An American woman was sitting behind us during a lovely brunch at Fortnum & Mason. We thought nothing of it until we heard her order, specifically asking for the “cooked bacon” instead of the uncooked bacon. The waiter was understandably confused, saying “our bacon is cooked, madam”. She kept insisting that he bring her the crispy, cooked bacon.
We felt bad for the poor waiter who didn’t understand what she was asking for. What she really wanted was a simple fix! She wanted what the English call “streaky bacon”. We had a little chuckle over the kerfuffle and moved on with our day.
We didn’t think much more about it until we were on a Cunard transatlantic cruise. The American couple seated behind us at breakfast asked for “actual cooked bacon”, not the uncooked stuff. The poor waiter looked understandably confused, since their bacon is fully cooked. Then we heard the couple on the other side of us ask for the same thing!
Both couples ended up asking for “cooked bacon” or “American bacon”, when a simple change of words could have made it quite straightforward. And before we go further, English bacon is actually cooked! It’s simply a different cut than American bacon. What Americans think of as regular bacon is actually called “streaky bacon” in England. It can be easy to get, as long as you know what to ask for.
So let’s clear things up so you can confidently order a traditional English breakfast – or customize it to include the things you prefer.
What is a full English breakfast?
The “full English” isn’t just a big breakfast. It’s practically a cultural institution. And a delicious one at that. You’ll find versions in pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels…nearly anywhere you can order breakfast.
It was originally designed as a hearty start to the day for the working class. When you’re going to work in a factory all day, or work out in a field, you need a good start to the day to keep you going until lunchtime!
It’s evolved into more of a treat, or occasional breakfast, for locals and travelers alike. It’s a savory breakfast piled high with eggs, beans, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms and more. There are variations of course, and not every full English includes all of these, but these are many of the basics.
There’s a core lineup of components that generally make it a “full English” rather than simply a la carte pieces. And if you’re wondering if all of these belong on the same plate, the answer is firmly “yes”!
When you’re visiting England, or anywhere in the United Kingdom, it’s definitely worth trying. So let’s take a look at what’s actually included in a “full English”.
What’s in a full English breakfast?
Eggs
Fried eggs or scrambled eggs are standard. If ordering a fried egg, sunny side up is normal. You may ask for a poached egg if preferred, but ‘over easy’ isn’t really a thing in England. And another thing – scrambled eggs are often served almost “saucy”. They really are cooked, but they can seem quite runny compared to what many Americans are accustomed to. This is due to how they’re cooked and often having a bit of cream added.
Sausage
Often known as “bangers”, they’re generally one or two Cumberland sausages. If you’ve never had one, it’s very finely ground pork sausage with a mild flavor, often grilled or fried. The outside can be a bit crispy. They’re nicely complimented by brown sauce (HP sauce is my favorite).
Bacon
This is one of the most confusing parts for Americans. First off, English bacon is actually cooked! It’s simply a different type of bacon called “back bacon”. American bacon is crispy and much fattier (called “streaky bacon”) and comes from pork belly. Back bacon is meatier and comes from the loin of the pig. It’s closer to what some Americans know as “Canadian bacon” or ham. And I promise, it really is fully cooked!
Baked beans
Yes, they’re really part of breakfast! They aren’t sweet like what some Americans think of as baked beans. British baked beans are in a tomato sauce rather than a brown sugar sauce. They’re more savory than sweet and definitely don’t go with barbecue!
Grilled tomato
Tomatoes aren’t generally served whole. Often it’s half a tomato that’s lightly grilled or broiled, sometimes with additional herbs. It adds a warm, slightly acidic flavor to the overall plate. And it’s easy to skip if you don’t enjoy tomatoes.
Mushrooms
Typically button mushrooms that have been sautéed in butter or oil until golden. Higher end restaurants or gastropubs may sauté them in a bit of wine or herbs for additional flavor.
Black pudding
This is a traditional blood sausage made with pork, oats, and spices. It can be quite polarizing and people generally love it or hate it. It’s definitely worth a taste if you’re feeling brave (and the vitamins and minerals can be incredibly good for you)!
Toast or fried bread
You’ll usually get one or the other, not both. Toast is pretty self-explanatory, although it’s generally served cold and in a toast rack. Butter is usually at room temperature so it’s easily spreadable. At times, a full English may include fried bread instead, which is a slice of bread that’s been pan-fried in oil or butter until golden and crispy.
