When people think of British cuisine, a few iconic dishes might spring to mind: fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and perhaps a cup of tea. However, the food culture in the UK is as rich and varied as its history. From hearty classics to regional specialties, British food offers something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the great British foods you simply must try on your next visit.
1. Fish and Chips
Let’s start with the classic. Fish and chips is perhaps the most famous British dish and for good reason. There’s nothing quite like fresh, flaky fish coated in crispy batter, served with a generous portion of thick-cut chips. Traditionally, it’s accompanied by mushy peas and a sprinkle of salt and vinegar. For the best experience, enjoy it by the seaside, wrapped in paper, with the sound of the waves in the background.
2. Full English Breakfast
A full English breakfast, or simply a “fry-up,” is a hearty way to start the day. This traditional breakfast typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs (fried or scrambled), black pudding, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. It’s often served with a cup of strong tea or coffee. This breakfast is perfect if you have a big day of exploring ahead and need a meal that will keep you going until lunch.
3. Sunday Roast
The Sunday roast is a cornerstone of British culinary tradition, typically enjoyed with family and friends. The meal usually features roasted meat (beef, chicken, lamb, or pork), accompanied by roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and lashings of gravy. Don’t forget the side of horseradish sauce or mint sauce, depending on the meat. Many pubs and restaurants serve a Sunday roast, making it a perfect opportunity to experience this comforting meal.
4. Cornish Pasty
Originating from Cornwall, the Cornish pasty is a savory pastry filled with meat (usually beef), potatoes, swede (rutabaga), and onions. The ingredients are seasoned and wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry crust, then baked until deliciously crispy. Traditionally, pasties were portable meals for miners, and today they’re a popular grab-and-go option. You’ll find them in bakeries throughout the UK, but they’re especially good in Cornwall.
5. Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is more than just a meal—it’s a ritual. This elegant tradition typically consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries. All of this is, of course, accompanied by a pot of tea. It’s the perfect way to unwind in the afternoon and indulge in a bit of British culture. Many hotels and tearooms across the UK offer afternoon tea experiences, often in beautiful historic settings.
6. Bangers and Mash
Bangers and mash is a classic comfort food dish that consists of sausages (bangers) served with mashed potatoes and often topped with rich onion gravy. This dish is simple but incredibly satisfying, especially on a cold day. It’s a staple in British pubs and is a great option if you’re looking for something hearty and filling.
7. Scotch Eggs
A Scotch egg is a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried or baked. The result is a crunchy, savory snack that’s perfect for picnics or as a starter in pubs. While the traditional Scotch egg is delicious, many places now offer variations with different meats, spices, and even vegetarian options.
8. Sticky Toffee Pudding
For dessert lovers, sticky toffee pudding is a must-try. This classic British dessert consists of a moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, covered in a rich toffee sauce, and often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of clotted cream. It’s sweet, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.
9. Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie
Shepherd’s pie and cottage pie are both traditional British comfort foods made with minced meat (lamb for shepherd’s pie and beef for cottage pie) and topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The dish is baked until golden brown and is often served with vegetables on the side. It’s the perfect warming meal for a chilly evening.
10. Ploughman’s Lunch
A Ploughman’s lunch is a traditional English cold meal that typically includes a variety of cheeses, crusty bread, pickles, chutney, and sometimes cold meats or hard-boiled eggs. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal, often enjoyed in pubs, and it’s a great way to sample some of the excellent cheeses that the UK has to offer, such as Cheddar, Stilton, or Red Leicester.
11. Eton Mess
Eton Mess is a delightful dessert made with a mix of crushed meringue, strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s said to have originated at Eton College, where it’s traditionally served at the annual cricket match against Harrow School. The combination of textures—the crisp meringue, the fresh strawberries, and the soft cream—makes for a refreshing and satisfying treat.
12. Welsh Rarebit
Welsh rarebit is a savory dish made from a rich cheese sauce, typically flavored with mustard and ale, poured over slices of toasted bread and then grilled until golden and bubbling. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting snack. Despite its name, there’s no rabbit in Welsh rarebit—just plenty of cheesy goodness.
British cuisine is a delightful mix of hearty, comforting dishes and elegant traditions. Whether you’re indulging in a full English breakfast, savoring a Cornish pasty by the sea, or treating yourself to afternoon tea, there’s a world of flavors to discover. So next time you’re in the UK, be sure to explore these great British foods—you’ll find that there’s much more to British cuisine than meets the eye.