The humble Full English breakfast has officially been named Britain’s most loved dish of all time, beating the traditional Sunday roast and Yorkshire pudding in a nationwide study charting 125 years of changing British tastes.
The research, commissioned by Lurpak to mark its 125th anniversary, reveals that 58% of Brits chose the classic fry-up as their top culinary favourite. The Sunday roast followed closely at 52%, with Yorkshire puddings rounding out the top three at 50%. Other high-ranking staples included sausage and mash (43%), shepherd’s pie (39%), and the Cornish pasty (36%).
According to the survey, comfort remains the driving force behind the nation’s food preferences, with 55% citing it as what they love most about home-cooked meals, and 81% saying classic British dishes are among the best in the world.
However, the findings also highlight an evolving relationship with traditional recipes. Rather than keeping historic dishes frozen in time, 81% of respondents admitted to adding new ingredients or flavours to classic meals, with 72% enjoying an international twist. Among the modern variations gaining popularity are chicken tikka masala pies (20%), Yorkshire pudding burritos (15%), and mashed potatoes made with miso butter (11%).
Regional identity also proved a major source of pride. More than four in ten (43%) noted that their hometown or city is known for a specific local delicacy, with 87% of those stating that their regional dish gives them a sense of local pride.
To celebrate the anniversary, TV chef Simon Rimmer has partnered with the brand to launch a nationwide search for creative home cooks through the new Lurpak® Star Award.
“We all have the recipe we grew up with, but most of us have also got something we do differently,” said Rimmer. “You respect what made a dish great in the first place, then you’re brave enough to put a bit of yourself into it.”
To enter the Lurpak® Star Award, simply share your twist on a classic dish by sending @LurpakUK a direct message on Instagram. The first-ever Lurpak® Star winner will be awarded a prize package of a year’s supply of Lurpak®, a premium cast iron casserole dish, and the chance for Simon Rimmer to try your dish in person as part of the anniversary campaign. You can visit instagram.com/lurpakuk to enter.
Top 10 Favourite British Dishes
- Full English Breakfast (58%)
- Sunday Roast (52%)
- Yorkshire Pudding (50%)
- Sausage and Mash (43%)
- Shepherd’s Pie (39%)
- Cornish Pasty (36%)
- Apple Crumble (35%)
- Toad in the Hole (33%)
- Victoria Sponge Cake (32%)
- Scones / Mince Pies / Sticky Toffee Pudding (tied at 28%)
