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Post by jno on Feb 20, 2017 5:01:03 GMT
Living outside the UK for many years, one of the most frequently criticised aspects of the country I hear from returning visitors there is about the food. Ok, not everyone dislikes it but many seem to and this is often a topic of conversation. Whether this is true or not is absolutely a matter of opinion and for me is all about what one is 'used to'.
However, if you had to say which UK food/dish was your least favourite, which would it be and why?
Pick 2 for starters!
Also, are any of these really an international embarrassment worthy of condemnation and striking off the list of UK foods and dishes? If you had to pick one you wouldn't want a foreign visitor to have to suffer, which would you like to see gone? Pick another one!
Thus PICK THREE in total ... your 2 least favourites + 1 you would least like foreign visitors to the UK to have to endure.
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Post by felixdeburgh on Feb 20, 2017 6:11:03 GMT
Jellied eels and faggotts I can't stomach but I cannot abide curry or anything too spicy so chicken tikka masala gets my condemnation vote. The rest of the list sounds lovely though  |
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Post by ace5150 on Feb 20, 2017 7:23:13 GMT
Far too many traditional items missing. Dumplings for a start. Tapioca, semolina......
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Post by ace5150 on Feb 20, 2017 8:59:22 GMT
Marmite is a yeast extract, hardly food.
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Post by Zimbo on Feb 20, 2017 16:01:28 GMT
I've never tried Jellied Eels. I don't particularly dislike any of the foods mentioned, although I wouldn't hurry to choose Trifle.
My dislikes are any type of game (venison, pheasant, etc) and salmon. I like any fish apart from salmon, which has an awful texture and taste.
Some of the foods can vary in individual quality. Most chip shops nowadays tend to serve chips that are barely cooked. I'm grateful to one near me (not the closest) that does serve them nearly Brown.
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Post by gustav on Feb 20, 2017 17:00:14 GMT
Most of the things on there I would happily eat and indeed have eaten in large quantities over the years. The only exceptions really would be the c¤ck-er-nee delicacies jellied eels and pie and mash which do look disgusting but I have never tasted. Pie and mash sounds all right but involves some kind of repulsive liquid I believe. Perhaps something that could be added as an unpleasant food would be tripe. I have never had that either although looking at it makes you feel a bit ill.
But it is funny to see non-British perceptions of the culinary habits of this country. A few years ago I attended a breakfast meeting in a Belfast hotel with a Kentucky State senator. He was served what is known here as an Ulster Fry, which is more or less the same as a Full English/Irish breakfast ie a lot of fried stuff. He regarded his plate with the kind of distrust you would reserve for a hand grenade.
There is an episode of Frasier where Daphne says that her boyfriend Donny has brought her a basket of her favourite English foods, just like she had in Manchester. She names these as "blood pudding, jellied eels and kidney pie". Kidney pie often gets referenced on Frasier I don't know which English restaurants the writers were eating in. I can't imagine black pudding is such a terrible thing compared to the many types of sausage available in Europe, although calling it 'blood pudding' makes it sound worse.
But I can't vote for anything here, the only two things that I would be wary of I have never tasted.
But who in the world can object to trifle?
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Post by bensonrad on Feb 20, 2017 17:05:34 GMT
Only thing there I don't like is Scotch Eggs, and that's only because I don't like hardboiled eggs. One thing I hate is Liver, is that a UK special? never tried Eels, so can't comment on those yet. I like Faggots, they were legendary chef Keith Floyds favourite food item, so were on thing I sought out to try.
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Post by Zimbo on Feb 20, 2017 17:34:35 GMT
Can't understand why anyone doesn't like faggots. Ones from butchers are much better than Mr. Brains. Black pudding is also great. I understand why people wouldn't want to try it.
Mrs Zimbo once tried to eat tripe as a child, she found it spongy and unchewable in texture.
Agree with Bensonrad, liver is not very nice.
