Is British Food Bland? Dishes Every Traveler Should Try

There's a common misconception that British food is bland. It seems that Britain's rapid industrialization led to the development of a culture of quick meals. However, if you look a little closer, you'll find that British cuisine offers a wide variety. In particular, each region of the UK has its own distinct character, so you can find various traditional dishes beyond fish and chips.

British Curry

During its colonial rule over numerous countries, Britain absorbed aspects of their cultures, including their cuisine. At some point, curry secured its place as a representative dish of British food. Chicken Tikka Masala is a particularly popular dish among Britons. It's a dish made with grilled chicken seasoned with spices and mixed with curry sauce.

Whether you're in England or Scotland, you're likely to come across a Punjabi restaurant (a restaurant serving Indian Punjabi-style cuisine). If you're tired of cheese, bread, and bacon, consider trying a curry made with chicken or lamb.

Haggis

Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish, is very similar to Korean sundae (blood sausage). It's made by stuffing various offal and grains into a sheep's stomach and boiling it. Scots who have visited Korea have said that sundae reminds them of their homeland dish, haggis. Unlike Taiwanese blood sausage, the sheep's stomach is not consumed, only the contents inside. Haggis can be eaten on its own or made into a sandwich with bread.

Due to its unique taste and aroma, some people in the Anglosphere may find it difficult to eat. However, Koreans who are familiar with sundae are likely to experience a dish that is both unfamiliar and familiar from the other side of the world. Haggis can be found anywhere in Scotland.

In addition to haggis, English black pudding is very similar to Korean abai sundae. (Abai sundae is a type of blood sausage made by North Korean refugees who settled in South Korea. It contains less rice and more blood and animal offal compared to regular Korean sundae.) Black pudding is also known as blood sausage.

Yorkshire Pudding

When you hear the word 'pudding,' you might think of soft, fluffy desserts. However, traditional pudding in northern England is a type of bread. (It seems that the British considered all dishes with gravy as 'pudding'). It is believed that Yorkshire pudding originated in 15th-century Yorkshire, England, where people would make a quick bread using the leftover grease from roasting meat. It was similar to Koreans frying rice with leftover chicken galbi sauce.

However, today it has evolved into a dish where the bread is eaten with meat. First, meat is roasted to render its fat, and then batter is poured into the fat to bake a dish-shaped bread. The meat and gravy are then served on top of it. Yorkshire pudding is readily available at cafes in the Yorkshire region.

Various Halal Foods

The UK, particularly London, is one of the most international cities in the world. In London, you can experience all religions, languages, and cuisines. Halal restaurants, which initially catered to the Muslim population of London, have become popular with people of all backgrounds and beliefs. In particular, shawarma and samosas have become convenient meals in the modern city of London.

Shawarma is a dish very similar to 'kebab,' where various meats and vegetables are wrapped in a thin flatbread. Vegan options are also available in the UK. Samosas are a type of Arab dumpling, and they are large enough to serve as a full meal.

Scottish Tablet

Scottish tablet, a traditional Scottish confectionery, boasts a powerful sweetness. It is made by melting cream, butter, and sugar over low heat and then allowing it to solidify. This confectionery was originally made by Scots from the 18th century, but since sugar and other ingredients were scarce at the time, it was considered a special occasion treat.

Today, it's a staple treat in Scottish households. Many families make Scottish tablet, and it's widely available in shops. It's best enjoyed with tea. It is extremely sweet, so it might be difficult to eat it on its own.