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Discover Britain’s most unique delicacies

Set off on a journey of food discovery and explore Britain’s local delicacies from the tips of Scotland to the toes of Wales. We’ve handpicked the most popular – and most peculiar – flavours that make Britain the ultimate foodie destination. Discover everything there is to know about Scotch eggs, Sussex pond pudding and the unusual stargazy pie.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Hands picking up Indian food from a seclection of plates

Scotland

Shortbread

One of Britain’s greatest biscuits, the buttery, crumbly shortbread is synonymous with Scotland. Unlike many other biscuits, it is traditionally made up of just three ingredients – a good amount of butter, flour and sugar.  

Cranachan

Originally served to celebrate the raspberry harvest in June, cranachan is a delicious medley of layered seasonal fresh raspberries, cream, Scottish oats and whisky. Today it is one of Scotland’s most favoured desserts.

Arbroath Smokies 

An Arbroath Smokie is a hot-smoked haddock, originating in Arbroath. They are smoked in an enclosed barrel which helps produce the cooked (but not burnt), strong and smoky flavour.

Aberdeen Angus beef

Known worldwide for its superior quality and the marbled appearance giving it that great distinctive taste, Aberdeen Angus is a breed of small cows that originate from the north-east of Scotland. 

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Bartender putting shortbread on espresso martini

Haggis 

Scotland’s national dish conjures great curiosity. This savoury pudding is often eaten on Burns Night and traditionally consists of seasoned sheep’s offal, oats and onions encased in the stomach of an animal. Today there are many variations available, from vegan to venison.

Scottish tablet

This sugary sweet treat is not to be confused with English fudge. Crumbly in texture and even sometimes referred to as grainy, Scottish tablet’s ingredients set it aside. Often enjoyed as it is, it also comes in multiple flavours such as the classic rum and raisin. 

Photo by: makeitscotch

Plate of haggis, one of Scotland's national dishes

England

Bakewell pudding

Legend has it that this delicious mistake was created by a Derbyshire cook back in the 1800s. Instead of adding the almond and egg mixture to the pastry, she spread it on top creating an egg custard – although also originating from Bakewell, it’s not to be confused with the tart.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Woman eating bakewell tart in front of bakery

Craster kippers

Acclaimed as the best British kippers, Craster kippers – from the Northumberland village of Craster – are herrings soaked in brine before being cured over smouldering oaks for 16 hours. They’re usually served at breakfast with toast and even sometimes a poached egg.  

Cumberland sausages 

The most curious of British sausages, this long – up to 50 cm – often coiled pork (chopped not ground) sausage is the ultimate addition to a cooked breakfast. Or better yet, served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy to create the British classic bangers and mash.

Grasmere gingerbread

Not quite a biscuit and not quite a cake, Grasmere’s gingerbread is a sweet and spicy Lake District delicacy originating from Victorian cook Sarah Nelson in 1854. Although internationally popular, the best place to get it is the original Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.

Photo by: grasmeregingerbread

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside

Yorkshire pudding

The fluffy and much adored Yorkshire pudding is a must-try side dish for any Sunday roast. It can come filled with sausage and mash or can be used to create the base for classic toad in the hole. A simple batter of milk (or water), eggs and flour is poured onto a preheated tray to rise.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Young man standing behind the counter of a restaurant

Singing hinny

This oddly named sugar-free griddle cake is rich in both fat and taste, and is usually made with currants. A popular delicacy in Northumberland and Newcastle, they’re still made fresh in cafes across the north and often served with cream and jam like a scone.

Photo by: coostie_designs

Singing hinny

Pan haggerty

This traditional Northumberland veggie winter warmer is an unadulterated indulgence, combining layers of fried potatoes with butter and cheese before going under the grill until it all starts to bubble. Deeply satisfying comfort food and the perfect side dish to almost anything.

Wensleydale cheese

A much-loved favourite of Wallace & Gromit, Wensleydale’s medium-flavoured crumbly cheese from Yorkshire is suited to sweet flavours. You will often find it in its most popular pairing, cranberry Wensleydale, or accompanying an apple pie.

Photo by: curlewdairy

Wensleydale Cheese

Scouse stew 

A little-known fact, the term ‘Scouse’ actually derives from ‘lobscouse’, a hearty stew of lamb or beef, potatoes, onions and carrots. It was traditionally eaten by seamen and dockers in Liverpool’s port, giving people of that region their name.

Photo by: @thewelsfordbistro/@andystout.design

 Bowl of scouse stew at The Welsford Bistro, Liverpool Cathedral

Balti

Did you know that the Balti as we know it today is claimed to have been invented in Birmingham in 1977? This very Indian one-pot dish is a type of quickly cooked meat curry and is served enthusiastically in pubs and Indian restaurants in every corner of Britain. 

