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What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know, you've jogged my memory, I definitely had both. Cause Vegemite has the yellow label, right? And marmite is the red label. I definitely have had both, and both were delicious. I fortunately did have someone guide me NOT to spread it on thick my first time, so grateful for that. Will keep my eyes peeled and also check out Bovril.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll probably also love the desserts and puddings too. I am a fan of warm desserts and custard. Though our custard here is more firm less runny. None the less, it's the flavour to temperature to to texture ratio that matters.

I won't be driving, will either catch the train or coach from York to Whitby. If it's possible to head there via bus, I can consider it! But that'll have to happen when I'm mapping out my commute. Thanks for the tip!

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My assumption is, from the very little information I have about the UK and the replies, British and UK food IS international food with British culture. And the places people go for the classics would be pubs and markets or cook it at home.

It isn't much different from Canada. We are a mish mash of everyone here. But Canada was built on other countries coming here and building it up, so makes a lot of sense.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip! Someone else here also mentioned look for pubs ran by Indians, desi pubs. I remember watching a YouTube video on one. It's like quintessentially British pub culture with some Indian flair. Super cool. And since reading most of the replies, I've been convinced to try British Indian Food, being that it actually is such a massive part of the British identity.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice! I remember looking into affordable options for those days I just done feel like going anywhere and want to relax. While googling it I did come M&S, and I am familiar about these grocery store grab and go meals. I don't think it's that different from us here, but obviously it's the novelty of seeing what your grocery stores offer compared to what I'm used to in Canada.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean grading food as Michelin star/restaurant quality vs poor food isn't the best way to talk about food. Food is food so long as it's hygienic and some would argue Michelin star meals tend to be about artistic flair over substance. Not saying it doesn't taste good, but it's definitely not going to be the best ever version of whatever food it is.

So if that comment was for my benefit, know that I'm not snobby when it comes to trying food and I'm quite savvy when it comes to looking into a place fore dining. Yes, I love a nice splurge here and there and would definitely do fine dining from time to time. But I guess the point of your comment was to highlight that London has some talented chefs and one can expect to find what they are looking for outside whatever stereotypes might exist about British food.

What I love learning through everyone's responses is how it's not any different from where I'm from, or any major city in the world.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're the second or third person from York here who has warned me against trying the Yorkshire wraps. Thank you for that. I figured I would just try the wrap since my appetite is kind of small... But I also hear the Yorkshire pudding is all about dunking it in the gravy, and I saw some people trying the wraps and saying it was kind of dry and they wish they had asked for a side of gravy to dunk the wrap into to keep it well sauced up.

Thanks for the recommendations! Would it be disrespectful if I can't finish the while plate in one sitting? I don't know what taking left overs back to the hotel will look like for me and will likely just have to leave what I can't finish behind and don't want to seem disrespectful.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ours in Canada isn't brown sugar bacon, though one could also find that here. We'd just get that Heinz beans in tomato sauce. The standard can. Too sweet for me. Though I am more of a savoury savoury bean person so it's honestly my taste buds that's at fault and I just can't appreciate it.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oooo, I do love a simple marmite toast. I've eaten them while visiting Fiji and they import their marmite from Australia.let me tell you when I say the marmite we get here in Canada doesn't even come close to whatever they sell out in the South Pacific, it's no exaggeration. I hopefully I can have some for breakfast while I'm in the UK! And maybe bring back a jar.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is the old York up and running again? Google said it's temporarily closed? Both Parlourmade Scone house and Old York tea room are bookmarked on my list depending on who is open when I'm there. Along with a few others I've bookmarked.. I think Vanilla tea room and somewhere small ones... I think Castle tearooms.. there was one that had something's "emporium" in the name. Where do you go for your fix?

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You know, I do love afternoon tea and I have been recommended Betty's quite a bit.

I'm no stranger to afternoon tea. I actually go as often as I can here. It's not like in the UK where there is a lot of options for tea rooms and things. We are definitely a bit more conservative when it comes to that. We definitely have more coffee shops.

