Planning a trip to the UK and wondering what the best British foods are to try while you’re there? You’ve come to the right place. As a born-and-bred Brit now living in Canada, one of the things I miss most about home is the food. From a hearty Sunday roast to perfectly buttery scones, British cuisine is all about comfort, warmth, and simple pleasures — the kind that make you feel instantly at home even when you’re travelling solo.
This guide brings together the most beloved British dishes you’ll want to add to your foodie bucket list — from seaside fish and chips, full English breakfasts and sausage rolls to classic desserts like sticky toffee pudding and apple crumble. You’ll learn what each dish is, where to find the most authentic versions, and little tips for enjoying them as a solo traveller — whether that’s grabbing a pub lunch on your own, sipping afternoon tea in a nice hotel, or discovering regional specialties across the UK.
So grab a cuppa, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover the comforting, quirky, and utterly delicious world of traditional British food.
Breakfasts & Brunch
British breakfasts are legendary for a reason. They’re hearty, comforting, and often the best way to start a day of sightseeing, especially when you’re travelling alone and want something filling before a busy day. From grab-and-go bacon rolls to full fry-ups that could cure any hangover, breakfast in the UK is more than just a meal — it’s part of the culture.
Solo traveller tip: It’s also an easy way to save money while trying British classics as a proper breakfast could last you most of the day so you only end up needing a snack between breakfast and dinner.
Full English Breakfast
If you only have one British breakfast while you’re in the UK, make it a full English. Known affectionately by us Brits as a “fry-up,” this is the ultimate comfort meal. It’s comprised of any combination of butcher’s sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans, fried mushrooms, fried tomatoes, fried bread, hash browns and buttered toast. You’ll find it served pretty much everywhere in England from local cafés (known as “greasy spoons”) to pubs and B&Bs because it’s so beloved. It’s the kind of meal that will instantly make you feel like you’re part of daily British life.
Solo traveller tip: Breakfast is one of the easiest meals to eat solo in the UK. Most cafés are used to locals grabbing a quiet table with a newspaper or phone. Pair your fry-up with a strong cup of builder’s tea and you’ll blend right in.
Bacon Roll / Sandwich
Another classic breakfast option in England is the bacon roll, also known as a bacon bap, bacon butty, or bacon sarnie, depending on where you are in Britain. It is simple, classic, and deeply satisfying. It is exactly what it sounds like; bread and freshly cooked bacon with optional tomato ketchup or brown sauce. Personally, I’m a ketchup girl myself. Depending on where you go, you’ll also get the option to add a fried egg to it. You’ll find them in cafés, bakeries, and food trucks, usually served in a paper bag for quick takeaway.
Solo traveller tip: This is your perfect on-the-go breakfast before a train ride, morning walk through the city or a day of exploring if you are limited on time. Pair it with a takeaway tea or coffee, and you’ve got a true British start to the day.
Black Pudding
This one’s a bit divisive, but it’s an authentic part of a full English breakfast that many Brits love so although I hate it I have to include it. Black pudding is a type of blood sausage made from pig’s blood, oats, and fat. The flavour is rich, salty, and hearty. It is more like a savoury meat loaf than you might expect. You’ll usually find it served as a side with fry-ups across the country, especially in northern England and Scotland.
Solo traveller tip: If you’re adventurous with food, just try it once — but ask for a half slice first. It’s one of those “love it or hate it” experiences that’ll give you a real taste of traditional British cooking.
Why Breakfast Is The Perfect Solo Meal
One of the best parts of solo travel in the UK is how normal it feels to eat breakfast alone. Locals often start their day quietly with tea and toast or a bacon roll, so you’ll blend in seamlessly. It’s a relaxed time of day when cafés are friendly but not too busy, and it’s an easy way to ease into solo dining before tackling lunch or dinner out.
Pub & Casual Classics
Few places capture the heart of British food culture quite like the local pub. Whether you’re in a centuries-old inn in the countryside or a bustling city pub in London, these casual, welcoming spots are where you’ll find the best comfort food in the UK. For solo travellers, pubs are one of the easiest and most relaxed places to eat alone — order at the bar, grab a table, and enjoy a hearty meal surrounded by locals.
