Must-Try Foods in Britain

British cuisine is hearty, historic, and full of regional variety. From iconic plates like fish and chips, English breakfast, and the Sunday roast to regional specialties like haggis in Scotland, cawl in Wales, and the Ulster fry in Northern Ireland, the UK offers comfort food at its finest. You’ll find these classics in pubs, markets like Borough Market, and festivals such as Taste of London. And don’t skip dessert—sticky toffee pudding, Victoria sponge, and trifle are national treasures.

The Essence of British Cuisine

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with British grub. Filling, satisfying, and steeped in history, we’re all too familiar with the great signature plates that come from the UK, many of which we consume on my London food tours. Think fish and chips, English breakfast, and a good old Sunday roast.

While many of the dishes are simple by nature, it’s the use of local, seasonal produce and British ingredients that makes them irresistibly delicious. The excellence of these recipes comes from many of the country’s rural farms that produce fresh meats and vegetables.

People often forget just how diverse the UK is in terms of its food and regions. In England, it’s all about Yorkshire puddings, whereas in Scotland, you’ve got haggis and cullen skink. Moving to Wales, they love lamb stews like cawl and cockles, while in Northern Ireland, they give the signature English breakfast a run for its money with the Ulster fry.

The dining settings here are unique as well, particularly when it comes to London foods, with plates like Sunday roasts served religiously in pubs across the city. This is a massive part of British culture, with people coming together to share a satisfying bite over a pint and a conversation in a cozy setting.

If you want to try some British foods, these are some must-try dishes.

3 Must-Try British Dishes  

Fish and Chips

Fish and chips is a famed recipe that many Brits enjoy, whether after a few pints or the morning following a heavy night. It was introduced to the country by Jewish immigrants, and from there it gradually caught on to become a national icon.

The fish used is mostly haddock or cod, coated in a crispy golden batter, accompanied by chunky chips for added crunch, a combination that Brits hold in high regard. Sides are an essential part of the experience, with mushy peas being a prime favorite, while curry sauce is also appreciated.

English Breakfast

An English breakfast is a true delight for any foodie, greasy, filling, and packed with flavor, it’s an experience more than your average meal. The idea of an English breakfast comes from the Anglo-Saxons, who viewed breakfast as a crucial meal for people to function. They thought the best way to provide people with that fuel was a hearty plate of bread, meat, and eggs. 

However, this approach has since evolved over the generations, while still adhering to the basic principles the Anglo-Saxons once followed.

Depending on where you go, the English breakfast may look a little different. However, in its most traditional form, it includes crispy bacon, succulent sausages, eggs cooked to the consumer’s liking, crunchy toast, grilled tomato, and beans. Then, there are the extras, such as black pudding, hash browns, or bubble and squeak. 

Another non-negotiable for Brits is a hot mug of tea, although coffee is an acceptable substitute.

Sunday Roast

Sticking with hearty dishes, the Sunday Roast is another British classic that’s religiously eaten at the end of the week. 

Hailing from the time of King Henry VII’s reign, his guards were known for their consumption of beef and got the nickname ‘beefeaters.’ Every Sunday, they would have significant amounts of it, and this trend caught on through the generations, as many ladies began to follow suit, cooking it before going to Mass and then having it when they came home.

Nowadays, though, the Sunday Roast isn’t just all about eating lots of roast beef, there’s much more to it. The recipe consists of a roasted meat, which is often either beef, chicken, pork, or lamb. With it comes roast potatoes, baked Yorkshire puddings, fresh vegetables, and thick gravy. 

A roast is a communal ordeal with friends and family meeting together in local pubs to share the feast and converse before the week ends.

Where to Experience Authentic British Food  

Photo credit: Borough Market

If you’re wondering where to try British food, it can be found across the country, especially in London, with its endless culinary diversity waiting to be savored.

Popular trading posts like Borough Market have over 100 stalls, some of which serve traditional delights like Pieminister, which specializes in scrumptious pies, including their beloved rich British steak option. 

Pubs such as the White Lion in Covent Garden exude that vintage boozer feel and deliver a range of classics, like the tender bangers and creamy mash smothered in a silky gravy. 

If you happen to be in London around summertime, you can attend one of the culinary events like the Taste of London Festival. This is where endless eateries, cooks, and cafes set up stalls to showcase the finest delicacies from the British gastronomic scene.

Sweet Endings: Traditional British Desserts

The UK is a true haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. Classics like sticky toffee pudding have earned legendary status, celebrated for their rich caramel sweetness and buttery toffee notes that make the perfect treat after a Sunday roast. 

Another confection is the Victoria sponge, loved for its airy texture, sweet jam filling, and dusting of sugar, a yummy treat alongside afternoon tea. And of course, no Christmas dinner is complete without a trifle, with its luscious layers of fruit, sponge, cream, and custard.

Depending on your choice of dessert, British drinks like teas or classic ales make excellent pairings. Tea is a versatile option, cutting through the intense sweetness of each dish, while a brown ale complements sticky toffee pudding particularly well, enhancing the deep caramelization of its sauce.

Tips for Enjoying Britain’s Food Scene  

• Pub grub has earned its reputation as one of Britain’s culinary highlights, but not all menus are created equal. Do your research before you go.
• Tips aren’t expected when eating out in Britain, but they’re much appreciated if you want to leave something small behind.
• Seasonal flavors shape Britain’s cuisine, with festive Christmas puddings in December, sweet strawberries in summer, and rich game dishes in autumn and winter.
• Unlike many other parts of the world, if you’re eating out in a pub in Britain, you’ll typically order from the bar.
• Keep an eye out for specials written on signs, as this is how many establishments advertise them.

Conclusion: Savoring the Flavors of Britain  

Though it isn’t always as celebrated globally as other European cuisines, British food has a depth that becomes more evident the further you dive into the country’s culinary scene. 

Between its cultural significance and evolving flavors, it’s hard to have a bad meal whenever you’re in Britain. And nowhere is it better than local pubs and bustling markets, where hearty dishes are always on offer.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). London food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Where to eat London’s best traditional foods. Eating Europe. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/london-foods-traditional/

Borough Market. (n.d.). Borough Market. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://boroughmarket.org.uk/

Nicholson’s Pubs. (n.d.). The White Lion, Covent Garden. Nicholson’s Pubs. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/thewhitelioncoventgardenlondon#/

Taste Festivals. (n.d.). Taste of London. Taste Festivals. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://london.tastefestivals.com/