Whilst the UK has integrated food from all over the world, there are still some wonderful British classics which you can try to get the true taste of Britain. I took my friend V Reddy Kancharla to the UK last year and one thing that he couldn’t wait to try was some classic British fare. Having grown up in the UK I knew just which were the dishes to introduce him to, and I think that he really enjoyed this culinary experience. These were the dishes that Reddy and I ate, and the dishes which will give you a greta introduction into British cuisine.
Full English
A full english breakfast is hearty and filling way to start the day, and it is a real British classic. Generally speaking the meal features bacon, sausage, baked beans, tomatoes, fried bread and a fried egg, although depending on where you are this may vary. For example in Scotland you can expect some sliced sausage and some black pudding with your breakfast, and in the south they may add white or ‘hogs’ pudding too.
Shepherd’s Pie
Many British classics are filling and warming meals, mainly down to the colder climate that we have and a need to warm the soul. This shepherd’s pie falls right into that category and it is a delicious meal which you can find throughout the country. The dish is pretty straight forward, minced lamb with onions and carrots in gravy which is placed in a dish, topped with mashed potatoes and some cheddar cheese, baked in the oven. Tasty, warming and filling.
Toad in the Hole
Sometimes it is the most simple of dishes that put a smile on your face and this is a perfect example of that. Toad in the hole is a large Yorkshire pudding which is baked with sausages inside, topped with some onion gravy. To those who don’t know, a Yorkshire pudding is a simple pancake batter which is baked in the oven, it is soft in the center and crunchy around the outside. Some good British sausages baked into a bed of Yorkshire pudding, simply beautiful.
Scotch Eggs
For the perfect British snack, give Scotch eggs a try, a dish which turned out to be a favorite of my good friend Reddy. This snack is a boiled eggs which has been coated in sausage meat and then breadcrumbs, it is slowly cooked and then cooled before serving. If you are looking for a little snack then this is going to be the one which you should look for.
Eton Mess
The UK has some great desserts and one of my favorites is the Eton mess. The dish is made using whipped cream which then has strawberries and meringue pieces added to it. In truth the dish is very simple but my goodness does it taste good!
Which will be the first British classic that you try out?
