What to Eat in United Kingdom: Typical British Food and Specialties

British cuisine is often underrated and unfairly overlooked. However, the truth is that the United Kingdom offers a wide range of tasty and diverse dishes that are worth trying.

British cuisine is characterized primarily by its simplicity, emphasis on quality ingredients, and strong flavors. Favorite ingredients include beef and lamb, potatoes, vegetables, and of course, fish and seafood. The British also love various sauces and dips.

Over the centuries, British cuisine has evolved and absorbed influences from around the world, particularly from former British colonies in Asia and Africa.

🇬🇧 Tip: After British food, set off in London with a guide on a tour of pubs associated with the Beatles or Rolling Stones, or perhaps pubs with royal history. Cheers! 🍺

Typical British Dishes

One of the most quintessentially British dishes is undoubtedly fish and chips. This consists of fried fish fillet in batter, served with chips and traditionally also with peas. Another popular dish is shepherd’s pie, baked minced meat with mashed potatoes. Yorkshire pudding is also highly popular, served as a side dish with roasted meat and gravy (for example, with a Sunday roast).

British National Dish

The official national dish of the United Kingdom is not explicitly defined, but if the British had to choose one dish that symbolizes British cuisine, surveys suggest it would be “fish and chips.” This simple yet delicious dish enjoys immense popularity across the country.

However, the Sunday roast is also exceptionally beloved. And given the foreign influences that British cuisine has absorbed, it’s no surprise that in 2001, chicken “curry” tikka masala was declared by Foreign Secretary Robin Cook as “a true British national dish.” It should be noted that chicken tikka masala is not an Indian dish, but was invented in the United Kingdom (with great inspiration from India).

What to Eat in the United Kingdom

• Fish and chips. A traditional British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod, and chips. It became popular during the Industrial Revolution and remains a favorite dish at local “chippies.”
• Full English breakfast. A hearty breakfast that typically includes eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. This traditional British breakfast has a long history and is loved for its richness.
• Sunday roast. A traditional Sunday lunch that includes roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, chicken, or pork), roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. The Sunday roast is associated with the British tradition of family Sunday lunches.
• Shepherd’s pie. A meat pie made with minced meat and mashed potatoes. The dish originates from the English countryside, where it was a favorite among farmers.
• Cider. A fermented apple or pear drink that can be sweet or dry. Cider is very popular, especially in southwestern England, in areas like Somerset and Herefordshire, where apples are traditionally grown.
• Bangers and mash. Sausages with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. A typical dish in British pubs, loved for its simplicity and taste.
• Beef Wellington. Beef fillet wrapped in pâté and puff pastry. Popular at British festive dinners and banquets. Did someone say Gordon Ramsay? 😁
• Cornish pasty. A baked pastry filled with meat and vegetables. A traditional dish of miners in Cornwall.
• Black pudding. A blood sausage made from pork blood, fat, and oats. A component of the traditional English breakfast.
• Scotch egg. A boiled egg wrapped in minced meat, breadcrumbs, and fried. A popular snack or appetizer.
• Sticky toffee pudding. A dessert made from date cake with caramel sauce.
• Eton mess. A dessert made from crushed strawberries, whipped cream, and meringue pieces. Originating from Eton College, it is popular during the summer months.
• Victoria sponge cake. A cake filled with jam and whipped cream, named after Queen Victoria. Often served at tea parties.
• Scones. A pastry served with jam and clotted cream or butter. Scones are a traditional part of British afternoon tea.
• Yorkshire pudding. A baked batter dish served as a side with roasted meat. Originating from Yorkshire, it is a traditional part of the British Sunday roast.
• Haggis. A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s offal, oats, and spices. Haggis is associated with Scotland and is often served at Burns Night celebrations.
• Welsh rarebit. Toast with melted cheese and sauce. Originating from Wales, it is popular as a quick and tasty snack.
• Bakewell tart. A tart filled with jam and almond filling. The dessert originates from the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire.
• Toad in the hole. Sausages baked in batter. The dish is loved for its simplicity and taste.
• Lancashire hotpot. A baked dish made with lamb or mutton and potatoes. The dish originates from Lancashire and is traditional in the British countryside.
• Pimm’s. A fruit liqueur, often served as a cocktail with fruit and vegetables. Pimm’s is a popular drink during the summer months and is associated with events like Wimbledon.
• Pork pie. A meat pie filled with pork and lard. It is popular as a snack or part of a picnic.
• Treacle tart. A sweet tart filled with syrup, breadcrumbs, and lemon juice.
• Bubble and squeak. A dish made from potatoes and cabbage, loved for its simplicity and taste.
• Lardy cake. A cake with raisins and pieces of lard. It originates from the Wiltshire area.
• Battenberg cake. A checkered cake made from yellow and pink sponge, covered in marzipan. The dessert was created to celebrate the marriage of Princess Victoria and Prince Louis of Battenberg.
• Marmite. A savory spread made from yeast extract. Marmite is perhaps the only British product that is both loved and hated for its strong flavor.
• Trifle. A layered dessert made from sponge cake, fruit, jelly, custard, and whipped cream. It is often prepared during holidays.
• Chelsea bun. A sweet roll with raisins and cinnamon, topped with icing. It originates from the Chelsea area of London.
• Jaffa cakes. Small biscuits with orange jelly and chocolate coating.

