10 Dishes You Must Try in The UK

10 Dishes You Must Try in The UK

While touring the UK, you’re bound to be introduced to a multitude of new and unusual dishes not likely found in your home neck of the woods.

The people of the UK love their meats, this something to note before you arrive in the land. Since the climate is almost always cold, their best dishes are mostly hearty stew and pie type meals that can be served piping hot; most of their desserts are traditionally served warm, too.

Here are ten dishes to keep an eye out for and to try during your time in the United Kingdom.

1. Pork Pie

Surprisingly, pork pies are actually served cold in the UK, making them one of the most popular meals in the summer.

These pies are baked free-standing, so they retain a perfectly circular shape which is indicative to the dish. The filling is (take a wild guess)… pork; both the flesh and the fat is used and the outside is simply puff pastry.

You’ll either eat these as a snack on the go, or with salad as a formal meal.

Pork pie – by Palladian – Wikimedia Commons

2. Haggis

Haggis hails from Scotland, and is somewhat the pride and joy of the cuisine in this part of the country.

It’s unusual to most outsiders at first: a sausage made from sheep’s organs, oatmeal, onion, suet, and seasoning. While animal stomach is traditionally used as the casing for the sausage, these days UK establishments are becoming more and more open to using synthetic casing.

You won’t get many opportunities elsewhere in the world to try traditional haggis; take advantage of this while in the UK.

Haggis – by Kim Traynor – Wikimedia Commons

3. Black Pudding

Another dish that might make an outsider’s skin crawl with unfamiliarity is black pudding.

Contrary to the name, there is nothing sweet about this dish. This is a sausage made using blood and fat from a pig. It goes by the street name of blood sausage.

The dish is black in color, thanks to the darkness of the blood used within. It is loved by just about everyone in the UK and plays an integral part in festive season feasting throughout December.

Black Pudding – by The Photographer – Wikimedia Commons

4. Fish & Chips

The minute you arrive in the UK this should be the first meal on your to-do list.

The Brits in particular are known for their fantastic fish and chips. In London you’ll find this dish being served on every corner, paired with tartar sauce, mushy peas and coleslaw.

This is also one of the most affordable meals to enjoy while in the UK. Depending on what region you are in, fish and chips shouldn’t cost more than a few pounds per serving.

Fish & Chips – by Acabashi – Wikimedia Commons

5. Beef Wellington

Another household classic in the United Kingdom is a good old beef wellington.

This is a fillet steak that is coated in pâté and duxelles (a mushroom based mixture). It is then wrapped in puff pastry and baked very slowly, until the consistency of the pastry and meat within are just right.

Beef wellingtons are usually served at dinner time in the UK. Most traditional restaurants will have some sort of rendition of the dish on their menu.

Beef Wellington – by Parkerman & Christie – Wikimedia Commons

6. Crumpets

Tea and crumpets with the Queen while in the UK? Why not.

Crumpets are a sweet dish that the locals usually serve with their afternoon tea; a light meal between lunch and dinner.

Basically, crumpets are flapjack/English muffin hybrids. Fluffy, light cakes made in a pan and served with whipped cream, jam and butter.

Crumpet – by LoopZilla – Wikimedia Commons

7. Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is sometimes also called shepherd’s pie in the UK. This has to do with what kind of meat is used in the filling of the dish.

A cottage pie uses minced beef, while a shepherd’s pie will use minced lamb.

The dish will also involve pease and carrots, and then a thick layer of mashed potatoes on top before it is baked. The top layer becomes crispy and golden brown. This is a wonderful dish to enjoy during the UK winter.

Cottage Pie – by Acabashi – Wikimedia Commons

8. Bread and Butter Pudding

A bread and butter pudding is a sweet treat traditionally served at the end of a meal.

This is made by layering slices of semi-stale bread, tossing in a few raisins and then drowning the dish in a custard-cream mixture before it is baked. Eggs and spices like cinnamon are added to make the dish into the delectable treat that it is.

It can be served hot with a side of custard, ice cream or simply as is.

Bread and Butter Pudding – by DuncanHarris – Wikimedia Commons

9. Bara Brith Bread

Bara brith bread is also known as Welsh tea bread; directly translated it means “speckled bread”.

This is a UK bread made by combining spices and dried fruits. A fresh brewed tea is then added to give it extra flavor.

The bread is served hot in slices and can be smeared with butter or soft cheese.

Bara brith bread – by Bara Brith – Wikimedia Commons

10. Bangers & Mash

This is a staple dish for the United Kingdom, especially for the Brits. Bangers and mash is, quite simply, a plate of sausages and mashed potatoes.

Children in the UK are brought up with this dish as a household staple. It is one of the easiest dishes to make at home, but you will also be able to eat it at most restaurants across the country.

With bangers and mash, it’s all about the gravy. This is an important element that ties the dish together. Sometimes peas or steamed veggies are served with it as well.

Bangers and Mash – by Acabashi – Wikimedia Commons

While you’re eating your way through the United Kingdom, make some time for a guided walking tour here and there. They’re wonderful ways to see the land and experience culture & history through the eyes of a local!