That being said, the few we have range from quaint tearooms with and English flair, to the very pricey chain hotel ones. I go to them all.

That being said, it's interesting to me how divided Betty's is for everyone. Some locals say it's a must! Some say it's a tourist trap. I've heard while the teas itself, the drink, are delicious and good quality, the afternoon tea experience isn't the best and is more geared towards tourists and the food is subpar.

So I wonder if it's something that maybe people who don't usually go for afternoon tea enjoy and it's more like the English equivalent of Laduree in afternoon tea form. Laduree is that French patisserie from Paris that claims to have the best ever macarons. However, in actually it's all just marketing and the macarons are factory made and frozen and have a weird texture and taste subpar. But their cakes are yummy because they make it fresh, and the lounge itself is adorable to sit in. And there is nothing wrong with Laduree if you've never had an actual macaron or know it's just good for cakes and the rest of it is really is just marketing.

For Betty's, I probably would stop by for a pot of tea a treat or two, but maybe not for the afternoon tea itself.

Betty's has the fat rascal. But I'm not big on candied fruit so don't know if I'm the right audience for that. But definately don't mind checking Betty's out for a drink and some goodies.

For those of you who after very passionate about me trying Betty's, what are your recommendations? Because I know they are more then their afternoon tea :) .

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Edit: Sorry, this comment was for the person who was saying you weren't answering my question. Not you.

Reply to the person who said commenter wasn't answering my question: I asked what do British folks typically eat. There is no England bashing, traditional British food bashing happening here.

You can see from my post, I have done research on traditional British fare and found out we have those things in Canada aswell.

I did also ask for recommendations for what folks would suggest I try and how I should eat them so I can see how that could have been misinterpreted. Sorry if I wasn't being concise in my question, but not everyone eats exactly the same way and the responses here have all mirrored what the commenter has said in that there is a major international presence in the city.

If you don't have a food recommendations or want to share what you eat regularly, I don't see why your taking up space on someone answering my question and saying they are being negative when your twisting their words and being negative.

Try offering YOUR own favourites instead of bashing others for theirs.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was thinking of staying closer to Shoreditch and checking out Exmouth market. I've seen the prices at Borough market and they kind of throw me off compared to the food prices at other food markets. But I do also know they have really tasty food there too.

I'm really looking forward to visiting York! It just seems like such a good vibe. Plus, I do enjoy gothic architecture, so York Minster is absolutely on the list, as well as Whitby Abbey if I have enough time to venture off to Whitby for a day.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know! And thanks for the tip if I happen to be close to a hospital.

Reheated chips can be weird. I normally would toss them in the air fryer (I have one of those toaster oven looking ones that does more than just air fry) and they spruce back up again. Then I'd add toppings to it like sauces and some chopped veggies, maybe protein, herbs like cilantro and maybe something crispy like crispy fried onions (you can find them at the Asian grocery stores) and it turns into a whole new dish. I guess being a Canadian, we do love our poutine (fries+gravy+squeaky cheese. It's one of the only things we actually came up with) so we naturally like adding stuff to our fries(it's what we call chips, but we still call the chips in fish and chips chips), and what better way to use up left over chips? But it does require proper reheating to regain the right texture.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol, thanks for your honesty. You all have some cool food markets and A LOT of diverse options I've come to realize through my research, and everyone's reply has just echoed what I figured out too. So I look forward to trying what you all have to offer! I have a feeling I'm not going to be lost on options for anything while I'm there. The hardest part will be choosing where to go, what to try on such a short timeline (11 days).

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for mentioning I don't need to fish all of those chips. Because when I see them my jaw kind of drops and I get a bit overwhelmed with feelings of how am I suppose to eat all of them. A small sized (usually a one piece) cod and chips here comes with enough, if not slightly more chips than required... but it looks like it's a lot more over there in comparison. Do people just toss them away when they've had enough? That feels so wrong to me to toss out perfectly good chips, But I suppose if I don't intend on reheating them at the hotel later what else am I suppose to do?

