17 Jan 2024
Are you a foodie who enjoys cultural exploration? Have you ever wondered about dining customs in the United Kingdom? And, if you're a Gambian living abroad, are you looking for a way to assist your loved ones back home while learning about the culinary heritage abroad? Look no further, for this blog is your one-stop shop for UK Food and Dining Traditions, with a special emphasis on money transfers online to Gambia!
According to a 2019 report by the British Hospitality Association, the food and drink industry in the UK is worth £130 billion and employs over 3.2 million people.
The United Kingdom is a melting pot of various civilizations, and its cuisine scene reflects this diversity. The UK offers a gastronomic experience that will tickle your taste buds, from hearty breakfasts to cozy pub fare and sophisticated fine dining.
Grab a cup of tea and prepare to embark on a culinary tour across the UK's food and eating traditions.
Here is your guide to the UK’s cuisine and dining traditions that are essential for you to know as a Gambian expat living in the UK.
Let's begin with the most crucial meal of the day, breakfast. The full English breakfast is a British culinary staple that will provide you with the energy you need for a day of touring.
Bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and black custard are typical ingredients. Bread, fried bread, and hash browns are frequently provided as side dishes. There are also vegetarian options. Several cafés and restaurants serve breakfast all day, so you can eat it whenever you like.
The first fish and chip shop in the UK opened in London in 1860; since then, it has been an absolute staple. Fish and chips is a traditional British dish that dates back to the nineteenth century. It is made up of battered and deep-fried fish (typically cod or haddock), chips (thick-cut fries), and tartar sauce. Fish and chips can be found in many taverns and seafood restaurants, and it's sometimes served wrapped in newspaper for a classic touch.
A Sunday roast is a traditional British meal that includes roasted meat (typically beef, hog, or chicken), roasted potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire custard (a type of savory pastry). It's usually served on Sundays at pubs and restaurants, and it's a great way to get a feel for the warm and comfortable ambiance of a traditional British pub.
The UK is known for its tea culture and consumes over 100 million cups of tea per day. Afternoon tea is a must-do if you want to have a truly British experience. It's a 19th-century custom that normally includes tea, scones, clotted cream, jam, and a range of sandwiches and sweets.
Afternoon tea is available at many hotels and tea houses, and it's the ideal way to indulge in a little luxury and leisure.
The UK has over 50,000 pubs, with the oldest one dating back to the 12th century. Pubs are an important aspect of British culture, and they frequently serve hearty comfort food that is ideal for a chilly, wet day.
Bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes), steak and ale pie, and cottage pie are also popular recipes (a beef and vegetable pie topped with mashed potatoes). There are also vegetarian and vegan options available, and many pubs provide a variety of craft beers and ciders to drink it all down.
Pubs are the casual hub for fun and relaxation. You can even do your remaining work or send money to Gambia while enjoying the scrumptious meal.
If you want a more upmarket eating experience, the United Kingdom has lots to offer. The fine dining scene in London, in particular, is growing, with several Michelin-starred restaurants to pick from.
These restaurants serve innovative and inventive dishes produced from the finest ingredients, and the service is frequently flawless. Costs can be high, but it's an excellent way to treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.
There are a few things to remember when it comes to dining etiquette in the United Kingdom. To begin, cutlery is commonly used for most meals, even sandwiches. Cut your food into little pieces with the knife and fork, then eat it using the fork.
Second, it is courteous to wait until everyone has been served before beginning to eat. Finally, it is normal to tip roughly 10-15% at restaurants. However, this is not often expected in pubs and cafes.
Nothing matches the United Kingdom when it comes to exploring different cuisines and culinary traditions. There's something for everyone, from hearty English breakfasts to traditional fish & chips. Yet, for Gambians living overseas, the excitement of tasting new dishes can be tempered by concern about how to send funds to loved ones residing back home.
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You should try classics like Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, and a traditional Afternoon Tea with scones, clotted cream, and jam. Exploring local specialties in different regions is also a great way to discover unique British flavors.
In the UK, dining etiquette often includes using utensils for most meals, saying "please" and "thank you" to the server, and maintaining a more reserved tone during meals. Tipping is customary, and it's polite to wait for everyone to be served before eating.
Try Sticky Toffee Pudding, Bread and Butter Pudding, and traditional British cakes like Victoria Sponge and Bakewell Tart. You can also explore a variety of chocolates, fudge, and biscuits (cookies) during your visit.
Yes, the UK offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options. Look for restaurants with specific menus or labels indicating vegetarian and vegan choices. Many places also offer plant-based versions of traditional dishes.
To fully immerse yourself, consider taking cooking classes to learn how to prepare British dishes, visit local food markets to sample regional products, and attend food festivals and events. Engage with locals to learn about their food traditions and recommendations.
