The UK offers visitors a hugely diverse range of food options – from Chinese and India to Mexican and Mediterranean. While many people enjoy sampling the exotic food choices available, you should be sure to try some classic British dishes as well. Here are four traditional foods you must try when visiting the UK.
1. Toad in the hole
Toad in the hole is an iconic traditional British dish that consists of pork sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter. This comforting meal is often served alongside a variety of seasonal vegetables and onion gravy. It is reasonably easy to prepare, and you can find some simple recipes online if you want to try making the dish yourself. However, the most convenient way to try traditional meals is by visiting a local British pub. Most local pubs offer classic dishes like toad in the hole, pie and mash, and shepherds pie. Take a look at theholeinthewall-pub.co.uk for a popular traditional pub in Chichester serving up a great selection of home-cooked British meals.
2. Afternoon cream tea
Afternoon tea is a classic tradition that goes all the way back to 1840. This indulgent meal is generally served during the late afternoon, following lunch and before dinner. Traditional afternoon tea consists of a variety of finger sandwiches, a selection of delicious cakes, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a pot of British tea. Afternoon tea is a British staple that shouldn’t be missed on a visit to the UK. It’s the perfect way to experience a classic British tradition, try some tasty local delicacies, or celebrate a special occasion. There are plenty of venues offering afternoon tea experiences all across the UK, so you shouldn’t struggle to find one close to wherever you’re staying.
3. Full English breakfast
The English fry up has become one of the UK’s most well-known meals. You can now find full English breakfast being served in a vast variety of restaurants and hotels all around the world. The traditional English breakfast consists of a hearty plate of sausages, bacon, fried eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, and a serving of toast – all washed down with a mug of British tea or coffee. According to The English Breakfast Society – “The traditional full English breakfast is a centuries-old British breakfast tradition, one that can trace its roots back to the early 1300s.”
4. Sunday roast dinner
Roast dinner is another traditional meal enjoyed by people all across the UK. The dish consists of roasted meat (beef, chicken, lamb, or pork), roast potatoes, a variety of seasonal vegetables, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, and a generous helping of gravy. The dish is often served with condiments like horseradish, English mustard, and cranberry sauce. This meal is traditionally served on Sundays and was first introduced as a way for the whole family to get together and enjoy a hearty meal after attending Sunday church service. Nowadays, roast dinner is still often enjoyed on Sundays, and many families go to local restaurants and pubs to enjoy a fresh home-cooked roast dinner served in a carvery self-service style.
Make sure you give some of these delicious traditional meals a try on your next visit to the UK!
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