Home Âť Meal Planning Âť đ´ 30 BEST British Foods: Delicious Recipes Worth Giving A Try! đ´
By Author Andi Reis
Posted on Last updated:
Categories Meal Planning
There are a lot of foods in the world, and some of them are British. Weâre not saying you should try all of them, but these 30 British foods are definitely worth giving a shot.
Have you ever wondered what British food tastes like?
I mean, really?
How does it taste?
You might think that the answer is a resounding âumâŚmeat pie?â
But in fact, Britain has a rich culinary heritage that spans centuries and includes everything from ancient cuisine to modern-day fusion.
And if youâre a British food enthusiast (or even just an enthusiast), then this is your lucky day!
Because today, weâll uncover a British culinary trove!
And guess what?
They are absolutely delicious!
Weâve got everything from traditional favorites like Fish & Chips and Bangers & Mash to new-and-improved versions of classic dishes like Vanilla Scones and English Trifle.
We even have some more exotic options like Scotch Eggs and Steak & Kidney Pudding!
So, whether youâre on a search for something as simple as a good old-fashioned afternoon tea or as exciting as trying every single one of these foods at onceâweâve got it covered.
But wait until your try #27!
Itâs tender with savory notes that are oh so good.
OK, then.
Letâs get going!
Table of Contents
1. Steak & Kidney Pudding
Steak & Kidney Pudding is a mouthwatering and traditional English dish thatâs hearty, meaty, and comfortingâeverything you want in a dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
We also love the rich flavor of British Steak and Kidney Pudding, which comes from using only fresh ingredients.
The meat is tender and flavorful, while the sauce has just enough bite to make your taste buds pay attention.
Victoria Sponge Cake is a classic cake thatâs been around since Queen Victoriaâs reign.
Itâs got layers of sponge cake, jam, and whipped cream.
Plus, itâs so popular because itâs so versatile!
You can make it any flavor you wantâchocolate cake with strawberry filling, lemon pound cake with raspberry filling, or even just plain vanilla cake with strawberry jam.
The possibilities are endless!
3. Crumpets
Crumpets are the perfect companion to a cup of tea.
You can find them in most grocery stores, and theyâre really easy to make at home.
Theyâre also soft and fluffy, with a texture that makes them easy to bite through.
And although this recipe calls for baking powder, you can omit it if you want.
Sometimes, people want crumpets without baking powder because they like the texture better without it!
Who can resist the pull of a Traditional English Loaf?
We canât.
The comforting smell of freshly baked bread, the satisfying crunch when you bite into itâitâs just irresistible!
So, if you love traditional English loaves as much as we do, then youâre going to want to try this
recipe!
With its hearty texture and rich flavor, this bread is sure to become your new favorite.
When youâre craving something sweet, sometimes you just want something thatâs going to hit the spot.
Thatâs why weâve included this recipe for Vanilla Scones: a simple, classic flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Plus, Vanilla Scones are just what they sound like vanilla scones!
Light and fluffy, these treats have a crispy exterior and a soft interior that melts in your mouth.
Theyâre great with jam or butter (or both!), but weâd suggest trying them as they are first.
6. Scotch Eggs
Scotch Eggs are a treat for the mouth and the eyes.
The golden-brown exterior is crispy and crunchy, but the inside is soft and warm.
Itâs like a crumpet⌠but not!
Theyâre usually eaten at breakfast time, which makes sense because they really do taste like a crumpet!
(They also usually come with some sort of dipping sauce, which is always delicious.)
But the best part about Scotch Eggs is that theyâre portable!
So, if you want to eat them on the go or take them with you on a trip somewhere, itâs no problem.
7. Cullen Skink
Cullen Skink is a traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potato, onions, and milk.
Itâs got a rich, creamy texture and an earthy flavor thatâs counteracted by the sharpness of the onions.
Some people describe it as tasting like fishy cheese or a cross between clam chowder and bĂŠchamel sauce.
Plus, itâs commonly served with oatcakes or soda farls (a kind of oat bread), which are often dipped into the soup before eating.
Bangers & Mash may not be the most sophisticated dish in the world, but itâs definitely one of the tastiest.
It is a traditional British dish made from sausages (or âbangersâ) and mashed potatoes.
The sausages are usually either seasoned with herbs or covered in breadcrumbs before they are fried, then served with mashed potatoes.
Also, this recipe is easier than you might think!
You can use a lot of different kinds of sausages for this recipe, but we recommend using a spicy sausage.
The spiciness really pairs well with the sweetness of the mashed potatoes.
British Sausage Rolls are a delicacy that can be found in any pub, corner store, or high-class restaurant.
This is because British Sausage Rolls are never out of style.
The light, flaky dough surrounds the savory meat filling and is then baked to perfection.
Itâs a delectable combination that is sure to please even the pickiest eater.
10. Fish & Chips
Fish & Chips, arguably the most popular meal in Britain, is a favorite of many.
The reason for this is simple: fish and chips are delicious!
