Cover Apple pie is of British origin (Photo: Unsplash)
Apple pie is of British origin (Photo: Unsplash)
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From apple pie to chocolate bars, we’re taking a look at some dishes you probably didn’t know were British creations
When you think of British cuisine, images of fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, steaming cups of tea, and hearty Sunday roasts likely come to mind. On the flip side, you might think of more controversial delicacies like jellied eels, black pudding, or haggis. You might not immediately consider widely loved comfort foods and lunchbox staples like apple pie or sandwiches—and understandably so.
The origins of dishes from around the world are some of the most confusing pieces of history out there. From everyday foods named after British aristocrats to cocktails that may have been created by a supermodel, we’re exploring the depths of British dishes and the backstories behind them.
Read more: 5 dishes you didn’t know were American inventions
Apple pie
Above Apple pie with a lattice crust (Photo: Dupe Photos)
Apple pie with a lattice crust (Photo: Dupe Photos)
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The saying “as American as apple pie,” may not mean anything at all. The first instance of apple pie was documented in a 14th-century collection of medieval English recipes before apples were even introduced to North America. The recipe called for apples, spices, figs, and raisins to be coloured with saffron and encased in pastry.
The dessert was then brought to America by European settlers and made its official debut in American cuisine with the publication of America’s first cookbook, American Cookery, in 1796.
Sandwiches
Above A sandwich with cured meats (Photo: Unsplash)
A sandwich with cured meats (Photo: Unsplash)
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Despite being one of the easiest meals to prepare, sandwiches supposedly have noble beginnings. Sandwiches, or forms of sandwiches, have existed for thousands of years with filled flatbreads having long histories in the Mediterranean. The most popular origin story of the lunchbox staples, as we know them, seems to take place in 18th-century England.
John Montagu, also known as the 4th Earl of Sandwich is said to have asked for a portion of roast beef to be served in two slices of beef so he could easily eat with his hand. The dish then became popular and was named after Montagu. That being said, no one can accurately prove that he invented the dish but he did name it.
See also: Get to know the duo behind 2nd Breakfast
Espresso martinis
Above Espresso martinis (Photo: Dupe Photos)
Espresso martinis (Photo: Dupe Photos)
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Despite its use of Italian ingredients, the invention of espresso martinis can be pinpointed to a British bartender. Created by Dick Bradsell in London, the drink has only been around since the late 1980s.
Some have claimed that Kate Moss inadvertently led to the creation of the espresso martini, supposedly asking Bradsell for a drink that would wake her up. Bradsell then made use of a nearby coffee machine, combining espresso with vodka—an extremely trendy spirit at the time.
Chocolate bars
Above A bar of chocolate (Photo: Unsplash)
A bar of chocolate (Photo: Unsplash)
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Before chocolate bars were welcomed to the world, chocolate was mostly consumed as a beverage. This changed in Bristol in 1847 when Joseph Fry devised a technique that would allow a mixture of cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa to have a higher amount of cocoa butter and be more easily shaped into bars.
Fry is hailed as the creator of chocolate bars as we know it. It was only after his invention that the founder of Cadbury incorporated chocolate bars into the brand.
Don’t miss: 6 local chocolate brands you should know
Ice cream cones
Above Stacks of ice cream cones (Photo: Unsplash)
Stacks of ice cream cones (Photo: Unsplash)
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We may not think much of this food, but it undoubtedly adds a touch of whimsy to one of the world’s most popular desserts—ice cream. The origin of ice cream cones is a point of contention for most historians, with rolled wafers dating back to Ancient Rome and Greece despite no evidence existing that these treats were used in dessert. Some claim the French invented ice cream cones, with French recipe books depicting rolled waffles in 1825.
The earliest concrete evidence of ice cream cones, used specifically for frozen desserts, is of British origin. In the 1888 recipe book Mrs A. B. Marshall's Book of Cookery, conical pastries make an appearance as part of a larger iced dessert, with some of the cones being filled with ice cream. However, in 1904 at the St Louis World’s Fair, Ernest A. Hamwi curled waffle cookies into a vessel for ice cream to replace paper cups, leading Hamwi to be more popularly known as the creator of ice cream cones.
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About
Chelsea is a Dining Writer for Tatler Malaysia. When she’s not eating or writing about eating, she’s probably deciphering which oat milks froth the best for homemade flat whites.
Work
Chelsea writes about where to find great food and is passionate about exploring the cultural significance of different cuisines.
