At the heart of UK’s famous dishes are the comforting classics that give you a taste of nostalgia. Also the multicultural food culture of the nation has brought unique tastes to the homes, restaurants and street stalls across Britain.
British cuisine is far more diverse than its old reputation for “meat and two veg” suggests. From hearty classics like fish and chips, Cornish pasties and Sunday roasts, to modern fusion dishes inspired by global flavours, food in the UK reflects both tradition and innovation. The country’s multicultural history and thriving communities have brought Indian curries, Chinese stir-fries, Caribbean spices and Middle Eastern flavours into everyday dining, making Britain’s food scene one of the most varied in the world.
Alongside these influences, iconic cultural rituals such as the pub lunch, afternoon tea and the full English breakfast remain firmly embedded in British identity. Rice also has a surprisingly central role, from comforting rice puddings to being the perfect partner for Britain’s favourite dish: chicken tikka masala.
We’ll explore the classics and fusions of British food, tackle some of the most common stereotypes, highlight the signature ingredients that define the cuisine and look at how traditional and modern British cooking continue to evolve together.
British cuisine is often misunderstood abroad, with a reputation for being plain, heavy or overly reliant on potatoes. While it’s true that traditional dishes like meat pies, roasts and puddings form the backbone of British food culture, this stereotype overlooks the incredible diversity and creativity found across the UK today.
London, one of the most diverse cities in the world, has over 300 languages spoken – that’s more than any other city across the globe.
To honour one of the nation’s favourite dishes, the curry, National Curry Week has been celebrated since 1998 to appreciate the growing Indian restaurant industry and raise funds for charity.
The pub is a second home for many (not surprising when you consider “pub” is short for “public house”). Pubs are social hotspots and many serve food, from bar snacks to full three-course meals.
Fish & chips is a national dish and is best served from a “proper chippy” (i.e. a proper chip shop on the coast). Typically cod or haddock, deep-fried in batter and served with chunky chips, wrapped in paper. Until the 1980s, the paper used was actually newspapers!
The Cornish pasty, a baked pastry filled with meat and vegetables, was traditionally eaten by Cornish miners as a complete meal they could carry with them.
The British tradition of afternoon tea consists of tea served with sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and various pastries. It was popularised in the 19th century by the Duchess of Bedford who introduced it as a way to curb hunger between lunch and dinner.
Soda bread is a popular Northern Irish bread made with baking soda instead of yeast. It has a dense texture and is typically served with butter or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.
The sandwich was named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who popularised the idea of putting meat between two slices of bread.
Haggis, a savoury pudding made from sheep’s offal, onions, oatmeal, and spices, is a traditional Scottish dish often served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).
Welsh rarebit is a traditional Welsh dish made of melted cheese mixed with beer or ale, mustard, and seasonings, served on toasted bread.
British cuisine has been influenced by its history of colonisation, leading to the incorporation of ingredients and dishes from countries such as India, China, and the Caribbean.
The UK produces world-class sea salt, loved by food fanatics around the world. Salt has played a key role in not only seasoning, but also in its entire culinary history — used to cook, cure and preserve foods pre modern refrigeration. In fact, salt-curing is a coveted method of adding rich flavour to meats and fishes that you’ll find in the best food spots across the world.
As a seafaring, island nation, fish and other seafood is an important part of the British diet. Popular fish varieties include cod, haddock, plaice, salmon and mackerel; often served with chips and a wedge of lemon.
Versatile and widely used in British cooking, root vegetables are a key ingredient in many dishes. They are often used in hearty dishes such as stews, roasts and soups. Roast potatoes, mashed carrots and swedes, and parsnip crisps are popular side dishes. Root vegetables provide warmth, earthiness and texture to many traditional British recipes.
Commonly used in British cuisine as a condiment and flavour enhancer, it is particularly associated with fish and chips, where it is drizzled to add a tangy flavour. It is also used in pickles and salad dressings. Its sharp flavour provides a distinct taste to a number of British dishes.
Holding a prominent place in British cuisine, there is a range of regional cheeses from across the British Isles. Cheddar cheese is one of the most famous British cheeses, known for its sharp and creamy flavour. Other notable British cheeses include Stilton, Red Leicester, Wensleydale and Cheshire. Cheese is consumed on cheeseboards, in sandwiches, melted into dishes like macaroni and cheese, and featured in classic dishes such as cheese and onion pie and Ploughman’s lunch.
Cherished in English cuisine, summer berries are used in various desserts like Eton mess, tarts, fruit salads and jams. The Wimbledon tennis championships are almost synonymous with strawberries and cream.
For a nation whose favourite food is Chicken Tikka Masala, rice is a must. Not only used with savoury dishes like curries, paellas and summer salads, the British also prize rice pudding as a nostalgic favourite.
Bramley apples are a classic British cooking apple variety. They are known for their tartness, which makes them ideal for baking and cooking. Bramley apples are used in traditional British desserts like apple pie, apple crumble and apple sauce. The Bramley apple’s unique flavour and texture make it a popular ingredient in British cooking.
Traditional British cuisine is made up of hearty and comforting dishes, making use of locally available ingredients. Modern British cuisine also uses quality, locally-sourced ingredients that emphasise seasonality but it differs from traditional British cuisine in that it embraces innovation and creativity. Chefs use traditional foundations as a starting point and combines inspiration from global flavours, techniques and ingredients.
It’s not just other cultures settling in Britain that’s influenced the cuisine there though – British chefs are actively travelling in search of new flavours, techniques and combinations. There has also been a renewed focus on seasonal produce and even foraging of herbs, mushrooms and berries, to bring local flavours to prominence.
The most popular British dishes
British food culture is defined by its classics – dishes that not only bring comfort but also reflect the nation’s history and diversity. While many of these are rooted in tradition, rice has become a staple that complements and even elevates them.
Each variety brings something different so choosing the right type of rice for your dish is important. Your meals deserve the best, so let’s take it to the next level and create authentic plates that impress.
A wide range of versatile grains are used in British cuisine, including Basmati, Wild and Long Grain rice. Try our Pure Basmati rice, known for its fluffy texture, for a creamy rice pudding or for soups and salads, Brown Wholegrain Basmati brings a wonderfully nutty flavour.
Cooks In
Lemon and Herbs Basmati Rice 250g
Baked Stuffed Peppers
An easy midweek meal that is sure to be a family favourite! Our Lemon and Herb rice adds a zesty twist to these tasty peppers stuffed with beef mince and lots of vegetables!
Pure Basmati Rice 500g
Rice Pudding Breakfast Bowl
A light fruity breakfast bowl that can be prepared the night before to enjoy the following morning.
Caribbean
Indian
Middle Eastern
As a multi-cultural brand, we’re proud to sit at the heart of dinner tables across a wide variety cultures and nationalities. We strive to continuously learn about different cultures, global cuisines and embrace life full of flavour!