British food always gets a bad rap for some awful reason. What people don't realize is that the Brits actually know how to make some damn good food and have created some damn good liquor. Sure, blood pudding isn't that appetizing, but plenty of other hearty British foods are.
1. Pies
One of my favorite dishes is a homemade steak and ale pie from a traditional British pub. Doesn't get much better than that, folks. Crispy yet deliciously buttery crust with lean chunks of steak cooked in an ale gravy sauce with some vegetables mixed in. Best served with some mash and vegetables. Scrumptious and a staple of British diets.
2. Pimm's
If you know what this strange little liqueur is, congratulations! You're somebody I respect. Now, there are several varieties of Pimm's called 'cups.' Nos. 1–6 have been produced, but good ole No. 1 is the most popular. Fancy that. You may have heard of Pimm's because of Wimbledon. It serves as the tennis tournament's signature drink. Pimm's is basically gin with some citrus and spices added in. It makes for a beautiful and refreshing drink once you add tonic water or lemonade and fresh fruit. It's always Pimm's o'clock!
3. Cornish Pasties
Cornish pasties are cute li'l handheld pies, which makes them adorable and tasty. They are filled with beef chunks, diced potatoes, turnips and onion. Though this is the original Cornwall recipe, many pastry companies make variations that are just as good as the next. Pasties are a cheap and filling lunch that is also portable! Some shops even make intricate designs and folds into their pasties, which adds to the British experience.
4. Beer
A night (or afternoon) at a British pub is never complete without a nice, refreshing pint of ale. Many pubs have a wide variety of domestic and international draughts, and local brews are featured as well. It's best to ask the bartender what is best tailored to your tastes, but you can never go wrong with a cold pint of Guinness or Smithwick's.
5. Fish and Chips
Ah, the signature food of the British Isles. Genuine fish and chips (French fries) put the old, crusty, deep fried fish planks at your local Long John Silver's to SHAME. Battered fresh fish is available around just about any corner in Britain, and it's pretty cheap to boot. Depending on the location, the catch can range from haddock, cod and pollock to skate and plaice. A good shake of salt and vinegar top off a nice fish and chips dinner.
6. Tea
There's nothing, absolutely nothing, more British than tea (except maybe the Queen herself). Tea is as necessary as water in these lands, and locals always love a 'cuppa' from their favorite cafe. Because the British Empire once owned lands in India and around the world, they have access to fantastic sorts of teas including Darjeeling, Assam and classic Earl Grey.
7. Scones
Scones are the most perfect companions to tea and are frequently found at tearooms, cafes and everywhere in between. British scones are a bit different from the ones in America, as they are not as sweet and more biscuit-like. They include a variety of different fruits and are actually quite filling as breakfast food. However, scones are most commonly eaten at afternoon tea.
8. Gin
The Brits love their gin and have since about the 17th century. Gin was a very popular alternative to ale and even water during the so called "gin craze" in England in the mid-1700s. Developing its herbal and natural flavor from juniper berries and aniseed, gin is an interesting liquor that serves as a base for many classic cocktails. Martinis and gin and tonics are about as classic as you can get. The most popular gin brands are from England or Scotland and have been distilling the spirit for over 200 years.
9. International Food
Because the British Empire was once vast and still owns many lands via the Commonwealth, Great Britain has a very diverse population and is a melting pot, so to speak, for cuisine. Food from any nation you could think of has been established here, but the market is predominated by Indian, Southeast Asian, African and continental European restaurants. The wealth and depth of international cuisine has richly embellished British culture and is definitely a highlight of 'British' food.
A national culture relies a lot on cuisine, so even trying new foods broadens your cultural horizon and perspective! When you're in Great Britain, give these foods a whirl, and you'll understand exactly why they are so underrated. Maybe you can even try your local British pub. And the next time you make tea, try it the British way with milk!
