English Food History
During the 16th and 17th centuries, England underwent what was known as the Protestant Reformation. This led to food that was plain in flavor, but filling for the English people. During the 18th and 19th centuries, England began to experience greater trade with India. This led to a strong Indian influence and caused the foods to become much more flavorful with many different spices and herbs. During the last part of the 20th century, England experienced more fresh products and more of a desire to eat a healthier diet. The English today commonly eat everything from Italian foods to dishes from India and around the world.
Food from England - English Cuisine
Food by Country » European Food » Food of England - English Cuisine, Food in England
English Cuisine
History of England
About England Food
Traditional Food in England
Typically, a good English breakfast is made up of a bowl of cold cereal, orange juice, toast and coffee. Another common breakfast is sausages, bacon, eggs and baked beans. Lunch will often be fruit or a sandwich and dinner have something along the lines of meat, carrots, peas, cabbage and potatoes. It is also common to find the English eating pasta and rice.
Dishes in England
Popular Dishes in England
- Potted shrimp - An English dish that is made up of brown shrimp and has been seasoned with mace.
- Battenberg cake - This is a light textured sponge cake in a checkered pattern that alternates yellow and pink.
- Bakewell tart - This pastry has a layer of sponge filling and jam with almonds.
- Toad in the hole - This is an English favorite. It is made of sausages in a Yorkshire pudding and is most often served with onion gravy and vegetables.
- Lancashire hotpot - This is a common dish made out of mutton or lamb with onion and topped off with potato slices. It is then baked in the oven all day on low heat.
- Pork pie - This is another favorite meat pie of the English. It is made up of chopped pork and pork jelly. It is then sealed in a pastry with a hot water crust.
- Hog's pudding - This is a kind of sausage that is made out of pork meat and fat.
- Cottage pie - This is a meat pie made out of beef mince and a crust of mashed potato.
- Jellied eels - This traditional English favorite is made up of chopped eels that have been boiled in a spicy stock, allowed to cool off, and set to make a sort of jelly.
- Devilled kidneys - This is a traditional English breakfast. It is made up of lamb's kidneys that have been cooked in a sauce with mustard powder, butter and ketchup.
England Drink
England Drinks
- Gin - In England, this is a very famous type of alcohol. London dry gin is popular.
- Beer - Most English prefer a good bitter beer, but many also enjoy a good pale, stout or brown ale.
- Tea - Commonly enjoyed any time of the day.
About England
Discover more English Food and Drinks Resources
- The official website of the British Monarchy - information on the history of the Monarchy.
- Traditional Food in England - popular dishes and favorite foods.
- Vacation in England - travel guides.
- Typical Drinks in England: tea, beer, gin.
- English Dessert - a typical English dessert which is served at various restaurants.