17 British meals that we love but everyone else hates – from mushy peas to black pudding
WE can’t really deny it, British food is just a lot weirder than everyone else’s.
Although we may have become so used to it that we actually think some of the nation’s classics are normal food.
For example, one I haven’t included in this list, as I refuse to believe anyone likes it, is Stargazy pie.
"Why is it called that?" I hear you ask.
Well, it’s because the fish, in this fish pie, poke their heads out of the crust to look upon the stars… What the hell were we drinking when we thought that was a good idea?
Despite the odd anomaly, we do have some cracking foods that the rest of the world hates, so let me take you through the best of them.
17. Baked beans on toast
We’ll kick off with an absolute classic.
The simplicity of beans on toast is its genius.
Bread in toaster. Done. Beans in saucepan. Done. Put one on other. Done.
Fart. Done.
16. Spotted dick
The marketing department behind this traditional pudding need to be fired.
They took a lovely suet and dried fruit pudding with a bit of custard and made it sound like a venereal disease.
15. Offal
Offal has a little bit of a medieval feel about it and, once again, the marketing department needs to take a strong look at themselves in the mirror.
But offal is what happens when you don’t let any part of an animal go to waste.
It’s basically internal organs and entrails.
Yummy.
14. Potted shrimp
Now we’re talking.
Potted shrimp are basically brown shrimp set in butter.
A bit of Morecambe Bay potted shrimp on toast is a cracking breakfast… Maybe not for a hangover.
13. Bovril
Bovril is a thick and salty meat extract paste that has a lot in common with Marmite.
It can be spread on toast, but the real magic happens when you add a bit of hot water.
A classic at a proper football game, the Bovril drink can do it on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke.
12. Jellied eels
Now, I wouldn’t say this is a universally loved British dish, but it has its loyal followers.
Hailing from the East end of London, jellied eels are pretty much what it says on the tin.
Eels set in a spiced stock that sets into a jelly.
11. Kippers
Kippers for breakfast, Aunt Helga? Is it St. Swithin's day already?
If you get this reference, let me know in the comments.
10. Mushy peas
When normal peas aren’t good enough, you mush them.
This is an old British saying (that I’ve just made up).
Mainly accompanied by some fish and chips, mushy peas are basically Britain’s attempt at guacamole.
9. Periwinkles
Another British food that sounds weird when described.
The periwinkle is an edible whelk or sea snail.
I can’t help but think that they’d sell like hot cakes if they were called the Peri Peri winkle.
8. Laverbread
Taking me back to my roots, laverbread is a Welsh tradition.
Basically, you boil seaweed for several hours and… Hey, where are you going?
7. Kedgeree
Now this is a really special one.
This would always bring a smile to my face.
Kedgeree is a rice dish with flaked haddock and eggs.
It is absolute heaven.
6. Toad in the hole
I can’t quite comprehend, other than vegetarians, who doesn’t like a sausage in a bit of Yorkshire pudding.
If I was served it in a three Michelin star restaurant, I’d give the chef a standing ovation.
5. Haggis
On paper, haggis might sound a bit bizarre, but it is absolutely delicious.
A bit of sheep organs (pluck) mixed with spices, oatmeal, suet and onion cooked in a sheep’s stomach is totally normal.
One thing’s for sure, it shouldn’t just be eaten on Burns night.
4. Pie and mash
In any form, pie and mash is a winner.
The one most people have a problem with is the East end traditional pie, mash and liquor.
Don’t worry, the liquor isn’t a shot of brandy to chase down the mash.
No, it’s a parsley sauce that will properly sort you aaat.
3. Pork pies
Meat and pastry. What’s not to love?
If you’ve ever had a picnic without a pork pie, was it even a real picnic?
2. Scotch eggs
Sausage and egg in a ball.
‘Nuff said.
1. Black pudding
The food that makes most people take a step back when they hear the ingredients.
Black pudding is a sausage made of pig’s blood.
Now, I’ll admit that doesn’t sound like the most appetising thing in the world, but don’t knock it until you try it.
Best served as part of a full English breakfast, black pudding is absolutely magic.
Are there any foods on the list you’ve tried? Let me know what you thought in the comments.