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

Birmingham, West Midlands

Lincolnshire sausages 

This succulent sausage has two distinct characteristics; course ground pork and plenty of sage. Originating in Lincolnshire where the ample sage can be attributed to its low rainfall, these sausages are enjoyed all across Britain anywhere from breakfasts to bangers and mash.

Melton Mowbray Pork Pie

Served chilled or at room temp, Melton Mowbray’s Pork Pies are roughly chopped pork in a jellied stock, encased in hot water crust pastry. Bakers in Melton Mowbray have been making these porky treats since the 18th century.

Cromer crab

Caught in the nutrient-rich waters just off the shores of Norfolk near Cromer, these crabs are distinctively flavoursome, tender and fragrant. Although one of Norfolk’s most famous exports, we recommend you enjoy these meaty crabs in the pretty coastal town they are caught in.

Photo by: norwichfoodquest

Location: Norfolk

A dish of crab food on a napkin with the beach and sea in the background

Tiptree jam

Tiptree has been making jams since 1885, as well as a variety of curds and spreads. These all-natural products are made the good old way, with no artificial preservatives or GMOs. 

Photo by: tiptreephotos

Tiptree jam

Bath buns

A claimed favourite of Jane Austen, these brioche-like buns are topped with sweet or savoury toppings. The creation originated in Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, located in one of Bath’s oldest buildings.

Photo by: VisitBritain

High angle close up of tea and buns on a table

Bedfordshire clanger

Bedfordshire’s unusual snack, the Bedfordshire Clanger, was originally a boiled pastry with a savoury filling on one end and sweet on the other. Today they are more commonly baked but still contain that famous sweet and savoury combo. They’re dinner and dessert in one!

Eton mess

An assortment of whipped cream, broken meringue and strawberries or berries, the Eton mess is said to originate from Eton College. A complete version of the dessert was dropped at an Eton versus Harrow cricket match, creating this deliciously smashed treat. 

Photo by: milkshake_a_la_fraise

Eton Mess

Scotch eggs

London’s luxury department store Fortnum & Mason claim to have invented this hearty British pub favourite in 1738, which features a whole soft or hard-boiled egg, wrapped in sausage meat that’s then rolled in breadcrumbs before being baked or deep-fried. 

Photo by: bluesnr3

Scotch egg

Rye scallops

The East Sussex Rye Bay scallop season runs from November to May, with an extra special week in spring – the peak of the season when the scallops are at their plumpest – dedicated to celebrating this delicious little shellfish. 

Photo by: chefhope1/tommytuckerpub

Rye scallops

Cream tea

A south-west England classic, a cream tea is a combination of two British favourites – clotted cream-filled, jammy scones and… tea, of course! According to tradition, the scone in a Devon cream tea should be split in half, with cream covering both sides and strawberry jam on top.

Photo by: VisitBritain/David Clapp

Traditional cream tea on a table with scones, jam and cream

Sussex pond pudding

Named for how the lemon, butter and sugar filling forms a “pond” on the plate, a Sussex pond pudding is traditionally a pastry filled with butter and sugar which is then steamed (or even boiled!) for hours – apparently, the famous lemon centre was added later. 

Cheddar cheese

Originating from Cheddar – a large village in stunning Somerset – this is a hard cow’s-milk cheese and a sandwich staple. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company produces an array of vintage cheese all year round – the only cheddar producer based in Cheddar to do so. 

Photo by: cheddargorgecheeseco

People looking at Cheddar cheese stored on a shelf

Stargazy pie

According to legend this peculiar pie with protruding fish heads – whole pilchards, eggs and potatoes topped with a pastry crust – is eaten only on Tom Bawcock’s Eve (23 December), to celebrate his fishy catch during a stormy famine that ravaged the tiny port of Mousehole, Cornwall.

Pie and mash

Also known as pie, mash and liquor when served with its common parsley sauce accompaniment. Pie and mash has its roots in London’s East End and has evolved from feeding the working class at the London docks to being a current-day favourite of David Beckham.

Photo by: manzespieandmash

Manzes pie and mash being eaten at a restaurant in Peckham, London

Cornish Pasty

These iconic D-shaped, crimped, baked pastry goods are a must for all visits to Cornwall. Did you know, it’s only deemed a Cornish Pasty if it’s traditionally made using beef, potato, swede and onion. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, but recommended out of a paper bag!

Photo by: VisitBritain

Children on harbour wall fishing for crabs

Wales

Welsh cakes

Sometimes called bakestones, these sweet little cakes are cooked on a cast iron griddle rather than baked in an oven and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Traditionally Welsh cakes are not served with any accompaniment except a healthy dusting of caster sugar.