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Post by daz on Feb 20, 2017 19:18:46 GMT
I cannot believe Bubble and Squeak is on the list AND someone has voted for it! I am outraged and sending a strongly worded letter to the Daily Mail. I would happily sell my wife and kids for a bowl of Bubble and Squeak, I made a big bowl of this tonight for tommorows supper. I haven't eaten meat for over 25 years, but I remember the taste of Steak and Kidney, yuk, I remember making steak and kidney pies in the bakery as well and that was worse. Fish I detest with a passion and always have. My family all worked in the fishing industry and I hate the taste, the smell, everything about fish. Roast meats, I hated Sunday as a kid getting fed this muck, as soon as I left school I gave up meat. Jellies eels sounds disgusting, but have never tried it. I know some folk who love it though. |
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Post by Arch Stanton on Feb 20, 2017 19:47:55 GMT
I'm at a bit of a loss on this Death Match. I don't know how to vote, it's got me totally stumped. At first I was gonna vote for all the sweet stuff because I don't have a sweet tooth at all.. But then I reckon I'd eat anything off that list if I was hungry or it simply took my fancy. Even degenerate filth like jellied eels and marmite (which I haven't had in years so am not allowed an opinion on, so jno tells me!  ) I would eat, especially if I'd had a few beers. If you ask me it's all good. |
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Post by ace5150 on Feb 20, 2017 19:48:49 GMT
Most chip shops nowadays tend to serve chips that are barely cooked. I'm grateful to one near me (not the closest) that does serve them nearly Brown. Dirty oil. Trust me. |
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Post by Arch Stanton on Feb 20, 2017 19:49:38 GMT
My family all worked in the fishing industry and I hate the taste, the smell, everything about fish. Daz, did you vote against fish & chips?  |
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Post by ace5150 on Feb 20, 2017 19:51:18 GMT
Marmite is a yeast extract, hardly food. You like twiglets? I love them. Baked in marmite you'd you believe? |
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Post by ace5150 on Feb 20, 2017 19:56:27 GMT
I would happily sell my wife and kids for a bowl of Bubble and Squeak, I made a big bowl of this tonight for tommorows supper. PROPER B&S has streaky bacon diced up in it. I don't bother with that nonsense, left over Savoy cabbage, mash and sprouts is all you need, along with a pinch of nutmeg in the mash. |
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Post by ace5150 on Feb 20, 2017 19:59:09 GMT
Thankfully, no one old enough here to nominate sweet meats or brain. Ask your parents.
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Post by ace5150 on Feb 20, 2017 20:01:02 GMT
Can't understand why anyone doesn't like faggots. Ones from butchers are much better than Mr. Brains. Black pudding is also great. I understand why people wouldn't want to try it. Mrs Zimbo once tried to eat tripe as a child, she found it spongy and unchewable in texture. Agree with Bensonrad, liver is not very nice. I am the polar opposite, I absolutely adore liver and always have it if it is on the menu when we go out. Faggots I really can't take to. Panfried in clarified butter with streaky bacon or braised in gravy with onions? |
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Post by jno on Feb 21, 2017 5:12:10 GMT
Not a fan of Marmite then here?  I must confess (like them Wurzels say's down in the west country) "I lays it on thick" when I get my toast. That said, it is terrible for gout as apparently full of purines ... so get a barge pole out if you have the occasional bout of this after an expensive night out. It's inclusion here is solely based on many years being abroad chatting to foreigners who have visited the UK - this one (along with 'why the hell do you guys eat baked beans for breakfast?') often comes up in conversation. Apparently Heinz Baked Beans in the UK have a slightly higher sugar content than those I can buy locally where I am. I have compared tin for tin and I am sure it is the case - they do taste better in a UK tin. Same with 'Smarties' - these are nicer in the UK despite the tubes looking exactly the same. The Germans and the Austrians do "Blutwurst" in Europe - all pretty much the same as black pudding. I agree with Zimbo about the inconsistency from one place to the next. This can be a real nuisance but I'm pretty sure that is the case everywhere except perhaps McDonald's who aim for their consistent product. Liver and kidney make me chunder.  |
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Post by Arch Stanton on Feb 21, 2017 7:37:21 GMT
Right I voted for two at the moment. I haven't decided what I'd try to torture a Johnny Foreigner with yet!
1) Cream Teas.
These are about as naff as they come. Appealing only to old biddies and sad old nisses. Fussing over at what point they should put the jam on to a scone and cream - in order to appear the most geographically traditional.
If I'd actually had that lobotomy the last time my doctor suggested it, then this would be my food of choice.
Bland, sweet and chintzy. Not for me.
2) Chicken Tikka Masala.
The curry of choice for absolute wimps the world over, who had it once coz they were scared of trying a 'real' curry and have never dared try anything different off the menu since.
If you opt for chicken tikka masala when you go into a curry house you should be ashamed, because trust me, all the other diners and workers there are laughing at you... Admittedly not laughing at you as badly as they are laughing at the guy that ordered the 'steak and chips' off the menu, but still they know the consumer of the chicken tikka masala is an unadventurous girls blouse!
Have you ever met anyone that has tried every dish on an Indian menu, who then always opts chicken tikka masala, because they found that to be the best curry? No, me either, because that person doesn't exist!
True fact: the name chicken tikka masala doesn't actually refer to the type of meat found in the dish, but rather the character of the person ordering it.
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Post by Zimbo on Feb 21, 2017 8:00:28 GMT
Very true about Chicken Tikka Masala, Arch! One of the most horrifying things I saw in an Indian restaurant was when I saw a couple both ordering chicken Korma!!!
I like my Indian with plenty of onion, garlic, ginger and green chillis, then I wonder why nobody comes near me!!!
On the subject of Heinz baked beans (sorry, Beanz) I think they are one of the weakest on the market. Thin, artificial tasting sauce, I much prefer Branston's. The best used to be HP beans, but they were taken over by Heinz and the tins you get in pound shops are in fact the Heinz Beanz.
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Post by daz on Feb 21, 2017 19:44:37 GMT
A deep fried Mars bar isn't as bad as you may think, I never tried the pizza, but you can basically get anything fried up here nowadays.
