The best regional dishes in Britain have been revealed and the humble Yorkshire pudding has come out on top, a survey has shown.
The nationwide poll of 2,000 foodies asked Brits what three traditional regional dishes were their favourite, and half of them (50 per cent) said Yorkshire puddings.
Cornish pasties came in second with 36 per cent of the vote, followed by Scottish shortbread with 25 per cent.
But the poll put the spotlight on lesser-known dishes like Cornwall’s ‘Stargazy Pie’ and Craster kippers, which, while they were only favourites of a small percentage, show the pride and breadth of Britain’s regional culinary delights.
The next in the list – commissioned by Lurpak for its 125th anniversary – was Derbyshire’s Bakewell tarts with 24 per cent of the vote; this was followed hotly by Lancashire hotpot (22 per cent) and Scotland’s traditional haggis, neeps and tatties (19 per cent).
Coming further down the list was London‘s famous pie, mash and liquor (17 per cent), Welsh rarebit (16 per cent), Lancashire’s Eccles cakes (14 per cent) and Welsh cakes (14 per cent).
Only half of British people have tried Yorkshire puddings, a new survey has revealed
The Cornish pasty came in at second with 36 per cent having tried the delicious pastries
Scottish shortbread came in at third, with a quarter of Brits having tasted it
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But beyond this were the rarer specialties like Newcastle’s stottie bread, Scottish Cullen skink, Cornwall’s Stargazy pie and Shropshire fidget pie.
The findings suggest Britain’s regional food heritage is something worth celebrating, with more than four in ten (43 per cent) saying their hometown or city has a dish it is famous for.
Of those with a local speciality, a whopping 87 per cent said it makes them proud of where they come from.
A quarter (25 per cent) said Britain’s incredible regional variety is one of the things they love most about its food, while 21 per cent particularly appreciate dishes that celebrate our history.
From the fishing villages of Scotland to the mining communities of Cornwall and the industrial towns of northern England, many of Britain’s most famous recipes were born from local ingredients, traditions and the need to feed hardworking families.
And despite changing food fashions, our affection for these dishes shows no sign of disappearing.
More than half (55 per cent) said comfort is what they love most about British home cooking, while 37 per cent said traditional dishes transport them straight back to childhood.
Almost a third (31 per cent) described British food as nostalgic, and an overwhelming 81 per cent believe it deserves to be considered among the best in the world.
But while we are fiercely proud of our culinary heritage, it seems we are not afraid to tamper with tradition.
More than eight in ten (81 per cent) admit adding extra ingredients or flavours to classic British dishes at least sometimes, while 58 per cent believe there is no such thing as a ‘wrong’ way to make a traditional recipe.
And nearly three quarters (72 per cent) enjoy giving old favourites an international twist.
Derbyshire’s Bakewell tart got 24 per cent, coming in at fourth place
Scotland’s haggis, neeps and tatties was the choice of 19 per cent of Brits
London’s famous pie and mash with liquor was favourite to 17 per cent of British diners
Stargazy Pie from Cornwall has was a favourite of 4 per cent of Brits, one of the lowest scores
Shropshire’s fidget pie came in dead last, with only 2 per cent of those polled having it as their favourite
Among the more adventurous reinventions already tried by Brits are Yorkshire pudding wraps stuffed with burrito fillings (15 per cent) and kimchi served alongside a traditional roast (7 per cent).
Meanwhile, 14 per cent are tempted by chilli con carne Cornish pasties, proving even the most treasured regional delicacies aren’t immune to a modern makeover.
The Yorkshire pudding is crowned Britain’s favourite regional dish – but where does your area’s local delicacy rank?
Catriona Mantle, a spokesperson for Lurpak, said: ‘For 125 years, Lurpak has been there as people cook in their kitchens – through changing tastes, technology and generations.
‘Some of the dishes we loved in 1901 would still be instantly recognisable on British tables today, while others have been reinvented countless times along the way.
‘That is what makes this anniversary so exciting. We’re not simply looking back at 125 years of food, we’re celebrating how cooking continues to evolve.
‘Recipes aren’t frozen in time. Every generation adds something of its own, whether that’s a new ingredient, a different technique or flavours inspired by somewhere else entirely but butter remains as the staple ingredient, adding richness to countless dishes.’
And the research suggests this creative approach is already thriving in British kitchens.
One in four (25 per cent) said a family recipe had inspired them to put their own twist on a British classic, while 28 per cent have recreated a meal cooked by their parents or grandparents – but changed the recipe to suit their own tastes.
More than half (55 per cent) have even added an ingredient to a family recipe that would have horrified an older relative.
Meanwhile, 15 per cent would rather improvise than follow a recipe, and four in ten (40 per cent) believe the dishes we consider British classics will look completely different in another 125 years.
Lurpak has teamed up Chef and TV presenter Simon Rimmer to launch Lurpak Star – a new award for celebrating home cooks who put their own stamp on the food they love
Lurpak has teamed up with Chef and TV presenter Simon Rimmer to launch Lurpak Star – a new award for celebrating home cooks who put their own stamp on the food they love.
Mr Rimmer said: ‘We all have the recipe we grew up with, but most of us have also got something we do differently to it.
‘For me, that’s my cottage pie. As well as having a delicious mince base, it has an abundance of butter in the mash, and on top of that – I add cauliflower cheese.
‘You respect what made a dish great in the first place, then you’re brave enough to put a bit of yourself into it.
‘Lurpak has been part of British food culture for generations. Whether it’s family recipes that have been passed down, or new versions of old favourites, it’s been there alongside some of the meals people remember most.
‘That’s what makes Lurpak Star such a brilliant idea. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Britain’s home cooks make the classics their own through judging Lurpak Star.’
To enter the Lurpak Star Award, home cooks simply need to share their twist on a classic dish by sending @LurpakUK a direct message on Instagram.
The first-ever winner will receive a year’s supply of Lurpak, a premium cast iron casserole dish and the chance for Simon Rimmer to try their creation in person.
