What overseas visitors want to eat

Fáilte Ireland published a booklet recently offering advice on what to consider when serving food to specific groups of customers from specific countries.

Fáilte Ireland published a booklet recently offering advice on what to consider when serving food to specific groups of customers from specific countries.

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Off-trade

Food trends for British holidaymakers
The British holidaymaker likes to see local food on a menu and will often sample traditional dishes. Steaks and fresh fish are very popular choices as are home favourites such as savoury pies.
UK visitors also enjoy hearty lunch-time dishes; steak and seafood is a big attraction along with traditional Irish dishes.
Here are some typical examples and trends of British holidaymakers, one of our major international markets:

Breakfast
All egg types, bacon, pork sausage, pudding, tomato, beans, fried potato, white and brown toast, cereals, kippers, mackerel, juice, potato cake, mushrooms, and yoghurts.

Lunch
Soups, chowder, sandwiches, wraps. Irish full hearty main courses eg bacon and cabbage.

Starters
Soup, chowder, salads, smoked fish, shellfish, cheese tartlets, savoury pies, potato skins, terrines, scotch egg, crubeens and potato cakes.

Main courses
Fresh fish and chips, seafood pie, shepherd’s pie, hot pots, steak and kidney dishes, liver and bacon, local fresh vegetables and a variety of potato dishes.

Desserts
Rice pudding, crumbles and custard, bread and butter pudding, pavlova, set cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and lemon meringue pie.

Food trends for German holidaymakers
The German holidaymaker is health-conscious and enjoys activity excursions so he or she tends to have quite an appetite in the evenings.
Lunches are light, with many German visitors opting for a healthier option. However, they will try traditional dishes and are more open to the potato than other European markets.
Here are some typical examples and food trends of German visitors, one of our major international markets:

Breakfast
Fried, scrambled and boiled eggs, variety of sausage, cured meats, fresh fruit, muesli, grains, herring, smoked fish, toast, soda breads, pastries, soft cheese, speciality tea and coffee.

Lunch
Soups, salads, open sandwiches, healthier options eg pan-fried fish of the day.

Starters
Soup, broths, salads, game, sausage, puddings, smoked salmon, shellfish, oily fish, smoked meats, breaded mushrooms, crudités, meatballs, soft cheese parcels, mackerel fritters.

Main courses
Fresh fish, stews, breaded chicken or pork, beef or game sausages, local vegetables, seafood pie, potato dishes.

Desserts
Apple tarts/pies, fruit fritters, rice pudding, chocolate gateaux, pear and almond tart, coffee cake and fresh fruit.

Food trends for French holidaymakers
The French holidaymaker likes to take his or her time over dinner and generally dines later than the UK or US visitor. French visitors enjoy light lunches and larger evening meals.
They will try traditional dishes but they are not great potato lovers, preferring lentils and haricot beans instead. Rustic dishes and rich sauces served with plenty of bread rolls are perfect.
Here are some typical examples and food trends of French holidaymakers, one of our major international markets:

Breakfast
Eggs, cured meats, mushrooms, fresh tomato, oily fish, smoked salmon, pancakes, chocolate spread, toast, white breads, fresh fruit, cheese, yoghurts, pastries, croissants, juices, smoothies, cocoa and speciality tea and coffee.

Lunch
Soups, patès, terrines, quiche and salads eg beetroot, goat’s cheese and walnut salad with crusty bread.

Starters
Soup, bisque, patès, terrines, selection of salads, shellfish, soft cheese, vegetarian roulades, smoked salmon, wild mushrooms, mussels, clams, game, and quiche.

Main courses
Beef stews, venison casserole, rabbit pie, fish broth, pan-fried fish, local fresh vegetables, sauces, shank of lamb, mussels.

Desserts
Apple tarts, pastries, meringue, chocolate gateaux, pancakes, meringues and cheese.

For more information goto: http://www.failteireland.ie/In-Your-Sector/Food-Tourism-in-Ireland.aspx

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