Buzz
British food has long been the target of criticism and ridicule. This isn’t helped by the fact that some traditional dishes have peculiar names like “Toad in the Hole” and “Spotted Dick.”
“You can’t trust people with such terrible cuisine,” French President Jacques Chirac reportedly quipped to Vladimir Putin in 2005. “The only contribution they’ve made to European agriculture is mad cow disease.” Ironically, by 2012, Britain outperformed France in the San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants awards, with three of its eateries ranking in the top 15.
Many misconceptions about British cuisine stem from language differences. For instance, bangers are sausages, and crisps are chips, while chips refer to thick-cut fries. Additionally, puddings can be savory, and even sweet desserts often defy expectations in texture and flavor. In England, you’ll soon discover that a mincemeat pie contains no meat whatsoever.
Here are ten British menu items that might test your taste buds—and sometimes your visual sensibilities.
10. Bubble & Squeak
Bubble and squeak is a charmingly named dish that might not win any beauty contests but is undeniably delicious. This sautéed mix typically includes leftover vegetables like mashed potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage, and shredded meat, with room for improvisation. While some add Brussels sprouts, I’d personally skip that. It’s a staple in a traditional full English breakfast.
In Scotland, it goes by rumpledethumps, while in Ireland, it’s known as colcannon. The name supposedly comes from the sounds made while cooking—bubbling and squeaking. An 18th-century dictionary even defined it as “beef and cabbage fried together,” noting the noises it makes over the fire.
Though it might look like a lawnmower-damaged frisbee, Jamie Oliver hails it as “one of our great British recipes.”
9. Scotch Egg
A Scotch egg consists of a hard-boiled egg encased in sausage, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and, for reasons unknown, is a favorite picnic snack.
In December 2020, chef Jon Fell crafted a colossal Scotch egg weighing 9.5 kilograms (21 pounds) and measuring 53 centimeters (21 inches) wide. He used an ostrich egg, 3.2 kilograms (7 pounds) of sausage, 2.3 liters (4 pints) of milk, and five loaves of bread to create it.
I must admit, I’ve never been fond of eggs in any form. Hard-boiled eggs, with their sulfurous odor and rubbery texture, are particularly unappealing. Adding sausage and breadcrumbs only makes it worse, in my view. No, thank you.
8. Black Pudding
Don’t be fooled—this is no dessert. Black pudding is a type of blood sausage, typically fried, grilled, or boiled. Often served with a full English breakfast, many swear by its hangover-curing powers. Packed with savory flavors, fat, and spices, this blend of congealed blood and oats is unexpectedly delicious.
What exactly is a full English breakfast? This heart-stopping feast typically includes fried sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, hash browns, and butter-slathered toast.
Devon butcher Chris McCabe credits a black pudding for saving his life in 2017 when he accidentally locked himself in a walk-in freezer. With the door release button frozen, he used a 1.5-kilogram (3.3-pound) frozen black pudding—made by HM Sheridan of Ballater, Aberdeenshire, a royal warrant holder for Queen Elizabeth II—to smash the ice and escape. Upon hearing the story, Prince Charles reportedly remarked, “My word, it’s like a truncheon, isn’t it? Please convey my best wishes to Mr. McCabe.”
7. Chip Butty
Many Brits consider this the ultimate comfort food—a sandwich filled with french fries and not much else. A chip butty consists of two slices of buttered white bread stuffed with thick-cut fries. Some variations replace the fries with baked or fried fish fingers. While the bread often turns soggy from the grease, and ketchup only adds to the mess, it’s a beloved dish for many, though I find it questionable. My kids and husband, however, would vehemently disagree.
A British statistician has determined the perfect ratios for crafting the ideal chip butty. Dr. James Hind suggests 12 thick-cut fries, two 40-gram (1.4-ounce) slices of medium-cut white bread, ketchup, and butter—no mayo or margarine allowed. His findings are based on a survey of 2,000 Brits conducted by a supermarket chain. “The key is ensuring the chips weigh at least three-quarters of the combined weight of the bread and ketchup,” Dr. Hind explained.
6. Mushy Peas
A classic side dish for fish and chips, mushy peas are precisely what the name suggests—peas cooked, seasoned with salt and pepper, and mashed to a refried bean-like consistency. Add extra seasoning or malt vinegar if you like, then serve alongside beer-battered fish or on buttered toast. While its appearance might resemble something chewed and spat out, when prepared well, it’s surprisingly decent.
