English food has undergone somewhat of a renaissance over the past couple of decades, and today it’s a delicious blend of tradition, regional influence, and enough indulgence to make you loosen your belt a notch or two!
So, bring your appetite – here are 12 must-try foods to savour on your visit to England.
1. Full English Breakfast
A Full English Breakfast typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and sometimes black pudding (which is far nicer than it sounds, we promise), and much to some visitors’ surprise – baked beans. You’ll find excellent versions of the good old English breakfast served across the country, but it’s particularly satisfying when enjoyed in places like the Cotswolds where you can combine good food with stunning views.
2. Fish and Chips
Arguably England’s most famous dish! Fish and chips is a seaside ritual as much as skimming stones or building sandcastles. Made using fresh cod or haddock, battered, dipped, and fried until crispy and golden, served with chunky chips, salt, vinegar, and perhaps mushy peas. Eat it from paper by the sea in places like Brighton for the full experience.
3. Yorkshire Pudding
We just mentioned the humble Yorkshire Pudding as part of a Sunday roast, but this bready, soft and crunchy accompaniment is worthy of its own shout-out. Yorkshire pudding is a golden, airy batter that is baked until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. It is traditionally served with roast beef and gravy, but some places will make their own giant version filled with everything from sausages to vegetables. It’s tasty, it’s versatile and no ‘meat and veg’ dish is complete without it.
4. Afternoon Tea
For those who would like to experience something a little more refined, a traditional Afternoon Tea should fit the bill, though it’s no less indulgent and satisfying than other options. Afternoon tea is a true British experience that can include offerings such as finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, and, of course, tea in various forms and varieties.
London is a prime spot for this, and for a truly unique experience, consider taking afternoon tea on a vintage 1960s London bus. (It just doesn’t get any more English than that!)
5. Bangers and Mash
It may sound faintly comedic but bangers and mash delivers serious comfort food.
“Bangers” are an English term for sausages, and these are served with creamy mashed potatoes and a full jug of onion gravy. This is a dish that is simple, filling, and widely available in pubs across Britain. It’s the sort of meal that pairs perfectly with a pint and a quiet evening after a day of sightseeing and touring.
6. Steak and Kidney Pie
This classic British pie is rich and deeply savoury. Tender beef and kidney cooked in gravy and encased in golden, crusty pastry. It’s robust, and perhaps not for the faint-hearted, but it is absolutely worth trying if you’re keen to experience authentic British fare. Side dishes include chips (fries), veggies, or mashed potato depending on your mood and it should be coated liberally with brown gravy for the full experience.
7. Cornish Pasty
Historically designed for miners, the Cornish pasty is a pastry parcel filled with beef, potato, swede, and onion. It’s delicious, highly filling, and can be eaten hot or cold. The Cornish Pasty is simple, satisfying, and ideal for snacking on the go while exploring coastal towns or countryside paths. Readily available from high-street bakeries and other food outlets, this versatile and meaty snack will keep your energy up, especially when exploring extensively or partaking in one of our multi-day tours.
8. Eton Mess
With origins from Eton College – one of England’s finest educational establishments – this dessert’s name may not initially inspire confidence, but trust us, the taste absolutely does. Eton Mess is a mix of crushed meringue, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. It’s light, sweet, and a little bit chaotic, (hence the name), but perfect after a heavy meal when you want “ a little something sweet”.
9. Ploughman’s Lunch
Do not leave England without experiencing a Ploughman’s Lunch; it’s the ultimate pub classic. Typically consisting of crusty bread, cheese (often cheddar), pickles, chutney, and sometimes ham or a pork pie. It’s simple but wonderfully satisfying, especially when combined with a pint of ale. During countryside tours or village visits this is a dish that is ideal for a relaxed, but not too heavy, lunch.
10. Sunday Roast
If you only eat one traditional meal in England, make it a Sunday roast. It consists of roast beef (or chicken, lamb, or pork), crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, the obligatory Yorkshire pudding, and lashings of gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest and a cornerstone of British culture. Many pubs and carveries across the country and in the nation’s capital of London offer the chance to experience this dish properly.
11. Sticky Toffee Pudding
If England had an official dessert, this would be a strong contender. Sticky Toffee Pudding is a moist, golden sponge cake drenched in a rich toffee sauce, often served with custard or ice cream. It’s sweet, decadent, and indulgent in the best possible way. You’ll find it on menus across the country in pubs, cafes, country eateries and restaurants, and it’s so good, you’ll likely order it more than once.
12. Scotch Egg
Although the name may hint at it, Scotch Eggs are not from Scotland, rather they are a curious but beloved British snack. This hand-sized snack consists of a boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried. It’s portable, protein-packed, and surprisingly addictive.
It is frequently enjoyed as a picnic snack or pub starter and it tastes really spectacular when eaten outdoors on a rare sunny day.
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English food isn’t about flashy presentations or complicated techniques. It’s about tradition, comfort, and enjoying good ingredients in good company. Best UK Tours bespoke experiences take you beyond the obvious, weaving together food, culture, and scenery into a trip that feels both effortless and memorable.
