The British culinary culture is fascinating. A hearty British breakfast is the only way to begin the day properly. The Full English Breakfast is one of the cornerstones of British cuisine, originating in the opulent dining halls of Victorian Britain. It is regarded as one of the world's most gratifying breakfasts, including fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread, and occasionally a slice of white or black pudding. This dish goes perfectly with some butter-fried or toasted bread. Continue reading to learn about some of the most popular British breakfasts.
Full English Breakfast
This British cuisine is the King and Queen of breakfasts. Of course, these can also be Full/Irish/Welsh/Scottish Breakfasts depending on where you are in the UK. In other words, your plate is filled with every breakfast item you can imagine, including sausages, eggs, beans, toast, hash browns, tomatoes, black pudding and more, if you can manage to make it all fit. Never before has breakfast been so diverse, mouthwatering, and gratifying!
Finnan Haddie
Finnan haddie is a cold, smoked, flavoured haddock dish from Scotland. The fish is frequently grilled or roasted at high heat but can also be poached in milk and eaten for breakfast. The dish's original name, Findon Haddocks, is thought to have come from Findon, Scotland, where it was created for the first time in the 18th century.
Devilled Kidneys
This Victorian British breakfast is made of lamb kidneys simmered in a hot sauce comprised of Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, cayenne pepper, and fruit jelly. The meal is sometimes accompanied by fried bread and topped with parsley.
Ulster Fry
Ulster fry, regarded as the pinnacle of breakfast fare, is a favourite dish in Northern Ireland. It is made with sausages, streaky bacon, eggs, and tomatoes and also includes griddle-baked soda farls (quarters) and potato bread and is fried to a golden-crisp exterior and a tender, fluffy interior.
Bacon Sandwich
This is nothing exceptional, especially in terms of appearance, but it tastes fantastic anyway! A bacon sarnie is simply a bacon sandwich, but it is a popular quick breakfast option in the United Kingdom. This is much more special when the buns have just been cooked and the bacon has just finished cooking (ideally till it is slightly crunchy). It's also usually pretty cheap, so it's an excellent grab-and-go choice if you plan a full morning or day of sightseeing.
Crumpet
Crumpets are a traditional British teatime delicacy. It is a little circular bread or cake usually baked on a griddle in a specific crumpet ring. These small round cakes resemble pancakes at first glance, but the spongy and soft texture of crumpets quickly differentiates them. Since the flavour of crumpets isn't particularly strong on their own, they're generally topped with honey, jam, or mixed berries. Alternatively, if you like something savoury for breakfast, try butter, marmite, or even bacon and poached eggs.
Butteries
These small breakfast rolls, also known as Aberdeen butteries, butterie rowies, or just rowies, are a popular way to start the day throughout Scotland. The rolls have an indulgently high butter-to-flour ratio, which makes them especially flaky and soft. It is sometimes said in northeastern Scotland, where these morning rolls have a highly specialised position, that the honour of a traditional Scottish breakfast goes not to porridge but to "a rou an' a cuppa tea." Butteries taste best when they are hot off the grill, slathered in additional butter, and topped with marmalade.
Eggy Bread
This is the British version of French toast. The dish, sometimes known as Poor Knights of Windsor, is often made using crustless sandwich bread, milk, icing sugar, eggs, butter, cinnamon, and, on occasion, sherry and strawberry jam. The bread pieces are soaked in a whipped combination of icing sugar, milk, sherry, and eggs. The bread is then pan-fried in butter until browned on all sides. This can be a perfect dessert as the bread is sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and topped with strawberry jam or blackberry compote after baking.
Scottish Porridge
Scottish porridge has been enjoyed for generations in Scotland. But porridge can appear a little dull to the inexperienced eye. It's only oats boiled in milk, right? Wrong. The milk warms during the cooking process, causing the oats to absorb the liquid and form a thicker mixture, to which you may add anything you like. Some people prefer it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of jam on top. Some people mix in sugar or fresh fruit. The charm of porridge is that you can truly personalise it. And this one will undoubtedly warm you up on a cold English winter morning. The taste of a porridge increases if it is served hot in wooden bowls.
Kippers
This traditional British breakfast is made from a whole herring that has been gutted, halved, salt-seasoned, and cold-smoked over woodchips. While the smoke causes the fish to shrink and compress the flavours, the salt used in the dish prevents the fish from going bad. Kippers are typically eaten on toasted bread with butter for breakfast, but you can try this fish with sauces, quiches, and omelettes. If the smell is too pungent for you, just grill the fish to make it more appetising.
Cottage Pie
Cottage pie is a popular traditional British dish. However, it is not your typical pastry pie. It's basically minced beef with vegetables and gravy on top of mashed potatoes. It is a typical stodgy winter breakfast that will rapidly fill you up.
Tea and Toast
Tea with toast is a centuries-old simple and comforting British tradition. This combination is ideal for a quick and satisfying breakfast. This dish is named after its ingredients: toasted bread and strong, hot tea. Traditionally, the English enjoy their toast with butter and cheese. The toast goes well with black teas like English breakfast tea and Earl Grey.
And there you have it, the most amazing and delicious dishes the UK has to offer! The dishes included are all deserving of attention, so give them a shot the next time you miss eating like a British person! Also, in case you're wondering what kind of drink to pair with these things. They're usually coupled with something alcoholic or a nice cup of tea.