British cuisine: Uniquely British foods to try when living in London

If you're moving to London, one of the best ways to get to know the city and its culture is through its food. Britain has a long history of culinary traditions and unique dishes that are worth experiencing. Here are some of the best uniquely British foods you must try when you move to London. Many of these dishes can be found in traditional British pubs and restaurants, but you can also find them in food markets and cafes throughout the city.

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Uniquely British meals

Fish and Chips 🐟🍟

A classic British dish that consists of battered fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips and mushy peas. Legend has it that the UK's first fish and chip shop opened in London during the 1860s, by Eastern European Jewish immigrant Joseph Malin.

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Sunday Roast 🍖

A traditional meal served on Sundays, consisting of roasted meat, usually beef, lamb, or chicken, served with potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. It's a popular meal to have with family and friends, and many London pubs and restaurants offer a Sunday roast menu.

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Full English Breakfast 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

A hearty breakfast that typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, black pudding, and toast. It's a perfect way to start your day and can be found in many London cafes and restaurants.

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Bangers and Mash 🥔

A simple yet delicious dish of sausages and mashed potatoes, often served with gravy. It's a classic comfort food and can be found in many London pubs and restaurants.

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Shepherd's Pie 🥧

A traditional British dish made with minced lamb or beef, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until crispy. It's warming and comforting to help keep out the cold on a winter's day.

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Bubble and Squeak 🫧

Made from leftover potatoes and vegetables from a roast dinner, mashed together and fried in a pan.

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Toad In The Hole 🐸

Don't worry, this dish doesn't contain toads or frogs of any kind. Toad in the hole is made by baking sausages in a Yorkshire pudding batter.

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Beef Wellington 🥩

A dish made by wrapping a fillet of beef in pastry with a layer of pâté, mushrooms, and onions.

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Chicken Tikka Masala 🍛

Chicken Tikka Masala is a curry that is usually made with yogurt marinated chicken, skewered and chargrilled for incredible bbq flavours. British Pakistani chef, Ali Ahmed Aslam, proprietor of a restaurant in Glasgow, invented chicken tikka masala by improvising a sauce made from a tin of condensed tomato soup, and spices.

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Uniquely British foods and side dishes

Marmite 🕋

Similar to Vegemite, Marmite is a savoury spread made from yeast extract that's commonly spread on toast or used as a seasoning in cooking. It's a divisive food, with people either loving or hating it, but it's a must-try for anyone moving to London.

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Jellied Eels 🐍

A Cockney favourite that is found in pie and mash restaurants. Eels cooked in a spiced broth and served in a jelly made from the cooking liquid.

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Scotch Egg 🥚

A hard-boiled egg that's wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until crispy. This appetiser will be found in food markets and on pub menus.

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Sausage Rolls 🤘

Admittedly sausage rolls are also popular in other parts of the world, but this famous British culinary invention is a must have in London. The major difference between British sausage rolls and sausage rolls in the rest of the world, Brit's will often serve sausage rolls cold.

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Black Pudding ⚫️

A type of blood sausage made from pork blood, oatmeal, and spices. It's a popular ingredient in a full English breakfast and can also be found in many London food markets.

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Coronation Chicken 👑

Coronation chicken is a British dish that was first created in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It is a cold dish made from cooked chicken in a creamy, curried mayonnaise sauce, often served as a sandwich filling or salad.

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Uniquely British deserts

Eton Mess 🍓

A traditional English dessert made with whipped cream, crushed meringue, and fresh strawberries. It's a light and refreshing dessert and can be found in many London cafes and restaurants.

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Sticky Toffee Pudding 🥮

A moist sponge cake made with dates, topped with toffee sauce and often served with custard or vanilla ice cream. It's a popular dessert in many London restaurants and cafes.

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Spotted Dick 🤭

A steamed pudding made with suet, raisins, and currants.

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Uniquely British snacks and sweets

Monster Munch 👹

Monster Munch are a baked corn snack that comes in the shape of a monster. Although they are aimed at children, they are popular with all age groups. Flavours include Roast Beef, Pickled Onion and Flamin' Hot.

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Jaffa Cakes 🍊

A type of biscuit-sized cake with a layer of orange jelly and a chocolate coating.

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Mini Cheddars 🧀

Small, cheese-flavoured crackers that come in a bag the size of crisps. Their tangy cheese flavour makes them a great choice for any occasion.

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Twiglets

If you like Marmite, then you will probably enjoy a Twiglet or two. Thin, crunchy sticks made from baked wheat that are flavoured with yeast extract.

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Wine Gums 🍷

Wine gums are a chewy, fruit-flavored candy that were first created in the UK in the early 20th century and have since become a beloved sweet treat, often associated with childhood memories and nostalgia. Despite their name, wine gums contain no actual wine, but are instead made with a unique blend of ingredients that gives them their distinctive taste and texture.

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Pork Scratchings 🐖

Pork scratchings, also known as pork rinds, are a popular pub snack in the UK, made from the skin of a pig that has been seasoned and deep-fried until crispy. They taste better after a few pints of beer...