Sunday Roast, Shepherd’s pie, puddings or crumbles: contrary to popular belief, English gastronomy has many more tricks up its sleeve. Presentation and recipes.
We all know the famous Fish and Chips that most English pubs serve, as tradition dictates, in a newspaper wrapper, accompanied by crushed peas. A dish known internationally but which, like many British specialties, is not unanimously appreciated. Often associated with unexpected flavors and fluorescent jellies, English gastronomy indeed suffers from a bad reputation. However, many traditional dishes and recipes little known on our side of the Channel have everything to please and could even reconcile you with the cuisine of our neighbors.
Signature dishes
The English breakfast (or “full English breakfast”), for example, is among the most popular in the world. On the menu ? Bacon, grilled tomatoes, bread, beans, fried mushrooms, eggs or even sausages – the ideal meal for a complete weekend brunch. Some even add blood sausage, or hash browns. Among the items on the list, you can completely abandon the foods that tempt you less, to keep only the best!
At the end of the week, the English swear by their “Sunday roast”, a dish made from baked potatoes, roast meat and steamed vegetables (or roasts), washed down with a gravy. Pretty good, right? It is prepared in large quantities, in order to carefully preserve the leftovers which will be used for the following week’s meals.
Obviously, it’s impossible to talk about English cuisine without mentioning the iconic “tea sandwiches”, eaten at tea time. They are traditionally served in miniature format for elegant tasting, like “Jam pennies”, the favorite sandwich of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Those of the monarch were made with butter and strawberry jam, itself made from the plantations of Balmoral Castle – the residence where the sovereign died on September 8.
Iconic desserts
When it comes to desserts, the English don’t do things by halves, and many traditional recipes have become essential preparations, like fruit crumbles. In addition to the legendary shortbreads, scones, cakes and puddings, tarts, or “pies” are also one of the kingdom’s favorite dishes and come in both sweet and savory versions.
To follow: 15 tasty English recipes, for a change from Fish and Chips.
Yorkshire pudding wrap
© Mike English
- 2 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Yorkshire pudding wrap
Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches

© Edouard Sicot
- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches
Shortbread with brown butter

© Virginie Garnier
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Shortbread with brown butter
Cod with chickpeas and tomatoes

© Pierre Baëlen
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Cod with chickpeas and tomatoes
Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

© Edouard Sicot
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce
Easy Scones

© Edouard Sicot
- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 20 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Easy Scones
Popovers

© Jean-Claude Amiel
- 6 persons
- Level: Easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Popovers
Ham and soft-boiled egg toasts

© Marie-Pierre Morel
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Ham and soft-boiled egg toasts
Almond and lemon cake

© Pierre Baëlen
- 8 people
- Level: Easy
- 20 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Almond and Lemon Cake
Chicken and beef, pepper and cheese sauce (cock and bull)

© Mike English
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Chicken and beef, pepper and cheese sauce (cock and bull)
White beans, tomato, bacon

© Claire Payen
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: White beans, tomato, bacon
Pea soup with ham

© Infraordinario Studio
- 6 persons
- Level: Easy
- 20 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Pea soup with ham
Marinated salmon and tartar sauce

© Pierre Baëlen
- 10 people
- Level: Very easy
- 30 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Marinated salmon and tartar sauce
Farm lamb and green sauce

© Pierre Baëlen
- 8 people
- Level: Easy
- 30 minutes of preparation
- Dear
- See the recipe: Farm lamb and green sauce
Warm chocolate lavender tart

© Carrie Solomon
- 6 persons
- Level: Easy
- 40 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Warm chocolate lavender tart