The Brits are well known for their extraordinarily bad taste in food (I mean, beans for breakfast? Come on guys). However, they're really good at taking some truly disgusting ingredients and turning them into something that looks truly scrumptious. From Spotted Dick to Chip Butty, Toad in a Hole, and Rumbledethump (try to say it out loud, it's very funny), the British kitchen is truly a wild experience.
1. Haggis
We'll start out strong, with the most appalling of them all: Haggis. They call it a pudding, but they put sheep's liver, heart, and lung together and they mince and mix them with beef and spiced with onion and cayenne pepper.
You'll be shocked to know that Haggis used to be cooked directly in the sheep's stomach. Rest assured though, these days it's prepared in an artificial casing. Despite its appearance, it has a nice, coarse texture and a peppery flavor. Served with Neeps (mashed turnips, go figure) and tatties (potatoes), it could be prime comfort food.
2. Mushy Peas
The name says it all: they took some peas and soaked them overnight, then they put them in a saucepan and let them get as mushy and soft as possible. Add some salt and pepper and you've got yourself a treat.
Served with fish and chips, or even with pie, mushy peas are a classic staple. They're also extremely easy to make and highly recommended if you want an authentic British experience. That is if you can get past the color.
3. Flies Graveyard
The name implies that this pastry is where flies go to die. Why anyone would ever go near it with that name is beyond understanding, but it's no coincidence. It's a common name in the United Kingdom for pastries filled with raisins and currants, you know, because they kind of look the same?
A Scottish favorite, this pastry is traditionally filled with dried apples, raisins, and currants. Cut into squares, they're perfect to have with tea, and we know how important that is.
4. Fish Finger Sandwich
The first sandwich in the series, but definitely not the last. Brits are excellent at putting things that shouldn't be on bread in a sandwich. First up: fish fingers. Dipped in batter and fried, fish fingers in any other country (see USA) are eaten as they are.
In the UK, however, they slap them on some white bread with mayo or ketchup and they eat them all mushed together. Arguably, fried foods should be given the attention they deserve, untouched by carbs, but this concoction seems oddly appealing, not to mention comforting.
5. Stargazy Pie
Heres yet another British dish with a misleading name. You may think, 'oh, stargazy pie', that sounds lovely and magical, right? Wrong! What are the stars in Stargazy Pie you ask? Protruding fish heads! Why are they protruding? So that it looks like they're gazing at the sky! Now it all makes sense.
But in all seriousness, a pie with fish, potatoes, and eggs does sound magical. Encased in crusty pastry, this is a Cornish dish you just can't miss.
6. Periwinkles
Even the Brits tend to be split on this one. Despite their fairy-like names, winkles are small, black, snail-like shellfish. Boiled and cooked, they are the smallest seafood to be eaten by us.
Though it seems hard to believe, Brits aren't the only ones who eat winkles. The French like them too. Go figure.
7. Pork Faggots
Don't be alarmed by the name (actually, be very much alarmed, but don't be offended). Faggots are just meatballs made from the bits of pork usually discarded and left unused. Sometimes they even add breadcrumbs!
Eaten with mash and Brussel sprouts, and sometimes even some Mushy Peas, this is a Welsh classic.
8. Rumbledethumps
Like its name, Rumbledethumps is a mouthful. Made with cabbage, potato, and onion, it makes a good side dish or even a main course. Either way, it's prime comfort food.
Slathered with butter and cheese that make the dish crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, it's perfect for the long, cold UK winters. Curl up with some warm, cheesy goodness and watch the rain fall.
9. Potted Shrimp
Browned in nutmeg flavored butter, this shrimp is potted and eaten with bread. A hint of cayenne pepper gives it the tinge it needs and we are ready to go.
Originating in Lancashire, this dish has rooted itself as a traditional British dish.
10. Welsh Cakes
As the name suggests, Welsh cakes originated in Wales, but that's the only thing to be said with certainty. Welsh cakes are a strange hybrid: they look like a cookie, made from the ingredients of a scone, but cooked like a pancake on a pan.
