We've curated a list for you of some must-try dishes for when you venture to the UK. Read on to find out what dishes you need to track down on your next visit. Get your taste buds ready for some British culinary delights!
Sunday Roast
This meal is a classic and a true testament to traditional British cuisine. It involves meat, fluffy Yorkshire puddings and golden roasted vegetable smothered in gravy. The tradition originates back to the 1700s. At that time meat was an expensive rare treat, so it was only eaten once a week. People would often put it in the oven before going to church and savour it afterwards. Today you can find this hearty meal pretty much anywhere, like a charming local pub. Variations include chicken, roast beef, lamb and most places now have vegetarian options too. Remember to wear trousers with some stretch.
Afternoon Tea
Ah, the elegance of afternoon tea. Legend has it that the Duchess of Bedford invented it in the early 1800s. In those days, dinner was on at 8pm which left long hours between meals. This delightful tradition became the perfect way to stave off her afternoon hunger pangs. It consists of finger sandwiches, delectable pastries, and the star of the show, scones! Today, it's easy to find a wide variety of afternoon teas ranging in budget and theme.
Sausage Roll
Did you know that this flaky delight actually originated in 19th century France? It was the bustling streets of London in the early 1800s that made it famous as street food. The idea of wrapping meat in pastry goes way back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Now, thanks to food chains like Greggs (who sell a jaw-dropping 2 million sausage rolls a week in the UK!), this humble snack has become an icon. Oh, and did we mention it's also a tried-and-true hangover cure? Talk about a win-win!
Scotch egg
Let's take a look back to the 1700s. As transportation improved and people started taking longer journeys, there was a need for portable food. The brilliant minds at Fortnum & Mason came up with the scotch egg. Just imagine a perfectly boiled egg encased in flavourful sausage meat and crispy bread crumbs. It made it delicious and easy to carry on a carriage ride. It's no wonder that it's still one of the most beloved bites in the UK today.
Fish & Chips
Ah, the classic fish and chips, the ultimate British comfort food. While its exact origins are still a mystery, we can thank the influences Portugal and Spain for this delightful combination. One of the earliest mentions of fish and chips even appears in Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. It quickly gained popularity in the 1800s, and now you can find it everywhere, from casual pub fare to fancy restaurants. Don't forget to pair it with mushy peas to get your greens in!
Comments