Six in 10 holidaymakers claim they only go abroad for the food, study claims

A study of 2,000 travellers found food was the ultimate driver for city break holidays with many choosing upscale and local establishments to try local cuisine.

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Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) have a ‘wish list’ of restaurants they’d like to visit one day, and 28 per cent dream of visiting a Michelin starred eatery.

When travelling, 36 per cent feel trying local, independent restaurants provides the most ‘authentic’ experience of a region’s food.

With 33 per cent checking out if the restaurant is filled with locals when deciding where to dine while away.

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The research was commissioned by Eurostar to mark its 10-year anniversary partnership with celebrity chef Raymond Blanc OBE.

The study also found 41 per cent even claimed they’d even be willing to travel hundreds of miles to track down the ‘perfect’ meal.

While 42 per cent believe they’re more adventurous with their food choices when they’re away from home and surrounded by culinary temptation.

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Further to this, prior to going away, 42 per cent ‘fantasise’ about the food they’ll get to eat when they’re finally away, according to the OnePoll data.

More than half (55 per cent) further underlined their fascination with food by revealing their idea of fun is learning about international cuisine - like how it’s prepared and where it comes from.

As such, 46 per cent have enjoyed food tours when away on breaks – and 46 per cent have also received cooking lessons during getaways.

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Sustainably-sourced menu for 10,000 Paris to London passengers

Three in 10 like to share their love of cuisine with others by posting images of mouth-watering meals they’ve ordered during their travels on the likes of Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

And to highlight the influence of social media further when it comes to eating abroad, 31 per cent revealed Facebook is their main source of inspiration when choosing restaurants to visit.

With 28 per cent getting pointers from Instagram and 23 per cent turning to Twitter.

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A spokesperson for Eurostar, said: "Like many of those polled, we’re passionate about food and have demonstrated that through our partnership with one of the world’s greatest chefs.

“To celebrate, Raymond has curated a special sustainably-sourced menu for 10,000 of our Paris to London Business Premiers passengers which will be available from the 10th until the 23rd of November.”

Raymond Blanc OBE said: “Without hesitation, I would say that food is an integral part of a country’s identity and a reflection of its culture.

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Cuisine reflects a place’s climate, its history, its personality, its agriculture, its passion and its 'joie de vivre'!  Food is definitely one of the strongest links to bring people together.

Whatever destination  you may choose,  you will enjoy new flavours, tastes and textures, as well as new adventures.

Bon appétit".

Top 10 list of favourite restaurants in Paris

  1. Pierre Gagnaire – three-Michelin-star - 6 Rue Balzac
  2. Restaurant Divellac - Bistro – the 1st fish institution in Paris - 107 rue de l'Université, Esplanade des Invalides
  3. L’Arpege – three-Michelin-star restaurant by Alain Passard - 84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
  4. Le Beurre Noisette - Bistro by Thierry Blanqui - 68 Rue Vasco de Gama, 75015 Paris
  5. Les Petites Sorcieres – Bistro by Ghislaine Arabian - 12 Rue Liancourt 75014 Paris, France
  6. La Coupole - 700 seat Brasserie - 102 Bd du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris
  7. Les petit plats – Bistro - 39 Rue des Plantes  75014Paris
  8. La Régalade Saint-Honoré – Bistro - 106 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
  9. Le Boeuf sur le Toit - brasserie with Chef David Gutman - 34 Rue du Colisee, 75008 Paris, France
  10. Le Comptoir - Bistro by Yves Camdebarde - 9 carrefour de l’Odéon, 7500
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