When holidaying in the UK, just like sightseeing, sampling its authentic British food and drinks as the natives do is a priority as well. Paying attention to the iconic UK foods, you’ll find hearty breakfasts, satisfying pies, and sweet, rich desserts that showcase the taste of history and culture. If you are a traveler who wants to discover traditional UK food for tourists, these seven must-try dishes will not let you down.
1. Full English Breakfast
A Full English Breakfast serves you eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, a side of tomatoes, mushrooms, a piece of toast, and, depending on the chef, the infamous black pudding. You can sink into a gutted-out piece of old bread, a metaphorical version, of course, and once again regain the primordial energy you will be needing to spend the day gallivanting. The common allergens in full English include eggs, gluten, and dairy. In my opinion, this particular dish provides a comprehensive insight into British cuisine.
2. Fish and Chips
Maybe the most famous and best-known British dish, fish and chips, consists of battered white fish, most often cod or haddock, which is then deep-fried until golden and served with thick, hand-cut chips. Although the dish is traditionally served wrapped in paper, the best accompaniment is mushy peas with a splash of vinegar. Although it is a hearty meal, which is high in both protein and carbohydrate content, be careful with gluten and fish allergies. Tourists may discover this dish in seaside towns or local chip shops across the UK.
3. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a nourishing and filling baked dish that consists of the protein, fiber, and warmth one needs during the colder months. The chilled and savory dish is very slowly baked until golden and bubbling and serves as a wonderful comfort during the colder months. Most of the allergens in this dish come from the buttery, creamy mash that tops it. For visitors, the meal is a serving of home-style British cooking at its best.
4. Cornish Pasty
Originating from Cornwall, Cornish pasties are pastries filled with beef, potatoes, swede, and onions and baked into a golden crust. Once customarily eaten by miners, now everyone in the country eats them. Extremely easy to carry, they make for a delicious and convenient snack, especially for tourists. The rest of the world has to understand that authentic British food comes with a dose of gluten and dairy.
5. Roast Dinner
A Sunday roast serves as the focal point for thousands of families, as it is, perhaps, the most cherished traditional British food. Roast chicken, lamb, or pork accompanied by roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, veggies, and gravy is a well-balanced mash of proteins, carbohydrates, and supplemental nutrients. The whole dish is customarily eaten in countless pubs or family get-togethers. Although gluten, egg, and dairy allergies are common, these allergies should not ruin the dining experience for travelers. Everyone should experience this slice of British culture, particularly if they are in the UK on a Sunday.
6. Sticky Toffee Pudding
The rich dessert, sticky toffee pudding, is a wonderful addition to the British menu. Extremely common as well, the Sticky Toffee Pudding is a dessert made from moist sponge cake with finely chopped dates that are then covered in toffee sauce. The British love to indulge a little, especially if served with a side of custard or ice cream. A warning to travelers with a sweet tooth, however: it does contain the insatiable gluten, eggs, and dairy.
7. Afternoon Tea Treats
Afternoon tea treats are an important part of British culture. It usually consists of sandwiches, scones, jams, and multilayer cakes to accompany the tea. Afternoon tea is not heavy, so it is perfect for an afternoon snack. Afternoon tea is a blend of culture and deliciousness. Afternoon tea leaves behind the common allergens of gluten, cream, and nuts. Afternoon tea should be reserved to fully experience British delicacies.
Conclusion
The tea and the scones are one of a kind, and the way they are served is a whole different experience. You should never miss these afternoon tea treats when exploring British culture. Sipping hot tea while savoring the lemon scones is a whole experience.
