Here in the UK, we often receive a lot of laughter in regard to our cuisine, but we don’t think that’s fair. We have a ton of unique and delicious dishes, many of which bring us back to our school canteen lunches. So, to take you on a trip down memory lane, here is a list of classic British school lunches that will no doubt make you nostalgic.
Fish Fingers and Chips
Back in school, we’d sometimes get served crispy fish fingers paired with chunky chips, and we loved it. The golden breadcrumb coating was always a hit, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Served with a generous helping of ketchup or tartar sauce, this meal was a reliable favorite among schoolchildren across the country. The Independent reports that this classic meal is almost 70 years old now, and we couldn’t be happier that it’s still being served.
Turkey Twizzlers
Controversial yet iconic, Turkey Twizzlers were a fixture in British school lunches before they were phased out by Jamie Oliver. These curly, processed meat spirals were beloved by kids but later criticized for their low nutritional value. Despite their demise, they remain a memorable part of many people’s school lunch experiences.
Corned Beef Hash
While it wasn’t to everyone’s taste, the comforting mix of corned beef, potatoes, and onions that corned beef hash offered was a warm and filling option on colder days. The dish offered a blend of flavors that, while simple, hit the spot. It was often served with baked beans or peas, adding a touch of sweetness and color.
Jam Roly-Poly
This steamed suet pudding rolled up with sweet jam was often served with custard, making it a much-anticipated dessert. Its soft, doughy texture and sweet filling made it a comforting finish to a school meal. The sight of jam roly-poly on the menu would bring a smile to many faces.
Cheese and Potato Pie
Primarily up north, cheese and potato pie were often served at school lunch, bringing mashed potatoes together with a generous helping of melted cheese to create a comforting, gooey delight. Often topped with an additional crispy cheese crust, this dish was both filling and satisfying.
Sausage Rolls
On special occasions, we would be given sausage rolls at schools by our parents for packed lunches, consisting of puffed pastry wrapped around seasoned sausage meat. Easy to eat on the go, they provided a savory, flaky bite that was hard to resist. However, for most kids, these were a treat reserved for school trips.
Chocolate Concrete
Chocolate concrete, a dense and crunchy chocolate cake, was often paired with pink custard. Its hard texture, almost like a biscuit, made it unique among school desserts. Despite its name, the combination of rich chocolate flavor and custard created a nostalgic treat that was surprisingly satisfying.
Toad in the Hole
This next dish always makes non-Brits laugh–toad in the hole. This delightful albeit strange-sounding school dinner featured sausages baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter, creating a flavor sensation that was both savory and comforting. The sausages were surrounded by a golden, fluffy batter that soaked up gravy beautifully, making it a very popular choice, especially on chilly days.
Semolina Pudding
Another strange sounding British school lunch was semolina pudding, a creamy, simple dessert served warm with a dollop of jam or a sprinkle of cinnamon. The smooth texture and mild sweetness made it a soothing end to lunch. For some, it was the ultimate comfort food during school days.
Spam Fritters
While it certainly wasn’t healthy looking back, slices of Spam coated in batter and fried until crispy, otherwise known as Spam fritters, were a salty, indulgent treat in the school canteen. They were often served with chips or mashed potatoes, making for a hearty and calorific meal. These days, though, schools would probably be shut down if they served it.
Beans on Toast
A simple yet satisfying meal, beans on toast was a quick fix that appeared regularly on school lunch menus. The warmth of the baked beans over soft toast provided a comforting bite. It was easy to make and filled up hungry students, making it a reliable option for lunch. Foreigners who laugh about it simply don’t know what they’re missing.
Shepherd’s Pie
While it was more commonly served at home, shepherd’s pie, made with minced meat and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, was occasionally served in the school canteen. The rich, savory filling combined with the soft, buttery potato topping created a dish that was hard to beat. It was often served with vegetables, adding a bit of balance to the meal.
Victoria Sponge
Light and fluffy, Victoria sponge was a dessert that many looked forward to, and it appeared fairly regularly. This classic British cake, filled with jam and cream, was a sweet finish to lunch. The simplicity of the cake, with its soft layers and sweet filling, made it a timeless favorite in school cafeterias.
Macaroni Cheese
Admittedly, macaroni cheese didn’t make an appearance in British schools into the ‘00s, so anyone who was at school before this missed out on its creamy, cheesy goodness. The rich, comforting dish was often topped with breadcrumbs or extra cheese for added texture, making it yet another crowd-pleaser that gave us plenty of energy for the second half of our day.
Cornflake Tart
Another common pudding that topped off a school lunch was the glorious cornflake tart, with its sticky syrup and crunchy cornflake topping over a jam-filled base. This unique mix of textures, with the crumbly pastry contrasting beautifully with the chewy cornflakes, was often served with custard, adding another dimension to the treat.
Cottage Pie
Finally, just like shepherd’s pie but made with beef instead of lamb, cottage pie made the occasional appearance back in the school canteen. The savory meat filling topped with mashed potatoes created a hearty meal that was both filling and satisfying. Looking back, it was by far one of the healthiest meals that our dinner ladies served us.