Eating International Foods Linked to Greater Tolerance.

Published: 07 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk.

A recent study conducted jointly by the University of Birmingham and the University of Munich has revealed that enjoying international cuisines may do more than tantalize taste buds—it can foster greater social tolerance. According to the research, British adults who regularly consume a wider variety of global foods are less likely to perceive immigrants as cultural or economic threats, and are more likely to hold positive attitudes toward people from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe.

The study surveyed over 1,000 white British adults, exploring their eating habits, political preferences, and attitudes toward immigration. Participants were asked about their enjoyment of six international cuisines—Indian, Turkish, Chinese, Thai, Caribbean, and Spanish—and how often they consumed these foods. The findings revealed a strong correlation between frequent engagement with international foods and pro-immigrant attitudes. Those who regularly enjoyed global cuisines were also less likely to vote for politicians advocating stricter immigration controls.

Crucially, the researchers emphasized that the effect was not simply a result of pre-existing openness or liberal values. Dr. Rodolfo Leyva, the study’s lead author from the University of Birmingham, explained that the positive attitudes were largely shaped by direct contact with people from different cultures and the enjoyable, sensory experience of eating food associated with these cultures. Restaurants and food stalls, he noted, provide naturally welcoming environments for social interaction, making cultural exchange accessible to everyone. “Unlike museums or concerts, which may require prior knowledge or interest in another culture, everyone eats, and food is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to experience cultural diversity,” Dr. Leyva said.

The study highlighted the deep roots of international cuisine in the UK, illustrating how food has historically bridged cultures. Britain’s first Indian restaurant, the Hindoostane Coffee House, opened in 1810 by Dean Mahomed, introduced curry to London. Chinese cuisine became popular in Victorian-era Liverpool and Limehouse, catering initially to sailors, before mainstream restaurants like the West End’s Cathay emerged in the early 20th century. Caribbean influences arrived with the Windrush generation, bringing dishes such as curry goat, jerk chicken, rice and peas, and baked goods like patties and hardo bread. Over the decades, British food culture has continued to diversify, incorporating global favorites from kebabs to Vietnamese pho.

The research also found that food engagement was a significant predictor of positive attitudes toward immigrants, second only to formal education. Those who frequently consumed international foods displayed tolerance levels comparable to those with higher education or more ethnically diverse social networks. The study suggested that food vendors and restaurants act as informal spaces for “boundary-crossing,” allowing people to observe and interact with out-group members, appreciate their work ethic, and recognize shared humanity.

The report, entitled Breaking Bread: Investigating the Role of Ethnic Food in Potentiating Outgroup Tolerance, drew upon intergroup contact theory. This social psychology framework posits that interactions between groups reduce prejudice when participants are of equal status, cooperate toward common goals, and receive institutional support. The study concluded that engaging with international cuisines, even in everyday settings, can subtly shape attitudes, fostering empathy and cultural understanding.

In light of these findings, researchers suggested that food could play a central role in promoting social cohesion. Recommendations included hosting food tastings in schools, offering grants or tax incentives to multicultural food businesses, and highlighting culinary diversity in tourism campaigns. By integrating international cuisine into community life, policymakers could create more inclusive environments and encourage positive intercultural contact.

The study’s findings offer compelling evidence that food is not just a source of nourishment or pleasure—it can also be a medium for fostering empathy, understanding, and tolerance across cultural divides, shaping a more inclusive society in the UK.