Full of hearty flavours and deeply rooted in tradition, English cuisine is widely celebrated for its comforting flavors and the homely feeling it creates. England’s wide variety of traditional dishes have been passed down for centuries and reflect the country’s rich cultural history and agricultural heritage. Read on for a closer look at some of the classic dishes that make up the essence of English cuisine.
Fish and Chips
Arguably the most famous English dish, fish and chips is a true national treasure. The meal typically consists of battered and deep-fried fish, often cod or haddock, paired with thick-cut, crispy chips, commonly referred to as “fries” in other parts of the world.
Fish and chips is traditionally served with a topping of malt vinegar and is often enjoyed with a side of tartar sauce or mushy peas, the latter being a quintessentially English side dish made from marrowfat peas. Given that it is an island, Great Britain is surrounded by sea, so it’s no surprise that a seafood dish is one of England’s staples dishes.
Roast Dinner
Sundays in England are not complete without a roast dinner. Bearing a likeness to an American Thanksgiving dinner, an English roast dinner usually contains:
- A generous portion of roast chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, or pork;
- Crispy roast potatoes;
- Yorkshire puddings (a fluffy, batter-based pudding);
- Pigs in blankets (small sausages wrapped in bacon);
- Roasted root vegetables (usually parsnips and carrots);
- Other vegetables (usually broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and peas);
- A generous topping of gravy.
The roast dinner is a comforting meal designed to bring people together. The exact ingredients will vary slightly from family to family, but it’s ultimately a dish that’s universally enjoyed across the country, especially on Sundays.
Cooked Breakfast – A Fry Up!
The English cooked breakfast, often referred to as a Full English or a Fry Up, is a hearty, filling meal designed to kickstart the day with panache. A typical cooked breakfast includes:
- Hash browns – though not strictly traditional and some people may consider this incorrect
- Fried eggs;
- English back bacon;
- Pork sausages;
- Black pudding (a blood sausage originating in the UK);
- Baked beans;
- Grilled tomatoes;
- Fried mushrooms
- Fried Bread – optional deep fried white bread
- Hot or Cold buttered toast
Though it is not generally eaten on a regular basis due to its high salt, fat, and calorie content, a cooked breakfast can be a luxurious treat at weekends or holidays and is also often enjoyed in cafés and brunch spots. It is a delicious, comforting way to start the day.
English Trifle
English trifle is a classic English dessert made from layers of sponge cake, vanilla custard, fruit, jam, and whipped cream. It is typically constructed in a large, glass dish, creating a visually stunning pattern which can act as an eye-catching centerpiece for the dinner table. Traditionally, the base of the trifle is made with a sherry-soaked sponge, though some variations may leave out the alcohol for a lighter version which can be enjoyed by all the family.
This dessert is often served at festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter and is a beloved sweet treat among Brits. Each layer brings something different, from sweet, fruity flavors to smooth jellies and custards, so it’s easy to see why this dessert has remained an English staple dessert for centuries.
