11 Common Food in England You Need to Try Right Now

Introduction: A Culinary Adventure Through England’s Most Beloved Dishes

Common food in England brings people together. It’s about hot plates on chilly days, comforting smells, and traditions passed down for centuries. England’s food is humble, honest, and full of stories. From seaside towns serving crispy fish and chips to city cafes heaping up full English breakfasts, each bite tells something special about the nation.

It’s a land of pies, puddings, cheeses, and afternoon teas. Some dishes might sound familiar, while others—like bubble and squeak—are quirky surprises hiding in plain sight. Famous chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver brought British recipes to TV screens and cookbooks worldwide, but the heart of English food truly beats at packed pubs, local bakeries, and busy Sunday tables.

Let’s take a tour through England’s most classic and beloved dishes, discovering what puts the “Great” in British food.

Full English Breakfast: Starting Your Day the British Way

A Full English Breakfast is bold, hearty, and satisfying. It’s not your everyday quick meal. It fills the table and keeps you fueled for hours. There’s more to it than just bacon and eggs.

You’ll usually find:

• Back bacon: thick, meaty slices
• Sausages (often Cumberland or Lincolnshire)
• Fried or scrambled eggs
• Baked beans in tomato sauce
• Grilled tomatoes
• Fried mushrooms
• Crispy hash browns or fried bread
• Black pudding (a savory, spiced blood sausage)
• Toast with butter or jam

Don’t forget a steamy mug of English breakfast tea or sometimes a strong cup of coffee. Some plates add extras—like bubble and squeak, chips (fries), or even kippers for the full spread.

Each bite is different. The creamy yolk of an egg, juicy sausage, and the gentle spice of black pudding play together on the plate. With beans balancing out the richness, this breakfast feels like a feast.

Where to Find the Best Traditional Breakfasts in London and Beyond

London has plenty of cafes that take pride in their full English, a classic example of British cuisine. Try E. Pellicci in Bethnal Green—a family-run greasy spoon serving locals since 1900. Regency Café in Westminster is famous not just for its food but also its Art Deco look and movie appearances. Check out Terry’s Café in Southwark for proper sausages and old-school charm, where you can enjoy a hearty dish that embodies the essence of traditional meals.

Beyond London, look for independent cafés and market diners in Manchester, Brighton, and smaller towns. In York, Bettys Café Tea Rooms blends elegance and tradition with their breakfast platter, showcasing the best of English cuisine. Even some hotels and countryside guesthouses earn loyal fans for their morning meals, offering a comforting taste of local cuisine.

The best Full English is always one cooked with care and real British pride. Whether you’re up north or down south, you’ll find local twists but always the same big welcome on the plate, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the UK.

Fish and Chips: The Nation’s Comfort Food

Top Fish & Chip Shops You Can’t Miss

Fish and chips are a must-try food in England. Few things are so simple yet loved by millions. You can find a good chippy on nearly every high street, but some stand out with a local following and awards.

Harry Ramsden’s is a famous national chain, known for crispy batter and thick-cut fries. In Whitby, a seaside town in Yorkshire, Magpie Café serves up fish so fresh you might spot boats unloading the catch outside. In London, Poppies in Spitalfields draws crowds with its retro décor and classic cod.

Look for hand-cut chips, golden batter, and flaky white fish—usually cod or haddock. Mushy peas are a classic side. Ask for plenty of malt vinegar and salt for that authentic seaside touch.

From Seaside Shacks to Posh Restaurants: Fish & Chips for Every Taste

Not all fish and chips are the same. At the beach, they come hot from tiny shops in paper wraps—perfect for eating with your fingers while watching the waves. At Rick Stein’s in Padstow, Cornwall, you’ll taste the chef’s passion for top-notch local seafood, perhaps with a twist.

Some fancy gastropubs in London and Manchester offer posh versions. You might find beer-battered sea bass or tempura monkfish. Even Harrods has a fish and chip restaurant, serving with champagne if you want to celebrate.

But if you really want to appreciate this dish, find a coastal shop, stand in line with the locals, and take your meal outside. It’s salty, crispy, and British to the very core.

Sunday Roast: The Heart of British Family Gatherings

The Art of Gravy, Yorkshire Pudding, and Roasted Meats

A Sunday roast is more than just lunch—it’s a weekly ritual. British families gather around tables for plates piled high with roasted meat, golden potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. The show doesn’t start without proper gravy. Made from meat juices and stock, it’s poured over everything for deep, rich flavor.