Ploughman’s Lunch
A Ploughman’s Lunch is a cold meal featuring crusty bread, cheese, pickles, and salad — sometimes with ham or boiled eggs. It’s perfect for a light lunch or picnic-style snack when you don’t fancy a hot meal. Traditionally, it was what rural workers took to the fields which is how it got its name. Today it’s a pub favourite across Britain.
Solo traveller tip: Look for this dish in countryside pubs or market towns. It’s easy to eat alone, affordable, and often comes beautifully presented on a wooden board with local cheese.
Toad In The Hole
Toad in the hole is sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter, creating a fluffy, golden dish that’s crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. It’s served with onion gravy.
Solo traveller tip: Smaller pubs often make this fresh in-house, so if you see it on a specials board, order it. It’s a comforting dish that’s especially good in winter.
Sausage & Mash (Bangers and Mash)
Bangers and Mash’ is British comfort food at its best. If simple satisfying comfort food is what you want, bangers and mash is a great option. Juicy sausages sit on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, topped with a rich onion gravy. You’ll find it on nearly every pub menu across the UK — and for good reason. It’s warm, familiar, and always hits the spot.
Solo traveller tip: It’s a big hearty meal so bring your appetitite. Many pubs will serve smaller lunch portions though, so it’s a great option if you’re dining alone and don’t want to overdo it. Pair it with a half pint of local ale for the full experience.
Fish & Chips
No trip to the UK is complete without fish and chips. It is one of the most quintessentially British traditional dishes that you should try in England. This seaside staple features battered cod or haddock served with thick-cut chips, salt, and malt vinegar. The best versions are wrapped in paper and eaten by the sea — though you’ll also find excellent pub and restaurant versions all over the country.
Solo traveller tip: Head to the coast — places like Whitby, Brighton, and St Ives are famous for their fish and chips. Or grab a takeaway from a local “chippy” and enjoy it on a park bench while people-watching. It’s one of the most British experiences you can have on your own.
Fish Fingers, Chips and Beans
Every Brit grows up on this one. Fish fingers (fish sticks) with oven chips and Heinz baked beans is the unofficial “lazy night” meal of the UK. So the average British kid will probably eat this hundreds of times. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and delicious in its simplicity. Many pubs and cafés will offer elevated versions usually with homemade fish fingers, chips or fancy beans.
Solo traveller tip: It’s an easy, no-fuss option when you want something classically British. You’ll often find it as a pub lunch special or “kid-at-heart” meal on modern menus. Fish Finger sandwiches are also really good if you see them as an option on a pub menu.
Chip Butty
A chip butty is as basic as it gets. Similar to the bacon butty its just bread, butter and hot chips (fries). You can add either ketchup, brown sauce or vinegar (or a combo of) and you’ve got an iconic British sandwich.
Solo traveller tip: You’ll find chip butties in pubs and chip shops across England. A side of mushy peas or curry sauce is optional for a true local experience.
Pubs Are Perfect for Solo Travellers
Eating solo in a pub is one of the easiest and most enjoyable experiences in the UK. Most pubs let you order at the bar, which takes the pressure off table service, and there’s always a mix of locals, travellers, and regulars. You can eat, read, or chat with the bartender — no one bats an eye. For many solo travellers, a pub meal becomes a highlight — not just for the food, but for the sense of connection.
Comfort Dinners & Pies
British comfort food is all about warmth, tradition, and that feeling of being properly looked after, even if you’re far from home. These dishes are the ones that families will gather around the table for, and they’re the meals that bring locals into pubs every Sunday without fail. For solo travellers, they’re the perfect way to end a long day of exploring — filling, nostalgic, and often served in cosy, welcoming settings.
Roast Dinner
If there’s one meal that defines British food culture, it’s the Sunday roast. Typically served on Sundays in pubs and homes across the country, it’s a feast of roasted meat, crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and a golden Yorkshire pudding. Many pubs happily serve single portions, and the atmosphere is always friendly and relaxed.