In May 2022, Wendy Mountford from Staffordshire faced assault charges after attacking a fish and chip shop owner by throwing mushy peas and striking her with a plate. Mountford was reportedly furious over allegedly receiving cold food. The victim recounted, “I later noticed peas down my back. As I turned to confront her, a plate flew at my face, causing intense pain.” Who knew mushy peas could spark such rage?
5. Jellied Eels
To make jellied eels, chop up eels, boil them in a lightly spiced broth, and let them cool until they solidify into a lumpy, slimy jelly. Picture the most revolting slug imaginable, then imagine eating it. Some describe it as resembling a fish eaten by another fish, with a taste akin to a ghost’s sneeze residue.
Sales of jellied eels saw a temporary surge in 2019 when David Beckham was photographed enjoying them at his childhood pie and mash shop. While most people would likely avoid this dish, those who can overlook its unappealing appearance will find it mildly salty and not overly fishy. Surprisingly, it’s also relatively bone-free. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a go!
4. Mince Pies
A Christmas staple, mince pies are as essential to Brits as Santa Claus and festive trees. Though they once contained meat, the “mince” in these pies is now a sweet, tangy mix of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes chopped apple or citrus rind. Boozy variations may include port, sherry, or rum for an extra kick.
While not explicitly illegal, eating mince pies in the mid-1600s was seen as a covert celebration of Christmas, which was banned at the time. Some believe Oliver Cromwell aimed to curb gluttony by outlawing festive treats. Christmas and its culinary delights were officially restored in 1660 when King Charles II took the throne.
Today, these sweet mini pies feature a thick shortcrust pastry and a filling that’s both sugary and tangy. Best served warm, they’re delightful with a dollop of thick cream or a side of hot custard. Delicious!
3. Haggis
One of my all-time favorite films is the 1986 cult classic Highlander, featuring Sean Connery as Ramirez, an immortal warrior of Egyptian-Spanish descent. When the Highlander explains that haggis is a sheep’s stomach filled with meat and barley, a disgusted Ramirez exclaims, “How revolting!” (Ironically, the Highlander is played by French actor Christopher Lambert, but I’ll save that tangent for another time.)
I must confess, I adore haggis, Scotland’s iconic dish. Yes, it’s made from finely chopped sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats, barley, and plenty of seasoning, all stuffed into a sheep’s stomach or a synthetic alternative and boiled. Despite its ingredients, it’s incredibly hearty and delicious. Banned in the U.S. since 1971 due to regulations against sheep lungs, Americans are truly missing out on this savory delight.
2. Stargazy Pie
Don’t get me wrong—I’m a huge fan of pies. One of my go-to creations is a Tex-Mex-inspired pie filled with ground beef, cooked rice, pinto beans, and a generous dash of Tabasco sauce. It’s absolutely divine!
In stark contrast, the British have Stargazy Pie, a dish even this pie enthusiast wouldn’t dare try. Hailing from Cornwall in southwest England, this pie features pilchards (sardines), potatoes, and eggs encased in a pastry crust. The fish heads are left poking through the crust, appearing to “gaze at the stars,” hence the name.
Legend has it that around 1600, a Cornish coastal town was hit by a relentless storm, preventing fishing boats from venturing out. Facing starvation, a local hero named Tom Bawcock braved the storm and returned with a bountiful catch of pilchards. To celebrate, the town baked a massive fish pie in his honor.
While I enjoy fish and adore pies, this combination feels utterly wrong. It’s a culinary nightmare on multiple levels.
1. Yorkshire Pudding
Despite its name and muffin-like shape, Yorkshire Pudding is far from a dessert. These airy, puffed creations are made from eggs, milk, flour, and fat. Originating in Yorkshire, northern England, they’re known as “popovers” in the U.S.
In May 2022, a luxury hotel in Leeds launched a menu dedicated entirely to Yorkshire puddings. The menu includes topping combinations of wild mushrooms, pearl onions, and smoked pancetta; black pudding and apple; and ox cheek and bone marrow mash. Each “pud” is served with a topping of the obligatory gravy.
By themselves, however, they are bland and unappetizing, but they are an essential accompaniment to a traditional Sunday roast meal. They are at their best when made from a batter containing drippings from the roast beef or mutton pan and drowned in a rich gravy.