Meats vary: roast beef is the king, but lamb, pork, or chicken are welcome, too. Don’t forget the crackling for pork or mint sauce for lamb. Yorkshire pudding is a must with beef—a fluffy, crispy pastry that soaks up gravy.

Roast potatoes, steamed carrots, peas, and sometimes cauliflower cheese round out the meal. Swede mash or braised cabbage might appear in the winter. It’s a plate that holds both old traditions and new memories.

Best Pubs in England Serving Authentic Sunday Roasts

The best Sunday roast often comes from a trusted local pub. The Hawksmoor chain, known for its steakhouses, offers rich roasts with huge Yorkshire puddings in several cities. In London, The Orange Pub and The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead take pride in their roasts every Sunday.

Elsewhere, The Star Inn at Harome (Yorkshire) and The Hand & Flowers in Marlow (run by chef Tom Kerridge) are hot spots for roast enthusiasts. Cozy village pubs in the Cotswolds or Lake District bring their own flavor, using local meats and family recipes.

Book ahead—good pubs fill up early on Sundays, proving just how much this meal means to people across England.

Shepherd’s Pie & Cottage Pie: Hearty Fare for Chilly Evenings

Shepherd’s Pie vs Cottage Pie: What’s the Difference?

They look alike: a deep dish with a crust of mashed potato, bubbling and golden from the oven. But shepherd’s pie and cottage pie are not the same.

Shepherd’s pie calls for ground lamb (think “shepherd sheep”). Cottage pie uses ground beef. Both pies layer the meat base with carrots, onions, and peas in a rich gravy. Then comes the creamy mashed potato topping, often raked with a fork for extra crunchy bits on top.

Both offer simple comfort, excellent for cold months or big families. The flavor you get depends a lot on good stock, fresh vegetables, and that extra crispy potato crust.

Traditional Recipes Passed Down the Generations

Many British families have their own version—often written on old recipe cards or in memory alone. Some mix in Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste to lift the meat’s flavor. Others add root vegetables or sweet corn.

The classic method is to simmer the meat with onions, carrots, and a few peas, let the flavors blend, then top with buttery mash. Pop it in the oven until browned. Leftovers, if any, taste even better the next day.

It’s a dish that wraps you up like a warm blanket. Across England, you’ll find both versions in pubs, school cafeterias, and busy home kitchens.

Afternoon Tea: Elegant Treats and British Tradition

The Origins of Afternoon Tea: Anna, the Duchess of Bedford

Afternoon tea isn’t just a meal—it’s a mini-celebration. It began in the 1840s, thanks to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. She found herself growing hungry each afternoon, with dinner hours away, so she asked for tea, bread, and cake in her room at Woburn Abbey. The ritual caught on among her friends, and soon, all of Britain wanted to “take tea.”

What started as a simple snack became an event of fine china, tiered trays, and dainty pastries. Queen Victoria herself held tea parties, turning the ritual into a national pastime. Today, places like The Ritz London and Fortnum & Mason host iconic afternoon teas that blend historic tradition with modern treats.

Scones, Clotted Cream, and the Debate Over Jam First or Cream First

Every proper afternoon tea includes scones. These are soft, slightly sweet buns, often with dried fruit. They come split open, ready for thick, golden clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam.

Here’s where England divides: Do you spread jam first or cream first? People in Devon say cream first, then jam. Over in Cornwall, they put jam first, cream on top. Both say their way is best—it’s a fun debate at any table.

There’s no wrong answer if you’re enjoying yourself. Either way, a scone with clotted cream and jam is one of the best tastes in England. Pair it with a cup of loose-leaf Darjeeling or Earl Grey for the full, elegant experience.

Bangers and Mash: Simple Satisfaction on a Plate

Best British Sausage Varieties (Cumberland, Lincolnshire, and More)

Bangers and mash deliver straightforward comfort food joy. The “bangers” are sausages. Named so because early sausages sometimes burst while frying. The “mash” is creamy mashed potatoes, the perfect base for those meaty links.

Britain loves its sausages. Cumberland sausages are long, coiled, peppery, and herby. Lincolnshire sausages have sage—an earthy, aromatic note. Gloucester Old Spot is made from a prized local pig. Pork and leek, venison, and even vegetarian bangers are all easy to find in shops and pubs.

