Typical Dishes to Try in England

Traveling to London and worried about only eating fish & chips? While you certainly should try it, there's no need to stress about your cholesterol levels rising after the trip. Let’s explore the typical dishes you must try in England.

Let’s be honest: English cuisine is often seen as rather basic and hearty, but within the menus of its restaurants, you'll find true culinary treasures. Dining in London is synonymous with cosmopolitan cuisine, and nothing beats the experience of stepping into a classic English pub, with its high tables and abundant beer, and ordering one of its traditional dishes.

The essence of English cuisine

Traditionally, English gastronomy is characterized by its simplicity, focusing heavily on local and seasonal ingredients. The typical dishes of England are comforting, often rich in calories and reflect a culinary heritage that values substance over sophistication.

This isn't a cuisine that usually enjoys a stellar reputation, but as we’ll see, it boasts several delicious meals that are hard to resist. Moreover, as previously mentioned, London is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, offering an immense and excellent variety of ethnic cuisines. If you tire of British dishes, you can indulge in delightful Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Caribbean fare, among others.

So, let’s dive into the typical dishes you must try in England.

Full English Breakfast

The English breakfast is an institution as revered as the Queen herself: the British love it dearly, and tourists are often enamored by its hearty appeal! However, don’t be misled into thinking the English have it every morning.

Originating in the Middle Ages, when poverty and hard labor were commonplace, workers would indulge in a substantial breakfast to skip lunch. Nowadays, it’s more of a weekend treat, enjoyed on special occasions, although some English folks indulge daily.

What’s included? A hearty spread of toasted bread, eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Sometimes, you’ll also find hash browns thrown into the mix! And yes, coffee or milk is typically served alongside.

Many places offer it all day; just look for the phrase “english breakfast all day.” Thus, one of the best tips for traveling in London or anywhere in the country is to start your day with a delicious English breakfast.

Fish & Chips

The most famous dish in English cuisine isn't even English: its roots trace back to Spain. It’s in Spain that the art of frying fish originated—though don’t let the Londoners in on that secret; it’s akin to telling a Neapolitan that pizza was born in Valencia!

The British version of fish & chips is delightful: fish fillets are coated in flour and beer before being fried. They are served with fried potatoes, mushy peas, and various sauces. You can typically choose between cod, haddock, plaice, or skate for your fish selection.

Bangers & Mash

One of our all-time favorites! During our first visit to London many years ago, this dish was our first encounter with English cuisine. Expecting little from it, we were pleasantly surprised and it's often our go-to choice upon returning.

This dish comprises sausages (bangers) and mashed potatoes (mashed potatoes), typically served with gravy, a sauce made from vegetable and meat broth, along with some green peas.

Fun fact: Historically, poorly made sausages would literally burst when cooked, leading to the nickname “banger,” referencing a loud firecracker.

Sunday Roast

The Sunday roast is another must-try dish in England, and a great reason to stay in London until the weekend. This delicious plate of roasted meat (either chicken, lamb, pork, or beef) comes with roast potatoes and/or mashed potatoes and vegetables.

It also includes a Yorkshire pudding, a type of pastry made from flour, eggs, and milk, similar to an empty vol-au-vent. All of this is accompanied by a tasty gravy.

Good news for vegetarians and vegans: there are plant-based versions of the Sunday roast!

Meat Pies

Don’t worry; the chef won’t be serving you little legs in broth! The pies are a type of traditional savory pie in English cuisine. They feature a crispy or firm crust enclosing a filling that typically consists of meat, often mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices.

You can find a variety of fillings such as chicken and mushrooms, beef with ale, or beef and kidney, among others. Vegetarian options are also available!

They can be served with potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. This dish is perfect for a quick meal on the go or for a casual picnic, making it an ideal solution for those wondering what to eat in England.

Shepherd’s Pie

This caloric delight is something you should savor without guilt at least once during your trip. A meat pie made up of a layer of minced lamb, carrots, and peas, topped with mashed potatoes and sometimes cheese.

There are numerous variations of this dish, with different types of meat, and even fish (fisherman’s pie) or vegetarian versions. If you come across it in a British restaurant and need an energy boost, don’t hesitate!

Jacket Potato

This is the English version of the classic stuffed potato you find at every village fair in Spain. A simple yet delicious dish, it consists of a baked potato split in half and filled with butter and toppings of your choice (like cheese and beans, tuna and mayonnaise, or minced meat, among others).

For us, it’s one of the most interesting, affordable, and tasty street foods in England.

Beef Wellington

The Beef Wellington is a whole beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry. Often, the meat is spread with pâté and a mixture of diced vegetables like onions and mushrooms.

This dish isn’t found in every restaurant, but if it’s on the menu, order it: you won’t regret it! Truly one of the most delicious dishes in England, so if you haven’t tried it yet, now’s your chance.

Ploughman’s Lunch

More of a light meal than the previous hearty dishes, the Ploughman’s Lunch features fans and critics alike (even within our own couple!).

It’s a cold dish that includes local cheese (often sharp cheddar), pickles or pickled onions, a bit of cured meat, a piece of bread, and butter. Personally, it doesn’t excite me, but it’s another typical dish in England worthy of mention.

While it may not fully satisfy a ravenous hunger, it’s an excellent snacking option if you’re enjoying a pint at the pub.

Afternoon Tea

You can’t leave London without experiencing the traditional five o’clock tea. During this ritual, tea is served, typically with milk or lemon, and accompanied by pastries, cakes, sandwiches, or cookies.

The most common desserts include carrot cake, Victoria sponge cake with strawberry jam, and cupcakes, not to mention savory options. Many bars offer this, but the best experience is at one of the numerous tea houses, where you can feel like a true English lord.

We’ve reached the end of our list of 10 typical dishes of English cuisine, though we surely missed some gems. Additionally, there are always options for burgers, Indian dishes, and other local delights.

Do you already know what to eat in London? What do you think are the best typical dishes of England?

* Photocredit: Shutterstock