Chicago – home to deep dish pizza, the Chicago-style hot dog (no ketchup, please!), and amazing cultural foods such as Mexican, Italian, and American BBQ. When I left for Birmingham, England, I knew I would miss the incredible foodstuff from where I grew up. I was told, as most people are, that the food in England isn’t really anything to write home about; however, here I am, writing home to let you know that British dinners (also known as tea) definitely deserves a higher rating in the tourist’s pocket-guide!
Some well-known, quality foods of the area that I have had the pleasure of trying, thanks to the University of Birmingham’s meal-plan option, have been the ‘Cornish Pasty’, a pastry filled with vegetables, diced potatoes and meat, typically ground beef, then shaped into a folded semi-circle and sealed at the top by crimping, or pinching. I had never tried this before, but I was surprised to find that it is sold just about everywhere here and may be one of my favorites! ‘Beef Stew with Yorkshire Pudding’ was the most shocking, as the ‘pudding’ is actually a bread bowl pastry filled with stew and vegetables – and everyone loves it. ‘Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas’, the most popular English meal, is usually breaded cod served with thick cut chips (or, for my fellow Americans, fries!). I have never been corrected more in my life when learning to say chips when ordering what appears to be fries! Mushy peas are just as they sound, mashed up peas. Many people find them a delicious and easier-to-eat alternative to how peas are served at home. ‘Bangers and Mash’ (what?!) is baked sausages with mashed potatoes and gravy drizzled over the top. ‘Cottage and Shepherd’s Pie’, beef and lamb respectively, are pie shaped meals with gravy on the bottom, layered with minced meat and vegetables, usually carrots, peas, and onions, covered with mashed potatoes instead of a doughy crust. And if you aren’t full yet just reading this list – ‘Sunday (Roast) Dinner’ is typically roasted chicken in barbeque sauce, served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, a flavorful and delicious meal!
Since my residence is in Birmingham, I can’t forget to talk about the Indian cuisine here. Birmingham is known for having the best Indian food around, and from my experience, that is definitely true! Two dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Balti (some say it was invented in Birmingham, its name comes from the bucket in which the curry is cooked). These dishes are typically mild and can be found anywhere from the dining hall to street markets to restaurants in the city center.
Hearty, traditional, and overall comfort food with the strangest names, English cuisine is meant to give you plenty of nutrients that sticks. It fills your stomach so you have enough energy to walk all around whichever city you’re in, admiring the history and beautiful sights along the way!