Yorkshire Pudding
Despite its name, it’s not a dessert. It’s a simple savoury baked batter made from a mix of eggs, flour, and either milk or water that puffs up in the oven and should always be accompanied by gravy. Some pubs will serve giant Yorkshire puddings filled with roast beef and vegetables as a meal on their own.
Cauliflower Cheese
Cauliflower cheese is a simple but delicious side made from cauliflower baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s rich, satisfying, and adds indulgence to a classic roast.
Shepherds Pie & Cottage Pie
A simple British food, and not a pie in the typical sense, Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie are family favourites. These baked dishes of minced meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes are British comfort food at its best. Shepherd’s pie uses lamb; cottage pie uses beef. They’re a great option for solo dining on cold evenings.
Beef Wellington
Popular on restaurant menus, Beef Wellington is a filleted beef steak wrapped in pâté and mushroom duxelles, sealed in puff pastry, and then baked. It is a showpiece of British cuisine; much fancier than other pub meal options but it’s worth it as a treat.
Savoury Pies (With Mash)
We British love our pies. Steak & Ale, chicken and leek, beef and Guinness are all typical feelings. are typical fillings for pies in the UK and they are usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy or thick-cut chips (fries). Pies are ideal for solo travellers: comforting, affordable, and always satisfying.
Bubble & Squeak
Bubble and Squeak is simply leftover potatoes and cabbage, mixed together and then fried until its crispy. You can also make variations of this dish with any leftover vegetables. It’s a humble dish that proves simple ingredients can still taste incredible.
Why British Comfort Food Is Perfect for Solo Travel
Whether you’re sitting in a quiet pub corner with a steaming plate of shepherd’s pie or tucking into a roast dinner surrounded by conversation, it’s impossible not to feel part of British life. These dishes tell stories of tradition, family, and community — something solo travellers appreciate most.
Snacks & Street Foods
British snacks are where comfort meets convenience. It’s the kind of food you can eat on a park bench, during a train ride, or while exploring city streets on your own. These grab-and-go favourites are perfect for travellers who want to eat well without a big sit-down meal.
Sausage Roll
No list of British foods is complete without the classic sausage roll which is just seasoned sausage meat wrapped in flaky pastry. Grab one hot from Greggs or a local bakery for a quick bite on the go.
Pork Pie
Another very traditional British food to try is a pork pie. It’s chopped pork meat and pork fat encased in a firm crust pastry. It can be eaten hot or cold as a snack. A Melton Mowbray pork pie with a drink and crisps makes a perfect picnic.
Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs are a great snack or picnic treat. It’s a boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs, fried until golden. Eat them warm from a market or cold from a shop; both are classic options.
Why Street Food Is Great for Solo Travellers
Street food and snacks make dining alone completely stress-free. You can eat anywhere that catches your eye, a park, riverside bench, or market stall, and experience Britain in its most relaxed, authentic form.
Sweet Puddings & Desserts
British desserts, or “puddings,” are warm, nostalgic, and wonderfully indulgent. From sticky toffee sauce to light sponges, they’re pure comfort.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky toffee pudding is a traditional dessert found throughout the UK. This pudding is a soft sponge cake made with dates and drenched in toffee sauce. It’s rich, sweet, and best enjoyed with custard or ice cream.
Apple Crumble
Apple crumble is a delicious comforting British pudding. It’s cooked apple topped with a crunchy, crumbly, mixture of butter, flour, and sugar rolled together to resemble breadcrumbs. Brits also make crumbles with other fruits like berries and rhubarb. Eaten hot or cold, its usually served with either ice cream or custard.
Bakewell Tart
Jam and almond frangipane in pastry, topped with icing or almonds. Sweet, nutty, and beautifully British.
Treacle Tart
Shortcrust pastry filled with golden syrup and breadcrumbs — rich, sticky, and divine.
Bread & Butter Pudding
A favourite British dessert growing up was bread and butter pudding which my mom made regularly. Left over baked bread is backed with butter, raisins and creamy custard until golden. Can be eaten by itself, but it’s also delicious with custard.
