The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is a widely celebrated royal who often turns heads for her unique fashion choices and impressive humanitarian efforts. However, it’s not just her sense of style that puts her in the spotlight—Meghan is also known for her diverse background. Hailing from Los Angeles, California and born to a theatre producer mother and a television lighting director father, she has been exposed to a variety of foods, cultures, and cuisines.
Now that Meghan is living in Britain, she has the opportunity to consider some of the more unique and exquisite dishes from the United Kingdom—including a vast range of bizarre British foods. From traditional haggis and black pudding to more exotic dishes, Meghan Markle should take the chance to try some of the UK’s most eccentric flavors.
Traditional British Dishes
Porridge
Porridge is a hearty British breakfast dish made by boiling oats in milk or water. Porridge is often garnished with sugar, honey, or sometimes even jam or syrup. It tastes mildly sweet, and despite being a simple dish, porridge will keep you full and fueled for a long time.
Eggs and Bacon
What could be more British than a classic English breakfast of eggs and bacon? This traditional meal usually involves either scrambled, poached, or fried eggs, served with a few rashers of bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, and maybe even a few slices of black pudding or beans. Eggs and bacon bring together the flavors of sweet, salty, and savory—so they make an enjoyable breakfast or even a light dinner.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty classic dish that has been around for generations. It is made with minced lamb or beef, onions, and a whole range of vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The flavor comes from the meat, mixed herbs and vegetables, and the cheese topping.
Mince Pies
Mince pies are miniature pies filled with mincemeat, a sweet, spiced mix of dried fruits, sugar and spices, and sometimes even a hint of brandy or whisky. The mince pies are traditionally served with thick cream or a dollop of luxurious brandy butter and served during the Christmas season.
Oatcakes
Regarded as the ultimate Scottish snack, the oatcake is popular across the British Isles. It is usually made with oats, flour and a source of fat, such as lard or butter and sometimes with various combinations of milled oatmeal released by the Scots. The Oatcake is usually served as a savoury snack with melted cheese and cherry tomatoes or with a scrambled egg and smoked salmon.
Haggis
Although believed to have originated in Scotland, this tasty dish is now served all over the UK. Haggis is a savoury pudding made with the offal of sheep or lamb (heart, liver and lungs) mixed with oatmeal, onion, suet and various herbs and spices. Haggis is normally served as part of a traditional Scottish breakfast and is an acquired taste, but it has become popular even beyond the borders of Scotland.
Black Pudding
Black Pudding is a traditionally smoked British sausage made from pork fat, oatmeal and flavoured with sage, onion. Black Pudding is mostly served as part of a full English breakfast, but it can be consumed on its own or in other dishes. It’s best known for its unique, earthy flavor and for its rich, almost creamy texture.
Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs are a classic British snack made from hard boiled eggs that are wrapped in sausage meat and coated in breadcrumbs. The sausage meat is usually made of a mixture of pork, herbs and spices and can also be served as part of a ploughman’s lunch. The Scotch Egg is a delicious, protein-packed snack that’s known for its crunchy texture.
Exotic British Foods
Rice and Peas
Rice and Peas is a classic Caribbean dish that is popular in Britain. It is traditionally made with long-grain rice, red peas, coconut milk, garlic, thyme, chilli, and other seasonings. Usually served as a side dish, Rice and Peas is a flavoursome addition to any meal.
Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and Squeak is a classic British dish made of mashed potatoes and leftover vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and peas. The vegetables are cooked until golden brown and combined with the mashed potatoes. The mixture is then fried in a bit of butter to give it a crispy exterior. This dish is a great way to use up leftovers and makes for a hearty meal.
Jellied Eels
Jellied Eels are a classic cockney dish and a true British classic. Eels are boiled and then covered in a thick jelly made from the eel’s cooking liquor. The jellied eels are served chilled and usually accompanied by mashed potatoes and parsley sauce. It’s a delicacy usually eaten in the East End of London and a favourite amongst the locals.
Beef and Ale Pie
Beef and Ale Pie is a classic British dish that is popular in pubs and restaurants all over the country. The meat is slow-cooked in a rich, dark ale until it is meltingly tender, then encased in a light and flaky puff pastry crust. This hearty meal is incredibly flavorful and the ale gives it a rich taste.
Black Treacle Tart
Black Treacle tart is a classic British treat that is sure to sweeten any palate. It is usually made with a shortcrust pastry base, filled with a dark syrup made of molasses and butter, and topped with meringue. Black Treacle Tart is usually garnished with flaked almonds, either ground or whole, and sometimes sprinkled with a few whisky-drenched raisins.
Plum Pudding
Plum Pudding is a traditional British Christmas dessert made with suet, dried fruits, bread crumbs and spices. It is boiled in a cloth and served with brandy sauce. This steamed pudding is a must-have Christmas treat, and Meghan Markle is sure to enjoy its unique flavour.
Meghan Markle has likely experienced a variety of different cuisines and cultures from her travels around the world—from her days as a Hollywood actress to her marriage to Prince Harry and subsequent life as a Royal. But given all the unique and delicious dishes in Britain, it would be a unique experience for Meghan Markle to try some of the more unusual and eccentric British dishes. From haggis to jellied eels, Meghan should take the opportunity to explore the many flavors of Britain.
