English cuisine

English cuisine encompasses the cooking styles, traditions and recipes associated with England. It has distinctive attributes of its own, but also shares much with wider British cuisine, partly through the importation of ingredients and ideas from North America, China, and India during the time of the British Empire and as a result of post-war immigration.

History

The history of English cuisine can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The Anglo-Saxons, who arrived in England after the Romans left, brought with them their own culinary traditions, including the use of herbs and spices, and the roasting of meat on spits. The Norman conquest in the 11th century introduced more refined culinary techniques, while the later Tudor period saw the arrival of new ingredients such as sugar and exotic spices, which were used to create elaborate and highly decorated dishes.

Traditional dishes

Traditional English dishes include Roast beef, which is considered the national dish of England, and Fish and chips, a popular take-away food. Other well-known dishes include Full English breakfast, Shepherd's pie, Cornish pasty, and Chicken tikka masala, which has been described as "a true British national dish".

Modern English cuisine

Modern English cuisine has been influenced by a revival of interest in traditional English cooking, a trend known as the "gastropub" movement, and by the influence of celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. This has led to a greater emphasis on the use of fresh, local ingredients, and a more eclectic approach to combining flavours and techniques from different culinary traditions.

See also

• British cuisine
• Scottish cuisine
• Welsh cuisine
• Irish cuisine

References

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