When it comes to food, the UK offers a diverse range of dishes inspired by a multicultural population. From recipes handed down through generations of British households to ingredients and traditions brought over by immigrants, there’s no shortage of wonderful flavours in the UK. Many eateries, whether you’re looking for the best restaurants for dinner or an afternoon snack, offer a variety of culinary delights. So here’s what you can expect across UK cities.
London – Curry
Home to a wide variety of restaurants, there’s something for everyone in the capital. But whether you’re looking for food in Wembley before a concert or are heading elsewhere, you’re sure to find a range of mouth-watering curries. London was the first UK city to serve curry back in 1733, and the first Indian restaurant was opened here in 1810. Curry is therefore strongly tied to the city and you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy it.
Manchester – Manchester Tart
Head up North to Manchester and you’re sure to find a Manchester Tart on the menu at a cosy city cafe. This is a tart made with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam and custard, elegantly decorated with desiccated coconut.
Birmingham – Balti Curry
Like London, Birmingham has seen a significant shift in popular cuisine as a direct result of immigration dating back to the 1970s and 80s. The city is now famous for its Balti dishes, a recipe that was popularised by Pakistani and Kashmiri immigrants and adapted to UK tastes. Indeed, a section of South Birmingham — bordered by Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane, and Stratford Road — has become known as the Balti Triangle. It’s filled with restaurants that serve fresh, fast, and affordable Balti dishes to locals, workers and students.
Liverpool – Scouse
One of the most famous and iconic dishes in Liverpool is a thick stew known as Scouse. This is typically made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions and carrots, and was originally inspired by ‘Lobscouse,’ a sailor’s stew brought over by Scandinavian and Northern European sailors. Served with pickled red cabbage or beetroot and crusty bread, this dish can be found everywhere from pubs and cafes to homes on match day. There’s also a vegetarian version called Blind Scouse.
Edinburgh – Haggis, Neeps and Tatties
When you’re in Scotland, you’re sure to come across Haggis – a savoury pudding made from sheep’s offal, oats and spices. Served with neeps (swede) and tatties (potatoes), this is a much-loved dish with locals and tourists alike. Haggis is served year-round in Edinburgh, but it holds special cultural significance and is most famously eaten on Burns Night, which falls on 25th January. This is held in honour of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, who famously wrote the poem “Address to a Haggis.”
Contemporary food in Wembley
If you’re looking for the best restaurants for lunch or dinner in Wembley, look no further than Studio Five. Offering contemporary dishes, many of which are inspired by cuisine from the Indian subcontinent, our restaurant is the perfect setting for a pre-show meal, a match day brunch or a few cocktails. We also have a curated programme of live entertainment to elevate your evening.
