Nearly half of Brits have recreated favourite holiday dishes after coming home

Millions of Brits replicate their favourite holiday dishes, such as pasta, tapas, and continental breakfasts – after returning home. A survey, of 2,000 holidaymakers, found 48 percent who have holidayed abroad have tried to produce delicacies, such as French cheese boards or Mediterranean mezze feasts, with family and friends.

It emerged 37 percent are willing to spend more on special ingredients to recreate favourite holiday meals – with the most popular cuisines being Italian (42 percent), Spanish (37 percent), and Greek (33 percent).

Chinese and French foods were also favoured by 20 percent of all those polled.

When asked what lengths they have gone to in order to recreate culinary holiday memories, 35 percent have visited a specialist supplier – with one in six of those travelling 20 miles or more to find what they were looking for.

A spokesman for brioche brand, St Pierre, which commissioned the research, said: “Food is all about engaging the senses, and as such, it’s central to memory – which is why it is one of the best things about going on holiday for half of Brits.

“It’s no surprise that holidaymakers returning from foreign climes use food to transport them back to happy memories, and an authentic dining experience can add so much to a family get-together.

“And with 53 percent not taking a holiday abroad this year due to the cost of living, authentic ingredients and recipes for at-home dining will be more popular than ever.”

To further enhance the holiday atmosphere upon returning home, 12 percent play music from that country, and eight percent decorate their dining rooms to make the experience more authentic.

And 72 percent will spend up to three hours in the kitchen to recreate favourite dishes.

The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also revealed that of those planning a staycation, 19 percent will replicate their favourite holiday meals regardless of being on home soil.

And 72 percent of those staying home this summer will spend more on their food shop to make it feel more like a holiday, while 44 percent will abandon a diet in order to indulge.

When it comes to holiday destinations, foodie Brits follow their appetite, with 16 percent admitting they have travelled somewhere purely for the food.

In fact, a quarter of those polled say food is the most important element to consider when it comes to choosing a holiday – ahead of how long it takes to get there (17 percent), the activities available (12 percent), and the language spoken (five percent).

In terms of specific dishes holidaymakers have tried to recreate, 34 percent of those who have done so have attempted a particular pasta.

Meanwhile three in ten have put together a Spanish-style tapas, and 18 percent have attempted a Thai green or red curry.

Nearly a fifth (16 percent) have made French toast, while the same amount have done Chinese chicken.

It also emerged that 32 percent have turned to the internet to search for UK ingredients that taste the same as exotic ones they’ve had while away.

And 11 percent have even used a translator to make sure a recipe they’ve found is truly authentic.

St Pierre’s spokesman added: “Whether on holiday abroad or on home soil, 45 percent of Brits admit they change their diet when the weather is nice.

“And recreating food to trick ourselves into thinking we’re on holiday is already a summer habit for one in five (19 percent).

“Recreating just a few elements of a favourite trip can be enough to mentally take you away – which is why, for many, it’s worth spending a little extra to transport us back to our favourite destinations.”