15 Interesting Facts about English Food

Introduction:

English food has a reputation of being infamous, but many people don’t realize how versatile and delicious traditional English fare can be. While there are quite a few dishes that will make you wonder what the chef was thinking, there are also a few absolute favorites. From scrumptious desserts to comforting hearty meals, here are 15 interesting facts about English food that you need to know.

Fact 1: Roast Dinners Are Common

An English roast dinner is a classic and one of the most popular meals. Made up of a roasted meat, usually beef or a chicken, with roasted potatoes, carrots, vegetables, and a gravy to top it off, this is a quintessential English dish. It may be served on a Sunday, but more typically than not, it is served as a main meal on special occasions or family gatherings.

Fact 2: Pies are a Staple

The English pie is a classic, and the variety of pies is endless. From savory meat pies to sweet apple pies, there is always something to choose. Their crusts are usually thick, and you can even find classic fish pies served in restaurants. Some of the most popular pies are shepherd’s pie, cottage pie and steak and ale.

Fact 3: Hearty Stews Keep You Warm

Hearty stews, like lamb stew, are perfect for cold rainy days. Made with chunks of lamb, carrots, potatoes, onions and other vegetables, all boiled in a pot of water or stock, the stew is then simmered for an extended amount of time, adding in flavors and spices. They are usually served with warm bread and butter, or a side of fluffy mashed potatoes.

Fact 4: Bangers and Mash are Popular

Bangers and mash is another classic English dish that consists of sausages in a savory gravy, served over mashed potatoes with peas and/or onions. The sausages are sometimes served as part of a full English breakfast, but more commonly they are served on their own. This is a staple dish in many pubs and restaurants around the country.

Fact 5: Sunday Roast is Still a Treat

The Sunday roast dinner is a longstanding tradition in many households in the UK. It is usually served on Sundays, as it used to be the only day of rest way back when. Today, it is served as a special treat. Consisting of roast meat, usually beef, lamb or chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy, the Sunday roast is often accompanied by horseradish sauce, mint sauce, and Yorkshire puddings.

Fact 6: English Salad Is Delicious

English salads are hearty and usually consist of potatoes, boiled eggs, and cucumber. This is the traditional English salad that is often served alongside fish and chips. However, since the trend of healthy eating has picked up in the UK, salads have become more varied, with roasted vegetables, quinoa, feta, and more added to the classic setup.

Fact 7: Fish and Chips are Iconic

When it comes to iconic English food, fish and chips is the most well-known. This dish usually consists of a piece of fish deep-fried in batter and served with chips (fries) and usually mushy peas as well. It is a classic summer dish and a must-have when visiting the UK.

Fact 8: Shepherd’s Pie is a Comfort Dish

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting casserole dish made up of minced beef and vegetables cooked in a rich gravy and topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. This is usually cooked in an oven with a bit of cheese on top. It is a staple in many households around the country and a great dish to have when you want something comforting.

Fact 9: Marmite is a Controversial Treat

Marmite is a controversial spread – some people love it, some people hate it. It is a dark brown, spreadable food, usually made from yeast extract, and served on toast or sandwiches. It has a very strong, savory flavor that some people can’t get enough of, and others prefer to stay away from it.

Fact 10: Apple Crumbles are Popular

Apple crumble is a classic, sweet dish usually served for dessert. Made up of cooked apples with a sugar and cinnamon topping, the crunchy topping makes this dish oozing with flavor. It is usually served hot and with custard, cream, or ice cream, and is a must when it comes to English desserts.

Fact 11: Spotted Dick is Unusual

Spotted Dick is an unusual English dessert, made up of a steamed, suet-based sponge pudding containing dried fruit. It is usually served with custard and often laughed at because of its name. It can be made at home, but you can also find it in some pubs and restaurants around the country.

Fact 12: The Full English Is Delicious

The Full English Breakfast is a great meal to have any day of the week. It consist of bacon, sausage, mushrooms, beans, egg, black pudding, tomato, and toast, usually served with a cup of tea. It can be a very filling meal, with many of the items being cooked in fat, so it is likely best to avoid it if you are trying to watch what you eat.

Fact 13: Sandwich Bread Varies

Sandwich bread varies across England – some prefer white bread, some prefer brown, while others prefer the softer, round-shaped bread. Sandwiches can be made up of almost anything, from the classic bacon sandwich to sandwiches with chicken, tuna, cheese, and other fillings.

Fact 14: Yorkshire Puddings Are Delicious

Yorkshire puddings are a classic side dish served with roast dinners. They are made with eggs beaten into flour with milk and are traditionally cooked in a hot oven with beef dripping or fat. The resulting puddings are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Fact 15: Full Afternoon Tea is the Best

Full afternoon tea is an iconic English tradition. It usually consists of finger sandwiches filled with cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg, scones with jam and clotted cream, and cake. It is usually served with a pot of tea, making it the perfect snack for anytime of the day.

Conclusion

There are many interesting facts about English food that are worth learning about. From the classics like fish and chips and Sunday roast to the oddities like spotted dick and marmite, there is something to appeal to everyone. Whether you prefer hearty stew or a sweet dessert, England has something for everyone.