British Food Guide | 13 Things To Try While In London (2024)

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Full English Breakfast

If you're in England, there's no better way to start the day than with a full English breakfast.

You'll see this meal on the menu of most restaurants and pubs and find that many will actually offer the meal throughout the day.

Along with the traditional eggs, bacon, sausage and toast, you'll also find grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, baked beans and black pudding on your plate.

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10 English Desserts You Need To Try

Fish And Chips

If you ask most people what England's national dish is, most will say fish and chips so it goes without saying that while you're here you have to try some.

Stop by any of the more than 10,000 fish and chip shops in England and see what all the fuss is about.

Don't forget to get the mushy peas and tartar sauce!

Bangers And Mash

What's a banger you ask? Well, back in WWI when money was tight, the sausages were made with such a high water content that when they were cooked they would break open and make a loud "banging" noise.

And now, bangers and mash, or sausages and mashed potatoes to the rest of the world, is a favorite in English pubs.

Along with the sausages which are either pork, lamb or beef, there is usually a healthy helping of mashed potatoes served at times with onion gravy, fried onions or peas.

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie is a pastry filled with minced meat (usually lamb) that's been cooked in an onion and vegetable gravy and then topped with a healthy portion of mashed potatoes.

Coming piping hot out of the oven, it makes a nice hearty meal that's perfect for those cold winter days.

Afternoon Tea

Originally just a custom for the wealthy aristocrats of England, afternoon tea was transformed by the duchess of Beford, Grace Anna Maria, in the early 1900s into what it is today.

Now everyone, no matter class, takes part in this British tradition. Visit one of the many restaurants and hotels offering this light meal of tea, sandwiches, scones and cake in the late afternoon usually between 4pm and 6pm.

Travel Tip

Alot of restaurants in the West End of London offer a Pre Theater Menu usually between 5:30 and 7:30. Even if you're not heading to the theater, you can still take advantage of these deals.

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Steak and Kidney Pie

A true favorite among Brits is the delectable steak and kidney pie. These savory pies are filled with diced beef and kidney, fried onions and brown gravy and then fully encased in pastry.

You're bound to find this on almost every pub menu in England and in many restaurants as well.

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Sunday Roast

The Sunday Roast originated in England as a meal to be eaten after church on Sunday. You can find pubs and restaurants on every street corner offering the meal every Sunday afternoon.

The dish consists of roast beef, roast potatoes, and assorted accompaniments including Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, vegetables and gravy.

Yorkshire Pudding

This baked pudding made from a batter of eggs, flour, milk and water is served as a side dish to many meals including the aforementioned Sunday Roast.

You can also enjoy Yorkshire Pudding on its with a nice onion gravy.

Black Pudding

Another side dish that you should try is Black Pudding. It's a type of blood sausage made from pork fat, pork blood and oatmeal.

Travel Tip

If you are happy with the service, you should leave a 10-15% tip when eating out. It is, however, not customary to pay a tip for fast food, self-service or takeaway meals.

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Scotch Egg

Originating in 1738 from a London department store called Fortnum & Mason, Scotch eggs are hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs and then baked or deep fried.

Toad In The Hole

Usually served with onion gravy and vegetables, Toad in the Hole is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages dipped in Yorkshire pudding batter.

Bubble and Squeak

Another unique name for an British dish is the Bubble and Squeak. It derives its name from the bubbling and squeaking sounds that are made as the dish cooks.

The meal is made from leftover vegetables and cabbage and is often served with cold meat left over from the Sunday roast.

Ploughman's Lunch

Ploughman's Lunch is an English cold meal of bread, cheese, and onions. It's usually accompanied with butter and pickles and may also be served with ham, green salad, hard boiled eggs or apples

You'll usually find the Ploughman's Lunch served at pubs accompanied with a beer of course.

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