Typical British Drinks

When you think of the United Kingdom, many people immediately think of tea. And rightfully so—The British are among the biggest tea lovers in the world. They drink it on every occasion. Traditionally, it is served with milk and sugar, but in recent years, various flavored and herbal teas have also gained popularity.

Besides tea, the British are also big fans of beer. British breweries have a long tradition and produce a wide range of beer styles, from light ales to strong porters and stouts. Different types of top-fermented beers like pale ale or IPA are also popular.

Another typical British drink is cider, which has a long tradition in the UK, dating back to the 11th century. Cider is mainly produced in the West Country region in the southwest of England, where special varieties of apples with high tannin and acid content are grown. Traditional West Country cider is dry, sparkling, and has a complex flavor with notes of apples, spices, and oak barrels. Some of the most famous and high-quality brands include Thatchers, Sheppy’s, and Westons. Cider is particularly popular in summer as a refreshing drink but is enjoyed throughout the year.

Lastly, British spirits, especially gin and whisky, are worth mentioning. London gin is renowned worldwide and has been produced there since the 17th century. Scottish single malt whisky is among the best and most expensive in the world, sought after by both connoisseurs and amateurs alike.

How to Fully Enjoy British Food

• Have a traditional English breakfast, consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, and toast. The best ones are found in small family restaurants or so-called “greasy spoon” cafés.
• Try fish and chips by the coast, ideally in one of the traditional seaside resorts like Brighton or Blackpool. Brighton itself is beautiful and just a few hours away from London.
• Enjoy a Sunday roast at a traditional British pub.
• Treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea, in one of the luxury hotels or tea rooms. You’ll be treated to a selection of teas, sandwiches, pastries, and a calm atmosphere.
• Visit a pub for a pint of beer and ask for the best local brew. Try some of the newer craft breweries as well.
• Visit one of the many markets, where you can sample the best of British and international cuisine. In London, almost everyone heads to Borough Market.

Regional British Cuisine and Specialties

Scotland (Edinburgh)
Scottish cuisine is known for its hearty and filling dishes, perfect for warming up in cold weather. Among the most famous Scottish specialties is haggis, the national dish of Scotland. Haggis is made from sheep’s offal, oatmeal, and spices. It is traditionally served with mashed potatoes and turnips. Another popular dish is shortbread, a crumbly butter biscuit. Scotland is also famous for its single malt whisky.

Wales (Cardiff)
Welsh cuisine is influenced by both British and Celtic traditions. Popular Welsh specialties include Welsh rarebit, a toasted bread dish with a cheese-based sauce. Another specialty is cawl, a hearty soup made from meat, potatoes, carrots, and leeks. The Welsh also enjoy bara brith, a fruit loaf made with raisins, sultanas, candied fruit, and tea.

Northern England (Manchester)
Northern England is known for its hearty dishes, often made with local ingredients. A popular specialty is Lancashire hotpot, baked lamb with potatoes and onions. Another well-known dish is Yorkshire pudding, a fluffy batter made from flour, eggs, and milk, traditionally served as a side dish with roast meat. Northern England is also home to the Eccles cake, small round pastries filled with raisins and spices.

Southern England (London)
Southern England offers a wide range of regional specialties, from seafood to sweet desserts. The most famous dish is undoubtedly fish and chips, fried cod and chips, often served with peas and tartar sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s Eton mess, a dessert made with meringue, whipped cream, and strawberries. Another specialty is the Cornish pasty, a pastry filled with meat and vegetables.

