UK foods are so misunderstood. British food is usually described as bland and boring, while all anyone thinks of as Irish food is potatoes. Well I’m here to open your taste buds to the deliciousness of British and Irish food. The next time you travel to the UK and Ireland, try out some of these foods!
The UK and Ireland have plenty of delicious foods to tantalize your taste buds. From fish and chips to bangers and mash, there’s something to satisfy all of your cravings.
Ready to take a bite out of the British Isles? Experience the cuisine of the UK and Ireland below!
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6 Foods to Try in the UK and Ireland
1. Fish and Chips
Because fish and chips are so popular, you can find this classic dish everywhere, but not every chip shop, or chippie, serves worthy fish and chips. A good chippie is hard to find. It can take patience and a lot of Internet sleuthing to find the perfect chip shop. The ideal setting for enjoying this dish is seaside fighting off jealous seagulls.
2. Sunday Roast
Sunday roast is pretty self explanatory. The meal, which originated in England, consists of roasted meat, roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, vegetables, and gravy. Most pubs will serve a Sunday roast during the day on Sundays.
3. Bangers and Mash
Bangers and mash is really a simple dish — just sausage and mashed potatoes. They’re called “bangers” because during the meat shortages of WWI, the sausages were made with more water and were liable to pop, or bang, during cooking.
4. Haggis
“Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware / That jaups in luggies: / But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer, / Gie her a Haggis.” — from “Address to Haggis” by Robert Burns.
A traditional Scottish dish, haggis is ground up sheep lung, liver, and heart cooked with onions, oatmeal and spices. I’ve had haggis on top of a burger (pictured above) and stuffed in chicken, which makes for a very filling meal, but very worth it.
5. Steak and Kidney Pie
Or any meat pie, really. Meat pies are made with a flaky crust outsides and hot gravy- and meat-stuffed insides. Steak and kidney pie is a British favorite and is a great choice if you didn’t get your fill of organs from the haggis.
6. Irish Stew
Irish stew, which is my favorite dish, is traditionally made with lamb, potatoes, onion, and parsley. It can also be made with goat or mutton, and may include carrots, turnips, and barley.
More Things to Do in the UK and Ireland
Make the most of your trip to the United Kingdom and Ireland! Check out these itineraries to get an idea of more fun things to see and do in the British Isles.
- Getting Engaged in London: A Romantic London Itinerary
- An Amazing Cliffs of Moher Day Trip
- Visiting Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland
- 24 Hours in Cardiff, Wales
- Visiting Dunluce Castle in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Ready to visit the UK and Ireland? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in the UK and Ireland using Booking.com.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite foods from the UK and Ireland? Let me know in the comments!
Hi Paige, Greetings from Ireland. Did you get an opportunity to try our “morning” foods – the calorific fry, porridge, scones with tea?
I’m not much of a breakfast person, so I’ve had scones and tea but not calorific fry or porridge. I’ll have to try those next time I’m over there!
Wow all so yummy, I can’t wait to try on my visit there!
I hope you enjoy both the food and your trip! When are you visiting?
Thank you, I’m still saving for it ☺️❤️