British cuisine often gets a bad rap, with divisive dishes like jellied eels and haggis giving it an unfair reputation. But there's so much more to the UK’s culinary heritage than quirky, love-it-or-hate-it fare. At its heart, British food is all about simple, satisfying comfort – meals that warm you from the inside out and leave you smiling. These beloved classics are proof that Britain has served up more than its share of delicious contributions to the global table.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the UK's most beloved dishes, counting down to the most iconic of all.

We've based our ranking on the popularity and cultural significance of each food, and on the opinions of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

Marmite may have been invented by a German scientist, but it found its true home in Britain when the Marmite Food Company opened in 1902 in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Since then, the yeasty spread has built a devoted following, with fans using it to top toast and make flavour-packed sauces and gravies. Its rich umami punch makes it a secret weapon in many kitchens. Of course, Marmite’s polarising taste means it’s just as famous for its haters – but that only seems to deepen the love among its loyal supporters. 

In Britain, anything wrapped in pastry is bound to be a hit, and the steak pie is no exception. At its simplest, this comforting dish features a flaky pastry shell filled with tender stewed beef and rich gravy, often with a handful of vegetables for good measure. A well-known variation is the steak and kidney pie, featuring (you guessed it) chunks of kidney for extra depth of flavour. So beloved is the steak pie that even traditional fish and chip shops often have them ready to go – perfect for anyone craving something heartier than battered cod.

Tomato ketchup may be a global favourite; however, in Britain, it’s HP Sauce that holds iconic status. First crafted by Frederick Gibson Garton in 1884, this tangy, tamarind-infused condiment (often simply called brown sauce) is a must-have on a classic bacon butty. While some compare it to America’s A1 steak sauce, true fans know there’s no substitute. HP Sauce is uniquely British – and for many, no fry-up or sandwich is complete without it.

Shepherd's pie is the kind of dish you crave when the nights are long and the days are cold. Its base is a rich stew of ground lamb and vegetables, topped with a mountain of creamy mashed potato – and the whole things is baked until golden and crispy. Designed to feed a family, shepherd's pie is a staple of many British kitchens, and it makes a nostalgic treat any day of the week.

There’s nothing more comforting – or more British – than a warm fruit crumble. Whether it’s filled with tart rhubarb, sweet apples or juicy berries, it’s all about that golden, crunchy topping made with butter, flour and sugar (and sometimes oats or nuts). Born out of wartime rationing, crumble became a thrifty but delicious staple, and it’s been part of British home cooking ever since. Apple crumble, in particular, feels like a hug in a bowl. Served with custard, cream or ice cream, it’s the kind of pudding that brings people together around the table. 

To taste a truly authentic Cornish pasty, you’ll need to head to Cornwall – but these iconic handheld pies are also enjoyed all over Britain. Instantly recognisable by their signature half-moon shape and crimped edge, Cornish pasties are a hearty blend of stewed beef, potato, swede and onion, all wrapped up in golden shortcrust pastry. Originally created to sustain tin miners through long, gruelling shifts, they’ve since become a beloved lunchtime classic. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, there’s no denying that a well-made Cornish pasty is a thing of beauty.

When a cake is named after a queen, you can bet it holds a special place in British hearts. The Victoria sponge is said to have originated in Queen Victoria’s kitchen in the 1800s, where it became a staple at her elegant afternoon tea gatherings alongside scones and finger sandwiches. While the original version featured just a layer of jam between two light sponge cakes, today’s classic Vicky sponge usually includes a generous dollop of whipped cream or buttercream, too. Simple, timeless and utterly British, it’s teatime royalty. 

You might assume Scotch eggs were born in Scotland, but they’re actually a classic English snack. In the 19th century, eggs were ‘scotched’ – a process used to preserve them and make them less smelly and more appealing. At some point, someone had the genius idea to wrap these eggs in sausage meat, coat them in breadcrumbs and deep fry them to crispy perfection. Today, you’ll find fancy versions with a gooey, runny yolk inside; however, traditionally, hard-boiled eggs are the standard. 

It's unlikely the Brits can claim to have invented beans on toast, but they could claim to be the nation that's embraced this simple dish the most. Many people will do little more than heat a tin of beans (in this case, haricot beans in a sweet tomato sauce), then serve them atop slices of white toast. But the more adventurous out there will try to elevate the hearty lunch with the likes of grated cheese, eggs, sausage, bacon and who knows what else.