Depending on where you are, a full English may also include hash browns or bubble and squeak (cooked vegetables and sometimes meat, mashed together and fried until crispy on the outside). But these are add-ons, not essentials.
What do Americans find surprising about a full English breakfast?
A full English is designed to be filling. If you’re used to pancakes with maple syrup or eggs with hash browns and crispy bacon, you won’t find them in a traditional full English breakfast. It may even feel like a bit of culture shock!
Here are a few misconceptions and things that can cause confusion:
- The bacon looks raw! Trust me, it’s not. It’s just a different kind than what you’re used to. It’s cooked through but doesn’t get crispy. If you’re looking for crispy bacon, be sure to ask for “streaky bacon” instead.
- Beans for breakfast? Yep, it really is part of breakfast. And a really good part at that! I didn’t try beans with a full English the first few times I had one because I thought they were sweet, BBQ-style beans. But once I finally tried them, I wondered why I’d let myself miss out!
- What’s black pudding again? Blood sausage. It’s not as scary as it sounds and it’s a traditional part of breakfast. It’s definitely an acquired taste, and it’s ok to ask for no black pudding if you’d rather skip it.
- Where’s the sweet part? If you usually have breakfasts of pancakes and waffles, it’s important to know that sweet things aren’t a traditional part of the savory full English breakfast. If you’re looking for a sweet breakfast, you’ll need to look elsewhere, or wait for afternoon tea.
- This seems like a lot of food! Yes, it’s a lot and it’s all on one plate. Most English don’t eat this daily anymore, but it’s a great start before a full day of sightseeing.
Are there variations across the British Isles?
There may be some regional differences across England depending on local customs. If you’re venturing beyond England, here are the main country differences:
Scottish Breakfast
You’ll still get eggs, sausage and bacon, and you’ll often see tattie scones or haggis included. Expect black pudding too, it’s a Scottish delicacy. Tattie scones are a savory potato bread, essentially a potato-based flatbread that are often served with breakfast. While not traditionally part of a Scottish breakfast, you may see neaps and tatties on the menu as well. Neaps and tatties are simply mashed turnips (or rutabagas, referred to as “swedes” in the UK), called “neaps”, and mashed potatoes, called “tatties”.
Welsh Breakfast
Some versions include laverbread, a traditional Welsh dish. Laverbread isn’t bread at all, but rather seaweed that’s been cooked for hours and reduced to more of a pureed consistency that can be spread on toast. Some Welsh breakfasts may also include cockles alongside eggs and bacon. This is more often found along the coast of Wales in traditional settings rather than in a hotel.
Irish Breakfast
Similar to the English version but may include black and white pudding (a non-blood version). Irish soda bread or soda farls may also be included. A soda farl is a type of soda bread that’s cut into four pieces. If you’re in Northern Ireland, an Irish breakfast may be called an Ulster Fry. It’s the same idea by a different name. Soda farls are particularly common in an Ulster Fry.
Wherever you are, many of the main hearty components of a full, traditional breakfast are similar. There will be some differences as you travel region to region, but to be fair, there are even differences in the same town from one restaurant or pub to the next.
Where can I get a full English breakfast?
You won’t need to look far to find a traditional, full English breakfast. It’s a staple at hotels, inns, B&Bs, pubs, restaurants and some cafes. Small hotels and B&Bs (sometimes inns or pubs) may include it in the room rate.
Locations with buffet-style breakfasts, such as cruises and chain hotels, often include the components of a full English breakfast in the buffet. Some travelers prefer this, and you’re able to pick and choose only what you want instead of making a special request.
Enjoying your full English
If you’re ordering a full English breakfast, don’t be afraid to decline items. Just let them know if you’d rather skip the black pudding, tomato, or even the beans (but I suggest trying them at least once!).
And if you prefer American-style bacon, just ask for “streaky bacon”.
A full English breakfast isn’t just about fueling up for the day. It’s a cultural experience. It may not match your everyday breakfast preferences, but isn’t the point of travel to experience something new?
Go ahead, order the full English. Even the things you’re not so sure about. At the very least, you’re experiencing part of another culture, even if the food isn’t what you’d choose again. And you never know, you may come away with a new comfort food!
Want more England travel inspiration? Read more England blog posts.
