From Burgers to Butties: An American’s Deep-Fried Dive into British Cuisine (British Quirks 17/30)

When I first moved from the land of burgers, buffalo wings, and bottomless brunches to the UK, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Tea, crumpets, maybe a cheeky fish and chips on the weekend. Easy, right?

Wrong.

So Wrong!

British food is a whole different beast—and I mean that in the most lovingly confused way possible. If you're an American expat in the UK or just a curious traveler wondering what the heck a "buttie" is, buckle up. We're going on a culinary rollercoaster that includes mushy peas, curry sauce, and something called haggis (which I still suspect might be a prank).

🥔 Chips, Butties, and the Great Carb-on-Carb Love Affair

Let’s start with the chips. And no, not the crispy, salty kind you eat while binge-watching Netflix. I’m talking about British chips—aka thick-cut, golden-fried hunks of potato that make American fries look like diet food.

Now imagine those glorious chips stuffed between two slices of soft white bread. Add butter if you’re feeling bold (or reckless). That, my friends, is a chip buttie. It’s a sandwich. Of fries. With bread. And sometimes curry sauce. It’s like carbs met carbs, fell in love, and had a deliciously greasy baby.

Honestly? I didn’t know I needed this in my life until I tried it. It’s the kind of meal that makes you question everything you thought you knew about nutrition—and happiness.

🟢 Mushy Peas: The Side Dish That Refuses to Be Ignored

Mushy peas are exactly what they sound like. Peas. Mushy. Bright green. Somewhere between baby food and alien goo. And yet… somehow… they work?

They’re often served alongside fish and chips, and while my first instinct was to politely shove them aside, I eventually gave in. And you know what? They’re weirdly comforting. Like a warm hug from a vegetable that’s been through some stuff.

🥚 Scotch Eggs: The Deep-Fried Enigma

Now let’s talk about Scotch eggs. Picture this: a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden. It’s like breakfast and lunch had a secret rendezvous in a fryer.

I’ll be honest—I’m not a fan. Something about biting into an egg that’s been encased in meat armor just doesn’t do it for me. But Brits love them, and I respect that. It’s a snack, a pub food, and apparently a picnic essential. Who knew?

🐑 Haggis: The Braveheart of British Cuisine

Technically Scottish, but let’s not split hairs—haggis is a rite of passage. It’s made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats and spices, and traditionally cooked in a sheep’s stomach. Sounds terrifying? Yes. Tastes surprisingly good? Also yes.

I approached haggis like I was defusing a bomb. But once I got past the mental hurdle, I found it oddly tasty. Earthy, spicy, and kind of like a meaty oatmeal. It’s not something I’d eat every day, but I’m glad I tried it. Plus, it makes for a great story at dinner parties.

Embracing the Bizarre Beauty of British Food

British cuisine may not have the glitz of French patisserie or the fiery flair of Mexican street food, but it has heart. And carbs. So many carbs.

As an American living in the UK, I’ve learned to embrace the quirks. I still skip the butter on my chip buttie, and I’ll politely decline a Scotch egg, but overall? British food surprised me. It’s comforting, unapologetically hearty, and full of character.

So if you’re an expat, a tourist, or just a curious foodie—give it a go. Try the mushy peas. Brave the haggis. And for the love of all things fried, eat a chip buttie. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will never be the same.