Each region boasts its best. Ask for local sausages wherever you go, and you might find new favorites.

Where to Taste the Ultimate Bangers and Mash in England

Almost any pub will have bangers and mash on the menu. They usually serve the sausages over a pile of mash, with onion gravy poured on top. Some add peas or fried onions for more flavor.

In London, The Windmill in Mayfair offers rustic bangers using only British-raised pork. The Sausage & Mash Café in Islington has, as the name promises, multiple sausage types and heaps of smooth mash. If you travel to the Lake District, try The Drunken Duck Inn, which serves bangers made from local meats.

This dish is plain, honest, and always comforting—a little taste of home on even the dreariest day.

Cornish Pasty: Cornwall’s Portable Pie

History of the Cornish Pasty and Its Protected Status

The Cornish pasty is not just a meal; it represents a vital piece of British culinary heritage. Originating from Cornwall, the southwestern tip of England, known for its mining culture and dramatic coasts, this hearty dish was traditionally carried by miners as a convenient lunch option. Designed for practicality, the thick, crimped pastry crust allows for easy handling, even with dirty hands.

A genuine Cornish pasty is filled with diced beef, potato, swede (rutabaga), and onion, all encased in shortcrust pastry and baked to a golden perfection. This beloved British dish holds such significance that the “Cornish Pasty” name is protected under EU regulations, ensuring that only those made in Cornwall with the proper ingredients can bear the title.

Top Spots in Cornwall and Beyond for Authentic Pasties

Warren’s Bakery and Philps Bakery are household names in Cornwall, baking thousands of pasties each day. The Cornish Pasty Company in Padstow and Ann’s Pasties on the Lizard Peninsula are famous for their flaky, seasoned pies.

You can also find great pasties at London markets—like Borough Market—but real food fans say they taste best with a sea breeze in Cornwall. In Devon and Somerset, look for West Country pasties, close cousins with their own twist.

A Cornish pasty is the English answer to “grab-and-go”—but hearty, filling, and shaped by a region’s hard-working past.

Black Pudding: A Unique English Breakfast Staple

What Is Black Pudding and Why Do People Love It?

Black pudding isn’t for everyone, but it’s a classic you’ll spot on English breakfast plates. It’s a type of blood sausage, made with pork blood, oatmeal, barley, spices, and suet. The result? A rich, earthy, slightly crumbly sausage slice, dark as its name suggests.

People love it for its deep, savory flavor and crumbly texture. When fried to a crisp, it brings warmth and spice to the breakfast plate. It’s packed with iron, making it a nutritious start for many.

Black pudding isn’t just for breakfast—some chefs now use it in starters, salads, and even with scallops for a fancy twist. Famous butchers like Bury Black Pudding Company keep old traditions alive, still hand-making puddings with Lancashire recipes.

Best Places in Bury and Greater Manchester to Try Black Pudding

Bury Market in Greater Manchester is the home of black pudding. Vendors like Chadwick’s sell it hot, sliced, and ready to eat—sometimes from a paper cup with a dollop of English mustard. It’s a favorite street food for many locals.

Other butchers in Yorkshire and the Midlands also make prizewinning black puddings. In Manchester, look for local cafés and breakfast spots serving Bury black pudding alongside eggs and toast.

Try it at least once. For many, it becomes an instant favorite once tasted hot and fresh.

Ploughman’s Lunch: England’s Quintessential Pub Lunch

The Evolution of the Ploughman’s Lunch

The Ploughman’s lunch has roots in England’s countryside. Farmers needed a meal they could take to the field—cheese, bread, and a crisp apple or pickled onion. Pub owners in the 1950s and 60s made it famous as a lunchtime special, with the Milk Marketing Board and Cheese Bureau promoting British cheeses like Cheddar for hungry patrons.

Now, a good Ploughman’s features thick slices of Cheddar, Stilton, or Red Leicester, hearty wholemeal bread, butter, chutney, salad, and a pickled egg or two. It might come on a wooden board, garnished with celery and a hunk of pork pie.

It’s a simple meal, big on flavor, and proof that you don’t need fancy cooking to create something satisfying.

