Although I’ve lived in Canada for over 30 years—longer than I ever lived in the UK—there’s still something about British comfort food in Canada that stirs up memories and cravings like nothing else.”. Born just outside of London and raised in North Wales, I grew up in a home where the kitchen was always alive with delicious smells, thanks to my incredibly talented mother who had a knack for worldly cooking. While my early exposure to global cuisine gave me a pretty diverse palate, I’ve always had a soft spot for good, hearty British fare.

In this post, I’m diving into some of my favourite British comfort foods—the ones that bring back fond memories of pub lunches, school dinners, and cozy family meals. If you’ve never tried them, you’re in for a treat (and maybe a few surprises). And if you, like me, are far from the UK but still yearn for a proper British meal now and then, I’ve got some thoughts on where to find—or recreate—these dishes in Canada.

A Taste of Home: My Comfort Food Roots

My memories of British comfort food aren’t just from home-cooked meals—they include classic pub dishes and nostalgic school lunches. There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting down to a warm plate of bangers and mash or a surprisingly spicy pub curry (yes, the UK knows a thing or two about curry!).

Of course, not all dishes aged well with me—liver and bacon, for example, still turns my stomach. It’s the texture. Let’s just say it’s a “no” from me, and leave it at that.

Comfort Food Across the Pond

When I moved to Canada, I was still young, so my food habits didn’t exactly change because of the move—more so, they evolved naturally over time as I grew up. But some cravings just stuck. Mushy peas, for one. I love them with fish and chips. (And yes, I will defend mushy peas to anyone who dares question their value.)

Living here, I’ve definitely embraced some Canadian comfort foods too. Poutine, of course, is in a category all its own. It’s hard to argue with fries, cheese curds, and gravy. But on a chilly evening, it’s still a toad in the hole or a proper shepherd’s pie that really hits the spot.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

I’m lucky—my mum, who I live with now, still makes many of the dishes I grew up with. Watching her cook, and now passing some of that love of food onto my own daughter (who’s three and surprisingly okay with Marmite!) is one of those small joys that connects generations. She’s slowly developing a taste for British dishes, and it’s lovely to see what sticks.

My Favourite British Comfort Foods

Here are some of my absolute go-to British dishes—the ones that bring that cozy, homespun feeling no matter how long I’ve been away:

  1. Bangers and Mash

Simple, satisfying, and always a hit. Good sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and onion gravy—it’s a hug on a plate.

  1. Toad in the Hole

A bit of a curiosity to non-Brits, but to me it’s pure comfort. Think sausages baked into a Yorkshire pudding batter. Add gravy and greens, and you’ve got a classic.

  1. Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas

The ultimate British takeaway. Crispy battered fish, thick-cut chips, a generous scoop of mushy peas, and maybe a splash of vinegar. It’s a seaside holiday in food form.

  1. Pub Curry

Curry has become such a staple in the UK that it’s hard to imagine a comfort food list without it. Warm spices, rich sauces, and a side of chips or naan—it’s not fancy, but it’s fabulous.

  1. Treacle Tart

Sweet, sticky, and perfect with custard. This is a nostalgic favourite that reminds me of school dinners (the good kind).

Finding British Flavours in Canada

When I first moved to Canada, British food items were pretty scarce in local shops. But over the years, it’s been heartening to see more and more classic British snacks and ingredients on shelves—everything from proper chocolate bars to packets of Walker’s crisps.

There are also some great online British food retailers now, which makes it even easier to stock up on your favourites. And for those who enjoy baking or cooking from scratch, recreating dishes at home is a fun way to keep the tradition alive.

Passing it On

Living in a three-generation household—my mum, myself, and my daughter—makes food even more meaningful. There’s something special about sharing a plate of something that holds memories for us all. Watching my daughter get her first taste of these dishes is a reminder that comfort food is never just about the ingredients. It’s about history, home, and heart.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re British-born, have family roots in the UK, or are just curious to try something new, British comfort food is worth exploring. It might not always win points for presentation, but when it comes to warmth, tradition, and pure satisfaction, it’s hard to beat.

Have you tried any of these dishes before? Or do you have a favourite that I missed? I’d love to hear about it—especially if you’ve found a good source for proper British sausages in Canada!

Want to follow along? Subscribe to my blog or follow me on Instagram @lifeofgem28

If you like this post you may like one of these:

From London to Canada: What moving at age 7 taught me about resilience

Exploring the Flavours of the World: One Mum, One Kitchen, Many Cuisines

A Birthday Toast Over Tea: Revisiting Traditions with My Mother and Girlfriend in Brockville