An American woman was sitting behind us during a lovely brunch at Fortnum & Mason. We thought nothing of it until we heard her order, specifically asking for the “cooked bacon” instead of the uncooked bacon. The waiter was understandably confused, saying “our bacon is cooked, madam”. She kept insisting that he bring her the crispy, cooked bacon.
We felt bad for the poor waiter who didn’t understand what she was asking for. What she really wanted was a simple fix! She wanted what the English call “streaky bacon”. We had a little chuckle over the kerfuffle and moved on with our day.
We didn’t think much more about it until we were on a Cunard transatlantic cruise. The American couple seated behind us at breakfast asked for “actual cooked bacon”, not the uncooked stuff. The poor waiter looked understandably confused, since their bacon is fully cooked. Then we heard the couple on the other side of us ask for the same thing!
Both couples ended up asking for “cooked bacon” or “American bacon”, when a simple change of words could have made it quite straightforward. And before we go further, English bacon is actually cooked! It’s simply a different cut than American bacon. What Americans think of as regular bacon is actually called “streaky bacon” in England. It can be easy to get, as long as you know what to ask for.
So let’s clear things up so you can confidently order a traditional English breakfast – or customize it to include the things you prefer.
What is a full English breakfast?
The “full English” isn’t just a big breakfast. It’s practically a cultural institution. And a delicious one at that. You’ll find versions in pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels…nearly anywhere you can order breakfast.
It was originally designed as a hearty start to the day for the working class. When you’re going to work in a factory all day, or work out in a field, you need a good start to the day to keep you going until lunchtime!
It’s evolved into more of a treat, or occasional breakfast, for locals and travelers alike. It’s a savory breakfast piled high with eggs, beans, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms and more. There are variations of course, and not every full English includes all of these, but these are many of the basics.
There’s a core lineup of components that generally make it a “full English” rather than simply a la carte pieces. And if you’re wondering if all of these belong on the same plate, the answer is firmly “yes”!
When you’re visiting England, or anywhere in the United Kingdom, it’s definitely worth trying. So let’s take a look at what’s actually included in a “full English”.
What’s in a full English breakfast?
Eggs
Fried eggs or scrambled eggs are standard. If ordering a fried egg, sunny side up is normal. You may ask for a poached egg if preferred, but ‘over easy’ isn’t really a thing in England. And another thing – scrambled eggs are often served almost “saucy”. They really are cooked, but they can seem quite runny compared to what many Americans are accustomed to. This is due to how they’re cooked and often having a bit of cream added.
Sausage
Often known as “bangers”, they’re generally one or two Cumberland sausages. If you’ve never had one, it’s very finely ground pork sausage with a mild flavor, often grilled or fried. The outside can be a bit crispy. They’re nicely complimented by brown sauce (HP sauce is my favorite).
Bacon
This is one of the most confusing parts for Americans. First off, English bacon is actually cooked! It’s simply a different type of bacon called “back bacon”. American bacon is crispy and much fattier (called “streaky bacon”) and comes from pork belly. Back bacon is meatier and comes from the loin of the pig. It’s closer to what some Americans know as “Canadian bacon” or ham. And I promise, it really is fully cooked!
Baked beans
Yes, they’re really part of breakfast! They aren’t sweet like what some Americans think of as baked beans. British baked beans are in a tomato sauce rather than a brown sugar sauce. They’re more savory than sweet and definitely don’t go with barbecue!
Grilled tomato
Tomatoes aren’t generally served whole. Often it’s half a tomato that’s lightly grilled or broiled, sometimes with additional herbs. It adds a warm, slightly acidic flavor to the overall plate. And it’s easy to skip if you don’t enjoy tomatoes.
Mushrooms
Typically button mushrooms that have been sautéed in butter or oil until golden. Higher end restaurants or gastropubs may sauté them in a bit of wine or herbs for additional flavor.
Black pudding
This is a traditional blood sausage made with pork, oats, and spices. It can be quite polarizing and people generally love it or hate it. It’s definitely worth a taste if you’re feeling brave (and the vitamins and minerals can be incredibly good for you)!
Toast or fried bread
You’ll usually get one or the other, not both. Toast is pretty self-explanatory, although it’s generally served cold and in a toast rack. Butter is usually at room temperature so it’s easily spreadable. At times, a full English may include fried bread instead, which is a slice of bread that’s been pan-fried in oil or butter until golden and crispy.
