As I stepped into the charming town of Dover, I couldn’t help but feel that this English region was more than just a picturesque coastal village. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sound of sizzling seafood wafted through the air, enticing me to explore the local cuisine. And what better way to do so than by trying some of Kent’s most iconic dishes? In this article, we’ll embark on a culinary journey through Dover, discovering the 10 must-try foods that will leave you wanting more.
A Debut in Dover: Huffkins
Our first stop is a classic British breakfast treat – huffkins. These sweet sandwiches are typically filled with juicy cherries and paired with a steaming cup of tea, making for the perfect start to your day. With its simple yet decadent ingredients (flour, butter, sugar, and fresh yeast), it’s no wonder this humble sandwich has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
A Hearty Breakfast: Folkestone Pudding Pie
Next up is another traditional breakfast option – the Folkestone pudding pie. This delightful pastry delight combines the crunchiness of a crispy crust with the softness and sweetness of milk, all harmonized by delicious currants. It’s the perfect way to begin your day in Dover.
A Taste of Wales: Kentish Rarebit
As we delve into the world of savory delights, our attention turns to the Kentish rarebit. Inspired by Welsh cuisine, this dish is a masterclass in balance and flavor. Toasted bread or huffkins serve as the perfect canvas for apples and cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
A Dover Classic: Lamb’s Tail Pie
For lunch or dinner, no visit to Dover would be complete without trying the lamb’s tail pie. This traditional dish showcases the skillful mixing of sweet-savory ingredients, with just enough to create an unforgettable experience. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a must-try in any local spot.
A Divine Appetizer: Angels on Horseback
The angels on horseback dish is a poetic name for a warm appetizer that will delight your senses. The combination of sweet fruits of the sea (oysters) and savory meat (pancetta) creates an imperishable dish that’s sure to leave you wanting more.
A Fast-Food Favorite: Fish & Chips
No culinary journey through Dover would be complete without trying the iconic fish & chips. This quintessential English dish must be eaten “fast and hot”! With its crispy fries and tender fish, it’s a treat that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
A Pastry Delight: Gypsy Tart
Next up is another classic Kent pastry – the Gypsy tart. Made with simple yet effective ingredients (flour, eggs, butter, milk, and sugar cane), this delightful dessert is sure to conquer your palate from the very first bite.
A Sweet Treat: Kentish Cherry Batter Pudding
Dover’s sweet tooth is well-known, and for good reason! The Kentish cherry batter pudding is a delicious spoon dessert that showcases the region’s love of seasonal fruits. Made with cherries and apple juice, this English interpretation of a French treat is sure to satisfy any sweet craving.
A Steakhouse Favorite: Bistecca di Dover
Although not traditionally from Dover, bistecca di dovaresteak has become a staple in local restaurants. Grilled to perfection and served with a rigorously accompanied sauce (the most delicious being Marsala), this dish is a must-try for any meat lover.
A Final Sweet Treat: Ginger Cobnut Cake
As we conclude our culinary journey through Dover, there’s one final sweet treat that needs mentioning – the ginger cobnut cake. Spices and a particular variety of hazelnuts make this spiced cake a true delight, perfect for being enjoyed with an English tea.
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Exploring Dover’s Local Markets
In addition to trying these iconic dishes, it’s also worth exploring Dover’s local markets to discover more unique flavors and ingredients. The Dover Market is a bustling hub of activity that showcases the best of Kent’s produce, from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. Visitors can sample local delicacies, such as succulent crab cakes or savory pastries, and take home some delicious souvenirs.
Kent’s Unique Ingredients
One of the things that sets Kent apart from other regions is its unique ingredients. From locally-sourced apples to freshly-caught fish, Dover’s culinary scene makes the most of the region’s freshest produce. Visitors can sample these ingredients in various dishes throughout their stay, such as the Kentish cherry batter pudding or the Folkestone pudding pie.
Kent’s Culinary Heritage
Dover is more than just a charming coastal town – it’s also steeped in culinary history. The region has been home to some of Britain’s most iconic dishes for centuries, and visitors can sample these historic flavors at local restaurants and pubs. From traditional breakfast treats like huffkins to hearty savory delights like lamb’s tail pie, Dover’s culinary heritage is alive and well.
Tips for Visitors
For visitors looking to try as many of Dover’s iconic dishes as possible, here are a few tips:
- Start your day with huffkins: Try this classic British breakfast treat at a local bakery or café.
- Explore the Dover Market: Sample local delicacies and take home some delicious souvenirs.
- Visit a traditional pub: Try a hearty lamb’s tail pie or enjoy a pint of fresh beer in one of Dover’s many historic pubs.
- Take a food tour: Join a guided tour to sample more of Dover’s culinary delights, such as the Kentish rarebit or fish & chips.
Conclusion
Dover has truly lived up to its reputation as a culinary gem, showcasing a range of delicious dishes that will leave even the most discerning palates wanting more. From classic breakfast treats like huffkins and Folkestone pudding pie to iconic savory delights like lamb’s tail pie and fish & chips, there’s something for every taste and preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is huffkin?
Huffkins are a type of sweet sandwich typically filled with juicy cherries and paired with tea. - Is Folkestone pudding pie traditional to Kent?
Yes, the Folkestone pudding pie is a classic English dessert that originated in Kent. - What inspired the Kentish rarebit dish?
The Kentish rarebit was inspired by Welsh cuisine and combines toasted bread or huffkins with apples and cheese for an unforgettable experience. - Can I try any of these dishes at local restaurants in Dover?
Yes, many local restaurants in Dover specialize in serving these iconic English dishes, making them accessible to visitors. - Is fish & chips traditionally a fast-food dish?
While it may seem like a casual food, fish & chips is actually considered an integral part of British cuisine and should be eaten “fast and hot”! - Can I try the Gypsy tart in any local bakery?
Yes, many local bakeries in Dover sell this delicious pastry delight, making it easy to find and enjoy. - What makes the Kentish cherry batter pudding so special?
The combination of seasonal fruits (cherries) with apple juice creates a unique dessert that showcases the region’s love of fresh ingredients. - Is bistecca di dovaresteak traditionally from Dover?
No, although it is now a staple in local restaurants, bistecca di dovaresteak is not originally from Dover and originated in other parts of Italy.
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