possible

The top sign of being a foodie is travelling abroad just for the cuisine
The top sign of being a foodie is travelling abroad just for the cuisine

You know you’re a “foodie” if you travel to another country or city purely for the cuisine, regularly frequent street food markets, and spend the majority of your paycheck on dining out, according to research.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed the top 50 foodie indicators, including importing ingredients from outside the UK, knowing different cuts of meat, and having eaten at a Michelin starred restaurant.

Understanding terms such as “folding”, “searing” and “braising”, as well as cooking from scratch whenever possible, also featured on the list.

Of those polled, three-quarters said they simply “love” food, and 38 percent believe they have the true characteristics of a “foodie”.

The research was commissioned by Taster, which owns a portfolio of delivery-only brands inspired by street food.

The study also found three in five relate certain foods or meals to memories, including holidays (51 percent), their parents (50 percent) and school years (34 percent).







Nearly four in ten adults think they have the characteristics of a true ‘foodie’
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Image:

Taster/SWNS)

Anton Soulier, Founder and CEO of Taster, said: “It’s clear that being a “foodie” isn’t one size fits all.

“It’s interesting to see this research uncovering all the things that make us all so passionate about food and the memories food can evoke.

“The past few years have transformed the nation’s relationship with food and takeaway deliveries.

“We want to celebrate quality cooking, great taste and adventurous ingredients, as well as encourage the nation to try dishes and cuisines they may not have even heard of.

“And why just pick one cuisine when you have the ability to try as many as you want, street food style, delivered to your door?”

The study also found nearly three-quarters believe it’s important to try different foods from various cuisines in order to expand their palate (55 percent), make meals more exciting (50 percent), and learn different cooking techniques (34 percent).

A further 27 percent have tried to recreate their favourite street food dish at home, with 38 percent claiming such foods are always full of exciting flavours.

And 45 percent agreed street food allows them to try various cuisines from all around the world, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Four in ten claim food and travel go hand in hand and, before visiting a new city or country, 31 percent research the best eateries to visit beforehand – with 29 percent even looking at menus.







A quarter have tried to make their favourite street food dishes at home
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Image:

Taster/SWNS)

In terms of spending habits, during a typical month British adults spend an average of £70.36 dining out at restaurants and cafes, £57.61 on takeaways, and £56.05 buying food at markets and street stalls.

Londoners spend more than any other region – including £96.19 on eating out and £82.60 on takeaways.

Those in the capital also identify as the biggest foodies regionally, and believe more than others up and down the country that social plans should always revolve around food (29 percent).

In the UK, Taster is currently live across London, Manchester and Brighton, with plans to expand nationwide in 2022. Visit Taster.com for more information.

Anton Soulier added: “The first time I really fell in love with street food was when I travelled to Vietnam in 2008.

“I became obsessed with Phở and it led me to discover new flavours.

“This trip was also around the same time I started dreaming of creating a food business, so it was a great inspiration.”

TOP 50 SIGNS OF BEING A FOODIE:

  1. Visiting another city or country purely for the food
  2. Cooking from scratch whenever possible
  3. Being adventurous in the kitchen
  4. Knowing what different cooking terms mean e.g. folding, searing, braising etc.
  5. Not being afraid to try something new
  6. Having kitchen cupboard full of ingredients e.g. sauces and spices
  7. Visiting food events in your city e.g. a beer festival or pop-up market
  8. Trying new dishes each time you eat out
  9. Knowing where cuts of meat come from
  10. Knowing all the food hotspots in your hometown
  11. Knowing how to bake/cook something without a recipe
  12. Regularly watching food/cooking shows on TV
  13. Regularly visiting street food markets
  14. Being open to trying different types of street food
  15. Spending any free time cooking or baking
  16. Eating at a Michelin star restaurant
  17. Owning lots of cookbooks
  18. Hosting/inviting people around for food regularly
  19. Weekend plans revolving around food
  20. Being the person people ask for cooking tips or recipes
  21. There’s not a food you won’t try
  22. Understanding every word on a menu
  23. Importing food/ingredients which aren’t sold in the UK
  24. Shopping at independent food shops for ingredients
  25. Following food influencers/chefs on social media
  26. Reading food blogs
  27. Prioritising spending money on food over other things
  28. Knowing how to pronounce exotic ingredients
  29. Getting excited by mealtimes
  30. Having your own social media page dedicated to food
  31. Owning top of the range cooking equipment
  32. Taken cookery/baking classes
  33. Regularly posting photos of your food on social media
  34. Planning all social events around food
  35. Owning every type of kitchen utensil
  36. Eating a different cuisine each day of the week
  37. Supporting independent food brands/restaurants
  38. Owning a fancy set of chopping knives
  39. Dining out at least once a week
  40. Comfortable dining out alone
  41. Always thinking about the next meal
  42. Knowing restaurants/takeaway owners by first name
  43. Knowing the names of TV chefs
  44. Spending the majority of your paycheck on food
  45. Following Instagram cook-along lives
  46. Planning meals ahead of time
  47. Knowing all the best local takeaway
  48. Knowing how to use chopsticks
  49. Being the designated birthday cake baker in your family
  50. Eating other people’s leftovers

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