Famous British Chefs

• Gordon Ramsay (1966). He is one of the most famous British chefs today, known for his direct and often controversial demeanor on television shows like Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, and Kitchen Nightmares. His restaurants currently hold a total of 7 Michelin stars (as of September 2024). Ramsay is renowned for his flawless cooking techniques, attention to detail, and use of top-quality ingredients.
• Jamie Oliver (1975). This popular chef became famous for his informal approach to cooking and focus on simple, tasty, and healthy dishes made from fresh ingredients. He often promotes socially responsible projects, such as improving school meals in the UK through his “Feed Me Better” campaign. He has published numerous successful cookbooks and appeared in many television shows.
• Heston Blumenthal (1966). He is considered a pioneer of molecular gastronomy. His restaurant, The Fat Duck, held three Michelin stars from 2004 to 2016, after which it was temporarily closed and relocated to Australia. Upon returning to the UK, it once again earned three Michelin stars. Blumenthal is known for his scientific and innovative approach to cooking and exploring flavors and aromas.
• Nigella Lawson (1960). This popular cookbook author and television personality is known for her sensual approach to cooking and emphasis on the enjoyment of food. Her recipes are often simple but tasty and aesthetically appealing. Lawson has written numerous successful cookbooks and appeared in many television shows focused on cooking and lifestyle, such as Nigella Bites and Nigella Express.
• Marco Pierre White (1961). He was the first British chef to earn three Michelin stars at the age of just 33. He became famous for his uncompromising approach, perfect technique, and ability to mentor other famous chefs, including Gordon Ramsay. In 1999, however, he returned his stars and has since opted out of Michelin ratings. Today, White focuses primarily on writing books and television shows.

British Michelin Restaurants

There are 1,033 restaurants in the UK listed in the Michelin Guide, with 9 restaurants holding 3 stars, 22 restaurants holding 2 stars, 154 restaurants holding 1 star, and 105 restaurants in my favorite category, Bib Gourmand – exceptional value for money. Another 743 restaurants are included in the Michelin Guide without a star rating (as of August 2024).

One of the most famous is undoubtedly The Fat Duck, owned and operated by the renowned chef Heston Blumenthal. Located in the picturesque village of Bray in Berkshire, it boasts three Michelin stars. Blumenthal is known for his innovative and often surprising approach to cooking. At The Fat Duck, you can try his signature dishes like “Snail Porridge” or “Bacon and Egg Ice Cream.” It’s a unique gourmet experience where science meets culinary art.

Another renowned Michelin-starred restaurant is Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London’s Chelsea district (Royal Hospital Road). It bears the name of its founder, television celebrity and chef Gordon Ramsay. It boasts three Michelin stars and offers modern French cuisine in an elegant setting. Ramsay is known for his uncompromising approach and high standards of quality.

One of the newest Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK is Moor Hall near Ormskirk in Lancashire. It earned two stars in 2019, just two years after its opening in 2017. These are currently complemented by a green star for sustainability. Chef Mark Birchall serves modern British cuisine here, with an emphasis on local ingredients. The estate also includes a five-star hotel and a 16th-century manor house.

But Michelin-starred restaurants are not only found in England. The Kitchin and Martin Wishart in Edinburgh represent the Scottish culinary scene. Both have earned one Michelin star and specialize in modern Scottish cuisine using local ingredients.

The aforementioned establishments are just a fraction of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK. The United Kingdom truly has much to offer gourmets and lovers of fine dining.

Interesting Facts about British Food

• Haggis in space. In 2021, the Scottish company Simon Howie sent haggis into space. This traditional Scottish dish was launched by balloon into the stratosphere, reaching an altitude of 32 kilometers.
• The origin of fish and chips. Although fish and chips are considered a quintessentially British dish, its origins are linked to Jewish immigrants from Portugal and Spain, who brought the technique of frying fish in batter to the UK.
• The oldest British restaurant. Rules, founded in 1798, is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in London. It specializes in traditional British cuisine, particularly game and wildfowl.
• The sandwich was named after a Brit. The sandwich was named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who is said to have invented the dish so he could eat while playing cards without getting his hands dirty.

Enjoy the United Kingdom and the best British food!