British cuisine has an interesting history, with many questionable dishes that were super-trendy at one time. I’m looking at you, repulsive galantines, random stuff stuck inside gelatine hell, and something my mother served at every horrid dinner party – the gelatinous, grainy, gooey salmon mousse tortured into the shape of a fish, adorned with fake “scales” made from radishes and two sad little cloves for eyes, that looked like it was just begging someone to put it out of its misery.
Thankfully, we’ve moved on a bit, but there are still plenty of retro foods that many of us still love today. Who doesn’t love a good trifle? These retro dishes evoke memories of childhood, family gatherings, and simpler times. From hearty puddings to comforting savory pies, these foods continue to grace British tables and often confound our neighbors across the pond.
Trifle
This layered dessert has been a British favorite for centuries. Typically made with sponge cake, fruit, jelly, custard, and cream, trifle is a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions. Each family often has their own unique recipe, passed down through generations.
Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting dish of minced lamb topped with mashed potatoes, Shepherd’s Pie has been warming British bellies for generations. This hearty meal is perfect for cold winter evenings. Some modern versions use beef instead of lamb, though purists insist this should be called Cottage Pie. Oooh I love the comfort of a good shepherd’s pie with a beautiful cheesy, crusty top. Yum!
Fish and Chips
This iconic British dish has been a takeaway favorite since the 1860s. Crispy battered fish served with thick-cut chips (fries) is often accompanied by mushy peas and tartar sauce. Despite health food trends, fish and chips remain a beloved treat across the UK.
Spotted Dick
Don’t let the name fool you – this traditional steamed pudding is a sweet delight. Made with suet and dried fruit, often currants, it’s typically served with custard. The origin of its quirky name is debated, but its delicious taste is undisputed.
Bangers and Mash
This classic combination of sausages and mashed potatoes is comfort food at its finest. Often served with onion gravy, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal. The term “bangers” comes from the tendency of sausages to burst while cooking during World War II.
Jam Roly-Poly
This traditional British pudding consists of a flat-rolled suet pastry spread with jam and rolled up. It’s usually steamed or baked and served with custard. Also known as “Dead Man’s Arm” due to its shape, it’s been a favorite dessert since the 19th century.
Bubble and Squeak
This dish, traditionally made with leftover vegetables from a roast dinner, gets its name from the sounds it makes while cooking. Typically consisting of mashed potatoes and cabbage, it’s fried until crispy. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and create a delicious meal.
Toad in the Hole
Despite its name, this dish contains no amphibians. It’s made of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with gravy and vegetables. The origin of the name is unclear, but the dish has been enjoyed since the 18th century.
Bread and Butter Pudding
This simple dessert transforms stale bread into a delicious treat. Slices of buttered bread are layered with raisins, covered in custard, and baked until golden. It’s a prime example of British frugal cooking, turning leftovers into something special.
Coronation Chicken
Created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, this curry-flavored chicken salad has remained popular. Often used as a sandwich filling, it combines cooked chicken, mayonnaise, and mild curry spices. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for picnics and light lunches.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
This indulgent dessert features a moist sponge cake made with dates, covered in a rich toffee sauce. Despite being a relatively modern invention from the 1970s, it has quickly become a British classic. It’s often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty lamb stew topped with sliced potatoes, Lancashire Hotpot has been warming northerners for generations. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. It was traditionally left to simmer while mill workers were at work.
Eton Mess
Named after the famous British school, this dessert is a delightful mix of strawberries, broken meringue, and whipped cream. Simple yet delicious, it’s a summer favorite across the UK. Legend has it that it was created when a dessert was accidentally dropped at an Eton cricket match.
Beef Wellington
This luxurious dish consists of beef fillet coated with pâté and mushroom duxelles, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked. While its origins are debated, it became popular in the 1960s and remains a special occasion meal. It’s named after the Duke of Wellington, though the connection is unclear.
Treacle Tart
A sweet treat made with golden syrup, breadcrumbs, and lemon zest, treacle tart has been a British favorite for over 100 years. It’s often served warm with a dollop of clotted cream or custard. This dessert even gets a mention in the Harry Potter books as the titular character’s favorite.
Ploughman’s Lunch
This simple meal of cheese, bread, pickles, and salad became popular in the 1950s. Despite its rustic name, it was actually invented as a marketing campaign by the Cheese Bureau. However, it has since become a genuine pub classic and picnic favorite.
Jam Tarts
These simple pastry tarts filled with jam have been a teatime favorite for generations. Easy to make and delicious to eat, they’re often one of the first baking projects for British children. The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland famously made some “all on a summer’s day”.
Arctic Roll
This retro dessert consists of ice cream wrapped in sponge cake with a layer of jam. Created in the 1950s, it was a popular treat throughout the 70s and 80s. While it fell out of favor for a while, it has seen a resurgence in recent years as people rediscover childhood favorites.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
