As the former capital of the British Empire and an important market for spice, sugar and fruit traders from all corners of the world, it's no surprise that London has a rich and varied food and drink heritage. Where once the British were mocked by our neighbours for eating nothing but roasted meat and boiled vegetables, now London's food scene ranges from cultural fusions of street food to Michelin-starred British cuisine. But for centuries London has had its own, unique dishes, so here is a short history of some of London's most famous culinary inventions.
Chelsea buns: There's almost nothing so quintessentially British as a cup of tea and a sticky bun, and the Chelsea bun is London's speciality. First created at The Bun House near Sloane Square in the 18th century, this spiced, currant-laden confection was favoured by the royal family of the time.
Jellied eels: A Victorian working class staple, eels were plentiful as the only fish that could survive in the heavily-polluted Thames. The stewed eels produce their own jelly, and are often served with chilli vinegar, harking back to London's historic spice trade.
London dry gin: While the G&T may date from Britain's colonial past as a method of administering quinine against malaria, gin has been made in England since the early 17th century. The London style of gin is less sweet than its Dutch ancestor, jenever.
London Particular: This thick soup of yellow split peas and ham or gammon is reputed to have been named after the dense, yellow smog that enveloped much of Victorian London (known as a pea-souper or London particular) by the chefs at the famous Simpson's-in-the-Strand.
Muffins: While not exclusive to London, it was the central London street of Drury Lane that made the English muffin famous in the nursery rhyme 'Do you know the Muffin Man?', and it's still a staple in brunch favourites like eggs Benedict.
Omelette Arnold Bennett: Created for the author Arnold Bennett when he stayed at London's Savoy Hotel, this omelette of smoked haddock, Parmesan cheese and cream has been on the hotel's menu ever since.
Peach Melba: Now famous the world over, this dessert of peaches, ice cream and raspberry sauce was first created in 1892 by Auguste Escoffier, the chef at the Savoy, to honour Australian soprano Nellie Melba. He also created Melba toast for her.
Pie, mash and liquor: Another traditional supper of the working class in Victorian London, a savoury pie accompanied by mashed potatoes and a parsley sauce is a classic of the East End of London, where traditional pie shops may still be found.
Roasted chestnuts: One of London's original street foods, you'd have once found roasted chestnuts sold on every street corner, but now there are only a few vendors left – you might be lucky enough to spot them at Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane markets.
Tea: London can't claim tea as entirely its own, but it was the location for the very first tea house in England, opened by Thomas Twining (yes, that one) at 216 Strand in 1706. At the time tea was still a highly taxed luxury import, but by the Victorian era tea houses were open to everyone.
Tags: London
Local Food London
