Ah, British food! When most people think about it, fish and chips come to mind. Sure, they’re a classic and certainly delicious, but there’s so much more to the British cuisine scene. During my escapades across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, I stumbled upon a veritable treasure trove of dishes that left me scratching my head—and probably left the locals chuckling at my bewilderment. So, let’s have a laugh and explore “Beyond Fish and Chips: 10 British Foods That Leave Americans Scratching Their Heads.”
First up: haggis. Now, I’d heard many things about this Scottish delicacy before I arrived in Edinburgh. It’s often described as a meat pudding, but that doesn’t quite capture it. Imagine sheep’s heart, liver, lungs, and spices, all heaped into a sheep’s stomach. Yes, you read that right—a sheep’s stomach. The taste? Surprisingly rich and so hearty! I felt like a proper Scot when I washed it down with a dram of whisky. Just don’t ask what’s in it while you’re eating, or you might lose your appetite.
If you’re in town, you must check out the Haggis, Neeps and Tatties stall at the Edinburgh Festival. It’s a way to really get into the local vibe. But I’ll admit, the first time I was offered haggis, I paused—half expecting it to sprout legs and run away!
Now, black pudding is another one to wrap your head around. This one took me a bit to process. We’re talking about blood sausage made with pig’s blood, fat, oats, and spices—so why is it so popular? Well, it’s got this smoky, earthy flavour that, honestly, I found quite comforting. Often served as part of a full English breakfast, it gave me a newfound appreciation for breakfast meats! The first time I took a bite, I was the little kid who pretends they like broccoli just to fit in.
Ah, jellied eels from London. This dish is a local legend, especially in areas like the East End. Picture this: eels boiled in a spiced stock that turns into jelly when chilled. It’s bizarre, I know. I thought, “Are we serious right now?” But hey, there’s an undeniable kick of nostalgia there for Londoners. You’ll find jellied eels served in greasy spoon cafes. I tried them once, and while I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, I didn’t hate it either. It was the wobbly texture that got me.
Make sure to visit M. Manze in Peckham if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try it fresh and authentically. Warning: you might have to brace yourself for some odd looks if you take a photo!
Speaking of odd names, let’s talk about spotted dick. It’s a steamed suet pudding with currants or raisins. I spent much of my first encounter with it snickering like a child. “Spotted what?!” But after my first forkful, I will confess that it’s surprisingly comforting—sort of like a hug in dessert form. Just don’t confuse it with anything else unless you fancy blushes all around.
Now, I couldn’t have a list of British foods without giving a shout-out to the Cornish pasty! Originally a lunch staple for miners, it’s a flaky pastry stuffed with meat and vegetables. The combination makes for a satisfying, portable meal. I had one while visiting the stunning cliffs of Cornwall, feeling like a proper adventurer. It was a blustery day, and honestly, I could have used a few more layers—waterproof ones, preferably! But that pasty was like a gourmet hug against the chill.
If you fancy a bite, pop into The Cornish Pasty Company. Just keep an eye on the seagulls; they’re vicious little thieves.
Alright, let’s simplify things a bit with bangers and mash. It’s sausage and mash (that’s mashed potatoes, for you lot not in the know) slathered in gravy. Easy, right? But you wouldn’t believe how often I’ve confused bangers with pizzas by accident—don’t ask me how! The sausages can vary from region to region, and I had some incredible wild boar and apple bangers once in Bath. Paired with a pint of local ale, I could almost hear Simon Cowell yelling “That’s a yes from me!” (He wasn’t there, but you catch my drift).
Who named this dish, you ask? No idea. But toad in the hole is essentially sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. It sounds weird but is downright heavenly. It’s the kind of meal you have on a gloomy day—comfort food at its best. I can still remember my first experience in a snug little pub in Yorkshire, sitting under the glow of fairy lights, surrounded by locals who somehow seemed less baffled than I was.
If you’ve never heard of this Welsh delicacy, don’t fret. Laverbread isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s a seaweed delicacy often served with a breakfast of cockles and bacon. Yes, I was sceptical too, but it’s packed with nutrients. Plus, the males at the table were fascinated by the seaweed’s beard-like appearance, resulting in a lively debate about hair care. The joys of travel!
Now we’re in the realm of fusion! Originally brought to Britain by the British Raj in India, kedgeree is a rice dish made with smoked fish (often haddock), hard-boiled eggs, and spices. It sounds all posh, doesn’t it? I had my first taste at a shabby chic café in London, and the smoky flavour layered with curry was surprisingly delightful, even for a curry-averse American like me.
Last but not least, let’s talk about what might be my personal favourite: Welsh cakes. Little round delicacies that you’d be sorry to miss, these cakes are a bit like scones. You can have them with a bit of butter or jam, and they’ll brighten your day. I made the mistake of buying a package instead of a homemade version from a local bakery. By the time I realised what I had done, I was deep into a bumpy train ride through the valleys, wishing I’d made time for the real deal at Bakeries of Wales.
So there you have it, my cheeky round-up of British foods beyond fish and chips, that had me scratching my head (and occasionally gagging), but ultimately loving the culinary quirks of the UK. Each dish brings its own charm—and perhaps a smidge of confusion, to the delight of local patrons watching bewildered tourists like me.
Have you tried any of these foods? Did one puzzle you more than the others? Let’s swap tales! Comment below with your own British food experiences—or if you’re brave enough, share your own food mishaps!