No eggs Benedict, no Bacon and Egg McMuffin – life would be a lot less tasty without English muffins. And it’s only fair to credit the Englishman behind this iconic flatbread roll: Samuel Bath Thomas, who likely created it in 1884. While he probably whipped up the English muffin in the US, the connection to England remains undeniable. Whatever its exact origins, this humble muffin has earned its place as a breakfast legend, bringing comfort and flavour to mornings all over the world. 

Beef Wellington is the kind of dish you usually reserve for a special occasion. It's not cheap or quick, by any means, but one mouthful of this sensational dish will make all the effort worthwhile. A seared beef fillet is slathered with pâté and duxelles (minced mushrooms, shallots and herbs) before being wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown. Serve it with gravy and all the trimmings, and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.

British bakery chain Greggs reportedly sells a staggering 18 million sausage rolls to hungry Brits every year – and it’s clear that this classic lunchtime favourite shows no signs of losing its charm. At its simplest, it’s just seasoned sausage meat wrapped in flaky shortcrust pastry, but this humble snack packs far more flavour than you’d expect. It gets bonus points for its versatility: it's delicious hot or cold, enjoyed on the go or savoured at a table. Comforting, convenient and undeniably scrumptious, the sausage roll is a true British icon. 

Despite its name, Yorkshire pudding isn’t a dessert. Instead, it's a light, pancake-like batter that's baked until crisp and golden – a perfect edible vessel for meat and gravy. These versatile treats can even star as starters, filled with delights like horseradish and trout, but they’re most famously served alongside a Sunday roast. In fact, many would say a proper roast dinner isn’t complete without at least one Yorkshire pudding to soak up every last drop of gravy. 

Weetabix has been a British institution since 1932, when it catapulted into the hearts and minds of health-conscious breakfast eaters. The golden, toasted wholewheat flakes, delivered as palm-sized biscuits, are a mainstay of many British breakfasts, usually doused in milk and topped with fruits and nuts. Apparently, some also leave the biscuits dry and smother them in jam – or even baked beans – but the less said about that, the better...

Brits have a knack for giving their food quirky, colourful names – and bangers and mash is one of the best. The term ‘bangers’ dates back to World War I, when sausages were often stretched out with water to make the meat go further and tended to burst loudly while cooking. Though that’s less common now, the name has stuck. This simple, hearty dish of sausages served with creamy mashed potatoes is usually topped with rich onion gravy and peas. It's classic comfort food that perfectly captures British home cooking. 

A full English breakfast might be more of an eating challenge than a balanced meal, but it’s exactly what you need after a tough week. The ingredients can vary from region to region (and even from plate to plate), but a classic full English usually features sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes and toast. Black pudding, hash browns, mushrooms and fried bread often make special appearances and, of course, no plate is complete without a generous splash of HP Sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying and utterly unbeatable. 

The Sunday roast is a cherished tradition in homes across Britain, with pubs, restaurants and family kitchens all serving up this hearty meal each week. While pork, chicken and lamb often make an appearance, the star of a classic roast is perfectly seasoned, thinly sliced roast beef. It’s a dish steeped in history – legend has it that the British have been enjoying Sunday roasts since the 1400s. More than just a meal, it’s a weekly ritual that brings people together around the table. 

Chicken tikka masala is a staple on menus at Indian restaurants across the UK, even though it’s not a traditional Indian dish. The creation is credited to Pakistani chef Ali Ahmed Aslam, who is said to have invented chicken tikka masala in Glasgow during the 1970s. Some say it’s a British twist on classic butter chicken, but whatever its origins, this creamy, tomato-rich sauce paired with smoky tandoori chicken has become a beloved national favourite – so much so that many consider it Britain’s unofficial national dish. 

It's no secret that the Brits love tea. It's practically a national obsession! While tea comes in all forms, the drink that has most ingrained itself into British culture is standard, no-frills black tea (the kind a fancy restaurant might call English breakfast tea). The most popular brand, according to a 2023 Statista poll, is PG Tips, although everyone has their own favourite. And while some swear that you need to add milk to your mug first, the most common way to make a proper brew is to drop the milk in at the last moment. Don't forget the biscuit on the side, either.

A chippy tea is the weekend treat that many Brits eagerly anticipate, with fish and chip shops – affectionately known as chippies – found in nearly every town, village and city across the UK. The classic order? A generous fillet of cod, battered and deep fried to golden perfection, served alongside a steaming mound of crispy, fluffy chips. Popular sides include mushy peas, curry sauce and gravy. If you really want to keep it traditional, don’t forget a good, strong cup of tea to wash it all down. 

Now discover where to find Britain's best fish and chips, from chippies to restaurants