Trifle
Trifle is layers of sponge cake and/or jelly, custard, fruit (optional) and custard topped with cream. The sponge is often soaked in fortified wine or a brandy-like sherry or port.
Rice Pudding
Simple rice cooked slowly with milk and sugar until creamy. We generally eat it hot and it’s delicious. Comfort in a bowl.
Eton Mess
A must eat if you love meringue. It’s a delicious mix of strawberries, fresh cream and crushed meringue. Its light, summery perfection.
Victoria Sponge
The Victoria Sponge brings some class to this list of the best British foods. Two moist vanilla sponge cakes with thick strawberry jam and fresh cream in the middle. It’s best with a cup of tea.
Spotted Dick
Steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, served with warm custard. Don’t laugh at the name, it’s delicious.
Jam Roly-Poly
Jam roly-poly is a traditional British pudding that dates back to the early 19th century. It is really similar to a Swiss roll. Rolled suet pudding is spread with jam and baked. Another childhood classic.
Knickerbocker Glory
If you love ice cream then I encourage you to try a knickerbocker glory in the UK. It’s layers of ice cream, fruit, syrup, and cream in a big tall conical glass.
Iconic British Breads, Spreads & Teatime Treats
Tea and baked goods are central to British life, and enjoying them is a must on any trip.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea has been a popular tea-related ritual in England since the 1840s. A typical afternoon tea is a pot of tea with mini sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, sweet pastries. You will be able to find restaurants offering afternoon tea all over the UK.
Scones
Scones are a British institution. Whether you put the cream on first or the jam on first has been debated for centuries, and it’s personal preference. I’m a jam and then cream person myself.
Crumpets
Toasted griddle cakes full of holes that soak up butter beautifully. Great for breakfast or a rainy-day snack.
Marmite
In England, people either love or hate Marmite. It is a brand of savoury spread that’s made from yeast extract. Dark and salty, try a little on buttered toast.
Teatime Is Perfect For Solo Travellers
Sitting down with a cup of tea and a baked treat isn’t just about food — it’s about pausing, reflecting, and finding comfort in small moments. For solo travellers, it’s one of the easiest and most peaceful ways to enjoy British culture.
Seasonal & Regional Delights
British food changes with the seasons and regions, offering new flavours year-round.
Mince Pie
Mince Pies are a British favourite at Christmas time. If you ever visit England during the festive period they are a must. They are small sweet pastry pies filled with spice and dried fruit filling.
Hot Cross Buns
A British favourite at Easter time, hot cross buns are spiced sweet buns made with fruit such as raisins. Best eaten toasted with butter, but also yummy not toasted.
Eccles Cakes
Originally from Manchester, an Eccles cake is a small round pie made from flaky buttery pastry filled with currants and topped with demerara sugar.
Battenberg Cake
A bright pink and yellow sponge cake that is held together in 4 different sections with jam and covered with marzipan to create a two-by-two check pattern when it’s sliced.
Cornish Pasty
Golden pastry filled with beef, potato, and onion. It is the pride of Cornwall.
Lancashire Hotpot
Slow-cooked lamb, onions, and potatoes — hearty and homely.
If You Have Time Try These
If you love discovering local favourites beyond the classics, these lesser-known dishes are the kind of food locals actually eat and talk about, the everyday staples and regional favourites that rarely make it into travel guides. Trying them gives you a deeper taste of British culture beyond the classics.
Welsh Rarebit
Cheesy toast with mustard and ale — comforting and delicious.
Corned Beef Hash
Fried potatoes, onions, and corned beef — simple, hearty, and satisfying.
Cumberland Sausage
A coiled, peppery sausage from northern England, often served with mash and gravy.
Summer Pudding
A light, fruity dessert made from berries soaked in juice and layered with bread.
The Simplicity Of British Food Is What Makes It Special
Whether you’re sampling a warm bacon roll after a chilly morning walk, treating yourself to afternoon tea, or digging into a proper Sunday roast at a local pub, you’ll quickly see why these dishes hold such a dear place in British culture.
For solo travellers, food is one of the easiest ways to connect with a destination — and in the UK, it’s a gateway to community and conversation. From chatting with locals at the bar to swapping travel stories over a shared plate of fish and chips, every meal tells a story. So don’t be afraid to pull up a chair, order something traditional, and savour a little taste of Britain on your next trip.
