10 Best Food In The UK: What To Eat And Where To Find It

The food in the UK is known for its rich history and unique flavours. British cuisine has something for everyone, from traditional dishes like fish and chips to hearty meals like Lancashire hotpot. Many dishes have been passed down for generations, while some have modern variations to suit changing tastes. Each meal tells a story, whether a Sunday roast enjoyed with family or a Cornish pasty once carried by miners. The UK is also famous for its afternoon tea, a popular and enduring tradition.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Foods In The UK

Discover the most loved and iconic food in the UK that defines traditional and modern British cuisine, adding to your culinary adventure:

1. Fish And Chips

An image showing a plate of fish and chips, a famous food in the UK, served with lemon and herbs.

Photo: Matthias Meckel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Fish and chips is one of the most famous foods in the UK, loved by locals and visitors. It became popular when fried fish was introduced by Jewish immigrants and paired with chips. Traditionally, it is made with cod or haddock, fried in a crispy batter, and served with chunky chips. Modern variations include different fish like plaice and even sweet potato fries. A fun fact is that fish and chips were among the few foods not rationed during World War II. It is also a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a filling meal.

Best Places To Try: Coastal Towns, London, Manchester, Edinburgh
Regional Variations: Served with mushy peas in Northern England, curry sauce in the Midlands, and brown sauce in Scotland

2. Bangers And Mash

An image showing a plate of Bangers and Mash, a best food in the UK, with onions and peas.

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Bangers and mash is a traditional British dish that includes sausages and mashed potatoes. The term “bangers” comes from the way sausages used to burst open while cooking due to their high water content. It has been eaten since the early 20th century and remains a top food in the UK. Traditionally, it is served with onion gravy, but modern versions include flavoured sausages, such as pork and apple. A fun fact is that every year, the UK celebrates “National Sausage Week.” The dish is high in protein, but the mashed potatoes can make it a heavy meal.

Best Places To Try: London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol
Regional Variations: Made with Cumberland sausages in the North, Lincolnshire sausages in the East, and pork and apple sausages in the West

3. Sunday Roast

An image showing a Sunday roast vegetable side dish, a top food in the UK, served hot.

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A Sunday roast is one of the best meals, often enjoyed with family. It started in the 15th century when people would prepare a large meal after church. Traditionally, it includes roasted meat, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. Modern versions may have vegetarian or vegan alternatives, such as nut roasts. A fun fact is that in some places, the meal is served with a giant Yorkshire pudding filled with all the ingredients. The dish is rich in protein and essential nutrients, making it both delicious and hearty.

Best Places To Try: London, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow
Regional Variations: Yorkshire pudding is common in the North, while in the South, it is often served with stuffing

4. Cornish Pasty

An image showing a whole Cornish pasty, a traditional baked dish commonly found in the UK.

Photo: David Johnson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Cornish pasty is a famous food in the UK, originating from Cornwall. It was first made in the 13th century and became a popular meal for tin miners. Traditionally, it has a thick crust so miners could hold it without touching the food inside. It is filled with beef, potatoes, onions, and swede. Modern versions include cheese, chicken, and even vegetarian fillings. A fun fact is that in 2011, the Cornish pasty was given Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. The pasty is high in carbohydrates, making it an energy-boosting meal.

Best Places To Try: Cornwall, London, Bristol, Plymouth
Regional Variations: Traditional in Cornwall with beef, while Devon pasties may include additional vegetables

5. Cottage Pie

An image showing a serving of Shepherd's pie at Homerton College, topped with mashed potato.

Photo: Oxfordian Kissuth / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Cottage pie is a top food made with minced beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It dates back to the 18th century when potatoes became a staple food for the poor. Traditionally, the dish was made with leftover meat. A variation of the same dish uses lamb instead of beef. Modern versions may include cheese on top for extra flavour. A fun fact is that in some regions, it is served with baked beans or Worcestershire sauce. It is a good source of protein and fibre, making it a nutritious meal.

