17 British Foods That Might Make You Hesitate But Are Worth Trying
The United Kingdom is home to a vibrant culinary tradition featuring a variety of dishes that may pique the interest of those unacquainted with British food. While certain traditional British meals are well-regarded around the globe, others remain undiscovered or might even cause hesitation among foreign diners.
Ranging from savory staples to distinct specialties, here are 17 foods from the UK that may make the rest of the world hesitant to sample but provide insight into the country’s culinary customs and cultural intricacies.
Potted Shrimp
A traditional British delicacy, potted shrimp consists of small shrimp cooked in clarified butter with fragrant spices like mace, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, then sealed with a layer of butter to maintain freshness. While the concept of consuming shrimp preserved in butter may seem indulgent or odd to some, potted shrimp is esteemed for its rich, savory flavor and decadent texture.
Laverbread
A specialty from Wales, laverbread is a traditional dish created from edible seaweed, specifically Porphyra umbilicalis, gathered from the rocky coastlines of Wales. While its appearance may be modest, resembling a dark-green paste, laverbread offers a distinct umami flavor and is typically enjoyed fried alongside bacon and eggs as part of a traditional Welsh breakfast.
Marmite
A polarizing spread crafted from yeast extract, Marmite has a strong, salty flavor that provokes either adoration or aversion among consumers. Spread sparingly on toast or used in savory dishes, Marmite is a quintessentially British condiment that stirs childhood memories for some and culinary intrigue for others.
Spotted Dick
A traditional British dessert, spotted dick is a steamed suet pudding filled with dried fruit, usually currants or raisins, and often served with custard or cream. While its title might raise eyebrows, those who take the plunge and taste spotted dick are rewarded with a comforting, nostalgia-inducing dessert that pairs well with a cup of tea.
Jellied Eels
An East London classic, jellied eels consist of eels simmered in spiced stock until tender and then set in a gelatinous broth formed from the cooking liquid. While the notion of consuming eels in jelly may be unappealing to some, jellied eels have a devoted following among those who enjoy their briny, slightly sweet taste and unique texture.
Haggis
A hallmark of Scottish cuisine, haggis is a savory pudding comprising sheep’s offal—heart, liver, and lungs—blended with oatmeal, suet, and spices, all encased in a sheep’s stomach. Though its components may appear peculiar to outsiders, haggis lovers relish its bold flavor and hearty, comforting qualities.
Bubble and Squeak
An economical British dish utilizing leftover vegetables, especially potatoes and cabbage, bubble and squeak is sautéed until crispy and golden, making for a deliciously savory side dish or breakfast item. Though the name may seem playful, bubble and squeak is a cherished comfort food that highlights the ingenuity of British cooks in reducing food waste.
Lancashire Hotpot
A filling and comforting meal originating from Lancashire, England, Lancashire hotpot features lamb or mutton stewed with onions, carrots, and potatoes, topped with a layer of sliced potatoes and baked until golden and crisp. While its rustic look may be lacking in elegance, Lancashire hotpot is celebrated for its rich, savory taste and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Cullen Skink
A traditional Scottish soup from the fishing village of Cullen, Cullen skink is prepared using smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream, creating a creamy and flavorful chowder-like soup. Although its name might be unfamiliar, Cullen Skink provides a comforting experience of Scotland’s coastal cuisine, characterized by its smoky, creamy broth and tender fish pieces.
Brawn
Also referred to as head cheese or souse, brawn is a traditional British charcuterie made from a boiled pig’s or calf’s head, which is then pressed and set in its gelatinous broth until firm. While its look may not appeal to everyone, brawn is esteemed for its rich, meaty flavor and silky texture, often served cold alongside pickles and fresh bread.
Kedgeree
This dish, hailing from Britain, has roots in Indian cuisine and is a filling breakfast or brunch option made with flaked fish, usually smoked haddock, rice, hard-boiled eggs, curry powder, and parsley. Although its mix of savory fish, aromatic spices, and creamy eggs might appear unusual, kedgeree is a cherished comfort food that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Liquorice Allsorts
A well-known British sweet treat, Liquorice Allsorts are a colorful assortment of licorice candies that come in various shapes, flavors, and textures, including coconut, aniseed, and fruit-flavored gums. While their bright appearance and sweet, chewy texture may be enjoyable for some, Liquorice Allsorts can be viewed by others as excessively sweet or tasting artificial.
Bread and Butter Pudding
A quintessential British dessert, bread and butter pudding is prepared with buttered bread layered with raisins or other dried fruits, then soaked in a custard mix of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices before being baked until golden and firm. While its comforting flavors and creamy consistency may bring back fond memories for some, bread and butter pudding might be seen as too dense or simplistic by those who prefer more adventurous desserts.
Corned Beef Hash
This filling dish consists of corned beef, potatoes, onions, and various seasonings, usually pan-fried until crispy and golden, making it a favored choice for breakfast or brunch in the UK. Although its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors can be appealing to some, corned beef hash may be regarded as greasy or unappetizing by those who are not accustomed to this traditional British comfort food.
Suet Pudding
A traditional dessert from Britain, suet pudding is made by steaming or boiling a mixture of suet (beef or mutton fat), flour, and dried fruit, frequently served with custard or syrup. While some may find comfort in its dense, moist texture and rich, buttery flavor, others might consider suet pudding too heavy or outdated for their tastes.
Jammie Dodgers
A beloved British biscuit, Jammie Dodgers are shortbread cookies filled with raspberry or strawberry jam, recognized for their unique heart-shaped cutout and sweet, fruity flavor. While their fun design and fruity filling can attract children and nostalgic adults, some may view Jammie Dodgers as excessively sweet or gimmicky compared to less sugary options.
Pork Scratchings
Commonly referred to as pork rinds or cracklings, pork scratchings are crunchy fried pork skin that is seasoned with salt and spices, often enjoyed as a snack in pubs or bars throughout the UK. While many may be drawn to their crispy texture and rich taste, those who are not familiar with this classic British treat might find pork scratchings unappealing or overly indulgent.
Related: 15 Clever Hacks To Reduce That Never-Ending Grocery Bill
Managing grocery expenses can be challenging for many households, especially with rising food costs and fluctuating budgets.
However, with some creativity and resourcefulness, you can implement numerous clever hacks to reduce your never-ending grocery bill without sacrificing the quality or variety of your meals.
