As the saying goes, "food is the first necessity of the people." Among the basic necessities of life, food occupies a significant position, especially for international students studying abroad. British cuisine has a long history, and for those who are studying abroad from Hong Kong to the UK, understanding British food customs and culture will help them better integrate into local life. Cyclopes will introduce the characteristics and history of British cuisine, hoping to help you in your study abroad journey.
Source: Unsplash
The history of British cuisine can be traced back to the ancient Roman period
The history of British cuisine can be traced back to the ancient Roman period when the Roman Empire ruled England and had a profound influence on local food customs. The Romans introduced their food choices and cooking techniques, such as baking bread and brewing beer, which led to the diversification of British cuisine. In the medieval period, Britain became known for its excellent livestock industry, producing rich meats, and with the average Briton having decent grilling skills, various grilled meats became a common dish.
Influenced by European countries such as France and the Netherlands, British cuisine gradually developed into a rich and diverse style.
With the expansion of the British Empire, British cuisine absorbed characteristics from around the world. The East India Company introduced spices, tea, sugar, and other ingredients to Britain, adding new elements to British cuisine. Even today, tea culture and afternoon tea are still popular in Britain. In addition, immigrants during the colonial period brought their food customs to Britain, making British cuisine even more diverse. For example, the Indian community, which is a significant part of the British population, brought curry culture to Britain, and now authentic Indian curry can be found in many cities in the UK.
Source: Unsplash
British food characteristics: How many meals are eaten in a day?
Breakfast
British people place a great emphasis on breakfast, and the traditional English breakfast includes bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and bread. Additionally, the British like to drink tea or coffee during breakfast. International students living in the UK may need to adapt to this hearty breakfast style, as having breakfast can keep them full for half a day.
Source: Unsplash
Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is a significant part of British cuisine and is a moment that showcases the elegant lifestyle of the British. The traditional English afternoon tea includes tea, sandwiches, cakes, and scones. Don't assume that having afternoon tea is always an expensive indulgence; in fact, ordinary people will also go to local cafes during afternoon tea time to order a scone and a cup of coffee. Hong Kong students studying in the UK can also taste authentic British afternoon tea.
Source: Unsplash
Main course
Many people say that bread and potatoes are the main staple foods of British cuisine. In fact, if you go out to a restaurant, grilled meats or fish, pasta, pizza, and other dishes are all common main course options, and potatoes are often served as a side dish. If you are a starch lover, you'll be pleased to know that potatoes are cooked in many different ways, such as baked potatoes, french fries, and potato pancakes.
Source: Unsplash
Traditional British cuisine is worth trying, but there are also many international cuisine options available in daily life in the UK.
Source: Unsplash
The UK has many traditional foods that are representative of British cuisine, such as fish and chips, meat pies, and Scottish eggs. These dishes are often presented in simple cooking styles and have rich flavors, making them worth trying. If you are worried about not being able to adapt to the food, most cities in the UK offer international dining options. With increasing immigration and globalization, British cuisine has become more diverse. Hong Kong students studying in the UK can taste cuisine from all over the world, including specialties from India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and of course, Chinese food, including the increasing number of Hong Kong-style cafes.
Source: Unsplash
Additionally, British people are known for enjoying drinking, especially beer. The bar culture in the UK is very unique, as local pubs are not only places to drink but also gathering places for friends and exchanging ideas. There are many traditional beer brands and breweries in the UK, where you can taste authentic British beer.
Dining etiquette in the UK
Mealtime
British people typically have breakfast between 7 and 9 am, or a rich brunch around 11 am, and start dinner between 6 and 8 pm. After dinner, they might go to a pub to have a beer and chat with family or friends.
The tipping system
When dining in a restaurant in the UK, it is customary to pay around 10% of the bill as a service charge at the end of the meal. However, some restaurants may have already included the service charge on the bill, in which case there is no need to pay an additional tip.
In conclusion, British cuisine has a rich history and unique characteristics, and there are diverse food options in the UK. For students studying abroad from Hong Kong, understanding and adapting to British dining habits can help them better integrate into British life. I hope this blog post has been helpful, and I wish you a happy campus life in the UK!
