Stereotypes about food in foreign countries: survey results

In this community of people coming from all over the world it is almost impossible to voice a delusion and not be corrected by someone. These people know almost everything. And they feel relaxed to share their opinions.

We decided to find out how close to the reality we stand in our understanding of what people eat and drink in the foreign countries. We launched a questionnaire asking people to name what food/drinks comes to their minds when they think of certain countries that are not their home countries (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WL6TNJ3). The results are to be shown to each country nationals to hear their opinion.

Around 15 club members (more than 10 nationalities) have already completed the survey, so we can see what has come out:

Brazil. Leading guesses are Feijoada and Churrasco. Also named: Churrascaria, Bobo de Camarao, Caldo verde, diferent kinds of grill meet, Flavored meat, anything with beef. Among drinks absolute leaders are Cachaca and Caipirinha. Also named are Guaraná, sweet cocktails.

Canada. 50% scream - Maple syrup, besides: salmon, game fowl, pancakes, sandwiches, hot dogs, French fries, crumble, poutin. Drinks: beer, whisky (e.g. crown royal) and also rum, Ice wine, Canada dry, Coca-cola, soda, tomato juice.

China. Absolute leaders are spring rolls, Peking duck, wontons. Also named: xiao bao (soup dumplings), Yakimeshi, noodles, spicy sauces (e.g. sweet and sour), Kwetiao, Nems, rice, soy, tofu, Shanghai crab, Mapo Doufu, Tenshin, soups, stir fried veggies, ginger beef, pork dumplings, dim sum, pork in sour and sweet sause, fried worms, lychees in caramel, mango pudding. Among drinks green tea and Tsingtao is leading, sake named 2 times (!) also show up Chinese wine (inc. rice vine, plum vine), beer, fruit juices (mango, etc), Báijiǔ, Shàoxīngjiǔ.

France. 70% say “cheese”. Many say foi gras and different types of bread. Also names soups (onion, pure/cream soups), duck, Gibier, Escargot, Bouillabaisse, Truffe, ratatouille, gratins, desserts (Palmier, Mille Feuille, crepes, creme burlee, tart tatin). Drinks: wine dominating, also Champaign, Cognac, Pastis, Cafe au lait

Georgia. Not a lot of answers: kabobs, grilled meat, ciorba de burta, heavy food, yogurt, khachapuri, phali, kharcho soup and churchkella. Drinks: wine dominating and vodka (seems that they drink only alcohol there…)

India. Strongly stated Curries, Dhal and Nan. Also voiced: dosa, teriyaki chicken, papadum, tandoori chicken, pao bhaji, paneer, parathas, chats, chutneys, rice, mango. Drinks: many say lassi and tea. Also sounded shots and beer.

Japan. 70% associated with sushi and sashimi. Besides: yakatori, soy, rice, noodles, tamari, tepenyaki, honey and lemon. Drinks: sake dominates. Other versions: ocha, green tea.

Spain. 60% paella! Also strong tapas and jamon. Other versions: pinxos, olive oil, seafood, choriso, tortillla, crema catalana, hot chocolate and churros. Drinks strong leaders are sangria, cava and wine. Also sounded Vino de Verano, Txakoli, coffee.

Russia. Pancakes, dumplings and caviar lead the list. Also mentioned: salmon, fish, pelmeni, vinaigrette, beef Stroganoff, piroshki, borsch. Drinks: vodka (100% of answers…)  

From the first sight, what came out for many of these countries seems strange.

So what do you think? Does what you see resemble the real picture of what is eaten in your country? Pleas share your thoughts with us!