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Top 100 English Foods

Last updated on June 06, 2026

Best English foods

01
Ice Cream

Clotted cream ice cream

4.5 ·

Clotted cream ice cream is a traditional ice cream that’s associated with Cornwall, although it’s sold in supermarkets throughout the United Kingdom. This ice cream is made with Cornish whole milk, eggs, and clotted cream. The use of Cornish clotted cream gives the ice cream a unique flavor and a velvety consistency. This decadent ice cream can be flavored with various additional ingredients such as vanilla, and it can be found in many bars and cafes across the region. It is also not uncustomary to add a dollop of clotted cream on top of the scoops of Cornish ice cream.

02
Cheese

West Country Farmhouse Cheddar

4.4 ·

This is not your regular Cheddar made across the world, but a unique one because of its maturity, distinctive full flavor, the source of milk and special methods of handmade production within the four Counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. It needs to mature for at least 9 months before it is sold, either in cylindrical shape or in blocks of variable sizes. Its flavor can be described as full, sharp and nutty, and it is firm and creamy yellow on the inside, with a crumbly texture. West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is best paired with grapes, pears, apples, figs, celery or ripe tomatoes.

03
Dessert

Sticky toffee pudding

4.1 ·

Sticky toffee pudding is a rich, moist sponge cake filled with dates, covered in a sticky toffee sauce. The dessert is traditionally served with custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Its origins are quite murky as some claim it originates from the Sharrow Bay Hotel in the Lake District, some report that it's especially popular in Cartmel, while others say that it was invented at the Udny Arms Hotel in Aberdeenshire. Today, the dessert is also popular in Australia, Ireland, and Scotland.

04
Sweet Pie

Banoffee pie

4.1 ·

Banoffee pie is an English dessert made with cream, bananas, and toffee on top of a pastry shell or on top of a base made with crumbled biscuits. The name of the dish is a combination of the words banana and toffee. The sweet pie was invented in the 1970s by Nigel Mackenzie and Ian Dowding at The Hungry Monk restaurant in East Sussex. It became extremely popular when the customers started to check regularly if the dessert was still on the menu. Today, banoffee pie is so popular throughout the world that it even has its own place in the dictionary, denoting "a tart or pie made with cream, bananas, and toffee", while the recipe for the pie can often be found on tins of Nestlé's condensed milk.

05
Snack

Cream tea

4.1 ·

Cream tea is a traditional type of afternoon tea that’s associated with the West Country – Devon, Cornwall, as well as Dorset and Somerset. It consists of tea that’s usually served with a combination of clotted cream, scones, and jam. Butter is also often added to the mix, as well as whipped cream instead of clotted cream, but the addition of whipped cream makes the tea less authentic. In Devonshire, the scones are split and first spread with clotted cream and then strawberry jam. The Cornish way is to split a scone and spread it first with the jam, and then with clotted cream. The scones should always be freshly baked and warm, while butter is generally not included as a part of cream tea.

06
Lamb Dish

Roast lamb with mint sauce

4.1 ·

This traditional British dish consists of roasted racks of lamb that are typically garnished with mint sprigs and paired with a flavorful mint sauce. The meat is usually flavored with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. The sauce consists of fresh mint, sugar, vinegar, beef broth, and minced shallots. In the past, it was used for its strong flavor that cuts through the stronger flavors of mutton. Today, the dish is often prepared for Easter, when it is ideally accompanied by buttered carrots and a watercress salad on the side.

07
Side Dish

Triple-cooked chips

4 ·

Triple cooked chips is an English dish created by chef Heston Blumenthal, who first started developing the recipe in 1992. Potato chips are first simmered, then cooled, drained, and freezed. Later on, the chips are deep-fried at a precise temperature and cooled, then deep-fried one more time. The resulting potato chips have a crunchy, glass-like crust, while the interior is fluffy and soft. This innovative dish was first served at Blumenthal's restaurant The Fat Duck in 1995, and nowadays triple-cooked chips are a standard item in many other English restaurants. And although you might think that it's a good idea to make these crispy snacks at home, British firefighters suggest visiting local chip shops instead of making posh chips in your kitchen due to recent surges in chip pan fires because the risk of fire is increased when food is fried more than once.

