We all know the food stereotypes: Americans chow down on burgers and Brits live off fish and chips. While taste buds are largely a personal — not national — attribute, there are common trends that emerge country-wide. Spoon University writers in the U.S. and U.K. discussed some of the wackiest eating habits popular in their home countries. Flavor profiles were called into question and combinations were hotly debated. Here are seven foods Brits and Americans simply can’t agree on.
UK: Beans on Toast
Beans on toast are about as British as it gets. There is nothing more classic than hot baked beans in thick tomato sauce on heavily-buttered bread for Saturday lunch and it’s an essential component of a proper full English breakfast. They’re quick and versatile — if you’re feeling fancy, you can top it with cheese or an egg (or whatever — it’ll probably work!). Better yet, this staple literally costs less than £1, so it’s definitely a student go-to when we’re waiting for our student loans to come in.
US: Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles has a cult-like following in the States, but not so much anywhere else. Breakfast and dinner foods are great solo; why demean their integrity with a careless combo? Here’s the thing, chicken and waffles are not a haphazard arrangement. They’re delightfully complimentary. Savory chicken on fresh waffles creates the perfect salty-sweet balance, and the addition of syrup or hot sauce takes the meal to a whole new “proud to be an American” level.
UK: Marmite
You either love it or you hate it, but either way, it’s a classic. Eaten sparingly, Marmite can be the dream food. It melts nicely into hot toast and can be used in pretty much any way you can think of. Americans are missing out on a key spread here!
US: Marshmallows on Sweet Potatoes
This is an American Thanksgiving classic for good reason. Sure, it may not be the most intuitive combination. Sweet potatoes: wholesome and substantial. Marshmallows: artificial puffs of sugar and air. However, this entire dish has a warming flavor and sweet demeanor — it tastes like home.
UK: Mushy Peas
I’ll admit it, mushy peas look pretty gross. But they taste heavenly. Mushy peas are the perfect addition to a pie or a good ol’ fish and chips. If you can get past the fact that it looks mildly like vomit gone wrong, they’ll quickly steal a part of your heart.
US: Biscuits (Bread Rolls) and Gravy
First things first: Language 101. Biscuit said in an English accent means cookie, but in an American accent it means a scone-like bread roll. Most Brits like to pair their scones with jam and cream (not meat juice), so biscuits and gravy can be off-putting. However, despite the unsettling look, biscuits and gravy are the epitome of Southern comfort food.
UK: Chips (French Fries) and Curry Sauce
Chips and curry sauce are very much a Northern Brit thing (but don’t get me started on what counts as “Northern”!) — the closer to Scotland you get, the more likely you are to find chips and curry sauce on every menu in every chip shop. It doesn’t quite ignite the same divide that chips and gravy does, but it’s close enough. This dish consists of thick cut chips (fries) drowned in goodness and is ideal after a night out, as well as when you’re stone-cold sober.
The Debate Continues
Brits and Americans might never be able to agree on these weird foods. Some combos will never be fully accepted; many favorites will be overlooked. Whether you align more with British or American taste palettes, remember, we’re all just foodies looking for some good eats. Let’s agree to disagree!