Sandra Krumme/ pixelio.de
In this small article we will outline what are generally considered to be the national foods of english people. It is true that England has been influenced increasingly from abroad (especially from the United States of America). However there remain a number of dishes that are quintessentially English.
The main part of the article will refer to general dishes. There will also be two very small sections that follow… for Breakfast and Christmas.
Gerneral Dished
Arguably the most famous British meal equates to fish and chips (from the chippie). The chip shop became popular in the 1860s and remains popular right up to the present day. The most popular fish meals are cod and haddock which is deep fried in flour batter. Most English people then pour salt and vinegar over them and eat them straight out of the newspaper which they are wrapped in. English (and British people in general) have also embraced American style take-aways. So for example, Macdonalds competes with the chip shop and is just as familiar to Brits. Burger King and Subway are also popular.
In restaurants, Chicken Tikka Masala is the most popular dish in England.
Pubs and bars usually serve meals and are also popular eating out venues for many English people.
Other popular english dishes (that are eaten at home) include Steak and Kidney Pie, Baked Beans on Toast, The Sunday Roast, Bangers (i.e., Sausages) and Mash, Cornish Pasty, Yorkshire Pudding, trifle, Bubble & Squeak, Toad-in-the-hole, and Sandwiches. Sandwiches with crisp, chocolate, and an apple or orange is a popular pack-lunch for children.
Breakfast
The traditional full english breakfast is known to virtually all english men and women. It typically equates to bacon, fried egg, sausage, baked beans, toast or fried bread, maybe with mushrooms. A cup of tea, or coffee or orange juice will accompany the meal.
Christmas
Turkey is the most famous part of the english Christmas Dinner. Other foods in the meal that are common are sprouts, roast potatoes, parsnips, stuffing, all covered in gravy. Sweet foods for desert (or for later) include Yule log, Christmas cake and mince pies.
Please check also these sites, they offer more information about traditional english food:
- http://andyskitchen.co.uk/blogs////blog1.php/reviews/book-reviews/book-of-british-food-good
- http://www.british-study.com/blog/2009/09/how-to-survive-the-british-food/
- http://lukehoney.typepad.com/the_greasy_spoon/2012/07/polpo.html
- http://howtobeagourmand.com/national-food-holidays/
- http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/food.html