As Brits we typically get a hard time when it comes to the rest of the world when discussing food. Some countries are very proud of the dishes that they have shared with the world, with it being hard to go anywhere in the world without seeing an American McDonalds.
However, we are far too modest to show off the best creations that we have shared, and instead play down how significant our inventions have been on the culinary world. But, what are five of the best British food inventions that are loved by millions around the United Kingdom?
Hula Hoops
Many of the most fun crisps that are around on the market where invented in the United Kingdom, which includes Wotsits and Quavers. However, the most fun of them all are probably the Hula Hoops. The crisps first arrived into our lives in 1973, and are now sold in numerous countries around the world, including South Africa, New Zealand and Belgium. There have been numerous variations of Hula Hoops released, including Big O’s, Frozen Hula Hoops and Big Hoops too.
Balti Curry
There are a couple of Indian dishes that we have allowed Indians to have, including the tikka masala. Another one is the Balti, which was invented in Birmingham in 1971. It is one of the prized treasures in the Second City, and no other city in the United Kingdom, or world, can boast a better balti. If you don’t believe us, then you should ask Tom Cruise who loved the dish when filming the upcoming Mission Impossible film.
Wagon Wheels
The country that invented Waggon Wheels is a hot topic, but it was first invented by Garry Weston when he moved back to the United Kingdom to take over his father’s company. He reportedly came up with the idea after placing two Marie biscuits either side of marshmallow filling and chocolate. Soon after, he realised that he was onto something potentially groundbreaking, and the first Wagon Wheel was sold in 1948. Since then, Canada and Australia have both tried to steal the invention as their own, but it was right here in the United Kingdom that the first was sold. However, they have been popular in both Canada and Australia, which means that they are welcome.
Jaffa Cakes
If it weren’t for us, one of the greatest debates that has been argued around the world for decades wouldn’t be up for discussion. The Jaffa Cake was invented by McVitie and Price in 1927 in the United Kingdom, with a layer of orange flavoured jam and sponge covered by chocolate. Since the success of the cakes themselves, Jaffa’s have also been sold as bars and in smaller packs suitable for children’s lunches. However, much to the dissatisfaction of some, Jaffa Cakes were classified as a cake in 1991, which puts to bed any doubt that they are indeed a cake and not a biscuit. Jaffa Cakes remain as popular as ever to this day, as they were ranked as the best selling cake or biscuit in the United Kingdom in 2012.
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