Multicultural London: Top 10 Traditional Dishes
Fish & Chips
Traditionally, English cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, with a strong emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. Typical English dishes are hearty, quite filling, and reflect a culinary tradition that values substance over sophistication.
Although British food doesn’t always have the best reputation, as you’ll see, there are several dishes that are absolutely worth trying. London, being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, offers an immense and outstanding variety of international cuisine—you can enjoy delicious Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Caribbean dishes, among many others.
English Breakfast
English Breakfast
The English breakfast is an institution almost as iconic as the Queen herself: the British love it passionately, and visitors are amazed by its energizing strength! Though, truth be told, it’s not something locals eat every day.
It originated in the Middle Ages when poverty and hard labor in the fields were the norm. Workers needed a very hearty breakfast to sustain themselves and often skipped lunch. Today, it’s mostly enjoyed on weekends, holidays, or special occasions.
What’s included? Toast, eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms—sometimes even hash browns! It’s usually served with coffee or milk.
Fish & Chips
Fish & Chips
The most famous dish of British cuisine actually has Spanish roots. British fish & chips are delicious: the fish fillets are battered in flour and beer, then fried until golden. They’re served with chips or mushy peas and various sauces. The fish is usually cod, haddock, plaice, or skate.
Bangers & Mash
Bangers & Mash
This comforting dish consists of sausages (bangers) and mashed potatoes (mash), typically served with gravy—a rich sauce made from meat and vegetable stock—and a side of peas.
Fun fact: The dish’s name comes from the World War I era when sausages were of such poor quality that they would literally explode while cooking, hence “bangers.”
Sunday Roast
Sunday Roast
The traditional Sunday roast is a must-try in England and a great excuse to stay in London through the weekend. It features roasted meat (chicken, lamb, pork, or beef) with roast or mashed potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and a generous serving of gravy.
Good news for vegetarians and vegans: many pubs now offer plant-based versions of this classic dish.
Pies (Savory Pies)
Pies (Savory Pies)
Pies are a staple of English cuisine—savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, and flavorful sauces.
Common varieties include chicken and mushroom, steak and ale, or steak and kidney pies—though there are vegetarian options, too. They’re often served with potatoes, veggies, and gravy. Perfect for takeout, a picnic, or a quick meal on the go!
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting and hearty dish made from minced lamb with carrots and peas, topped with mashed potatoes (sometimes with cheese) and baked to perfection.
There are many variations, including beef (Cottage Pie), fish (Fisherman’s Pie), or vegetarian versions.
Jacket Potato
Jacket Potato
This is the British version of the baked potato. A simple yet delicious dish—an oven-baked potato split open and filled with butter and toppings like cheese and beans, tuna and mayo, or minced meat.
It’s one of England’s most beloved street foods—cheap, filling, and tasty.
Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington
A luxurious dish made of a beef fillet coated with pâté and finely chopped vegetables, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked to a golden crisp. A true showstopper in British cuisine.
Ploughman’s Lunch
Ploughman’s Lunch
A classic cold meal typically served in pubs, consisting of local cheese (often cheddar), pickles or onions in vinegar, cold meats, bread, and butter. Simple but quintessentially British.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
No trip to London is complete without experiencing the traditional Afternoon Tea. This ritual features tea served with milk or lemon, accompanied by pastries, cakes, sandwiches, or cookies.
Popular desserts include carrot cake, Victoria sponge, and cupcakes, though savory options are also common. While many cafés serve it, the best experience is at one of London’s elegant tea houses—where you’ll truly feel like British royalty.
London’s cuisine is a fascinating blend of tradition and multicultural influences. Behind each typical dish lies a story—from the classic Fish and Chips that evokes the Victorian streets, to the comforting Sunday Roast enjoyed in cozy pubs.
Tasting these 10 traditional dishes is a delicious way to experience the essence of London. Whether you’re savoring an English Breakfast in a local café, a Sunday Roast in a historic pub, or indulging in an elegant Afternoon Tea, every bite brings you closer to British culture and its unique way of celebrating food.
Because in London, eating isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about savoring centuries of history, tradition, and flavor that make this city a truly unforgettable culinary destination.
