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With centuries of aggressive conquest and a vast global colonial system, British cuisine has changed considerably. Alongside traditional dishes, the British now favor cuisines influenced by foreign culinary traditions such as Southeast Asia, India, Scotland, and Wales.
Food in England isn't always elaborate, expensive, or served in fancy restaurants like in Italy and France. The cuisine here leans towards novelty in presentation, with simple yet rich flavors that leave a lasting impression on diners.
So, if you're planning a trip to England, don't forget to enjoy some of the most famous dishes in this foggy land!
Fish and Chips
Fish and Chips is one of England's iconic dishes and is gradually becoming a global phenomenon. Therefore, you can find it on most streets in England for less than £10 (approximately 300,000 VND).
A traditional Fish and Chips dish consists of crispy fried cod fillets served with fries, tartar sauce (a mayonnaise dressing mixed with onions, capers, and cucumber), green beans, and lettuce. Originally a humble dish for the working class in England around the 19th century, its impressive flavor and nutritional value have made it world-famous and a source of pride for England.
Bread and Butter Pudding
Those with a sweet tooth will surely love British cuisine, especially butterscotch bread, one of the country's most famous desserts. For many Britons, it's not only the "king" of desserts but also a part of their childhood memories.
This cake is made by dicing buttered bread into small cubes, pouring in a mixture of eggs and milk, adding raisins, nutmeg, vanilla, and other spices, and then baking it. You can serve it with ice cream or fresh fruit such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
Bangers and Mash
Bangers and Mash is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages served with mashed potatoes, onion gravy, shallots, and peas. The sausages used vary widely in flavor, from pork and beef to lamb, but the most popular is Cumberland sausage (made from beef mixed with black pepper, white pepper, and herbs, twisted into a unique spiral shape) – considered one of the best sausages in the world.
Toad in the hole
Toad in the hole (also known as Sausage Toad) is a traditional British dish consisting of sausage inside a Yorkshire pudding, served with an onion and vegetable gravy.
This pastry became popular in England in the early 18th century, created by poor families to use leftover meat from stews to save money. The origin of the name remains a mystery, but many believe it refers to the way toads wait for prey in their burrows, with part of their heads visible above the ground, much like the sausages in the middle of the Yorkshire pudding.
Cornish Pasty
Cornish pastry is a type of pastry shaped like a pillow or rectangle, filled with potatoes, turnips, onions, vegetables, and beef, then baked in the oven until the dough rises, turns golden brown, and becomes crispy. Besides beef, lamb or chicken are often used as substitutes to make the dish more unique, and it's served with ketchup or bean sauce for added flavor.
English Breakfast
An English breakfast is a breakfast served with a variety of dishes, including bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried onions, bread with jam, and of course, a cup of coffee or a cup of the famous English tea.
This isn't a dish eaten every day, but rather on weekends or holidays, when people have free time to cook and enjoy a pleasant meal with family and friends.
Cottage Pie
Cottage pie (also known as Shephers's pie) is one of the most popular traditional English cakes. Most families in England make it at least once a week.
Cottage pie is characterized by its golden-brown baked mashed potatoes, topped with lamb or beef. With the crispness of the potato topping, the smooth texture of the mashed potatoes underneath, the richness of the meat, and the aroma of butter and cheese, it's a delicious and nutritious dish, perfect for family meals for people of all ages.
A Sunday Roast
Another dish made almost weekly in England is the Sunday Roast, served for lunch or dinner. It's a combination of roasted beef, pork, lamb, roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and vegetables.
Sunday Roast became famous for its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, yet the resulting dish is visually appealing and highly nutritious. The name Sunday Roast originates from the idea that people dedicate a Sunday to cooking a hearty meal for their families. However, in reality, the British and tourists alike enjoy this dish so much that they savor it wherever it's served, from home to bars and parties.
