English cuisine is often thought of as being limited to fish and chips, a stereotype that belies the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the country. From traditional dishes to regional specialties and international influences, English cuisine has a lot to offer.

England has a long history of regional and international influences on its cuisine, resulting in a wide range of flavors and styles. From the hearty dishes of the North to the seafood specialties of the Southwest, each region of England has its own unique culinary traditions.

In this guide, we will explore the diversity and richness of English cuisine, including traditional dishes, regional specialties, and international influences. We will also dispel the myth that English cuisine is limited to fish and chips, and show that there is much more to discover and enjoy.

Traditional English dishes

English cuisine has a long history, with many traditional dishes that have been enjoyed for generations. Here are some of the most popular and well-known traditional English dishes:

Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding: 

This dish is a Sunday lunch staple, with roast beef served with a savory Yorkshire pudding (a type of popover) and vegetables. The beef is typically cooked to perfection, with a crispy crust and tender, juicy interior.

Shepherd’s pie: 

This hearty dish is made with ground lamb or mutton, mixed with vegetables and topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. It is a popular comfort food, often served in pubs and restaurants throughout the country.

Fish pie: 

This dish is similar to shepherd’s pie, but with fish replacing the meat. It is typically made with a mixture of white fish, salmon, and prawns, and is topped with a creamy sauce and a layer of mashed potatoes.

Bangers and mash: 

This simple yet satisfying dish consists of sausages (known as bangers in England) served with mashed potatoes and gravy. It is a popular pub food, often accompanied by peas or other vegetables.

Cornish pasties: 

These savory pastries originated in Cornwall, in the Southwest of England, and are filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables. They are portable and easy to eat, making them a popular snack for workers and travelers.

Ploughman’s lunch: 

This rustic dish is a combination of cheese, pickles, bread, and sometimes ham or other meats. It is often served in pubs and restaurants, and is a popular choice for a light lunch or snack.

Regional specialties

England is a country with a rich culinary heritage, and each region has its own specialties and traditions. Here are some of the most popular and well-known regional specialties in England:

Yorkshire pudding: 

This dish originated in the North of England, and is made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk. It is typically served as a savory accompaniment to roast beef, but can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

Lancashire hotpot: 

This hearty stew originated in the Northwest of England, and is made with lamb or mutton, vegetables, and a topping of sliced potatoes. It is a popular comfort food, often served with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Pork pie: 

This savory pie is a specialty of the Midlands, and is made with a mixture of pork, seasonings, and jelly. It is often served cold, as a snack or part of a ploughman’s lunch.

Cheddar cheese: 

This world-famous cheese originated in the Southwest of England, and is made from cow’s milk. It is known for its tangy, nutty flavor and versatile uses in cooking.

Devon cream tea:

This sweet treat is a specialty of the Southwest of England, and consists of scones served with clotted cream and jam. It is often enjoyed as an afternoon snack, with a pot of tea.

Full English breakfast: 

This hearty meal is popular throughout England, and typically includes bacon, eggs, sausage, beans, mushrooms, and toast. It is often served in hotels and restaurants as a hearty start to the day.

International influences on English cuisine

England has a long history of immigration and trade, which has had a major impact on its cuisine. Many popular dishes and ingredients in English cuisine have originated from other countries, including:

Indian curry: 

Indian immigration to England has had a major influence on the country’s cuisine, with many popular dishes such as chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh being adapted from Indian recipes.

Chinese takeout: 

Chinese immigrants to England have also had a significant impact on the country’s cuisine, with dishes such as sweet and sour chicken and egg fried rice being popular choices for takeaway meals.

Italian pizza and pasta: 

Italian food has been popular in England for many years, with dishes such as pizza and pasta being enjoyed in restaurants and at home. The popularity of Italian cuisine has been boosted by tourism to Italy, with many English people visiting the country and bringing back recipes and inspiration.

Middle Eastern shawarma: 

Shawarma, a popular street food in the Middle East, has become increasingly popular in England in recent years. It is made with marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, and served in a pita bread with vegetables and sauce.

Modern English cuisine

In recent years, English cuisine has undergone a renaissance, with a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs exploring new flavors and techniques. Modern English cuisine often incorporates global influences, as well as locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.

Many restaurants and cafes in England now offer modern English cuisine on their menus, using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both innovative and comforting. Some popular examples of modern English cuisine include dishes such as:

Venison tartare with foraged mushrooms and quail egg: 

This dish showcases the rich flavors of venison, a popular game meat in England, combined with earthy mushrooms and a rich quail egg.

Salt-aged beef with truffle mash and red wine jus: 

This dish combines two classic English ingredients, beef and truffles, in a sophisticated and delicious way. The beef is aged in salt to enhance its flavor, and is served with a creamy truffle mash and a rich red wine jus.

Roast pork belly with apple chutney and crackling: 

This dish is a modern take on the traditional English roast, with succulent pork belly served with a tangy apple chutney and crispy crackling.

Smoked salmon with dill and caper dressing: 

This light and refreshing dish is a modern spin on the classic English breakfast, with creamy smoked salmon served with a zesty dill and caper dressing.

Pear and blackberry crumble with vanilla ice cream: 

This dessert combines sweet, ripe pears with tangy blackberries, topped with a crispy crumble and served with rich vanilla ice cream. It is a modern twist on the classic English crumble.

Get Your Own Guide To English Cuisine 

English cuisine is much more diverse and exciting than the stereotype of fish and chips suggests. From traditional dishes to regional specialties and international influences, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The modern revival of English cuisine has also brought new flavors and techniques to the forefront, making it a vibrant and dynamic culinary scene.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting roast dinner, a tasty pub lunch, or an elegant modern meal, England has something to offer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the world of English cuisine is a delicious and rewarding experience.

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If you’d like to read more about England’s cuisine, check out our blog Culinary England Tours – The best places to Eat and Drink.