However, their taste and texture have nothing to do with any of them. They're made from some basic ingredients like butter, milk, flour and sour, and they're just the right amount of sweet.
11. Welsh Cawl
Welsh Cawl is a hearty, satisfying stew made up of any vegetables and meat you might have on hand.
The Welsh strike again with a simple but highly tasty dish that can be made easily and perfect for the windy moors of Wales.
12. Spaghetti Os on Toast
As horrifying as it may sound, they actually eat this for breakfast, of their own accord. Pasta for breakfast, if it's tiny and drowning in sweet tomato soup, slapped on toast, is apparently acceptable.
I will give them credit though, warm pasta on a rainy morning isn't half bad.
13. Crumpets
Crumpets are perhaps the most well known of British breakfast foods. Crumpet men used to circulate in the streets every morning and sell them hot from the pan.
Made with unsweetened butter and slathered with jam, crumpets are perfect for a light breakfast.
14. Laverbread
In this case, the name tells us nothing about what the dish actually is. The truth is quite surprising: jellied seaweed. Found on the west coast of Britain and the east coast of Ireland.
First it's boiled, then it's fried, sometimes it's even rolled in oats. For some reason, they love it.
15. Marmite
Though technically not a dish, this spread deserves some recognition. Marmite is made from yeast extract. The exact recipe is unknown, a trade secret, but it's no secret that the Brits love it: they put it on crumpets, bagels, and crackers, and virtually any other surface on which spreads can be applied.
Not only spreadable, but it can also be added to other dishes to give them an extra boost. You name it, stew, bolognese, carbonara. That's not all, Marmite is very good for you. Full of folic acid, vitamin B, calcium... And it only has 22 calories per spoonful!
16. Parmo
Breaded chicken, cheese, and white Bechamel sauce, you really can't go wrong with this classic decadency. It's a popular take away dish in the Teesside area, and honestly, having that kind of comfort food available to take home sounds absolutely heavenly.
Though legend says it originated in Middlesbrough, it actually originated in the USA in the 1930's by Nicos Harris, an American who was a chef in the army in World War II. Eventually, he relocated to Middlesbrough and opened his diner, The American Grill, and pioneered the Parmo.
17. Beans on Toast
Though not as bad as spaghetti-o's on toast, beans on toast might be too heavy for breakfast. Not too mention dangerous if you have a long day of meetings ahead in closed rooms.
But if you're curious to know why the British remain so adamant about their beans, you'll be surprised to know that the custom originated in World War II, where beans were served daily for breakfast, the soldiers quickly got used to it and spread the word to the rest of Britain. It was a sign of loyalty to faithfully eat beans for breakfast.
18. Pease Pudding
Someone should tell Brits what a pudding is because so far we haven't seen anything remotely resembling it. This pudding, of all things, is savory. Made from split yellow peas with water, salt, and spices, it's kind of like split-pea soup, but sick.
It works great with a side of ham or meat, and if it's truly proper made it even has some chunks of ham. Comforting and creamy, it's a go-to meal that's very easy to prepare.
19. Bangers and Mash
Ah, bangers, and mash. Or more commonly known as sausages and mashed potatoes. It's a perfect specimen of classic British cuisine: fatty, decadent and carb-heavy. Served with some onion gravy, it's perfect for when you truly want to treat yourself.
You might ask, 'why can't they just say bangers?' Well, it turns out that there is a difference. Sausages have to contain at least 42 percent real meat, but bangers don't have to, so it's handy to keep those two terms separate.
20. Kippers
If you thought periwinkles were bad, you're going to love these. Kipper is a whole herring fish (small and oily) that is sliced in half from head to toe, gutted and pickled than cooked over cold smoke.
Though they've gone out of fashion after the war, kippers are making a comeback. Nutritious and cheap, they are nothing if not an economic decision for breakfast.
21. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Finally, a dessert that looks and sounds like a dessert should. Made exactly like it sounds like, it's custard with a sponge cake and finely chopped dates, covered in warm, sticky toffee.
Dates with cake and toffee are a genius idea because the dates are sticky enough to blend in with the toffee and add some chewy texture, almost like hot fudge.
22. Beef Wellington
You might know this one, as it's quite popular around the world. Meat lovers will definitely appreciate this- quality fillet wrapped in parma ham and puff pastry. Some even wrap it in a crêpe to retain moisture and keep the meat from getting soggy.
Though not the most bizarre of British dishes, it certainly isn't the most conventional. Though Gordon Ramsey has claimed it as his signature dish it has definitely been around seen the 1700s.
23. Deep Fried Mars Bars
Of all British inventions, this must be the best. Who could think of taking Mars bars, miracles of their own right, and dipping them in a sweet batter, then deep-frying them? Truly, a genius move.
Originating in Scotland (thank you, again), these miraculous hybrids can be found in fish and chip shops, where they'll throw your bar right in the deep fryer with the fried fish, and yes, it will be amazingly tasty.
24. Trifle
Yet another dessert that looks and sounds like an actual dessert. Made with sponge cake dipped in sherry, topped with layers of custard and whipped cream, and decorated with berries and fruit, this dessert is truly a crowning glory in this kingdom. It's incredibly easy to make and it's a crowd favorite at dinner parties and Christmas dinner.
There's no need to bake this delight, just pop all the ingredients together and it's ready within minutes. It's also satisfyingly messy to eat and impossible to stop.
25. Offal
Another questionable staple, offal is the parts of the animal no one wants to eat, entrails, internal organs and all. However, not ones to waste even a little bit of food, they've found a way to make do. It's resourceful and it can very well be delicious.
Though it may sound disgusting, there is a rich culinary world full of recipes that make offal truly delicious.
26. Tripe
Next on the list of parts of an animal that no one wants to eat, yet many people do, is tripe. Tripe is a cow stomach, but it could also be sheep stomach, deer, antelope. Any animal really. It has a dense, chewy texture which is hard to disguise, but if done successfully, can be turned into a great dish.
Fresh tripe needs to be thoroughly cleaned and boiled in order to be edible, but once it's prepared and well dressed can be turned into a light dish that absorbs the flavor of whatever sauce it cooks in.
27. White Pudding
The Brits once again fool us with misleading titles, as they call a mealy sausage pudding, Eaten for breakfast, spread on bread or eaten alone, it's a highly versatile snack.
Prepared with oatmeal, barley or breadcrumbs, with a whole lot of fat or suet, white pudding isn't too disappointing.
28. Spotted Dick
This cake is indeed spotted, but the other part of the name remains a mystery (though dick means pudding in old English) This is a baked delight made with dried fruit and served with custard. If you can get over the name you might even like it...
Good for dessert and for teatime, soft and spongy, drowned in a sweet custard, this might be one of Britain's best.
29. Welsh Rarebit
Rarebit is a weird word, but it's made clearer when you learn that it used to be called Welsh Rabbit, but was later reinterpreted. No worries, no rabbits or bunnies are involved in this dish. It's simply a mixture of hot cheeses ladled on to toast. Legend has it that the name was used by peasants who could not afford meat and had to make do with cheese.
Essentially a grilled cheese sandwich, it's simple and easy and you can be sure it will be delicious. Usually eaten as pub-food, paired with a good beer or ale.
30. Sunday Roast
Perhaps the most notorious of all British meals is the Sunday Roast. Traditionally eaten on, you guessed it, a Sunday! As every Brit knows, a Sunday Roast needs to be eaten precisely at 3:15 PM, after church of course. Traditionally, a Sunday roast contains roasted meat, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy, and mint sauce.
Fun fact, Sunday Roast was ranked number two in a list of things people love the most about Britain, so this is definitely not a meal to miss. Oddly nostalgic, it is high on the list of British comfort food as well.