08
Potato Dish

Jacket potato

4 ·

Baked potato is a whole potato baked in the oven until the inside becomes soft and the skin turns crispy. The most commonly used potatoes for baking are russet potatoes, known for their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior when baked. The potato is first cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt. Some people prick the potato with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape during baking, which helps prevent it from bursting. The potato is then baked in the oven at a high temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C), for about an hour. The baking process creates a soft, fluffy interior and a crispy, flavorful skin. After baking, the potato is often split open and served with various toppings. Popular toppings include butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives, but more elaborate options like chili, sautéed vegetables, or pulled pork can also be used. This dish can be both a side and a main course, and in recent years it has become a popular street food option.

09
Beef Dish

Beef Wellington

4 ·

Beef Wellington is a dish consisting of a whole filet of beef that is coated with a pâté and duxelles, a combination of minced mushrooms, herbs, and shallots. The concoction is then wrapped in puff pastry and baked in the oven. Traditionally, slices of beef Wellington are accompanied by madeira sauce. It is believed that the dish was named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. However, the dish was not known in Wellesley's lifetime, so the origins of beef Wellington still remain murky, and some believe that the dish got its name because it resembles a Wellington boot. This delicacy soared in popularity during the 1960s, when it became hugely popular in North America, even more so than in the United Kingdom, due to its luxurious, expensive ingredients and precise preparation methods.

10
Saltwater Fish Dish

Cod fish and chips

4 ·

Fish and chips is a traditional dish consisting of freshly fried fish fillets and sliced fried potatoes. The fish is dipped in a batter of eggs, flour, and milk, and it’s then fried in oil, lard, or beef drippings. The most common types of fish used are cod, haddock, skate, and pollock, but cod is the most popular choice, with 60% of all fish and chips meals using it as the preferred fish. Cod has a texture that is very supple, tender, and mild, and it makes for a great contrast to the crispy-fried batter shell. In addition, its tender meat nicely absorbs the condiments and seasonings such as malt vinegar and salt. You can find fish and chips made with cod throughout the country, but it’s especially popular in southern seaside towns such as Hastings and Brighton.

Best English food products

01
Cheese

Cropwell Bishop Creamery

5 ·
Cropwell Bishop Creamery is a family-owned dairy based in the village of Cropwell Bishop, Nottinghamshire, specializing in the production of traditional English blue cheeses, most notably Stilton with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Owned and managed by the Skailes family for three generations, it is one of the few creameries licensed to produce authentic Blue Stilton under strict regional and production guidelines. The cheese is made from locally sourced pasteurized cow’s milk, and the process includes hand-ladling curds into molds and carefully piercing the wheels to encourage the development of characteristic blue veining. Their Blue Stilton is known for its creamy yet firm texture, balanced saltiness, and a distinctively rich, slightly spicy finish that deepens with maturation. In addition to their classic version, they produce a traditional rennet Stilton, an organic Stilton, as well as other blue cheeses such as Shropshire Blue and the softer, Brie-style Beauvale. The creamery combines traditional craftsmanship with modern food safety standards to ensure consistency and quality. An on-site cheesemaker’s shop allows visitors to purchase and taste different cheeses directly at the source.
Awards
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best (2023)
Global Cheese Awards - Best (2023, 2021, 2019)
02
Chocolate Confectionery

Solkiki

5 ·
Solkiki is a British bean-to-bar chocolate maker, run by Bob and Iris - a couple dedicated to vegan, organic, and sustainable small-batch production. Their work is grounded in direct trade with cacao growers, sourcing beans from distinctive terroirs such as Chuao - Venezuela), Marañón - Peru, and the Philippines, with a special focus on rare and aromatically rich cacao varieties. Every stage of production - from roasting and grinding to packaging - is done by hand, ensuring quality control and allowing room for creative flavor experimentation. Their range includes both classic dark and white chocolates infused with unique ingredients like banana, peanut, coconut, Madagascan vanilla, and even spices such as anise. Solkiki blends passion, knowledge, and sustainability to craft chocolate that honors the origin of its raw materials while delivering an exceptional sensory experience.
Awards
International Chocolate Awards - Silver (2024, 2023, 2022, 2018)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2023, 2021, 2018)
03
Chocolate

