10 British foods that are actually delicious…

Okay okay, those of us who have grown up on these beautiful little Isles have heard all the myths and all the stereotypes before: “British food is terrible,” “the food there is far too bland,” and my personal favourite: “do you just eat tea and crumpets like ALL the time?!”

Travellers of the world, listen up! We know you’ve probably been spoiled by having some of the most incredible cuisine the world has to offer, and we know that British food isn’t usually very high on people’s bucket lists of tastiness. But let me assure you: it’s actually quite yummy, quite yummy indeed. Food is an essential part of travel, and to really understand a culture here you’ve got to taste the local flavour! In honour of this week’s World Food Day, here’s a map of some of the best, courtesy of Edward McGowan for Eating London:

1.  Fish & Chips

Let’s start with the most famous example. If you’re thinking I’m talking about any old fried fish and French fries, you are dead wrong! Authentic Atlantic cod or haddock, thick, on-the-spot friend chunks of potatoey goodness, all wrapped up in paper and smothered with salt and malt vinegar.

2.  Full English Breakfast

You haven’t lived until you’ve had a proper full English breakfast. When visiting England, put away those boring old flakes and lacklustre orange juice, and order yourself a steaming plate of sausage, eggs, bacon, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans and hash browns. A particular favourite of mine is offered at Speedy’s Café in London, right next door to the property that is used as Sherlock’s Baker Street residence in the BBC show of the same name. What are you waiting for?!

3.  Pork Pie

Oh the traditional pork pie. Its name means (in cockney rhyming slang) being less than truthful, but I ain’t lying when I say that they are delicious! Made with cured pork and scrumptious pastry, this snack is perfect for busy travellers on the go, and are often sold hot at train stations and pubs.

4.  Bara Brith (Welsh Tea bread)

Bara Brith is another baked wonder. It’s sort of like a cake loaf with brown sugar, mixed dried fruit and tea flavouring. Welsh tea bread is definitely a must-try if you’re venturing over to beautiful Wales in the western United Kingdom. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do. A good tip is to wrap the Bara Brith in tin foil and keep it in an airtight container. That might seem simple but it will keep for quite a number of days during your Welsh journey.

5.  Whisky

While you’re here, head up north to Scotland to sample some world famous scotch whisky. There are distilleries all over the region and many offer tours and samples of their fine scotch. Of course be sure to drink responsibly!

6.  Tea

Okay, you knew this one was going to sneak into this blog post somehow right? But honestly it’s for good reason. We are famous for our tea. We know tea. We love tea. We make some of the best tea in the universe, and you would be just bonkers not to try some while you’re here. Hot tip: grab a crumpet too (I know it’s a cliché but just trust me on this one).

7.  Cider

Especially popular in the West Country, British cider is glorious. That might sound hyperbolic but remember, we’re talking about Britain. Australia has sharks. India is full of amazing spices. Britain has apples and rain clouds. Definitely worth trying on a visit to picturesque Cornwall or Devon.

8.  Salt Beef Bagel

We recently featured one of our favourite off the beaten track places in all of London, the Beigel Bake on Brick Lane – an attraction of its own. Their signature delight is the mouth-watering salt beef bagel. More beef than your bagel can hold, and softer, warmer bread than you’ve probably ever had in your life. This one is no joke. Get one!

9.  Haggis

This is the big one. Haggis is probably responsible for 90% (total guesstimate) of the crazy rumours about British cuisine, but it’s actually anticlimactically tame and tasty. Sure you might have to get over how it’s cooked but inside it’s all diced meat, onion, and a few other little ingredients. Haggis is definitely a must while travelling up north in the UK.

10.  Beer

The common denominator. Everyone is always looking for a good beer right? Especially after a long day spent seeing all the attractions London and the UK have to offer. Every country seems to have its own speciality and Britain is no exception. Ales are our specialty, and we have had centuries to get the process right, so you’ll have no problem finding something you like at one of our many fine pubs.

So, what are you going to try first?

Thanks to Christian Kadluba for his excellent Flickr snap!