Depending on where you are, a full English may also include hash browns or bubble and squeak (cooked vegetables and sometimes meat, mashed together and fried until crispy on the outside). But these are add-ons, not essentials.
What do Americans find surprising about a full English breakfast?
A full English is designed to be filling. If you’re used to pancakes with maple syrup or eggs with hash browns and crispy bacon, you won’t find them in a traditional full English breakfast. It may even feel like a bit of culture shock!
Here are a few misconceptions and things that can cause confusion:
- The bacon looks raw! Trust me, it’s not. It’s just a different kind than what you’re used to. It’s cooked through but doesn’t get crispy. If you’re looking for crispy bacon, be sure to ask for “streaky bacon” instead.
- Beans for breakfast? Yep, it really is part of breakfast. And a really good part at that! I didn’t try beans with a full English the first few times I had one because I thought they were sweet, BBQ-style beans. But once I finally tried them, I wondered why I’d let myself miss out!
- What’s black pudding again? Blood sausage. It’s not as scary as it sounds and it’s a traditional part of breakfast. It’s definitely an acquired taste, and it’s ok to ask for no black pudding if you’d rather skip it.
- Where’s the sweet part? If you usually have breakfasts of pancakes and waffles, it’s important to know that sweet things aren’t a traditional part of the savory full English breakfast. If you’re looking for a sweet breakfast, you’ll need to look elsewhere, or wait for afternoon tea.
- This seems like a lot of food! Yes, it’s a lot and it’s all on one plate. Most English don’t eat this daily anymore, but it’s a great start before a full day of sightseeing.
Are there variations across the British Isles?
There may be some regional differences across England depending on local customs. If you’re venturing beyond England, here are the main country differences:
Scottish Breakfast
You’ll still get eggs, sausage and bacon, and you’ll often see tattie scones or haggis included. Expect black pudding too, it’s a Scottish delicacy. Tattie scones are a savory potato bread, essentially a potato-based flatbread that are often served with breakfast. While not traditionally part of a Scottish breakfast, you may see neaps and tatties on the menu as well. Neaps and tatties are simply mashed turnips (or rutabagas, referred to as “swedes” in the UK), called “neaps”, and mashed potatoes, called “tatties”.
Welsh Breakfast
Some versions include laverbread, a traditional Welsh dish. Laverbread isn’t bread at all, but rather seaweed that’s been cooked for hours and reduced to more of a pureed consistency that can be spread on toast. Some Welsh breakfasts may also include cockles alongside eggs and bacon. This is more often found along the coast of Wales in traditional settings rather than in a hotel.
Irish Breakfast
Similar to the English version but may include black and white pudding (a non-blood version). Irish soda bread or soda farls may also be included. A soda farl is a type of soda bread that’s cut into four pieces. If you’re in Northern Ireland, an Irish breakfast may be called an Ulster Fry. It’s the same idea by a different name. Soda farls are particularly common in an Ulster Fry.
Wherever you are, many of the main hearty components of a full, traditional breakfast are similar. There will be some differences as you travel region to region, but to be fair, there are even differences in the same town from one restaurant or pub to the next.
Where can I get a full English breakfast?
You won’t need to look far to find a traditional, full English breakfast. It’s a staple at hotels, inns, B&Bs, pubs, restaurants and some cafes. Small hotels and B&Bs (sometimes inns or pubs) may include it in the room rate.
Locations with buffet-style breakfasts, such as cruises and chain hotels, often include the components of a full English breakfast in the buffet. Some travelers prefer this, and you’re able to pick and choose only what you want instead of making a special request.
Enjoying your full English
If you’re ordering a full English breakfast, don’t be afraid to decline items. Just let them know if you’d rather skip the black pudding, tomato, or even the beans (but I suggest trying them at least once!).
And if you prefer American-style bacon, just ask for “streaky bacon”.
A full English breakfast isn’t just about fueling up for the day. It’s a cultural experience. It may not match your everyday breakfast preferences, but isn’t the point of travel to experience something new?
Go ahead, order the full English. Even the things you’re not so sure about. At the very least, you’re experiencing part of another culture, even if the food isn’t what you’d choose again. And you never know, you may come away with a new comfort food!
Want more England travel inspiration? Read more England blog posts.
