I knew that British food had a somewhat dubious reputation abroad but always thought it was a bit of a joke. Then I mentioned to someone that my favorite food is boiled bacon, meaning a gammon joint, and they refused to believe that we really do boil meat. Nothing beats a few slices of boiled bacon, served with English mustard, in a warm buttered roll. So in defense of Britain’s food, here is a list, in no particular order, of some British dishes which are definitely worth a try if you ever come across them.
10
Bakewell Tart
The Bakewell tart is a shortcrust pastry filled with jam and almond sponge (frangipane). The result is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. The tart originates from the town of Bakewell. Local legend has it that the Bakewell tart (or pudding, as it is known in Bakewell) was created when a cook misunderstood her mistress’ instructions and layered frangipane on a simple jam tart. Whatever the truth the tart has been popular since at least the early 19th century.
9
Pork pie
Like the Bakewell tart, the pork pie comes in a variety of forms. Cheap ones are perfect for lunch boxes, more expensive ones can almost be a meal in themselves. The pork pie likely originated as a snack for hunting parties. It is usually small, round, a crust of brittle brown pastry and a filling of chopped pork. When made in the village of Melton Mowbray, it is one of the foods of the UK with a protected name to ensure quality. A topping of fruit can be applied to make a picnic pie, or a boiled egg put in the filling to make a gala pie.
8
Kedgeree
The fry-up may be a more famous British breakfast but nothing beats a good kedgeree. Kedgeree is a dish of curried rice, flaked fish, parsley and boiled eggs. Kedgeree is one of those dishes brought back from India in the days of the Raj, and was wildly popular with the Victorians. It is not as popular as it once was, something about fish for breakfast seems to put people off, but it’s a dish to be ordered whenever you get the chance. If you make it for yourself be generous with the butter to make it decadently rich.
7
Custard tart
The custard tart does have international variants but none to compare with the Egg Custard Tart. Custard tarts must be an ancient invention, given the wide spread of variations across the world. Like all the best foods, the custard tart is simplicity itself. All you need is a shortcrust pastry, a well made egg custard, and a sprinkling of nutmeg. The custard tart can be eaten hot from the oven, but eaten at room temperature improves it immensely.
6
Yorkshire pudding
Yorkshire pudding is not a pudding. Yorkshire puddings are an accompaniment to Sunday roasts; some would say the best part of the meal. Miniature Yorkshire puddings with a morsel of beef and horse radish make a great canapé. Made well, Yorkshire puddings are light and crisp; made badly, they can resemble pucks. Whether or not your Yorkshire puddings rise is the true test of your cooking ability.
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