Firetree Chocolate

5 ·
Firetree Chocolate, based in Peterborough, England, specializes in single-estate, luxury chocolate sourced from volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean and Madagascar. The company focuses on producing high-quality chocolate using rare cocoa beans, emphasizing distinctive tasting notes in each of its products. Firetree Chocolate is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and direct relationships with cocoa farmers.
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver (2024, 2020, 2019)
04
Spirit

Johnnie Walker

5 ·
Johnnie Walker is a brand owned by the company Diageo. Johnnie Walker is a world-renowned Scotch whisky brand with over 200 years of history, known for its iconic blends, including Red Label, Black Label, and Blue Label. The brand emphasizes craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to quality, producing a wide range of whiskies that cater to different tastes and preferences. Each blend tells a unique story, combining flavors from various distilleries across Scotland to create signature profiles.
Awards
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold (2024, 2023)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold (2021, 2019)
05
Chocolate

Åkessons's Organic

5 ·
Åkesson’s Organic is a brand led by Bertil Åkesson, built on family-owned cacao plantations in Madagascar, Brazil, and Indonesia. The most renowned is the plantation in the Sambirano Valley in the Ambanja region of Madagascar, where cacao is cultivated alongside spices such as pepper. This approach supports biodiversity and shapes the distinctive aromatic profile of the beans. The company was registered in London in 2013, which today serves as its administrative and commercial headquarters. The chocolates are always single-origin, with each bar reflecting the terroir of its cacao - from the fruity and tangy notes of Madagascan varieties to the deeper, earthier tones of Brazilian cacao. The range includes dark and white chocolates, as well as varieties enhanced with spices such as black or pink pepper, which highlight the uniqueness and diversity of the terroir. Åkesson’s Organic is recognized for combining authentic flavor with clearly defined origins and a consistent respect for nature and local communities.
Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011)
International Chocolate Awards - Gold (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
06
Spirit

Compass Box

5 ·
Awards
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold (2019)
The Scotch Whisky Masters - Gold (2024, 2023, 2022)
07
Chocolate

Chococo

5 ·
Chococo is a chocolate company founded in 2002 by Claire and Andy Burnet and is located in Dorset, England. This artisan producer handcrafts its chocolates using locally sourced ingredients and ethically produced, single-origin chocolate. Chococo operates several cafes across southern England, offering a range of chocolate products, cakes, and workshops.
Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2016, 2015, 2009, 2005)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver (2024, 2022, 2018, 2016, 2005)
08
Chocolate Confectionery

Eponine Patisserie

5 ·
Eponine Patisserie, based in North West England, specializes in crafting high-quality chocolates and patisserie products. This artisan producer has received multiple awards for their confections, highlighting their commitment to excellence in the field of fine chocolate and desserts. They use fine ingredients and innovative techniques to create unique flavor profiles.
Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2021, 2018, 2016)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver (2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016)
09
Chocolate Confectionery

Hotel Chocolat

5 ·
Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, headquartered in London. The company was founded by Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris in 2004. Hotel Chocolat owns a cocoa plantation in Saint Lucia, allowing them to control the entire production process from bean to bar. They operate a variety of retail locations across the UK and have an international presence with stores in the United States and Japan.
Awards
The Liqueur Masters - Gold (2023)
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2016, 2015, 2011)
10
Fruit Product

The Artisan Kitchen

5 ·
The Artisan Kitchen is a small, highly dedicated craft producer specializing in handmade jams, marmalades, and fruit preserves of exceptional quality. Each product is created in small batches using carefully selected seasonal fruit and traditional copper-pan cooking methods. Behind the brand is a professional chef who has channeled her passion for authentic flavors into unique recipes that highlight the natural richness of the fruit. The entire production process is done by hand - from sourcing and cooking the fruit to filling, labeling, and packaging - ensuring meticulous care at every stage. With a philosophy rooted in sustainability, quality, and a genuine commitment to artisanal craft, The Artisan Kitchen offers products that reflect the warmth of homemade preparation and a true love of food.
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 3 Stars (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)
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About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 English Foods” list until June 06, 2026, 12,339 ratings were recorded, of which 10,909 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews. The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.

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