Fish and Chips
If American philosopher Michael Sandel’s famous quote, “you can’t go wrong with fish and chips” is anything to go by, this British staple is as trusty as it is hearty. Not much is needed by way of explanation as this dish’s name is self-explanatory — batter-fried fish served with a generous helping of deep-fried chips. Fish and chip shops sprung up across England in large numbers in the early 20th century, and attained cult status, almost eliciting a sense of patriotism. In the past, many will remember how fish and chip shops across England wrapped the goodies in old newspaper, a practice that has now been replaced by plain paper or cardboard. Today, you will see shops specifying the kind of fish served — usually cod or plaice — and chips are usually sprinkled with salt and vinegar for that extra zing.
While every neighbourhood in London has its most-loved “chip shops”, be sure to try out some of our recommendations. At the heart of trendy Marylebone, Golden Hind has been serving up traditional fish and chips for over 100 years now. For a more modern experience, head to Camden Town where Hook offers a “new-school” take on fish and chips. Expect to sample panko-crusted fish with seaweed salted chips or Thai-style fish in tempura batter with tom yum ketchup.
Gin & Tonic
If you enjoy this quintessentially British cocktail, London is indeed the place for you. Scour through the city’s many neighbourhoods looking for pubs — both old-world and newly-gentrified — which serve up this classic cocktail. Start with a quick stop at Covent Garden’s curiously named Mr. Fogg’s Gin Parlour, where you can sample up to 150 varieties of gin. The menu is divided into sections ranging from citrus and dry gins to herbal and spicy gins, served with a variety of tonics. Or make a visit to The Churchill Bar & Terrace at Hyatt Regency London, just off Oxford Street, where you can enjoy crafted cocktails with the in-house Sacred Churchill Craft Gin and a homemade tonic. If you crave a more immersive gin experience, book yourself on a gin tour with The Travelling Gin Company (the-tgc.com), where you walk around a London park with the guide and his “cycle bar”, while you attend an interactive gin and tonic lesson, followed by a visit to the famous Beefeater Gin Distillery.
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding
As its name suggests, the Sunday roast is traditional meal served on Sunday, when everyone in the family is around. It is quite a simple yet wholesome meal comprising roast meat (beef, pork, chicken or lamb) served with a suite of accompaniments. These could range from sauteed vegetables to mashed potatoes. The classic accompaniment to a Sunday roast is Yorkshire pudding, a baked pudding made of eggs, flour and water. In London, the Sunday roast is the equivalent of a Sunday brunch and is best enjoyed at a local eatery. The Guinea Grill in Mayfair offers an exquisite chateaubriand option with potatoes roasted in duck fat. Similarly, the aptly named Roast Restaurant in Borough Market impresses with its chic vibe, elegant decor and exquisite roast, with Yorkshires done to perfection.
Chicken Tikka Masala The origins of this dish are much-contested, with most experts crediting Britain with its invention. In fact, the dish comprising marinated chicken and a creamy tomato curry gravy is now listed among Britain’s national dishes. In 2001, the then British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook famously said, “chicken tikka masala is now a true British national dish, not only because it is the most popular, but because it is a perfect illustration of the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influences. Chicken tikka is an Indian dish. The masala sauce was added to satisfy the desire of the British people to have their meat served in gravy.”
Be that as it may, you can sample a mean chicken tikka masala at London’s Indian neighbourhoods like Southhall or Hounslow, for fuss-free local options. Vauxhall’s famous Hot Stuff has been serving up some fiery chicken tikka masala since 1988, while the upscale Wigmore, a modern British tavern on Regent Street, offers a chicken tikka masala pie on its lunch menu.
Don’t forget to make a quick stop at Brick Lane where Aladin’s has made history in the neighbourhood for welcoming London’s who’s who for its piquant chicken tikka masala, served with fresh Indian bread varieties.
Afternoon Tea
No ritual could be more quintessentially British than the afternoon tea. Traditionally, it is served with a whole bunch of frills including a tiered stand layered with sweet and savoury goodies. Don’t forget the scones, most often accompanied by assorted jams and clotted cream. In addition, there is a host of sandwiches and pastries on offer. One of our favourites is the lavish spread at Fortnum & Mason, a legendary tea house established in 1707. Step into Fortnum’s on Piccadilly for a copious afternoon tea with artisanal pastries and a top-notch tea selection. Also visit The Dorchester on Park Lane for an afternoon tea. At the tea salon, The Promenade, you can even opt to water down your teatime snacks with a flute of Laurent-Perrier champagne. If you enjoy a good performance, the Sleeping Beauty Afternoon Tea is where you can watch a live performance of the Sleeping Beauty ballet, by the English National Ballet school, in the midst of the tearoom.
Bangers and Mash
Another favourite English staple, bangers and mash is, as its name suggests, a blob of hearty mashed potatoes, accompanied by sausages. Sometimes this is topped with sauteed onions, brown gravy or even green peas. British sausages are often referred to as bangers because of their tendency to pop open with a bang, during the frying process, due to the high water content. At the heart of Soho is Mother Mash, where you have a choice of mash (classic, cheesy, horseradish or sweet potato) and a wide variety of bangers (premium pork, Cumberland, pork and chilli, lamb and mint, and vegetable and herb). Add to this, a selection of gravies (the classic brown gravy, onion gravy or vegetarian gravy). For a more rustic experience, head to the aptly named Bangers at Moorgate, where favourites include Davy’s bangers and mash with Madeira gravy and homemade onion rings.
On a Sweet Note
Eton Mess – Whipped double cream, fresh strawberries and crumbling bits of white meringue make up this traditional English dessert, said to have its origins in Eton College.
