There was a time that the British were considered unadventurous when it came to food and the national dishes were regarded as unpalatable and unappealing. Recent years, however, have seen a sea change in both attitudes to food and the availability of a diverse selection of world dishes, making eating in the UK a truly cosmopolitan culinary experience.

Gone are the days when people would only try foreign foods at the buffet section of their hotel on an all inclusive holiday, the variety and quality of ingredients now available has led to a renewed interest in food and cooking. Walk down the aisles in any supermarket and you will find food from all over the world, from ingredients that have now become British staples, to those that are still considered exotic.

The same is true when you walk down any high street in the UK. Whether it is Polish delicatessens, Indian groceries or French patisseries, we hardly take a second glance at the diversity in front of us every day.

When it comes to eating out, the range of restaurants available is evidence of the world food culture that now exists in the UK. So what are these world foods that the Brits now like?

Curry has become a staple part of the British diet and a firm favourite. Whether a mild korma, medium tikka masala or hot vindaloo is for you, it is difficult to think of anywhere in the UK where it is not possible to find your dish or choice.

Japanese food

Chinese food is another popular option. With a number of different styles reflecting the region of origin of dishes, from the bold flavours of Szechuan cuisine to the delicate balance found in Cantonese dishes, there is much on offer beyond the traditional sweet and sour or chow mein.

Lovers of Asian cuisine find that Thai food is also based upon balanced ingredients, cooked lightly. The strong aromas and spiciness of Thai food are often complemented by a range of sauces and condiments. Green, red and jungle curries and noodle dishes such as Pad Thai have become firm favourites.

Japanese food, particularly sushi, has also become part of the national consciousness, with restaurants, supermarkets and even nursery schools offering these bite sized portions of sushi rice combined with other ingredients.

It is not just Asia and the Far East that has whetted Brits’ appetites for a more diverse range of foods, however and many other countries closer to home have become an integral part of the British eating experience.

Italian food has to be one of the most popular choices in the UK today. Whether it’s a midweek spaghetti Bolognese, a Saturday night take away pizza or a meal out at one of the many restaurants to be found in UK towns and cities, the British have truly taken the Italian cuisine to heart.

Spanish tapas have also become increasingly popular. With dishes such as tortilla, patatas bravas and empanadas on typical menus, tapas are ideal for a light lunch or for sharing with friends over a leisurely evening meal.

The popularity of Greece as a cheap holiday destination has resulted in a growing number of Greek restaurants in the UK. Dishes such as moussaka, kleftico and pitta with humus act as a reminder of lazy days spent in the sun and relaxing meals in seaside tavernas.

Middle Eastern food is also common on British menus nowadays. From late night kebab shops to restaurants serving falafels, tagines and cous cous dishes, the influence of the Middle East is never far away.

Mexican food has similarly now become commonplace. Chilli con carne is nearly as ubiquitous as spaghetti bolognese as a mid-week meal, whilst dishes such as fajitas and tortillas and dips such as salsa and guacamole remain popular.

This world view of food has led to resurgence in interest in British food. Whether it’s traditional meals such as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, a Scottish Burns’ night haggis and neeps or the Welsh delicacy of laverbread, there has never been a better time to enjoy the native cuisine.

British food has come a long way in recent years. The wide range of ingredients and dishes that can be found in shops and restaurants make for a diverse culinary experience that celebrates the multiculturalism of the UK.