Have you tried any of these dishes during your travels in the UK? Or do you have a favourite British comfort food of your own? I’d love to hear in the comments — and if you’re planning a trip soon, be sure to check out my other guides for solo travellers exploring the best of Britain.
FAQs About British Food for First-Time Visitors
What are the most popular British foods to try when visiting the UK?
Some of the most famous British dishes include fish and chips, a full English breakfast, roast dinners with Yorkshire puddings, and comforting classics like shepherd’s pie or bangers and mash. For dessert, don’t miss sticky toffee pudding, apple crumble, or a proper cream tea with scones. Each dish gives you a taste of local tradition and British comfort cooking at its best.
Where can solo travellers find authentic British food?
The easiest way to enjoy classic British food alone is in local pubs, cafés, or markets. Pubs are especially welcoming for solo diners — you can sit at the bar or grab a small table without feeling out of place. Farmers’ markets, bakery chains like Greggs, and seaside fish-and-chip shops are also great for grabbing traditional bites on your own.
What time is best for afternoon tea in the UK?
Afternoon tea is traditionally served between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., though many restaurants and hotels offer it throughout the afternoon. Solo travellers can book a single seat without any issue — venues like Fortnum & Mason in London or Bettys in York are famous for their classic teas, while smaller tearooms offer a cosy, budget-friendly experience.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for British dishes?
Yes, almost every traditional British meal has a vegetarian or vegan version these days. You’ll find veggie full English breakfasts, lentil cottage pies, and plant-based sausage rolls in many cafés and supermarkets. Even old favourites like fish and chips can be ordered with halloumi or tofu for a meat-free twist.
How expensive is eating out in the UK?
Prices vary depending on where you go, but you can eat well on any budget. Expect to pay around £10-£15 GBP for a main meal at a pub, while café breakfasts and bakery snacks often cost less than £8. Upscale restaurants or afternoon teas can range from £25-£60 GBP. If you’re travelling solo, look for early-bird menus or lunchtime specials for the best value.
Do you need to tip in UK restaurants or pubs?
Tipping is appreciated but not required. Most restaurants add a 10–12.5 percent service charge automatically, but if they don’t, it’s polite to leave around 10 percent for good service. In pubs, tipping isn’t expected — you can simply say “and one for yourself” when paying at the bar if you’d like to buy the bartender a drink instead.
What drinks pair best with traditional British food?
Try a pint of ale, cider, or lager with pub meals, or a glass of wine with your Sunday roast. For something non-alcoholic, go for traditional English breakfast tea or a sparkling elderflower cordial. At dessert, a cup of tea or coffee is always the perfect British finishing touch.
Can you find regional specialties outside their home areas?
Yes — while some dishes are best in their home regions (like Cornish pasties in Cornwall or haggis in Scotland), many restaurants and pubs around the country include regional favourites on their menus. Larger supermarkets also stock traditional foods from across the UK, so you can sample a mix wherever you travel.
Learn More About England
- Everything You Need To Know About Tea Drinking In The UK
- Everything You Need To Know About English Afternoon Tea & High Tea
- Best British Foods You Will Love When You Visit The UK
- How To Have Yourself A Very British Christmas!
Share Me
If you found this post helpful, share it or pin it! It’s one of the best ways to show your support. Thank you!
Gemma Lawrence is a British expat, solo female travel blogger, and the creator of This Brit’s Life — a travel and lifestyle blog that helps women explore the world confidently, live abroad independently, and stay informed about global issues.
Born and raised in England, Gemma has been living in British Columbia, Canada since 2016 and has been traveling solo for over a decade. With a background in journalism and over ten years of experience in digital marketing and communications — including leadership roles with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/BC) — she brings both storytelling and strategy to her writing.
Through her posts, Gemma shares practical solo travel advice, expat insights, and confidence-building resources, while also covering broader topics like women’s rights, democracy, and self-care. Her goal is to inspire independence, awareness, and personal growth — one adventure at a time
