British Food Beyond Fish and Chips: 10 Dishes You’re Missing Out On

When it comes to British cuisine, dishes like fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and shepherd’s pie often steal the spotlight. But dig a little deeper and uncover a treasure trove of lesser-known culinary delights. These underrated dishes, steeped in tradition and flavour, deserve a place on your must-try list.

1. Bubble and Squeak

A classic leftover dish, Bubble and Squeak is made by frying mashed potatoes and vegetables (often from a Sunday roast). Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s a humble yet comforting meal that pairs beautifully with eggs or sausages.

2. Cullen Skink

Hailing from Scotland, this hearty soup features smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. It’s creamy, smoky, and perfect for warming up on a chilly day—an accurate representation of Scottish comfort food.

3. Stargazy Pie

This quirky dish from Cornwall is a pie filled with pilchards, eggs, and potatoes, with fish heads poking through the crust as if “stargazing.” It’s not just delicious but also a conversation starter.

4. Lancashire Hotpot

This slow-cooked lamb stew, topped with thinly sliced potatoes, is a staple of northern England. The dish’s simplicity and rich flavours make it a quintessential British comfort food.

5. Laverbread

Not bread at all. This Welsh delicacy is made from boiled and pureed seaweed. Often served with oats and bacon, it’s a healthy and unique dish enjoyed for centuries.

6. Potted Shrimp

A luxurious yet understated dish, potted shrimp is made by preserving cooked shrimp in clarified butter seasoned with nutmeg. Smear it on a warm toast for a decadent snack.

7. Bedfordshire Clanger

This handheld pastry features a savoury filling (such as meat or vegetables) on one end and a sweet filling (like jam or fruit) on the other. It’s a delightful mix of flavours in one bite.

8. Rumbledethumps

A Scottish take on Bubble and Squeak, Rumbledethumps is a baked casserole of mashed potatoes, turnips, and cabbage, topped with melted cheese. It’s as fun to say as it is to eat!

9. Fidget Pie

This Shropshire dish combines ham, apples, and onions in a rich, buttery crust. Its sweet and savoury combination makes it stand out among traditional pies.

10. Spotted Dick

Don’t let the name fool you—this is a steamed suet pudding filled with dried fruits like currants or raisins (the “spots”) and served with custard. It’s a comforting dessert with a playful name.

11. Sunday Roast

No list of British cuisine would be complete without mentioning the Sunday roast, the cornerstone of British culinary tradition. While it’s far from underrated in Britain, visitors often overlook it. This hearty meal includes roasted meat (typically beef, chicken, lamb, or pork), crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, and lashings of rich gravy. It’s a celebration of comfort and community, best enjoyed in a cosy pub or around a family table.

Why These Dishes Deserve the Spotlight

While British cuisine is often known for its classics, these dishes showcase the hidden depth and diversity of the country's food culture. Whether it’s the quirky Stargazy Pie, the seaweed-packed Laverbread, or the universally adored Sunday roast, each dish tells a story and delivers a distinct flavour. Dive into these culinary gems for a truly British experience.