Tastes of England: traditional food to try on your trip

Posted by Rohit, 29th August 2025

England may be known for its green countryside and royal history, but its food deserves just as much attention. Classic English dishes are comforting, full of character, and often served with a side of nostalgia. Whether you’re visiting a local pub, a seaside town, or a tearoom tucked into a cobbled street, these are a feast for the senses.

Exploring England through its food is more than just a culinary journey — it’s a way to connect with its history, people, and landscapes. Each dish tells a story, from the bustling pub breakfasts to the quiet ritual of afternoon tea. So take your time, savour each bite, and let the flavours guide you through England’s rich and comforting traditions. After all, sometimes the best way to understand a place is simply to taste it. 

The Full English Breakfast 

No trip to England is complete without trying a proper Full English. It’s a plate piled high with crispy bacon, sausages, eggs (fried or scrambled), grilled tomato, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast. Sometimes black pudding makes an appearance too. It's filling, flavourful, and often best enjoyed in a small café or bed and breakfast where it’s made with love. You probably won’t need lunch. 

Fish and Chips by the Sea 

Golden, crispy, and best eaten with the sea breeze in your hair, fish and chips is the nation’s most iconic dish. A generous fillet of cod or haddock, deep-fried in batter and served with thick-cut chips and a splash of vinegar, has been a seaside favourite for generations. For the full experience, add mushy peas, tartare sauce, and a wooden fork. 

But England’s food traditions aren’t just found by the sea, they’re also woven into its weekly rituals. 

 

Sunday Roast and Yorkshire Puddings 

Every Sunday, across the country, friends and families gather for a Sunday roast. It usually includes roasted meat, which includes beef, chicken, lamb or pork which is served with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and most importantly, Yorkshire puddings: crispy, golden wonders made from batter. You’ll find roasts on offer in most pubs, and they’re considered real home comfort. 

After all those savoury classics, it’s time for something sweet. Of course, no English food journey would be complete without a proper dessert. 

 

Shepherd’s Pie & Steak and Ale Pie 

England has a soft spot for pies, especially when they’re served with mash and gravy. Shepherd’s Pie (minced lamb topped with creamy mashed potato) and Steak and Ale Pie (chunks of beef slow cooked in ale, wrapped in flaky pastry) are two beloved classics. Rich, warming, and deeply satisfying, they’re perfect for cooler days. 

Cream Tea and Scones 

There’s something very English about sitting down for Cream Tea in the afternoon. It’s a simple but delightful treat: a pot of tea, warm scones, thick clotted cream, and strawberry jam. It’s most famously enjoyed in the Southwest, in Devon and Cornwall, where locals may debate whether the jam or cream goes first, but you’ll find it across the country. 

Sticky Toffee Pudding & Other Sweet Treats 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a must. This rich sponge cake made with dates is smothered in toffee sauce and usually served with custard or ice cream. Other favourites include Treacle Tart, Spotted Dick, and the humble Victoria Sponge, which is named after Queen Victoria herself, who apparently enjoyed a slice with her afternoon tea. 

A Real Taste of Place 

Traditional English food may not always be flashy, but it’s full of heart. It’s the kind of food that tells stories of families, farms, and centuries-old customs. So, whether you’re exploring cities or the countryside, be sure to take your time at the table. The food is as much a part of the experience as the sights themselves. 

And of course, no meal is complete without something to drink. England has a long tradition of local beverages that reflect its regions and culture. In the West Country, you’ll find crisp, fruity ciders made from locally grown apples. Pubs across the country serve real ales, often brewed just a few miles away. Gin lovers can sample small-batch varieties infused with local botanicals, while tea remains a daily ritual, whether it’s a builder’s brew in a mug or an elegant afternoon tea with scones and jam. Just like the food, English drinks offer a comforting, down-to-earth taste of place. 

A Feast for the Senses 

Exploring England through its food is more than just a culinary journey, it’s a way to connect with its history, people, and landscapes. Each dish tells a story, from the bustling pub breakfasts to the quiet ritual of afternoon tea. So take your time, savour each bite, and let the flavours guide you through England’s rich and comforting traditions. After all, sometimes the best way to understand a place is simply to taste it.