Best uniquely local foods in London and Edinburgh

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trixielou
trixielou

American friends are taking their first trip to the UK (and 1st to Europe) next Spring and would like to try some things that are quintesentially British. The obvious ones are things like a High Tea, an Indian curry (ok, not just London, but very common), Stickey Toffee Pudding, Steak and Kidney Pie, etc. Those are a few I thought of. Some brand names like Lucozade would be new and novel to them as well.

They will have cooking facilities in both cities and want to try some local dishes. Maybe you are from one of these cities and have a favorite food you always get when you go home. A co-worker once begged me to bring back Malteasers and meat pies. I know many of these are now available from online food shops, but what woudl you suggest they try while they are there?

Things unique to some areas in the US are wild rice (Minnesota), Deep Dish Pizza (Chicago), Po' Boys (Louisiana) or Lobster Rolls (Maine). Thanks for the tips!

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pumuckel
pumuckel

For Edingburgh Haggis should be on the list
http://www.gumbopages.com/food/scottish/haggis.html

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phoggi
phoggi

Deep fried Mars bars too.

In London a liver & bacon casserole in a greasy spoon cafe should be an unforgettable experience. Jellied eels, pork pies & pickled eggs are classic snacks (though I fail to see why!).

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vinnyd
vinnyd

Spaghetti on toast. (spaghetti hoops -- Spahettti-o's -- heated and put on buttered white toast. I'm not making that up. Tinned baked beans on buttered toast also. And Marmiite (spent brewer's yeast mixed with an equal amount of salt), again on buttered white toast.

I'm afraid you'll think I'm pulling your leg but ask a Brit.

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yaofeng
yaofeng

You don't want to miss fish and chips of course.

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fieldgate
fieldgate

things that are quintesentially British. The obvious ones are things like a High Tea, an Indian curry

It sounds like there's a contradiction in it, but, yes, Indian food has become part of the national cuisine in Britain, and even more common than fish & chips.
If you want to start the day with something British-British, it should be the full English breakfast. It could be cosidered too fat and heavy, but it's still part of the British culinary tradition.
During the day a pub lunch with an ale or cider will be suitable. Try ploughman's and bangers & mash.

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sashac001
sashac001

As an American who has only eat British food at Gatwick airport, they should have sausages. The English breakfast we had there included the most amazing sausages. I don't know what kind they were but I figure if they're that good in an airport, they should be eaten elsewhere, as I plan to do if I ever stay longer.

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bandraboy
bandraboy

I'm a Londoner and you can't get more London local than this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pie_and_mash

100% total mouthgasm

Guide:

http://www.londoneats.com/search/dosearch.asp?Rest_FoodType=Pie%20and%20Mash

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tony0001
tony0001

American friends are taking their first trip to the UK (and 1st to Europe) next Spring and would like to try some things that are quintesentially British.

I'm trying, and failing, to come with something that satisfies this criterion - other than fish'n'chips.

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anonymous
anonymous

Curried Chicken and Chips
Cold Pork Pies
Jock Bumnuts
Bubble and Squeak

Where does one stop regaling the best of one of the greatest cuisines on the planet?

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