A Culinary Guide: What to Eat in the UK (Beyond Fish & Chips)

So, you’ve made the move to the UK. You’ve navigated the visa process, figured out the council tax, and maybe even learned that “you alright?” is a greeting, not a question about your well-being. But now you’re facing a new frontier: the food.

Let’s be honest. British cuisine has a bit of a reputation. For decades, it’s been the butt of jokes—a land of over-boiled vegetables, bland stews, and a mysterious dish called "spotted dick." When I first moved here, I was armed with these stereotypes and a healthy dose of skepticism. I expected a culinary landscape as grey as the London sky.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

The UK I discovered is a place of incredible culinary diversity, where time-honoured traditions sit comfortably alongside a vibrant, global food scene. It’s a country of Michelin-starred gastropubs, bustling farmers' markets, and high streets that smell of everything from sizzling tandoori chicken to freshly baked Cornish pasties. Forget the old jokes. If you’re an expat in the UK, you’re in for a treat. This guide is your starting point for exploring what to eat in the UK, going far beyond the chippy on the corner.

Mastering the British Classics (Because They're Classics for a Reason)

Before we dive into the modern marvels, let’s give the traditional dishes the respect they deserve. When done right, they are the ultimate comfort food, deeply woven into the fabric of British life.

The Full English Breakfast: This is not just a meal; it's a national institution. Forget your sad slice of toast. We’re talking about a glorious plate piled high with fried or poached eggs, sizzling sausages (look for Cumberland or Lincolnshire varieties), rashers of back bacon, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and a spoonful of baked beans. The true test of authenticity? The presence of black pudding (a rich, savoury blood sausage) and a slice of fried bread. Regional variations are fierce and proud: in Scotland, you’ll find a Lorne sausage (a square, sliced sausage) and a tattie scone, while in Wales, you might get a side of laverbread (a puréed seaweed delicacy).

• Expat Tip: Don’t relegate this to a weekend treat. Finding a local "caff" (a no-frills cafe) that serves a hearty "fry-up" all day is a rite of passage.

The Sunday Roast: If the Full English is an institution, the Sunday Roast is a religion. Every Sunday, pubs and homes across the nation fill with the smell of roasting meat. The formula is simple but sacred: a joint of roasted meat (beef, chicken, lamb, or pork with crackling), crispy roast potatoes, a medley of seasonal vegetables, and the crown jewel—the Yorkshire pudding. These aren't sweet puddings; they're light, airy, savoury pastries designed to soak up lashings of rich gravy. Going out for a Sunday roast at a local pub is a quintessential British experience you can't miss.

• Expat Tip: Book ahead! Good pubs are often fully booked for Sunday lunch, especially between 1 pm and 3 pm.

The Wonderful World of Pies: The British love of encasing things in pastry is legendary. But there’s a crucial distinction to learn:

• Cottage Pie: A savoury minced beef base topped with mashed potato.
• Shepherd’s Pie: The same, but made with minced lamb (a shepherd looks after sheep, get it?).
• Steak and Ale Pie: A true pie with a pastry crust and lid, filled with slow-cooked chunks of beef in a rich, malty ale gravy.

From high-end pie shops in London to humble bakeries in the Yorkshire Dales, the pie is a versatile and beloved staple.

A Nation of Food Lovers: The UK's Global Palate

Here’s the biggest secret about British food: Britain's favourite food isn't even British. The modern UK food scene is a direct reflection of its multicultural history, and your taste buds will thank you for it.

The Reign of Curry: The love affair between Britain and the Indian subcontinent has resulted in a culinary landscape where "going for a curry" is as common as "going for a pint." In fact, Chicken Tikka Masala, a creamy, mildly spiced tomato curry, is widely considered a British invention, created to suit local tastes. But the options are endless. From the fiery Vindaloo to the mild, coconut-based Korma, there’s a curry for every palate. Cities like Birmingham (home of the Balti, a specific type of curry cooked and served in a thin, pressed-steel wok) and Manchester (with its famous "Curry Mile") are pilgrimage sites for curry lovers.

Beyond the Curry House: The influence doesn’t stop there. The late-night kebab has evolved from a post-pub snack to a gourmet meal in many Turkish restaurants. Chinatowns in London, Manchester, and Liverpool are packed with phenomenal Dim Sum parlours and bakeries. Italian food is so ingrained that a good plate of pasta or a wood-fired pizza is never far away. The UK has embraced global food with an open heart and an empty stomach, making it an exciting place for any expat foodie.

Exploring the Larder of the Isles: A Regional Food Tour

The UK might seem small on a map, but its regional cuisines are fiercely distinct. Venturing beyond the big cities will reward you with unique flavours and local pride. Here's a quick tour:

From Pub Grub to Michelin Stars: Navigating Modern Dining

The way people eat in the UK has transformed over the last couple of decades. Understanding these modern trends is key to eating well here.

The Rise of the Gastropub: This is perhaps the most significant development in British dining. A gastropub is a public house (pub) that specializes in serving high-quality, restaurant-level food. They’ve elevated "pub grub" from microwaved pies to dishes like pan-seared scallops, slow-cooked pork belly, and artisanal cheese boards. It’s the perfect blend of a relaxed pub atmosphere with seriously good cooking.

Street Food & Farmers' Markets: There's been an explosion in street food markets across the country. Places like London’s Borough Market, Manchester’s Mackie Mayor, and Bristol’s St Nicholas Market are foodie heavens, offering everything from gourmet burgers to Taiwanese bao buns. On weekends, many towns host farmers' markets, which are a fantastic way for expats to buy fresh, seasonal, local produce and connect with the community.

Accommodating All Diets: The UK is exceptionally friendly to different dietary needs. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are no longer an afterthought. You will find dedicated menus and a wide array of choices in most restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, making it easy to eat out no matter your requirements.

Your Practical Guide to Eating Well in the UK

Navigating a new food culture comes with practical questions. Here’s a quick-start guide.

The Cost of Eating Out: Prices can vary wildly between a rural pub and a central London restaurant. Here’s a rough guide for what to expect per person in 2025, factoring in recent inflation.

Source: Estimates based on analysis of 2024 data from platforms like Numbeo and The Good Food Guide, with a projection for 2025.

Tipping Culture Explained: This is a big one for many expats, especially those from North America. Tipping is not as obligatory in the UK.

• Check your bill for a "service charge," which is usually around 12.5%. If this is included, no further tip is necessary.
• If no service charge is added, a tip of 10-15% for good service is appreciated but entirely discretionary.
• You don't need to tip in pubs when just ordering drinks at the bar or for takeaway food.

Pub Etiquette: In most traditional pubs, you find a table first and then go to the bar to order your food and drinks, giving your table number. You'll usually pay upfront. This is different from restaurants where you have table service and pay at the end.

A Final Takeaway

The biggest piece of advice I can give any expat in the UK is to arrive with an open mind and an empty stomach. The culinary landscape here is rich, varied, and constantly evolving. It’s a place where you can have a centuries-old pork pie for lunch and a cutting-edge vegan tasting menu for dinner.

Challenge yourself to try something new. Ask the butcher at the farmers' market for their recommendation. Order the most unfamiliar-sounding item on the pub menu. Debate with a local whether the jam or the cream goes on the scone first.

By exploring its food, you’ll be doing more than just eating. You’ll be discovering the history, culture, and heart of your new home. Welcome to the UK—you’re going to eat well here.