When visiting England as an American (or vice versa), it’s helpful to know the correct way to refer to different foods.
If an American were to order biscuits or chips at a restaurant in England, they would likely be surprised by what they were served. The culinary terminology and tastes of these two cultures vary in significant ways.
Let’s explore the differences between English and American foods, providing some cultural background along the way.
Cookies
In the U.K., “biscuits” are what Americans refer to as cookies, sparking debates about terminology when discussing sweet, baked treats. British biscuits are often denser, thinner, crispier, and less sweet than their American cookie counterparts.
Bacon
American bacon is typically made from pork belly and is known for its crispy, fatty qualities, whereas British bacon is cut from the back and includes more meat, resembling what Americans might call Canadian bacon. The difference in texture and fat content leads to divergent preferences, with Americans favoring crispiness and Brits opting for a meatier chew.
Pancakes
American pancakes are thick, fluffy, and often served in stacks with syrup and butter, while traditional British pancakes are closer to what Americans might recognize as crepes, being thinner and less sweet. The British serve theirs with sugar and lemon juice rather than maple syrup.
Chips
In America, “chips” refer to what the British call “crisps”—thin, crispy slices of potato served in a bag. In contrast, British “chips” are thick-cut fries, typically served with fish and often accompanied by vinegar.
Pies
Americans generally associate pies with sweetness, such as apple, served as a dessert. The British pie tradition leans heavily towards savory options filled with meats and vegetables, like steak and kidney or chicken and mushroom, which are typically served as a main course.
Gravy
In the U.S., gravy is often a thick, meat-based sauce made from pan drippings, flour, and milk or cream. British gravy, by comparison, is thinner, darker, and made primarily with meat stock and thickened with cornstarch or gravy powder.
Cheese
American cheese, especially the pre-sliced variety, is often derided by Brits for its artificiality and texture, which is perceived as less natural compared to European cheeses. British cheeses, such as Cheddar, Stilton, or Red Leicester, are celebrated for their richness and depth of flavor.
Chocolate
American chocolates generally contain a higher sugar content and a smoother, creamier texture, while British chocolates tend to be richer in cocoa and less sweet. This distinction often leads to Brits finding American chocolate overly sweet and gritty, whereas Americans might find British chocolate too bitter.
Beans on Toast
A quintessentially British dish, beans on toast is exactly what it sounds like—sautéed beans in tomato sauce served on toasted bread. Americans often find this combination peculiar. However, in Britain, it’s a beloved comfort food.
Black Pudding
Black pudding, a type of blood sausage that is a staple in a traditional full English breakfast, often horrifies Americans with its main ingredient—blood. In Britain, it’s appreciated for its rich, savory flavor and is considered a delicacy.
Cornbread
Cornbread in the U.S. is a staple in Southern cooking, known for its sweet, dense texture. The British, however, do not generally have a direct equivalent to American-style cornbread and often find it oddly sweet for bread.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is beloved by Americans, used in everything from sandwiches to desserts. While it’s available in the U.K., it’s not nearly as prevalent, with many Brits finding the combination of peanut butter and jelly particularly odd.
Sweet Tea
In the southern United States, sweet tea is an essential part of every meal, brewed strong and sweetened generously. The British version of tea is typically hot, less sweet, and often served with a splash of milk.
Hot Dogs
American hot dogs served in a bun with various condiments are iconic in the U.S., especially at sporting events and barbecues. In contrast, the British might enjoy sausages in a similar bun but with different seasonings and names, like bangers, and with less emphasis on toppings.
Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy, a Southern US staple, consists of soft dough biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. British people often find the concept unusual, as biscuits in the U.K. generally refer to what Americans call cookies.
Macaroni and Cheese
In the U.S., macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food, often served from a box as a quick meal. In the U.K., while mac and cheese exist, it’s usually less central to the diet and typically features a sharper, stronger cheese flavor.
S’mores
S’mores, a campfire treat made from graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows, are a quintessential part of American outdoor experiences. This treat is largely unknown in the U.K., where the ingredients are not as commonly available, and the practice of eating sweets around a fire is less common. The cultural ritual of making s’mores is thus a novel concept to many Brits.
Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is part of American coastal cuisine. British seafood dishes often lean towards clearer, broth-based soups like Cullen Skink. The creamy, hearty texture of American clam chowder contrasts with British preferences for seafood preparations.
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings, a spicy American bar food, are coated in hot sauce and butter. While spicy wings are eaten in the U.K., the specific style and preparation of Buffalo wings, along with their serving with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, are uniquely American. This dish’s intense flavor and messiness are sometimes seen as overly bold and informal in British dining.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin pie, a must-have on American tables during Thanksgiving, encapsulates the flavors of fall with its spiced, creamy filling. The British, however, rarely use pumpkin in desserts, preferring fruit-based pies.
Grits
Often served with butter and cheese, grits is a dish made from ground corn and popular in the Southern United States. In Britain, the closest equivalent would be polenta, but grits are not commonly found or consumed.
Jell-O
Jell-O is a nostalgic food item for many Americans, often used in desserts and salads. The British counterpart, jelly, is similar but typically used more sparingly and not in the same creative or savory contexts as in the U.S.
Root Beer
Many Brits dislike root beer, comparing its flavor to medicinal products like cough syrup. This stark difference in palate can be surprising to Americans who view root beer as a popular treat.
