London is a city steeped in history and culture, and one of the best ways to explore its past is through its traditional cuisine. From the working-class favourite jellied eels to the sweet and sticky Chelsea buns, London’s traditional food has a unique flavour and history that reflects the city’s diverse and rich heritage.

Jellied Eels

 

One of the most iconic dishes in London’s culinary history is jellied eels. This dish originated in the 1700s when Londoners needed a cheap and nutritious meal, and eels were readily available in the River Thames. Shopkeepers in the East End prepared this working-class favourite by boiling eels with vinegar, sliced onion, peppercorns, bay leaves, and salt. As the mixture cooled, the gelatinous proteins of the cooked animal solidified into savoury jelly, which surrounded the meat. Today, jellied eels are no longer considered a cheap meal, but they still attract fans to the traditional outposts that remain.

Pie and Mash

Another popular dish that emerged from London’s East End is pie and mash. In its early days, the first pies were filled with eels as they were cheap and plentiful. Over time, the dish evolved to become a baked minced beef pie with mashed potatoes and a unique green parsley gravy known as liquor. The simplicity of the dish means that it is freshly made and prepared on the premises each day. Today, many pie and mash shops offer vegetarian options, as well as other types of dishes such as shepherd’s pie, normal gravy, and peas or beans to accompany your meal.

Cockles and Winkles

Cockles and winkles are another seafood extravaganza that emerged from the East End. This cockney seafood mixture was the must-have pub snack of choice, and fishermen would go from pub to pub with their catch and flog them to the punters. Traditionally sold with winkles and whelks, cockles have been a popular British seaside snack for many years. They were also sold outside London pubs by vendors who, in the absence of scales, used a pint glass as a measure. They’ve been sold by the pint ever since. Today, they are still caught, cooked, washed, and packed ready to be sold locally, nationally, and internationally.

Chelsea Buns

Finally, the Chelsea bun is a sweet, sticky treat that has a unique place in London’s culinary history. Legend has it that on the first day that it was introduced by the Old Chelsea Bun House, 50,000 people queued up to buy one. This spiced fruit bun, which was once an Easter speciality, spawned dozens of imitations. Today, the bun is made from egg-enriched yeast dough flavoured with lemon peel, cinnamon, or mixed spice, and then rolled out and filled with a mixture of currants, brown sugar, and butter. The buns are left to rise and snuggle up to each other, restricting further movement, which accounts for their distinctive form. After being baked, they are brushed with a cold water sugar syrup while still hot, leaving a sweet sticky glaze.

In conclusion, traditional food in London has a rich and diverse history that reflects the city’s cultural heritage. From jellied eels to Chelsea buns, these dishes have evolved over time and remain popular with locals and tourists alike. So, whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, exploring traditional food in London is a must-do experience.