The batter around the fish makes it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside while also allowing it to soak up all that delicious saltiness from the fries, which themselves are cooked in oil until theyâre a golden brown color (and almost crispy) with just enough grease to make them taste like heaven.
11. Shepherdâs Pie
If you think Shepherdâs Pie is just a dish you see on menus in pub dishes, think again.
Itâs basically meat and vegetables in a pie, but itâs so scrumptious.
So, what makes Shepherdâs Pie special?
Itâs simple, but itâs also not simple at all.
Itâs a little bit like a cross between a meat pot pie and mac nâ cheese, but lighter.
It also got a rustic feel to itâit tastes like home to us.
And if we could, weâd eat it every day!
This recipe is the kind of thing you want to keep on hand when you want to impress someone.
Itâs not complicated, but it requires a little bit of planning (and some advance prep), so itâs perfect for date night or when youâre hosting a dinner party.
Plus, the flavors are so rich and deep, but at the same time, theyâre light and refreshing.
If youâve never tried this dish before, nowâs the perfect time to do it!
13. Toad In The Hole
OK, we have another favorite dish!
This time its Toad In The Hole with Red Onion Gravy flavor.
Toad in the Hole is a British dish that consists of sausages that are cooked in a hole in a piece of bread.
And the gravy is made from onions and usually served with the dish.
But what sets this one apart from all others?
The red onion gravy!
Itâs sweet and savory, and it sticks to your fingers as you eat it.
You can dip your fingers in the gravy and then lick them cleanâitâs that good!
14. Black Pudding
The British Black Pudding is a delicious sausage that is made from congealed blood.
It also has a strong taste.
It can be salty, sweet, or spicy, depending on its preparation.
Plus, you may notice that it has a slightly metallic flavor to it as wellâthatâs because it is made from blood!
The Traditional Spotted Dick is a very British dish.
Itâs basically a suet pudding with currants mixed into the flour before adding to the suet.
The first time we tried it, we thought it would be too strange for us, but then we started to figure out how much we loved it, right away!
The texture is kind of like a crumble or pie filling; it has both a soft and crunchy feeling from the currants in each bite.
And the taste is incredible!
Itâs sweet but not too sweet like any good fruit-based dessert should be!
16. Rice Pudding
Creamy Baked Rice Pudding is a dessert thatâs creamy, rich, and sweet.
It also has a hint of nutmeg, which makes it unique.
This delectable treat is perfect for anyone who likes to eat sweet foods.
Plus, itâs great for kids who are learning to eat solid foods because itâs not too hard on their teeth yet still sweet enough to satisfy them.
17. English Trifle
Youâre about to have a trifle for the ages!
Itâs no secret that the English are known for their love of tea and their love of trifles.
But what you may not realize is that this recipe has taken those two loves and combined them into one great big delicious mess of flavors.
This English Trifle flavor is like nothing youâve ever experienced before, with layers upon layers of sweet and sour, crunchy and soft, smooth and creamyâand each bite is better than the last!
Itâs a taste explosion!
If youâve ever been told that you could use some bread and butter, then this dessert is for you.
It is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with the taste of nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla on top of buttered bread cubes that soak up the custard below.
Each spoonful is a little slice of heaven.
19. Eton Mess
Eton Mess is a classic British dessert thatâs not to be missed.
The name comes from the word âmess,â which in this context means a mixture of sweet and savory ingredients, and itâs what youâll find in this dish: strawberries, raspberries, whipped cream, and meringue.
The meringue gives it a little bit of crunchiness and texture, while the berries are bright and fresh.
And the whipped cream, which is super light and fluffy, gives this goodie a soft velvety texture, as well as flavor.
If youâve ever had a berry pie or cobbler before, this dish might remind you of those flavors, too⌠except sweeter!
Christmas Pudding is a traditional British dessert thatâs been around for a long time.
Itâs also a special treat that you canât find anywhere else in the world, and itâs really quite unique!
The pudding itself is a dense fruit cake thatâs so flavorful that you can almost taste the history behind it.
Itâs made with raisins, currants, mixed spices, and candied fruits.
Plus, it has a small amount of brandy in it.
But just enough to remind you that, yes, this is also meant to be enjoyed after dinner with a glass of brandy too.
21. Irish Stew
Itâs probably fair to say that Irish Stew is the most quintessentially âIrishâ dish on the planet.
Plus, it has its own unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other stews.
That flavor comes from using beef as well as Irish stout beer and potatoes (some versions call for other vegetables).
The beef gives it a rich taste, while the potatoes give it substance and added sweetness.
And then thereâs just something about Irish Stew that makes it taste like Ireland itself as if somehow all the history and legends behind this country have been distilled down into one pot of food!
22. Welsh Rarebit
Few things in this world can taste as good as a Welsh Rarebit.
And for those who donât know, it is a delicious, savory blend of sharp cheddar, creamy sauce, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Plus, itâs got just enough kick to give it a little extra zingâbut not so much that itâll burn your tongue (unless you want it to).
The Welsh Rarebit has also been around for centuries, and itâs so good that itâs still going strong.
In fact, itâs one of the most popular dishes in Wales today!
