Iconic Foods from Around the World Series: London

 I recently traveled to London to meet up with a couple of former exchange students living and working there.  Like I try to do in most places or countries that I visit, I wanted to eat the iconic food for the city, region, and/or country.  As many have said in the past, England and London did not have good food.  I did not find that to be true.  Perhaps they mean that the food is bland (compared to south Louisiana) or one note (same thing over and over).  Although both are true in some places, I found that the current food scene is exciting in London (many ethnic choices) and the iconic foods have added some twists that make them more flavorful and exciting.  Here is what I found.  

Dinner in a Pub

My first meal was a traditional pie (savory that include meat) in the White Horse Pub in the exciting Carnaby area of London.  The atmosphere was jovial and the bar scene was hoping.  Pubs all over London were hubs for people to gather after work.  Most of the time, the scene spilled out into the street area - making these pedestrian areas buzzing with laughs and conversation.  Although I did not participate in the fun, it was stimulating to be around - so much youth and energy.  

I was seated in the quiet dining area and choose a traditional meat pie with the fixings. 

The crust on this pie was amazing - so crispy and large.  That is a bone sticking out of the pie.  I chose the pie that have a variety of beef cuts - much like a beef stew.  As you will see later, the sides of mashed potatoes and carrots are very common.  They must use a lot of potatoes and carrots in this country.  :)

English Breakfast

To experience an English breakfast, Marcel picked a popular corner cafe - Regency Cafe  Although there was a line, it moved quickly.  As you can see from the plate below, the main item that sets it apart from something we may have is the baked beans.  I'm not sure the reason for the beans, but I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation.  Perhaps it is for the fiber and protein.  I did have to ask for butter and preserves for the toast.  

Afternoon Tea

Another tradition from England that travels well is the Afternoon Tea.  There are several places in our area that offer an afternoon tea that I am sure is very similar to the one I had in the London.  I chose a more affordable option at the British Museum.  Entrance to the museum is free and it includes several famous treasures including the Rosetta Stone.  At their cafe, they offer an afternoon tea, which although less expensive than some was about $50 per person.  The offerings are pretty standard and some places offer options for to-go afternoon tea with the components in a box that can be taken home or to a park.  

For the sandwich level, almost all of them include one that has "coronation chicken."  This chicken salad include some curry and raisins making it a very tasty sandwich filling.  This is an example of how influences from around the British empire have influenced the cuisine.  I love scones (middle level) and these were very good - not the best that I have had, but pretty standard with the clotted cream (much like butter) and strawberry preserves.  At almost $100 for this spread, it did seem to be less value for the food and more for the experience.  

Sunday Dinner

One tradition throughout the UK is something called Sunday Dinner.  A version is served at almost all restaurants and cafes on Sunday.  It usually involves some type of meat with potatoes and carrots (here they are again).  I had it on my way to a concert at Royal Albert Hall at the Queens Arms pub - once again a bustling place of conversation and drinks.  I was lucky to find a seat.   It was located in the Kensington area of London - one of the riches areas in London.  Mine included sliced roast beef, roasted potatoes and carrots.  I can't remember what the green vegetable was.  One of the characteristics of this meal is the inclusion of Yorkshire pudding (the puff pastry on top).  Although called a pudding the consistency is more like a bread or pastry.  It's purpose is to eat with the beef gravy made from drippings.  It was a very enjoyable part of the meal.  

Also, at this meal I wanted to have one of the most traditional desserts found in the United Kingdom - Sticky Toffee Pudding - and boy was this a good one.  It includes a side of caramel like sauce and ginger ice cream.  Yummy!  Needless to say, there wasn't any left when I finished.  :)

Final Dinner in London

Can you guess the iconic meal I have not yet talked about??  Yes, it is Fish and Chips.  As I looked for places to have it and there were many options.  Some included only haddock while others included both haddock and cod. I chose the North Sea Fish Restaurant.   I had the cod and Marcel had the haddock.  Also, a common side dish to this meal are mushy peas.  Since I like peas I enjoyed them - they just needed some salt for my tasted.  In addition to a cocktail and tartar sauce, many restaurants also include a curry dipping sauce to be used with the fish and/or the fries.  Another example of trying to bump up the taste of the traditional English food.  We both enjoyed using the curry sauce.  

Continuing to Enjoy...

I had one other foodie moment during this trip and that was to stumble upon the Neal's Yard Dairy shop in the Borough Market area of London.    I bought some English Cheddar to bring back home.  I've been enjoying it with some preserves I bought at Fortnum and Mason.  The picture is not mine.