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Post by daz on Feb 21, 2017 19:45:58 GMT
I would happily sell my wife and kids for a bowl of Bubble and Squeak, I made a big bowl of this tonight for tommorows supper. PROPER B&S has streaky bacon diced up in it. I don't bother with that nonsense, left over Savoy cabbage, mash and sprouts is all you need, along with a pinch of nutmeg in the mash. I never knew it has bacon in it, I always thought it was leftover veg only, but I think I can see why bacon would be used in it. |
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Post by daz on Feb 21, 2017 19:49:03 GMT
Cauli is one of my favourite veg, I have a huge one in the cupboard at the moment and unsure whether to make Cauli Cheese, vegan style or curry it.
Baked beans are great also and I have to say Lidl sell my favourite ones.
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Post by Arch Stanton on Feb 21, 2017 20:39:32 GMT
Is that because you only have to heat em up?  |
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Post by ace5150 on Feb 22, 2017 12:33:58 GMT
I can't stand liver either,but I love lambs hearts.Believe it or not they are best cooked in the microwave where they come out really juicy and flavoursome.Cover them up though because they do pop and spit a lot. There's not much I won't eat really,including jellied eels which I also like. Tinned spaghetti I would have chosen but are they lumped in with baked beans,which are great? I choose one, bread and butter pudding.Anything involving soggy bread turns my stomach.Hands up who dips their toast in their tea! Two,cauliflower cheese.It's just boring after about the 3rd mouthful. Three,the national embarrassment dish,is toad in the hole.Sausages are ok,yorkshire pud is ok.Together is too much grease. Cauli is one of my favourite veg, I have a huge one in the cupboard at the moment and unsure whether to make Cauli Cheese, vegan style or curry it. Baked beans are great also and I have to say Lidl sell my favourite ones. Blanch your cauliflower florets, refresh in cold water. Make a batter, adding Cajun spices. Cover florets in flour, then batter mix and deep fry. Shake off excess oil, bake in oven for 5 mins. You will love it. |
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Post by Portland Road on Feb 24, 2017 8:30:30 GMT
PROPER B&S has streaky bacon diced up in it. I don't bother with that nonsense, left over Savoy cabbage, mash and sprouts is all you need, along with a pinch of nutmeg in the mash. I never knew it has bacon in it, I always thought it was leftover veg only, but I think I can see why bacon would be used in it. In the past, there were many meals created from food that was 'left-over'. This was due to a lack of affluence, rationing etc. It wasn't all bad - there was some creativity for good meals, and nothing was wasted. P.S. I didn't know bacon was in B&S. Good idea, a good use for a pack of bacon lardons. |
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Post by daz on Feb 26, 2017 11:39:39 GMT
I never knew it has bacon in it, I always thought it was leftover veg only, but I think I can see why bacon would be used in it. In the past, there were many meals created from food that was 'left-over'. This was due to a lack of affluence, rationing etc. It wasn't all bad - there was some creativity for good meals, and nothing was wasted. P.S. I didn't know bacon was in B&S. Good idea, a good use for a pack of bacon lardons. I detest wasting food, I try to use up all the leftover veg, by making stews, soups, stir frys, curries, just anything I can think of. I also have now qualms about eating the same meal 3 or 4 nights in a row, much to my wifes fury, she doesn't do leftovers. JUst out of interest has anyone on here ever sampled the Scottish delicacy 'Stovies' ? www.scottish-at-heart.com/stovies.htmlSOmething I always enjoyed and for some reason I hated it with meat in it, long before I became veggie. Oatcakes and Beetroot are what you serve with your Stovies. |
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Post by Portland Road on Feb 27, 2017 8:23:13 GMT
I don't like wasting food either. There is a lot of creativity in using up fresh food that would otherwise be wasted  |
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rjc77
One Of Your Own
Posts: 117 
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Post by rjc77 on May 13, 2017 20:44:28 GMT
My most hated foods are (in no particular rank order);
Eggs (of all varieties-scrambled the worst!)
Tinned/cooked tomatoes (although fresh/raw toms are tolerable in small doses)
Ham (Yuk!)
Liver (Yuk again!)
Rice pudding/Semolina/Tapioca (the stuff of school pudding nightmares)
Cheese and potato pie (the stuff of school dinner nightmares)
Salt and vinegar crisps (Gawd awful stench and taste)
Gag! BLEUGGHH! (lol)
RJC.
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Post by ltd on May 14, 2017 9:51:20 GMT
Far too many traditional items missing. Dumplings for a start. Tapioca, semolina...... Was semolina the stuff that used to look like Frogspawn? Tapioca I think was like polyfilla. Possibly I've got them the wrong way round. Both a regular fixture of 1970s school dinners. Both utterly vile. They get my vote. |
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Post by wayne2467 on May 27, 2017 16:54:12 GMT
Cauliflower cheese is pretty revolting and so is macaroni cheese😷😷😷😷😷😷😷👎👎👎👎
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) I would eat, especially if I'd had a few beers.
