In 2022, fish and chips along with roast chicken were the two most popular British dishes in Great Britain (GB). About 85 percent of survey respondents had a positive opinion of each of the two dishes. Chips closely followed with about 84 percent.
Popularity of British dishes across generations
Fish and chips, the British dish that is perhaps best-known outside of GB, is very popular among British consumers across different generations. The dish, consisting of fried fish served with chips on the side, was the favorite British dish among surveyed baby boomers in GB. Furthermore, fish and chips was the third most popular dish among Generation X, with chips by themselves being in first place. Millennials ranked fish and chips as their favorite dish together with roast beef. The traditional English breakfast, which typically consists of eggs, sausage, bacon, baked beans, grilled tomato, and toast, is particularly popular among Generation X, but less so, in relative terms, among the other two generations.
Fish and seafood in the UK
While the annual expenditure on fish in the UK increased between 2014 and 2021, it significantly dropped the following year. In 2022, expenditure on fish in the UK amounted to approximately 4.33 billion British pounds, which is noticeably lower than it was in 2005. Simultaneously, the prices of fish have almost doubled during the last two decades. In 2003, the consumer price index (CPI) of fish in the UK was measured at 63.8, whereas in 2022 it had reached 127.7. In terms of seafood, the segment with the highest retail sales is chilled seafood. Chilled seafood makes up about 62 percent of all retail sales of seafood in the UK. Frozen seafood makes up about a quarter, whereas ambient seafood accounts for roughly 13 percent of seafood retail sales.
FAQs
In 2022, fish and chips along with roast chicken were the two most popular British dishes in Great Britain (GB). About 85 percent of survey respondents had a positive opinion of each of the two dishes. Chips closely followed with about 84 percent.
What is Britain's most popular dish? ›
Britain has seen other contenders, including the traditional roast dinner, pie and mash, and the classic full English breakfast, each with their devoted following. However, fish and chips' enduring appeal and status as a quintessential British comfort food have solidified its place as the nation's favourite dish.
What are 7 traditional British dishes? ›
While known for hearty dishes of stews and meats, people in England enjoy a variety of foods.
- Yorkshire Pudding. This light and airy bread is a true staple in English cuisine. ...
- Fish and Chips. ...
- English Pancakes. ...
- Shepherd's Pie. ...
- Black Pudding. ...
- Trifle. ...
- Full English Breakfast. ...
- Toad in the Hole.
As well as there is no single official National Day in the UK, there is not one single national dish of Britain, mainly because the UK is made up of four separate countries, each of which have their own national dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala in England; Haggis in Scotland; Welsh Cawl in Wales; and Irish Stew in Ireland.
What is England number 1 food? ›
There is much dispute about which is truly the English national dish. Number one on the list for many years has been roast beef and Yorkshire puddings followed closely by fish and chips.
What is classic British food? ›
Dig into the best of British cuisine by enjoying classics including roasts, stews and fish and chips – or dabble in delicious desserts with sweet scones and tarts.
What are the top 5 British meals? ›
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- 1 Fish and Chips86%
- 2 Roast Chicken86%
- 3 Chips85%
- 4 Soup81%
- 5 English Breakfast80%
- 6 Roast Beef79%
- 7 Mashed Potatoes78%
- 8 Bangers and Mash77%
Breakfast - between 7:00 and 9:00, Lunch - between 12:00 and 1:30 p.m. Dinner (sometimes called Supper) - The main meal.
What do British eat for lunch? ›
Delicious British Lunch Dishes
British lunch ideas the nation is famous for include beer-battered fish and chips, and a succulent roast beef with all the trimmings. A bacon and Stilton quiche or steak and cheese pasties are tasty treats, and for Britain on a plate, look no further than individual cottage pies!
What is Britain's cultural dish? ›
Traditional British dishes include full breakfast, roast dinner, fish and chips, toad in the hole and shepherd's pie. Traditional desserts include trifle, scones, apple pie, sticky toffee pudding and Victoria sponge cake.
Traditional English Dinners
Lancashire Hotpot. Bangers and Mash. Shepherd's Pie. Roast chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy.
What is Britain's Favourite Curry? ›
Chicken tikka masala is said to have been invented in Glasgow in the 1970s when a customer complained that his chicken was too dry. The chef added some tomato soup and spices to the dish, and it was an instant hit. It's now known as the UK's national dish.
What is the most popular take out food in England? ›
When asked in a 2023 survey to name their favorite three takeaway meals, 50 percent of consumers in Great Britain picked pizza as one of their options. Meanwhile, 48 percent selected Chinese cuisine.
What is the most important meal in England? ›
Breakfast is widely viewed as the most important meal of the day, eaten by 93% of Brits at home (Mintel).
What do they eat in the UK culture? ›
Typical UK culture food consists of fish and chips, full English breakfast, a Sunday roast, and a cup of tea. One of the first things you will be offered when walking into a British home is a cup of tea. Having a cup of tea (or coffee) is the basis of many British social interactions.
