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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think traditional English food is overrated?

412 replies

ThatJoyousCyanReader · 01/04/2025 20:50

I’ve always heard people say English food is bland or uncreative, and to be honest, I kind of see their point. Apart from a good roast dinner or fish and chips, what actually stands out? AIBU to think that other cuisines just do it better?

OP posts:
TheMousePipes · 01/04/2025 21:03

That sounds a bit wanky. I feel like I should say ‘so there’ after that. But you take my point.

TheMousePipes · 01/04/2025 21:03

Speak for your own cooking, I’m not afraid to stand by my English food. I cook a banging curry/Mexican/Spanish etc but my comfort food is good strong English/British food. No one ever turns down a meal in my kitchen.

Dreamerinme · 01/04/2025 21:02

I have a very fussy eater 10yo when it comes to most English food, but offer him any kind of Asian food - and with some chilli heat - and he eats it all and often asks for seconds.

He’s not keen on Italian either as he says that’s a bit too bland as well. I love Thai food and would eat it over stodgy English food any day - so fresh, flavourful and fragrant.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 01/04/2025 21:02

I agree it’s all pretty bland and stodgy even done well.

Goldenbear · 01/04/2025 21:01

ThatJoyousCyanReader · 01/04/2025 20:50

I’ve always heard people say English food is bland or uncreative, and to be honest, I kind of see their point. Apart from a good roast dinner or fish and chips, what actually stands out? AIBU to think that other cuisines just do it better?

Not British food then, what are the culinary delights eaten in the rest of the UK- I'm all ears!

Breezybetty · 01/04/2025 21:01

If you like sausages and Yorkshire puddings, Toad in the hole is quick, easy and utterly sublime.

TimetoPour · 01/04/2025 21:01

Traditional English food is foul. Meat and vegetables served in a gravy slop. Always served with potatoes and gravy unless it is fish (which is also served with potatoes, peas and some times, a side of gravy). On posh occasions, it’s exactly the same shite wrapped in pastry!
Roast
Cottage Pie
Shepherds Pie
Stew
Casserole
Sausages
Fish and chips
Wellington
Encroute

Why the F do we still eat like Henry VIII?!
I’m sure I must have been Mediterranean in a different life. Nothing worse than all this stodgy rubbish.

Comedycook · 01/04/2025 21:00

I disagree...when it's cooked properly, it's really good imo.... Traditional breakfast, roasts, shepherds pie, the puddings.

Bogginsthe3rd · 01/04/2025 20:59

You obviously haven't indulged in the 100s of great English puddings on offer.

MrsTerryPratchett · 01/04/2025 20:59

And I note ‘English’ because there’s also so much great Scottish food.

MrsTerryPratchett · 01/04/2025 20:58

Yorkshire puddings are amazing!

Dweetfidilove · 01/04/2025 20:55

I'm partial to a nicely flavoured bangers and mash or a tasty fish pie still 🤷🏾‍♀️.

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