The quality of food here in the UK is often wildly underestimated. With rustic farmyard vegetables, fields of grass-fed livestock and enough cheese to fill a banqueting hall, you’ll never go hungry wherever you are in the British Isles. When it comes to food, we’re great at growing it. We’re great at cooking it. And we’re REALLY great at eating it. One thing we’re not so great at is naming it.
Visitors abroad love to laugh at the silly names we give our foods. From Spotted Dick to Haggis, there’s a seemingly endless supply of ridiculous foods out there just waiting to be giggled at. And then eat as fast as possible. This week, we’re looking at weird British food with some even stranger names. Get your fork ready!
Toad in the hole
In your childhood, you may have been used to having Toad in the Hole for dinner. The idea of eating frogs can be gross. However, it just happens that toad in the hole – essentially just sausages in a giant Yorkshire Pudding – is one of the most delicious things in the world. Don’t miss out on trying it!
Rumbledethumps
Yup. That’s a real thing. However, it sounds more like a character from a fairy tale. Rumbledethumps is a delicious side dish made from cabbage, potato and onion. If you’re making this at home, cover the top with a good portion of cheese before baking in the oven.
Spotted Dick
Fruit, suet and, of course, oodles of custard – Spotted Dick is everyone’s favourite dessert. The name probably has something to do with it, too. The ‘spots’ are fairly self-evident, whilst the word ‘dick’ is an ancient term for pudding. Don’t let the name put you off! It’s delicious.
Eton Mess
Believed to have originated at the world-famous Eton College, this delicious dessert is often served at cricket matches. It’s just as good around the dinner table, however. It’s sweet, fruity and with a bit of crunch that will keep you returning for more.
Mucky Dripping
This one sounds a bit gross – and, let’s face it, it probably is – but you can’t know how delicious it is until you try it. Mucky dripping is a type of gravy made from all the juices left at the bottom of the roasting pan after you’ve cooked a big dinner. Just slather it on your meat and don’t think about it. You won’t regret it!
Bread and Dripping
Aside from Mucky Dripping, base form dripping is essentially pork or beef fat rendered down and left to solidify. If you take out a spoonful and spread it on bread, it’s surprisingly tasty. Add some crispy onions on top for a little extra crunch.
Periwinkles
This one is just too much fun to say. Periwinkles are tiny edible seasnails that attach themselves to rocks in the ocean. They’re an extremely popular choice for foragers who love picking them and frying them up with some bread and butter. Lovely.
Now, why don’t you try some of London’s oldest food or sample some ‘proper’ British food in Borough Market? From traditional roast dinners to fresh oysters and high-quality British cheese, it’ll satisfy any palate! Then, pursue your visit in style by trying one of our exquisite afternoon teas.