31. Sussex Pond Pudding
For some reason, putting a whole lemon in a pudding is a treat for the British. Other than the lemon, Sussex pond pudding, or Well pudding (its other name), sounds extremely good. Pastry, butter, and sugar boiled or steamed for several hours and served with powdered sugar, this pudding is the epitome of British baking.
This dessert is definitely a taste of old-world English glamor. The pudding is not too sweet, so it won't overwhelm after a heavy, decadent meal, and the lemon, though strange, definitely adds some zest.
32. Bubble and Squeak
Cabbage and potato strike again in this British fry up. It's known as the "great peasant dish of the world" and has been around forever. Why the name you ask? Apparently potato and cabbage bubble and squeak when cooked over a fire.
This dish has appeared in many variations across the UK. Namely, Rumbledethump is another close cousin of this hot, mushy dish. Either way, make sure you try one of the many versions.
33. Steak and Kidney Pie
In proper British fashion, another word that is supposed to imply sweetness describes a savory pie. This pie, as the name suggests, has meat in it, and lots of it. It's made up of a mixture of diced beef, diced kidney, fried onion, and brown gravy.
It was invented in the 19th century and has several slang nicknames such as "Kate and Sydney" pie. It's counted among Britain's national dishes, and though it doesn't sound like the best combination, they sure do love it.
34. Kedgeree
Served hot or cold, Kedgeree is a dish consisting of rice, hard-boiled eggs, parsley, curry powder, butter, and cream. If that combination sounds strangely familiar, that's because it actually originated in India.
British colonials returning to the United Kingdom brought this dish back home because they enjoyed it so much and introduced it into British cuisine, specifically, as Victorian breakfast.
35. Chip Butty
Carbs on carbs on carbs, Chip Butty is a towering glory of crisps and chips on bread. Add some ketchup and some mayo and you've got yourself a meal fit for any casual dining establishment in Great Britain.
Yet another one of the Brits' most famous sandwich inventions, this one seems to have a nice crunch to it. What does the name have anything to do with it though?
36. Scotch Egg
Here we find yet another version of British food that layers a lot of things on top of each other; a hard boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and coated in bread crumbs and baked or fried.
You might wonder why it's called a scotch egg, and apparently, the process of mincing the meat that surrounds the egg is called Scotching. If you're a fan of soft-boiled eggs, this dish is a perfect combination of eggs and bread, plus that added pork bonus.
37. Pork Pie
A pie filled with jellied pork stock in a hot water crust pastry- this must be a dream. Served either cold, or room temperature, I'm amazed that this was ever allowed to be a meal, but again, the Brits have laws of their own.
Pork Pie is normally eaten with a salad or as a snack, which is strange because it sounds like quite a heavy-duty meal. Especially given the amount of animal fat packed into it, but go figure.
38. Black Pudding
If you have a good memory, you'll recall our beloved white pudding. Well, Black Pudding is exactly the same thing as white pudding, except this time, with blood. Pork blood to be exact, with a healthy portion of pork fat, and we must not forget the oatmeal...
If the blood is a deal-breaker for you, there are meatless black puddings, that simply have a whole lot of outs and barley. But really, if there's no blood, can it actually be called black pudding?
39. Mince Pie
Mince Pie is one of the most popular desserts in Britain, and though it used to be made with minced meat in the past, these days it's mainly made with spices and dried fruit. So rest assured, vegetarians.
Made of mincemeat, which contrary to popular belief isn't meat at all, but a nice blend of dried fruits and spices, the mince pie is a sweet pastry and a Christmas delicacy. Pumpkin pie still sounds better to me though...
40. Toad in the Hole
The name may be misleading- there are no toads or holes in sight - just sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. Simple but elegant. The sausages peep out of the batter like toads, though.
Served with onion gravy and vegetables, this dish is a quick fix for a decadent craving. A staple dish and a guilty pleasure of the brits, a Toad in the Hole is a classic.