For Nigerians in the UK, British cuisine might not always seem as flavour-packed as jollof rice or as satisfying as pounded yam with egusi soup, but the UK has its fair share of delicious dishes worth exploring. Food rating site TasteAtlas recently released a list of the 100 best dishes in Britain, featuring everything from chicken tikka masala to classic steak and ale pie. If you’re looking to expand your palate beyond Naija cuisine, here’s what made the list and what you should definitely try!
British Cuisine: More Than Just Fish and Chips
TasteAtlas compiled this ranking based on reviews from over 13,000 users, with the goal of celebrating traditional British foods and encouraging people to try new dishes.
Surprisingly, clotted cream ice cream took the top spot! While it might not be something you’d expect, it’s a creamy, rich dessert that pairs well with a hot summer day (or even a chilly UK evening – because why not?).
Top 5 Dishes to Try
- Clotted Cream Ice Cream – Sweet, creamy, and indulgent, this is a must-try dessert.
- Brisket – A slow-cooked beef dish that’s juicy and full of flavour, similar to Nigerian suya but with a different preparation.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – A dish with Indian roots but a British favourite! It’s flavourful, spicy, and perfect with rice.
- Fillet Steak – A top-quality steak, great for those who enjoy perfectly cooked beef.
- Porterhouse Steak – Another steak cut that’s tender and juicy.
Other Standout Dishes
Beyond the top five, here are some dishes that might appeal to Nigerians looking to explore British food:
- Cream Tea – Tea served with scones, clotted cream, and jam – a proper British experience.
- Sticky Toffee Pudding – A moist sponge cake covered in toffee sauce; if you love sweet treats, this one’s for you.
- Jacket Potato – A baked potato loaded with toppings like butter, cheese, or baked beans – simple but satisfying.
- Full English Breakfast – A hearty meal with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, toast, and more. Think of it as an alternative to yam and egg.
- Yorkshire Pudding – A fluffy, baked side dish, often served with roast beef and gravy.
- Ackee and Saltfish – A Caribbean dish with ackee fruit and salted cod, familiar to those from Lagos with a love for seafood.
- Welsh Rarebit – A fancy way of saying ‘cheese on toast’, but trust us, it’s more delicious than it sounds.
- Steak and Kidney Pie – A British favourite for meat lovers, featuring a rich filling wrapped in flaky pastry.
Divisive Dishes – Love Them or Hate Them?
Interestingly, some foods made both the ‘best’ and ‘worst’ lists, showing just how polarizing British cuisine can be. Cauliflower cheese, coronation chicken, parmo, and bubble and squeak all had mixed reviews. If you’re adventurous, it might be worth giving them a shot!
Final Thoughts
While nothing beats home-cooked Nigerian food, the UK has plenty of tasty dishes to offer. If you’re new to British cuisine, start with some of these highly rated options. Who knows? You might just find a new favourite dish outside of jollof rice and akara!
Have you tried any of these dishes? Which one is your favourite? Let’s discuss in the Naija UK Connect community!
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
