When you are learning English you will probably be watching a lot of movies with American actors and listening to a lot of American music. It is very common for people learning English to actually learn American English rather than the more traditional BBC style British English. English people certainly have a lot in common with Americans and share many of the same traditions, music, books, movies and more. But one thing that is often very different is the food. While everyone loves a Pizza or a Burger there are some very British foods that American people don’t like or even understand.
Even though people in Britain and America both speak English, their food habits are very different – just like some of their words!
Let’s talk about some yummy British foods that might surprise American friends and also some American foods that are not so popular in Britain.
Marmite is a spread that British people love to put on toast or mix into porridge. It has a very strong taste – salty and yeasty. Some Americans find the taste (and smell) strange, but Brits think it’s delicious! It’s definitely a love-it-or-hate-it kind of food.
Black pudding is a breakfast food. It’s not a pudding like a dessert! It’s a type of sausage made with pig’s blood, oatmeal, and spices. Many Brits eat it as part of a big breakfast called a Full English Breakfast. Americans might think the ingredients are unusual, but Brits love it.
A Scotch egg is a snack with a hard-boiled egg inside sausage meat, covered with breadcrumbs, and baked or fried. Brits often eat these at picnics or as a snack. Americans might not be used to this mix of flavours, but it’s a favourite in Britain.
And also….
This is a tangy and sweet relish made with vegetables, vinegar, and spices. Brits love to add Branston Pickle to their sandwiches to make them tastier. Americans might find it unusual, but in Britain, it’s a game changer for sandwiches.
This is made from mashed potatoes and leftover vegetables, fried together. It’s a clever way to use up extra food. Brits enjoy it, but Americans might scratch their heads at the idea of mixing these foods.
This is a classic American sandwich with peanut butter and sweet fruit jelly. Brits enjoy peanut butter, but putting jelly with it might seem strange to them.
Root beer is a fizzy drink that Americans love, but many Brits think it tastes like medicine! It’s a flavor that hasn’t caught on in Britain yet.
British and American tastes in food are as different as the Atlantic Ocean is wide. But trying these different foods can tickle your taste buds and teach you more about each other’s cultures.
If you want to learn more about British and American differences, check out the Perfectly Spoken British v American English course. Happy eating and happy learning!
FOOD WORD DEFINITIONS
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