Photo by: Keith Davies

A selection of Welsh cakes on a table

Glamorgan sausage 

These are no normal sausages! Glamorgan sausages are vegetarian, cheese – usually Welsh Caerphilly – and leek filled, coated in breadcrumbs and then fried. This meat-free sausage variation is thought to have been a byproduct of meat rations during the Second World War.

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Glamorgan Sausages Frying

Welsh rarebit 

This is the ultimate cheese on toast! Welsh rarebit – or rabbit – is a grilled savoury cheese-based sauce consisting of ingredients such as flour, beer or ale, Worcester sauce, cayenne and mustard served on top of toasted bread. 

Photo by: Visit Wales Image Centre

Welsh rarebit with laverbread ale

Caerphilly cheese

Wales’ sole native cheese is a hard, crumbly, white, cow’s milk cheese from the castle town of Caerphilly – Caerffili in Welsh. Caerphilly cheese was thought to be originally produced as a snack for Welsh coal miners and has recently been awarded a protected food name status.

Photo by: lavenderandlovage

Caerphilly cheese on crumpets, served on a plate

Welsh Laverbread

Although not actually a bread at all, Laverbread is a fine laver seaweed harvested from the south-west Welsh coastline that has been boiled for hours and then minced or pureed. Sometimes served rolled in oats, it’s a common Welsh breakfast accompaniment.

Great British dishes everyone needs to try

Want to live like a local or sip like a Brit? Swipe below for several iconic dishes that will take you from breakfast through to dinner in Great British style. From the posh afternoon tea to the humble fish and chips, and from sausage’s best friend mash to Sunday’s traditional roast dinner, Britain has you covered three meals a day (or more), seven days a week.

Photo by: VisitBritain/adventureswithaunty

Child smiling and reaching for cake at an afternoon tea

Tuck into Britain’s hearty flavours

Where to sample Britain's speciality bites

Shop for speciality bites such as buttery Welsh cakes and bara brith, plus wines from nearby vineyards.

Discover Blas ar Fwyd

Photo by: Blas ar Fwyd Cyf

Members of a wine club toasting the camera at Blas ar Fwyd in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Blas ar Fwyd

This historic farmhouse in the Conwy Valley is renowned for its fine food and drink.

More about Bodnant Welsh Food

Photo by: Visit Wales

NVW-C38-1617-0010
Bodnant Welsh Food

Snap up hand-crafted gifts, traditional jams and an irresistible range of cakes, bakes and pies.

Visit St Dogmaels Local Producers Market

Location: Pembrokeshire

St Dogmaels Local Producers Market
St Dogmaels Local Producers Market

Devour cheese-smothered rarebit, slow-roasted lamb and buttery Welsh cakes served fresh from the griddle.

Visit MamGu Welsh Cakes

Photo by: MamGu’s Welsh Coffee Shop

Location: Pembrokeshire

MamGu’s Welsh Coffee Shop
MamGu Welsh Cakes

Buy Scottish salmon, sea trout, cheeses and pâtés – with views of the Torridon loch and mountains.

More about Applecross Smokehouse

Photo by: Getty Images/EyeEm/Youli Zhao

Location: North Coast

Delicious Seafood At Applecross Inn Scottish Cuisine
Applecross Smokehouse

Founded on Dingwall’s Mill Street in 1955, the family-run Cockburn’s is a champion haggis-maker.

Shop at George Cockburn & Son

Photo by: George Pollock / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: North Coast

A Row of Beehives Stand at the Edge of a Field of Oilseed Rape in the Aberdeenshire Countryside
George Cockburn & Son

Tuck into traditional Scottish fare on this foodie walking tour – such as smoked salmon, haggis and whisky.

Discover an Edinburgh Food Safari

Photo by: Food Safari

Location: Edinburgh

Food Safari
Edinburgh Food Safari

Get an education on the flavours and ingredients that make up the Burns Night favourite, haggis.

Discover more about The Haggis Experience

Photo by: The Haggis Experience

The Haggis Experience
The Haggis Experience

Searching for gifts? Look out for homemade chutneys, biscuits and liqueurs at Chatsworth’s official shop.

Explore Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

Location: Peak District

Young couple standing by a wooden fence. Manor in background
Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Sink your spoon into a traditional Bakewell pudding at this famous bakery and tea room.

Visit The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Hand holding Bakewell tart in front of bakery
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

This specialist cheese shop is packed with Derbyshire Stilton, Dovedale Blue, cheddars, brie, Yorkshire Wensleydale, red Leicester and much more.

Visit Hartington Cheese Shop

Photo by: Hartington Cheese Shop

Location: Peak District

Hartington Cheese Shop
Hartington Cheese Shop

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – the site where the spicy treat was invented.

Treat yourself at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Photo by: grasmeregingerbread

Location: Lake District

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Discover the hidden gems of Newcastle’s foodie scene on this award-winning tour.

