#293 Why is British food said to be bad?

"The British Empire expanded because British food was so bad that they had to seek delicious food overseas." ... This is a joke made by the British politician Winston Churchill.

Certainly, while we often hear of "French cuisine," "Chinese cuisine," and "Italian cuisine," the term "British cuisine" does not immediately come to mind.

Incidentally, roast beef, scones, and fish and chips are famous British dishes.

However, British cuisine has a limited variety of ingredients and simple cooking methods; it is common to simply boil, roast, or fry the ingredients themselves and then add seasonings to taste.

In Italian or French cuisine, adding seasoning to a served dish is considered a breach of etiquette, as it sends the message that the "food is bad." This is in contrast to Britain.

So, where did the trend of saying British food is bad come from?

1. Geographical factors

Britain is a country with a temperate maritime climate, but it is at a high latitude and has a cooler climate compared to Southern European countries. Therefore, while grain cultivation and dairy farming are thriving, vegetables and fruits are scarce, and ingredients were limited to begin with.

2. Religious factors

Britain is a Protestant country. While Catholic countries in Southern Europe had a tradition of gourmet culture that "enjoys meals," Protestants, who emphasize asceticism, created a culture where simple meals were considered important. Especially after the Civil Revolution, luxurious meals were considered a sin.

3. Influence of the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution increased the working-class population, and by the end of the 19th century, three-quarters of the population lived in cities.

Working-class housing was poor, and many homes lacked running water or kitchens, making it impossible to cook proper meals. Bread and potatoes were the diet of workers at the time, and meat was considered a luxury item.

When cod catches increased in the North Sea in the 1870s, the dish of frying cod and serving it with potatoes spread among workers. This is said to be the birth of today's fish and chips.

4. Influence of the two World Wars

Entering the 20th century, the living environment of workers improved and food preservation technology advanced, so the development of food culture was expected. However, what awaited Britain were the two World Wars. It is easy to imagine that the war caused food shortages in Britain and significantly lowered the quality of the cuisine.

The current food culture of Britain was formed by these geographical and historical factors. While "British food is bad" is an arrogant stereotype, one can learn about British history and culture through its cuisine.

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