Best British cuisine is humble portion of fish and chips, survey reveals

THE best British cuisine is a humble portion of fish and chips, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found the next most popular UK-based foods were a Sunday roast (63 per cent) and the beloved Yorkshire pudding (63 per cent).

The poll also found more than a third of adults (37 per cent) think British food is ‘underrated’.

However, Gen Z is the least likely age group to think British foods should be rated more highly – with just 34 per cent feeling this way.

Compared to 45 per cent of older adults polled, born between 1928 and 1945.

And despite 46 per cent of all adults polled enjoying one, 44 per cent don’t think a Tikka Masala counts as a typically ‘British’ dish.

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Harry Gove, for research agency OnePoll, which released the data, said: “It would be interesting to see whether people who don’t actually live here consider British cuisine underrated.

“While we may enjoy many of our comfort foods – from roasts to fish and chips, to a pack of Monster Munch – others might not have the same fondness.

“But our research also looked into some of the foods people are far less keen on, and how fussy we are as a nation of foodies overall.”

OnePoll also took to the streets for a quirky social video asking people to join the debate over whether British food is magnificent or mid.

The research also found 35 per cent won’t take a bite of a blue cheese, while 33 per cent ‘hate’ olives and 59 per cent would never choke down a jellied eel.

And while 20 per cent will ‘eat pretty much anything put in front of me’, 42 per cent confessed to being at least a little fussy.

For 30 per cent, it’s the texture of a food – be it slimy or mushy – that puts them off, while 28 per cent will be turned off by a fishy or sulphuric smell.

Gen Z were also deemed the most adventurous when it comes to what they’ll eat, selected by 28 per cent of all respondents, and 60 per cent of Gen Zs themselves.

Harry Gove for OnePoll said: “A lot of people are starting to talk about how British cuisine is often underestimated rather than overrated.

“Dishes that feel familiar or comforting might be dismissed as boring, even though they rely heavily on technique, timing and produce, simple things done well.

“And when it comes to being ‘fussy’ about food, a person who asks questions, has strong preferences or avoids certain dishes isn’t necessarily difficult.

“They’re often deeply engaged with what they eat, and that level of attention is much closer to a foodie mindset than being picky.”