Travel Article: The Motley Cuisine of the United Kingdom


A contemporary roast ¹

The cuisine of the United Kingdom is oft maligned, sometimes deservedly but more frequently unfairly. Especially in recent times, remarkable culinary experiences are available in Britain. Britons have become enthusiastic chefs and have absorbed ideas from all over the globe. Perhaps the greatest indication of this is the number of British chefs and cooks who are now world-renowned through their T.V. cooking shows.

While greasy and unhealthy food is very easily obtained (as is the case everywhere), it is easily avoided. What amazes many visitors to the U.K. is the huge selection of different foods available. This is particularly the case since Britain joined the European Common Market, which enhanced the amount of fresh produce and wine available by a huge degree. Similarly the influx of immigrants from Britain�s former colonies has diversified the U.K. menu by a remarkable amount.

Mealtime Definitions

Firstly it should be noted that the various titles exist for meals, and it can become a matter of semantics and quite simply wondering what exactly will be served! Some Britons refer to the midday or lunchtime meal as �dinner� especially when they eat their main meal at this time. Tea is not just a beverage but also refers to afternoon tea, or high tea (see later paragraph). Many Britons call their evening meal �tea� (a high tea) especially if they have had their �dinner� (main meal of the day) at lunchtime. While supper means the same as dinner for some Britons, to many others it actually refers to a late night snack.

Breakfast

Breakfast can be as light and healthy as desired, or something much more hearty is also readily available. Light continental breakfasts of rolls and coffee are popular, as are toast, juice and cereal. In winter hot porridge or oatmeal is also popular particularly in Scotland and the North of England. For those who prefer a cooked breakfast the �Full English Breakfast� is available everywhere. This consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato, sometimes blood sausage or kidneys, and very often baked beans. If a certain item is not desired inform the server when ordering.

Lunch


Fresh produce the key to British cuisine ¹

Traditional British food at its best is probably pub food. A pub lunch is a classical British experience. Both city and rural pubs increasingly offer varied menus. Though perhaps starchy at times, pub grub is nonetheless flavourful and uniquely British. Examples of this type of food include Cornish Pasties, Sausage Rolls, Pork, Veal and Ham or Gala Pies and the world renowned Steak and Kidney Pudding (with a suet crust). These all go down well with a traditional British pint (beer) and are usually accompanied by the ubiquitous British chips (French Fries), but increasingly more popular are also often served with a green side salad. These constitute a very ample lunch, and provide great sustenance for the afternoon�s activities. A lighter and equally tasty alternative is a Ploughman�s Lunch; this consists of a wedge of local cheese, various pickles, crusty bread and often a small salad.

Afternoon and High Tea

British cakes, scones (particularly in Scotland), and pastries are memorable. The best way to enjoy these is by indulging in a classic British afternoon tea. Traditionally eaten around 4pm it is supposed to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner. Afternoon Tea is a meal in itself and should be experienced at least once by every visitor to the U.K. As well as sweet items, dainty finger sandwiches, and perhaps crumpets (a porous savoury yeast cake toasted and then soaked in butter) will be served. Sometimes in early summer fresh strawberries and thick whipped cream enhance the afternoon tea experience. With luck the cream will be of the clotted Devonshire or Cornish variety. High Tea is much the same but usually has the addition of a hot entr�e. Many people eat this as a substitute for dinner, especially those who eat their main meal at lunchtime

Dinner

Formal restaurants are plentiful ¹

Dinner offers a plethora of choices. Fine dining at its very best is available in the U.K. Silver or French table service is still provided in many establishments, and can be surprisingly reasonably priced if a fixed price or table d�hote menu is available. At these places the style is usually French or continental but often utilizing uniquely British food products.

For those seeking something less formal, every conceivable cuisine is obtainable in the larger urban areas, but perhaps the most noteworthy is food from the Indian subcontinent. Today curries have even surpassed fish and chips as the most popular take-out or takeaway (as the British call it) food. But Indian or Pakistani food is much more than curry. Food from many regions each with its own style and technique is served. There is a vast selection of dishes available, utilizing beef, lamb, chicken and seafood. Perhaps the most interesting of Indian foods are the vegetarian dishes. Vegetarianism is becoming increasingly popular in this nation of animal lovers, and Indian vegetarian cooking is a great introduction to the many possibilities of this sort of cuisine.

Chocolate and Sweets

The U.K. has perhaps the largest variety of chocolate bars and sweets (candy) anywhere. The countless creations of the major British candy and chocolate companies Cadburys and Rowntrees cannot be all sampled in one visit to the U.K. There are simply too many to try in one visit unless one eats sweets, candy and chocolate for every course of every meal. British sweets and chocolate bars also make great gifts to take home.

Tea and Coffee

Everyone knows how the British enjoy tea (the beverage). They can be fanatical in their tea-making techniques, although the tea bag has made huge inroads. Tea is available everywhere in the North, Scotland and Ireland it tends to be drunk much stronger than in the south part of the country. Surprisingly despite the British penchant for tea, coffee is almost as popular nowadays. The multinational coffee establishments have reached the U.K. and are a phenomenal success. Most restaurants serve excellent coffee inspired by Britain�s new bonds with its continental neighbours. At home though, many people still drink the instant variety.

Alcohol


Fancy a pint? ¹

British beer is excellent, and contrary to myth, it is not usually served at a lukewarm temperature. Many ales and stouts are definitely not supposed to be served ice cold, but lager beers are always well chilled in the U.K. More and more pubs carry local brews as well as the products from the big breweries and will be pleased to recommend a beer that is traditionally brewed and is pleasing to the palate of any beer lover.

A fine selection of wines is available courtesy of Britain�s membership in the E.U. The wines of France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Greece can be purchased for very reasonable prices. Wines from other parts of the world are also readily available but tend to be more expensive than the European ones. Britain also has excellent ports and sherries that come from Spain and Portugal but are bottled and distributed in the U.K.

Obviously Scotch and Irish whiskies are also something to be sampled by those that enjoy �a wee dram� or �a drop of the hard stuff.� The Scotch variety is Whisky distilled all over the Highlands, while the Irish variety is correctly spelt as Whiskey. Distillery tours are available both in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and restaurants and whisky merchants also hold tastings of the many products. British gin is also world renowned.

Whatever types of food and drink appeal, every individual is sure to find something in the United Kingdom that they will enjoy. Experiment and leave the diet at home. All the walking while exploring the countless sights and attractions will help ward off extra pounds.

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The Motley Cuisine of the United Kingdom