engleski

Popularity of African foods and dishes in Croatia

Traditional African cuisine uses a combination of locally available fruits and vegetables, grains, milk and meat. Food used in meal preparation is rich in nutrients and naturally poor in undesirable sugar, saturated and trans fatty acids, and sodium. The aim of this study was to determine the popularity of African foods and dishes in Croatia among the student population, and also to explore whether and how many African restaurants are there in Croatia. The study included a total of 115 participants (81.7% women) of the student population. Data were collected using a questionnaire created using Google form for the period from October 21st, 2021 to October 24th, 2021. The questionnaire contained 26 open-ended and closed-ended questions. The first part of the questionnaire collected data on gender and age, while the second part was related to consumption and knowledge of African groceries and dishes. Of the total number of participants, 82.8% did not consume African foods and dishes. When asked about their knowledge of African fruit, 96.6% of participants said they know dates, and 79.3% know kiwano. As far as knowledge of vegetables is concerned, 59.5% of participants know white mustard, and 45.7% know okra. When asked about their knowledge of non-alcoholic African drinks, 35.1% of participants have heard of Rooibos tea. Of the known African dishes, most participants consumed plantains (14.7%). 94.8% of participants said they would like to try African dishes (Nhopi, Melokhia, Matata, Sasaties, Bobotie, plantains), and 97.4% of participants believe that the African diet is not popular in Croatia. The research has shown that there is only one African restaurant in Croatia. According to the results of this study African foods and dishes are not popular among the student population in Croatia. Participants, although unfamiliar with African cuisine, showed interest in trying new African dishes. The problem they will encounter is that the only African restaurant in Croatia, located in Zagreb, is poorly promoted and thus unknown to a large number of people.

african foods and dishes ; student population ; fruits and vegetables

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