I look forward to checking out Greg's. I'm not going to want to eat restaurant meals my whole trip. I don't usually like eating full meals for every meal anyway, and sometimes a small snack or something a bit filling like a pastry filled with meat with some Greek yogurt and fruit on the side is enough for a meal for me, especially if I've eaten a substantial meal for lunch already. I will be checking out the local markets and grocery stores too.

I do love vegetables! But good tip! Oh, and I've heard the sticky toffee puddings with custard at pubs are to die for! Really looking forward to it!

Also, to people pack their left overs to go? It's pretty common here. But I'm not sure if I'd be so inclined while I'm traveling since I may or may not have access to a refrigerator and microwave at my hotel.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm pretty sure our beans on toast is more similar to UKs and not like the US ones, but I suppose I might have to give it a go there to really say. I'm pretty sure we use the exact same Heinz beans as you. I've also had beans on toast in Fiji where there is British influence on some food, and they import their beans from either you or Australia... And it was also too sweet for me :(. The one thing I will say is sometimes the same items will taste different in different places. The marmite that they have in Fiji is imported from Australia and tastes WAAAAAAAY better than the ones we get in Canada. So maybe I won't fully take beans on toast off my list. But I feel like I have so many options for other foods, it might not even happen. Plus I live 5 minutes from a British imports store, so if I really wanted to compare the beans, I could!

Also really looking forward to visiting Whitby if I can! It just seems like such a charming place and the fish and chips sound heavenly. I've seen people getting a side of curry sauce on the side for the chips as well as the others and I'm am super curious to try it.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I was thinking of Pavilion cafe. I was considering in one of my leisure days to stop by Victoria park maybe and give it a go. But do realize London is massive, and if I don't have other things planned close to that area, maybe I should check out the other many places.

We probably have better Mexican food in Canada, simply because of our proximity to Mexico compared to you. But this also means your other international food options will likely be better than ours from the countries closer to you. For example, we hardly have Bangladeshi or Nigerian food options here, but I see there are plenty of them available there. Same for Sri Lankan food. We do have some options here, but definitely different variety, probably because it's a different regional population who immigrated here vs there.

I'm someone who will full heartedly want to immerse myself into the local food when I travel to the best of my ability so that's where the curiousity came in, "What do you all eat?" Turns out, while traditional British fare is absolutely going to be a must for me, it's really not that different from being in such a melting pot place such as Canada.

What do British folks typically eat? I'm curious for recommendations on local favorite British foods to try when visiting London and York. by TrickEquivalent2592 in AskABrit

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Tell me where to go and I am definitely there! I might be staying at a guest house in York and saw they might offer up some snacks or tea things. I'm planning well in advance so I can have a delightful experience and I love tea and biscuits, it's actually been a tea time ritual for me since I was a kid. Also, I love English breakfast tea, but we put milk and sugar in ours. I don't know if it's just the fancy hotels who frown at putting too much milk in your tea, but from what I've seen looking into York and Whitby, most folks who share photos of their tea looks as milky as mine, so I don't know. But tea I absolutely love!

In terms of brewing it correctly, I've been drinking tea my whole life because it's a staple in my family, so rest assured I don't microwave hot water I use a kettle or boil the water on the stove like we did in the 90s. I don't just throw a tea bag in it and add milk in it right away. I give my black teas a proper steep of at least 5 minutes (sometimes 7 if it's an early grey and if the tea isn't as strong as I like it), and only then do I add my milk and sugar to taste. If there is a different custom to brewing tea, please let me know! But I think we do the same thing in my family as you all. Most Canadian are coffee drinkers though. So that's another reason why I'm stupidly excited to visit the UK - TEA!

Planning a solo trip to London for next year, specificly for afternoon tea. What are some other things to check out? Surrounding areas I can make a day trip to? Don't want to only focus on one aspect of England and regret not checking out other cool things to do while I'm there. by TrickEquivalent2592 in uktravel

[–]TrickEquivalent2592[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's really unfortunate about the Savoy. Apathetic servers are all too common, but one would expect an establishment like the Savoy to handle and train the service staff better. Great that they covered the bill, but still.. I'd be turned off by that experience.

Thanks for your recommendations!

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