Roast Dinner
A roast dinner is a very traditional British meal which families and friends share on a Sunday for lunch or dinner. There are many variations of the Sunday Roast, according to which region of Great Britain you're in, what vegetables are in season and what people prefer to eat! However the base of the Sunday Roast is roast meat, most often beef, lamb, pork or chicken. Roast potatoes are also a staple for this meal, as are a variety of vegetables which can be roasted or boiled: parsnips, peas, carrots, leeks, broccoli, cabbage, turnips, or sweet potato.
Yorkshire puddings are also an essential part of a roast, as is gravy which is made from the juices of the meat.
Roasts are a really good way for families and friends to get together and bond over food. If you don't have time (or are too lazy) to cook a roast yourself, go to your local pub and have one there! Just make sure you have nothing planned for the rest of the day as you won't be able to move after eating this feast!
Fish and Chips
Often voted Britain's number 1 dish, fish and chips is a very popular take-away. It originated at the beginning of the 19th century and was popular because it was affordable to the middle classes. The fish is traditionally battered or breaded and is usually cod or haddock, served with deep-fried fat chips. It was one of the few dishes which weren't rationed during the World Wars which increased its popularity. People usually eat fish and chips with salt, vinegar and mushy peas.
Afternoon Tea
This light meal is usually served between 3pm and 5pm and is only served on special or formal occasions. Afternoon tea includes a variety of snacks served with a selection of tea:
- Sandwiches: cucumber, egg and cress, smoked salmon
- Cakes: Battenberg, Victoria sponge, fruit cake
- Scones: served with clotted cream and jam
Afternoon tea used to be served everyday but now is more of a treat. It can be eaten at home, in a tea shop or in hotels and cafes.