Japanese food voted third

Japanese food could one day rule the world after being voted global travellers’ third favourite culinary delight, a new worldwide food survey from Hotels.com reveals.

The survey, which questioned more than 27,000 travellers, shows there is now tough competition for more traditional favourites such as Italian and French cuisine from food from the Far East.

Although international travellers do still favour Italian (32 per cent) and French (24 per cent) cuisine, with them taking first and second spot in the rankings, the dishes from the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ Japan are gaining in popularity with more cosmopolitan palates.

Eighteen per cent of all people surveyed favoured Sushi, Tempura, ramen and Japanese soba, particularly when it comes to fine dining.

“Japanese food is seen as a great example of healthy eating and there are a variety of Japanese restaurants in every multicultural capital,” said Alison Couper from Hotels.com. “I’m a big fan of Japanese and not surprised at its elevated ranking.”

Several other Asian countries appear in the Top Ten list, including China (13 per cent), Thailand (eight per cent), Taiwan and India (five per cent).

The popularity of paella and tapas could have contributed to Spain clinching fifth place (11 per cent), while those who love burger and fries have helped the US secure sixth place (10 per cent) in the table.