Book your Newcastle food tour

Photo by: Ruben Drenth

An outside shot of Grainger Town in Newcastle
Taste of Newcastle Food Tour

From street food tours and small-batch distilleries, to trips packed with ice cream, cheese and comfort food.

Find out about Savouring Bath

Photo by: Savouring Bath

Cups of tea and Japanese gyoza being served at a restaurant in Bath
Savouring Bath

Shop locally and sustainably at the award-winning Steyning Farmers Market every month.

Mark your diary for the next Steyning Farmers Market

Photo by: Getty Images/Oscar Wong

Location: South Downs

Woman shopping for fresh organic vegetables at farmer market
Steyning Farmers Market

Shop for speciality bites such as buttery Welsh cakes and bara brith, plus wines from nearby vineyards.

Discover Blas ar Fwyd

Photo by: Blas ar Fwyd Cyf

Members of a wine club toasting the camera at Blas ar Fwyd in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Blas ar Fwyd

This historic farmhouse in the Conwy Valley is renowned for its fine food and drink.

More about Bodnant Welsh Food

Photo by: Visit Wales

NVW-C38-1617-0010
Bodnant Welsh Food

Snap up hand-crafted gifts, traditional jams and an irresistible range of cakes, bakes and pies.

Visit St Dogmaels Local Producers Market

Location: Pembrokeshire

St Dogmaels Local Producers Market
St Dogmaels Local Producers Market

Devour cheese-smothered rarebit, slow-roasted lamb and buttery Welsh cakes served fresh from the griddle.

Visit MamGu Welsh Cakes

Photo by: MamGu’s Welsh Coffee Shop

Location: Pembrokeshire

MamGu’s Welsh Coffee Shop
MamGu Welsh Cakes

Buy Scottish salmon, sea trout, cheeses and pâtés – with views of the Torridon loch and mountains.

More about Applecross Smokehouse

Photo by: Getty Images/EyeEm/Youli Zhao

Location: North Coast

Delicious Seafood At Applecross Inn Scottish Cuisine
Applecross Smokehouse

Founded on Dingwall’s Mill Street in 1955, the family-run Cockburn’s is a champion haggis-maker.

Shop at George Cockburn & Son

Photo by: George Pollock / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: North Coast

A Row of Beehives Stand at the Edge of a Field of Oilseed Rape in the Aberdeenshire Countryside
George Cockburn & Son

Tuck into traditional Scottish fare on this foodie walking tour – such as smoked salmon, haggis and whisky.

Discover an Edinburgh Food Safari

Photo by: Food Safari

Location: Edinburgh

Food Safari
Edinburgh Food Safari

Get an education on the flavours and ingredients that make up the Burns Night favourite, haggis.

Discover more about The Haggis Experience

Photo by: The Haggis Experience

The Haggis Experience
The Haggis Experience

Searching for gifts? Look out for homemade chutneys, biscuits and liqueurs at Chatsworth’s official shop.

Explore Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

Location: Peak District

Young couple standing by a wooden fence. Manor in background
Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Sink your spoon into a traditional Bakewell pudding at this famous bakery and tea room.

Visit The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Hand holding Bakewell tart in front of bakery
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

This specialist cheese shop is packed with Derbyshire Stilton, Dovedale Blue, cheddars, brie, Yorkshire Wensleydale, red Leicester and much more.

Visit Hartington Cheese Shop

Photo by: Hartington Cheese Shop

Location: Peak District

Hartington Cheese Shop
Hartington Cheese Shop

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – the site where the spicy treat was invented.

Treat yourself at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Photo by: grasmeregingerbread

Location: Lake District

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Discover the hidden gems of Newcastle’s foodie scene on this award-winning tour.

Book your Newcastle food tour

Photo by: Ruben Drenth

An outside shot of Grainger Town in Newcastle
Taste of Newcastle Food Tour

From street food tours and small-batch distilleries, to trips packed with ice cream, cheese and comfort food.

Find out about Savouring Bath

Photo by: Savouring Bath

Cups of tea and Japanese gyoza being served at a restaurant in Bath
Savouring Bath

Shop locally and sustainably at the award-winning Steyning Farmers Market every month.

Mark your diary for the next Steyning Farmers Market

Photo by: Getty Images/Oscar Wong

Location: South Downs

Woman shopping for fresh organic vegetables at farmer market
Steyning Farmers Market

More foodie pleasures in Britain

Britain has a diverse foodie scene, with plenty of unique and delicious dishes to be experienced. Find the best places and restaurants to eat in the UK here.

Photo by: Getty Images/Collection Mix:

Three young women friends enjoying dim sum lunch at a sunny pavement cafe

With more than a hundred food festivals across the country, Britain’s food scene is booming. Here are the top UK food festivals you don't want to miss!

Photo by: VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Food truck and direction signs at a festival at Highclere Castle with house behind

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