Perfect Pairings: English Cheeses and Local Ciders

Cheddar is sharp and crumbly. Stilton is blue-veined and creamy. Red Leicester is nutty and bright orange. There’s a perfect cheese for every palate, and each has its favorite partner.A pint of local cider—crisp, dry, or lightly sparkling—is the usual drink. Aspall from Suffolk or Thatchers from Somerset are popular picks. Ale works, too, but nothing cuts through mature cheese like cider.

In Wiltshire, Somerset, and across the West Country, local cheese shops sell everything you need for a Ploughman’s lunch. Eat it at a pub garden in summer and taste one of England’s oldest and best-loved meals.

Beef Wellington: A Dish Fit for Royalty

The History Behind Gordon Ramsay’s Favorite

Beef Wellington is a showpiece dish, made famous by celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay. It’s a fillet of beef, coated with mushroom duxelles (a finely chopped mushroom paste), then wrapped in Parma ham and puff pastry before baking until golden.

No one is sure who invented it. Some say it honors the Duke of Wellington, the hero at Waterloo. Others say it’s inspired by French cuisine. Either way, it’s become a British classic, known for its rich flavors and impressive look.

Its mix of crispy pastry, tender beef, and savory filling makes it perfect for celebrations—think Christmas, New Year, or important birthdays.

Where to Indulge in Fine Beef Wellington in London

Beef Wellington is a signature at top London restaurants. Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and his Bread Street Kitchen both serve stunning versions, with hand-cut fillet and expertly baked pastry.

You might also find Beef Wellington at grand hotels during holidays, served in slices at buffets or as a main on special menus. If you want to try making it home, start with the highest quality beef and plenty of patience—it’s a test for any home cook.

Conclusion

Exploring the common food in England offers a delicious way to experience the country’s culture and history. From the hearty Full English Breakfast to classic Fish and Chips, these dishes showcase England’s rich culinary traditions. Don’t miss a Sunday Roast, Shepherd’s Pie, or Cottage Pie for a true taste of local life. For something sweet, enjoy Afternoon Tea with scones and clotted cream. Whether in London or the countryside, trying these 11 common foods in England will make your trip unforgettable and give you a real sense of English gastronomy.

Got questions about common food in England? Here are the answers travelers look for most

1: What are the most common food in England?
Common food in England include fish and chips, roast dinners, pies, and full English breakfasts.

2: What is a typical English breakfast?
A typical English breakfast has eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, toast, and sometimes black pudding.

3: Are fish and chips popular in England?
Yes, fish and chips are a classic English dish often served with mushy peas or tartar sauce.

4: What are popular English desserts?
Common food desserts include sticky toffee pudding, scones with jam, trifle, and apple crumble.

5: Are pies a common food in England?
Yes, meat pies, steak and kidney pies, and shepherd’s pies are everyday English dishes.

6: What vegetables are common in English food?
Common vegetables include potatoes, carrots, peas, cabbage, and parsnips, often served with roast meals.

7: Do English people eat a lot of bread?
Yes, bread is common, often as toast, sandwiches, or part of a traditional breakfast.

8: What is a Sunday roast?
A Sunday roast is a meal with roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy, eaten on Sundays.

9: Are sandwiches a common food in England?
Yes, sandwiches like ham, cheese, or cucumber are popular for lunch or snacks in England.

10: What is common English street food?
Street food includes pies, pasties, sausage rolls, and sometimes fish and chips from local shops.

11: Is tea part of English cuisine?
Yes, tea is very common, often served with milk and biscuits or cakes.

12: What are typical English snacks?
Popular snacks include crisps, pork pies, sausage rolls, and chocolate bars.

13: Are cheeses common in England?
Yes, cheeses like Cheddar, Stilton, and Red Leicester are widely used in meals and snacks.

14: What soups are common in England?
Common soups include vegetable, leek and potato, tomato, and chicken noodle soups.

15: Do English people eat curry?
Yes, curry is popular and considered a common food, often served with rice or naan bread.

16: What desserts are served with English tea?
Scones with clotted cream, Victoria sponge, and shortbread are common tea-time desserts.

17: Are sausages a common food in England?
Yes, sausages appear in breakfasts, bangers and mash, and sandwiches across England.

18: What is a Ploughman’s lunch?
A Ploughman’s lunch includes cheese, bread, pickles, and salad, common in pubs and cafes.

19: Is roast beef common in England?
Yes, roast beef is a traditional meat, often served with potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding.

20: Are desserts with custard common in England?
Yes, desserts like apple crumble and sticky toffee pudding often come with custard.