The year was two thousand and fifteen, and I was desperately craving a Sunday roast. Not just any roast, mind you. I needed Yorkshire puddings the size of my head, crispy roast potatoes, gravy so thick you could stand a spoon in it, and a generous helping of roast beef cooked to perfection. Being in New York City, a global culinary capital, you’d think this wouldn’t be a problem. But finding an authentically British Sunday roast? That proved to be quite the quest. While the city boasts incredible diversity, pinpointing genuine British food in NYC sometimes feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.
British cuisine, often unfairly maligned, is so much more than just fish and chips. It’s a melting pot of culinary influences, borrowing flavors and techniques from all corners of the globe, especially from India and the Caribbean, reflections of Britain’s colonial past. In this article, we’re diving deep into the heart of New York City’s culinary scene to uncover the hidden gems and established institutions that offer a true taste of Britain. From cozy pubs serving hearty staples to elegant tea rooms and modern restaurants reimagining classic dishes, this guide is your passport to experiencing the best British food in NYC. Whether you are a homesick Brit seeking comfort in familiar flavors or a curious foodie eager to explore beyond the well-trodden paths, New York promises a delightful adventure into the world of British food.
The Heart of British Cuisine: Pub Grub Done Right
The British pub is more than just a place to grab a pint; it’s a cultural institution, a gathering place, and often, the heart of a community. Thankfully, New York City has a few excellent establishments that capture the spirit of the traditional British pub, offering comforting classics and a lively atmosphere.
Take, for example, “The Churchill Tavern” located in Midtown. This establishment feels like a genuine slice of London transported to Manhattan. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dark wood paneling, vintage British posters adorning the walls, and a constant hum of conversation. Their fish and chips are legendary, consistently earning rave reviews. But don’t stop there; their bangers and mash, served with a rich onion gravy, and the shepherd’s pie, a comforting blend of ground lamb and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, are equally outstanding. Expect to pay around twenty to thirty dollars for a main course.
Then there’s “A Salt & Battery” in the West Village. While technically a fish and chip shop, it offers an incredibly authentic taste of British seaside fare. It’s a no-frills, quick-service spot with limited seating, but the quality of the fish and chips is undeniable. The fish is always fresh, the batter is crispy and light, and the chips are perfectly golden. They even offer a selection of traditional British accompaniments, like mushy peas and pickled onions. A generous portion of fish and chips will set you back around fifteen dollars.
Lastly, consider “The Spotted Pig,” a gastropub in the West Village. While its menu isn’t exclusively British, it features several dishes that showcase British culinary influences. The atmosphere is more upscale than a traditional pub, but the food is excellent. Their chargrilled burger with Roquefort cheese is a standout, and they often have seasonal specials that incorporate British ingredients. Expect to pay around thirty to forty dollars for a main course.
Let’s delve a little deeper into some of these pub staples. Fish and chips, for instance, is a deceptively simple dish. The key to a great version lies in the quality of the ingredients. The fish should be incredibly fresh, preferably cod or haddock, and the batter should be light and crispy, not greasy. Serving traditions are also important. A proper serving of fish and chips should always be accompanied by malt vinegar and, of course, a generous portion of mushy peas.
Bangers and mash, another pub classic, is all about the sausages. Look for pubs that use high-quality, flavorful sausages, such as Cumberland or Lincolnshire. The mashed potatoes should be creamy and buttery, and the gravy should be rich and savory. Shepherd’s pie and cottage pie, often confused, are both hearty dishes made with ground meat and topped with mashed potatoes. The difference lies in the meat: shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while cottage pie is made with beef. Both should be well-seasoned and flavorful, with a generous layer of mashed potatoes on top.
Beyond the Pub: Discovering Hidden Culinary Gems
While pubs are the cornerstone of British cuisine, there’s so much more to explore beyond the traditional pub fare. From elegant afternoon teas to cozy bakeries and innovative restaurants, New York City offers a surprisingly diverse range of British culinary experiences.
For a touch of elegance and refinement, consider indulging in afternoon tea at “The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel.” This iconic venue offers a luxurious afternoon tea experience, complete with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and a selection of exquisite cakes and pastries. The atmosphere is grand and opulent, making it the perfect place for a special occasion. Afternoon tea at The Palm Court will typically cost around ninety to one hundred dollars per person.
Another excellent option for afternoon tea is “Tea & Sympathy” in the West Village. This charming tearoom offers a more casual and intimate experience, but the quality of the tea and treats is just as high. They offer a variety of afternoon tea packages, as well as a selection of British cakes and pastries. Expect to pay around forty to sixty dollars per person.
If you’re craving a sweet treat, be sure to visit one of New York City’s British bakeries. “Myers of Keswick” in the West Village is a beloved institution, offering a wide range of British baked goods, including scones, Eccles cakes, Bakewell tarts, and Victoria sponge cake. Their scones are particularly noteworthy, baked fresh daily and served with clotted cream and jam.
For a more modern take on British cuisine, consider visiting “Jones Wood Foundry” on the Upper East Side. This restaurant offers a sophisticated take on traditional British dishes, using high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Their menu features dishes like roast chicken with bread sauce, seared scallops with black pudding, and a decadent sticky toffee pudding. Expect to pay around thirty to fifty dollars for a main course.
The Spice Route: Exploring British Curry
No discussion of British cuisine would be complete without mentioning the influence of Indian food. Thanks to its colonial past, Britain has a long and rich history with Indian cuisine, and curry houses are a staple of the British culinary landscape.
While not strictly British restaurants, several Indian restaurants in New York City offer curries with a distinctly British influence. These curries tend to be sweeter and less spicy than their Indian counterparts, reflecting the British palate.
Consider visiting “Brick Lane Curry House” in the East Village. This restaurant offers a wide range of curries, including chicken tikka masala, a dish that is widely considered to be a British invention. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, and the prices are reasonable.
Another excellent option is “Bengal Tiger” on the Upper East Side. This restaurant offers a more upscale dining experience, with a focus on authentic Indian flavors. However, they also offer several curries that have been adapted to suit the British palate.
Cooking at Home: British Groceries in NYC
For those who prefer to cook at home, several shops in New York City sell British groceries and specialty items. “Myers of Keswick,” mentioned earlier, is also a great place to stock up on British staples, such as Cadbury chocolate, Marmite, Heinz baked beans, crisps, teas, and biscuits. They also carry a selection of specialty items, such as black pudding and haggis.
Another excellent option is “Tea & Sympathy,” which also has a small shop attached to the tearoom. They sell a variety of British groceries, as well as British souvenirs and gifts.
Tips for an Authentic British Culinary Experience
Finding authentic British food in NYC requires a bit of detective work. Look for establishments run by British expats, as they are more likely to maintain authenticity. Read online reviews and pay attention to mentions of authenticity in the comments. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the ingredients and preparation methods. And most importantly, be open to trying new things! British cuisine is more diverse and exciting than you might think.
A Lasting Legacy: The Future of British Food in NYC
From hearty pub fare to elegant afternoon teas and flavorful curries, New York City offers a surprisingly diverse range of British food experiences. Whether you’re a homesick Brit, a curious foodie, or simply looking for a comforting and delicious meal, the city has something to offer. As New York’s culinary scene continues to evolve, the appreciation for British food will only grow, promising a brighter future for those seeking a taste of home or a new culinary adventure. So, go forth and explore the British food in NYC scene – you might just discover your new favorite spot! Now, tell us in the comments, what are your favorite places for British grub in the Big Apple? What dish do you crave most?
