The Great British Food Makeover: Why Are We Falling Out of Love with British Food?

New research has found that traditional British food is rapidly losing its appeal. According to a survey by Fintech firm Marshmallow, more than half of us tuck into classic grub, like roast dinners and fish and chips, less than once a month.

Added to that, only 22% of those surveyed identified British food as their favourite cuisine and a quarter admitted they’ve never tried a steak and kidney pie (and don’t plan to anytime soon).

So what’s causing the rejection of the classic “meat and two veg,” and what are the new favourites?

Why are we falling out of love with British food?

Experts point to “gastronomic diversity” as a major reason behind our changing tastes. Migration has transformed the UK’s food scene, bringing new flavours to our high streets and broadening our horizons far beyond the traditional classic dishes of the past.

Marshmallow’s research suggests that food has become a powerful connector in modern Britain. Almost three-quarters of people (72%) say that sharing dishes from different cultures helps break down social barriers, strengthen communities. As a result the company have partnered with renowned chef Ravinder Bhogal to champion migrant restaurateurs and support their entrepreneurial journeys.

What are we eating instead?

As traditional dishes take a backseat, international cuisine is very much the star of the show. A huge 68% of people now eat non-British food at home each week, with 49% regularly ordering takeaways. Our top favourites? Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Mexican food.

Have we neglected our native cuisine?

Some chefs and food writers argue that British classics have suffered from years of poor PR. We happily praise pasta and poke fun at pie. We swoon over boeuf Bourguignon but roll our eyes at stew. Even when dishes are near-identical, we assume the continental version must be superior. If we don’t take pride in our own plates, why would anyone else?

This lack of love is showing up in real life. Manze’s, a century-old pie and mash shop in Deptford, closed its doors earlier this year. In response, MPs have supported efforts to protect the iconic pie-and-mash tradition through official food status, much like Melton Mowbray pork pies or Cornish pasties. It’s a move to preserve heritage before more of these institutions disappear for good.

Where does British food go from here?

Even though our tastes are changing, it doesn’t mean British cuisine is dead, more that it’s evolving. The UK has always been shaped by the people who call it home, and our plates reflect that perfectly. One things for sure though, the full English isn’t going anywhere!