The origins of Paella can be traced back to the nineteenth century, where it was originally made in the region of Valencia - and took its name from the wide, shallow pan it is usually made in, on an open fire – yet despite chorizo NOT being part of an authentic Spanish paella, a QUARTER of Brits love to add it to their baked rice dishes.

In fact, Spanish (32 percent) and Italian (58 percent) food emerged as the top holiday cuisines to recreate at home, with a massive 70 percent trying to eat a more Mediterranean diet, according to the poll.

Overall, 78 percent of those polled are having fewer holidays abroad, due to the increased cost of living – and are instead creating their favourite vacation dishes in their own kitchens. Traditional Mexican Tacos (24 percent) came second on the list of dishes that remind us of our travels, followed by Spaghetti Carbonara (23 percent).

Yet, despite our love for sunshine dishes, such as tortilla and pastel de nata, a third (29 percent) have experienced a cooking fail when trying to recreate them at home. Olives (22 percent), Chorizo (22 percent), Tortillas (22 percent), Beef Bourguignon (21 percent) and Hummus (21 percent) also featured high.

One in five (21 percent) Britons love freshly caught Calamari (21 percent), while a further 20 percent say that you can’t beat Spanish Patatas Bravas made up of crispy, fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce. Greek Tzatziki (20 percent), sweet Churros with chocolate (18 percent), Moussaka (18 percent), Turkish Baklava (16 percent), Pastel De Nata (13 percent) and stuffed peppers (16 percent) also remind us of travels.

An Italian ravioli is the favourite for one in five (18 percent), while a sixth (15 percent) believe pesto is the best holiday food ever.

37 percent say they have attempted to recreate their favourite holiday dishes at home, with 43 percent even bringing ingredients back with them in the hope of whipping up their favourite holiday bites.

However, despite the time and money, eight in ten (78 percent) confess that the result tasted NOTHING like the original, with one in three (29 percent) going a step further and saying that it is ALWAYS a disaster.

Paella (22 percent), Spanish Tortilla (nine percent), Moussaka (seven percent), Hummus (six percent) and Ratatouille (six percent) are the homemade versions that end up in the bin most frequently. One in twenty (three percent) admit they always end up making a mess of Pesto, while three percent can never seem to get Ravioli right.

Carrie Hollis Patel from unearthedⓇ said: “The research proves Mediterranean flavours are the top choice for Brits, with Spanish and Italian dishes dominating the list of best loved holiday foods. “From a saffron rich seafood paella, to sweet gordal olives, an oozing Spanish tortilla, or creamy spaghetti carbonara – food provokes nostalgia, evoking memories of travel. So it is no surprise that Brits are recreating their favourite dishes, at a time when foreign travel is out of reach for many. “We just hope you aren’t one of the 29 percent who have had a holiday recipe disaster. If you are, come to our events at Divertimenti Cookery School or try our ready to eat Med deli range it’s fuss free and full of Mediterranean flavour”.

More than half (56 percent) of those surveyed, make a point about trying local food when they are on holiday, while one in three (29 percent) ALWAYS choose a destination based on the cuisine.
THE 30 BEST LOVED HOLIDAY FOODS, ACCORDING TO BRITONS 

1. Paella - 36%
2. Tacos - 24%
3. Spaghetti Carbonara – 23
4. Olives - 22%
5. Chorizo - 22%
6. Tortilla - 22%
7. Beef Bourguignon - 21%
8. Hummus - 21%
9. Calamari - 21%
10. Patatas Bravas - 20%
11. Tzatziki - 20%
12. Churros con chocolate - 18%
13. Moussaka - 18%
14. Ravioli - 18%
15. Baklava - 17%
16. Turkish Delight - 16%
17. Stuffed peppers - 16%
18. Pad Thai - 15% 
19. Pesto - 15%
20. Frankfurters - 14%
21. Charcuterie - 14%
22. Bratwursts - 14%
23. Souvlaki - 13%
24. Key Lime pie - 13%
25. Pastel de nata - 13%
26. Iberico ham - 13%
27. Macarons - 12%
28. Dim Sum - 12%
29. Ramen - 12%
30. Coq au vin - 11%

This research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by unearthed and conducted by Perspectus Global during June 2024.