Top 10 British dishes - The quintessence of European cuisine

The small streets of London or the ancient villages of the English countryside all keep rich culinary secrets. The cuisine here is not ostentatious, but quietly conquers diners with its authentic, rich flavors. We invite you to explore the top 10 dishes in the UK, to see that even though the fog covers, our hearts will still be warmed by the flavors of this land!

1. Fish and Chips

Fish and Chips is an iconic British dish (Photo source: Collected)

It would be a big mistake to mention British food without mentioning Fish and Chips. This is a typical British dish, loved from the 19th century to the present. The dish consists of fresh cod fish coated in batter and fried until crispy, served with thick-cut fries. The secret to creating the perfect dish lies in the crispy batter on the outside while still retaining the soft, juicy fish meat inside.

Traditionally, British people enjoy Fish and Chips with malt vinegar and salt, and some places also serve it with mushy peas or tartar sauce. This dish is not only popular in street food stalls but also appears on the menu of many luxury restaurants.

2. Full English Breakfast

A traditional British breakfast (Photo source: Collected)

Full English Breakfast is a traditional British breakfast, also known as a "fry-up". A full plate of Full English Breakfast includes fried eggs, sausages, bacon, beans in tomato sauce, grilled mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, toast and sometimes black pudding.

This British dish originated in the Victorian era, when the British aristocracy wanted to show off their wealth through a rich breakfast. Today, the Full English Breakfast remains a popular choice in hotels, cafes and restaurants across the UK.

3. Sunday Roast

Sunday Roast is an indispensable part of British culinary culture (Photo source: Collected)

Sunday Roast is an integral part of British culinary culture. The main ingredient of this British dish is roast meat (beef, lamb, chicken or pork), served with roast potatoes, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and typical gravy.

Yorkshire pudding - a cake made from flour, eggs and milk, is an indispensable ingredient of Sunday Roast. The cake is baked in hot oil until it puffs up and turns a beautiful golden brown. This dish is often enjoyed with family on Sunday afternoon, creating cozy moments of reunion.

4. Shepherd's Pie

Traditional pie made from minced lamb (Photo source: Collected)

The next British dish is Shepherd's Pie. This is a traditional pie made with minced lamb (if beef is used it is called Cottage Pie), vegetables, covered with a thick layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. This dish originated from leftover meat from the Sunday Roast.

The signature flavor of Shepherd's Pie comes from the combination of tender lamb cooked in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This is a typical British comfort food, especially suitable for cold days.

5. Steak and Kidney Pie

Steak and Kidney Pie is one of the most famous pies in Britain (Photo source: Collected)

Steak and Kidney Pie is one of the most famous pies in Britain. It is made from diced beef and kidney, cooked in a rich sauce with mushrooms and onions, and encased in a crispy pastry crust.

This British dish requires elaborate preparation techniques, especially in making the crust and cooking the filling so that the meat is tender but not mushy. Steak and Kidney Pie is usually served hot, with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

6. Bangers and Mash

Bangers and Mash is a combination of grilled sausage and mashed potatoes (Image source: Collected)

Bangers and Mash is a simple but delicious combination of grilled sausages and mashed potatoes, served with onion gravy. The name “bangers” originated during World War I, when sausages would make a small popping sound when grilled due to their high water content.

This dish is considered a typical British comfort food, often appearing on the menu of traditional pubs. The secret to a good Bangers and Mash is that the sausages must be grilled to a perfect temperature, the mashed potatoes must be smooth and fatty, and the onion sauce must be rich.

7. Traditional Fish Pie

Traditional Fish Pie is a seafood pie (Image source: Collected)

Traditional Fish Pie is a seafood pie made with a variety of fish such as salmon, cod, and prawns, cooked in a rich cream sauce and topped with mashed potatoes. This dish reflects the abundance of seafood available around the British Isles.

The distinctive flavor of Fish Pie comes from the combination of the natural sweetness of the seafood, the richness of the cream sauce, and the smooth mashed potato layer on top. The dish is usually baked until it has a beautiful golden color on the surface.

8. Lancashire Hotpot

Lancashire Hotpot is a traditional lamb stew from the Lancashire region (Photo source: Collected)

Lancashire Hotpot is a traditional Lancashire lamb stew, slow-cooked with onions and sliced potatoes. This British dish originated during the Industrial Revolution, when workers needed a filling and nutritious meal.

Lancashire Hotpot is characterized by a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on top, baked until golden brown and crispy. The dish is usually cooked in a traditional clay pot, which helps retain heat and creates a special flavor.

9. Trifle

Trifle is a traditional British dessert (Photo source: Collected)

Trifle is a traditional British dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake, fruit, jelly, custard and whipped cream. It is usually served in a clear glass bowl so that the layers can be seen. Different regions of the UK have different ways of making Trifle, but the basic ingredients remain the same. This dessert is especially popular during holidays and parties.

10. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding (Image source: Collected)

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a hot dessert made from date sponge cake, covered in a rich toffee sauce. It is usually served hot and accompanied by vanilla ice cream or custard. Although it is a relatively new dessert compared to other traditional British dishes (created in the 1970s), Sticky Toffee Pudding has quickly become one of the most popular desserts in the UK.

British food is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, from street food like Fish and Chips to luxurious dishes like Sunday Roast. Each dish carries a story of history and culture of this country.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-o-anh-quoc-v15889.aspx