23. Cornish Pasty
The Cornish Pasty is a traditional baked meat pie that originated in Cornwall, England.
Itâs an iconic food that has been around for years, and itâs still popular today.
There are also many different versions of this hearty snack, but all are made with two main ingredients: pastry dough and beef or lamb filling.
The pastry can be sweet or savory (sweet pasties tend to have apples or raisins in them), but it must always be sturdy enough to hold up against the filling.
And the fillings can vary widely according to what meats are available in your area, but theyâre almost always seasoned with salt and pepper and sometimes onion powder or other spices as well.
The Full English Breakfast!
You know it.
You love it.
Itâs a must-have breakfast plate, and itâs got everything you could ever want in breakfastâeggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, and beans.
Itâs also full of savory goodness and a little kick of spice.
And if that werenât enough to make your mouth water, you can also add some toast and jam!
If youâre new to the scene, Haggis Neeps & Tatties with Whiskey Butter Cream Sauce might sound like an odd combination.
But if youâve tried it, then you know just how delicious these three ingredients together can be.
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheepâs stomach stuffed with minced meat and oatsâitâs delicious!
Neeps are mashed turnips, which may sound strange, but theyâre actually pretty good when paired with tatties (potatoes).
And finally, thereâs the whiskey buttercream sauce: made from butter, whiskey, and creamâitâs rich but not overly heavy.
So, if you want a hearty meal thatâll give you a warm cozy feeling, give this recipe a try!
26. Bubble & Squeak
Bubble & Squeak is a common British dish that has stood the test of time.
Itâs made from the leftovers from your roast dinner: potatoes, cabbage, and onion.
Itâs also a simple dishâalmost too simple to be a meal on its own.
And itâs very earthy and hearty.
Plus, the texture is similar to hash browns or fried rice: a little crispy around the edges but soft in the middle.
27. Sundayâs Roast
Sundayâs Roast will have you feeling like youâre at home, sitting around the table with your family and friends.
It also embodies the warmth and comfort of a Sunday meal, with all the deliciousness youâd expect from your favorite dish.
Plus, itâs one of the most popular flavors for its rich, savory taste, and it doesnât matter if youâre having a full roast dinner on a Sunday or just want to treat yourself to something special.
This dish will make everything else on the table taste better.
Beef Wellington with Red Wine Sauce is the perfect meal to serve at a dinner party or special occasion.
Itâs elegant but not too fancy, and itâs pretty easy to make.
The secret is the combination of beef and mushrooms, which are both hearty and earthy flavors that complement each other perfectly.
Itâs a good thing the mushroom filling can be made ahead of time, so all you have to do is cook it before serving.
The red wine sauce also keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it in advance too!
Yorkshire Pudding is a classic British dish that is usually served with roast beef.
Its flavor is similar to cornbread but with an airier consistency.
And the taste is mild and pleasant but not overpowering, so it pairs well with other British foods.
Plus, Yorkshire Pudding has a chewy texture because itâs made from batter instead of dough like some other bread or cakes would be.
This gives it an interesting bite that makes it stand out from other foods on your plate!
Ploughmanâs Lunch is one of those perfect, simple British foods thatâs just packed with flavorâthe kind of thing you can put together on a whim and then sit back and enjoy as you watch the sunset.
Itâs got everything: meat, cheese, bread.
And itâs hearty but not too heavy.
The combination of flavorsâthe saltiness of the cheese, the freshness of the cucumber, and the crunchiness of the picklesâis perfectly balanced with each bite.
The flavor is also similar to the traditional British plowmanâs lunch: cheese, pickled vegetables, and crusty bread (though this version doesnât require any actual plowing).
The bottom line
If youâre one of those people who havenât tried British foods before, then this article is for you.
Whether youâre in the states or abroad, these unmissable British foods are sure to impress.
You can try such classics as fish & chips or steak and kidney pie, or if you want to go for something a little adventurous, give bubble & squeak a try â itâs made with vegetable leftovers from other meals.
One thingâs for sure: your taste buds are in for a wild ride with this list!
Top 30 BEST British Foodsđ´
Whether you're in the states or abroad, these 30 easy British Foods are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Steak & Kidney Pudding
- Victoria Sponge Cake
- Crumpets
- Traditional English Loaf
- Vanilla Scones
- Scotch Eggs
- Cullen Skink
- Bangers & Mash
- British Sausage Rolls
- Fish & Chips
- Shepherdâs Pie
- Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot
- Toad In The Hole
- Black Pudding
- Traditional Spotted Dick
- Rice Pudding
- English Trifle
- Bread & Butter Pudding
- Eton Mess
- British Christmas Pudding
- Irish Stew
- Welsh Rarebit
- Cornish Pasty
- Full English Breakfast
- Haggis Neeps & Tatties
- Bubble & Squeak
- Sundayâs Roast
- Beef Wellington With Red Wine Sauce
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Ploughmanâs Lunch
Instructions
- Scroll for your favorite recipe from our list of British Foods.
- Pick out the ingredients needed for the dish.
- Cook then enjoy immediately!
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