Best Places To Try: London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff
Regional Variations: Often made with minced beef in England, minced lamb in Scotland (Shepherd’s Pie), and sometimes includes Worcester sauce in the Midlands

6. Cream Tea

An image showing an English cream tea with scones, clotted cream, jam, and a cup of tea.

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Cream tea is a popular British tradition, especially in Devon and Cornwall. It consists of scones, clotted cream, jam, and a teapot. The custom began when monks served bread with cream and jam in the eleventh century. The debate over whether to spread cream or jam first continues. Modern variations may include flavoured scones, such as fruit or cheese. A fun fact is that the largest cream tea party ever recorded had over 700 people. Despite its sweetness, cream tea provides calcium and energy, making it an enjoyable treat.

Best Places To Try: Devon, Cornwall, Bath, London
Regional Variations: In Devon, clotted cream is spread first, then jam, while in Cornwall, jam is spread first, then clotted cream

7. Yorkshire Pudding

An image showing a Yorkshire pudding filled with mashed potato, beef, gravy, and vegetables.

Photo: Mr Barndoor / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Yorkshire pudding is a traditional dish that has been part of British cuisine since the 18th century. It was originally made to be eaten before the main meal to fill people up. Traditionally, it is cooked in a hot oven with beef drippings. Modern variations include stuffed Yorkshire puddings with meats or vegetables. A fun fact is that in some places, a dessert version is made with jam and cream. It is high in carbohydrates and fat, but it becomes part of a balanced meal when paired with vegetables and protein.

Best Places To Try: Yorkshire, London, Manchester, Birmingham
Regional Variations: Typically large and bowl-shaped in Yorkshire, smaller and served as a side dish in the South

8. Toad in the Hole

An image showing Toad in the Hole, a traditional British dish with sausages baked in batter.

Photo: Jerry Pank / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Toad in the hole is a famous food that consists of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. It was first recorded in the 18th century to make meat go further. Traditionally, it is served with onion gravy and peas. Modern versions may include different types of sausages, such as spicy or vegetarian. A fun fact is that the dish has nothing to do with toads, but the sausages sticking out resemble them. The meal is rich in protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying dish.

Best Places To Try: London, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham
Regional Variations: Different sausages are used in various regions, such as pork sausages in the South and black pudding sausages in the North

9. Lancashire Hotpot

An image showing a beef hotpot served in a bowl, similar to traditional Lancashire hotpot.

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Lancashire hotpot is the best food in the UK, originating from the North West of England. It became popular in the 19th century when factory workers needed a slow-cooked meal. Traditionally, it is made with lamb, onions, and potatoes, cooked in a single pot. Modern versions may include beef or vegetarian ingredients. A fun fact is that in some areas, oysters were once added for extra flavour. The dish is high in protein and provides long-lasting energy, making it a great meal for cold weather.

Best Places To Try: Lancashire, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester
Regional Variations: Traditionally made with lamb and potatoes in Lancashire, but some regions use beef or add carrots and onions

10. Scotch Egg

An image showing Scotch eggs served on a plate with a garnish of chopped cilantro.

Photo: Kolforn / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Scotch egg is a top food in the UK, consisting of a boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. It was invented in the 18th century by Fortnum & Mason as a snack for travellers. Traditionally, it is served cold with mustard or pickles. Modern versions include vegetarian options and spicy coatings. A fun fact is that some believe a Mughal Indian recipe inspired the dish. Despite being fried, it is a good source of protein, making it a tasty and filling snack.

Best Places To Try: London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle
Regional Variations: The classic version is deep-fried in England, while in Scotland, it is sometimes baked

The food in the UK is more than just a meal, it reflects history and tradition. British cuisine has something for every occasion, from simple snacks like Scotch eggs to comforting dishes like cottage pie. If you want to experience the famous food here, try these dishes on your next visit. Plan your food journey with TripXL and enjoy the authentic cuisine of the UK.

Cover Photo: Lauren Topor / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Onlyq

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a traditional British breakfast?

A traditional British breakfast, also known as a "full English," usually includes eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and black pudding. It is often served with tea or coffee and is a popular choice in cafés and hotels across the UK.

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