Sunday roast: During the winter months in London, no Sunday is complete without a roast dinner, also known as a Sunday roast. Comprising pork, beef, or chicken and an array of vegetables, this British tradition is the ultimate comfort food—typical trimmings include cheesy cauliflower, crisp Yorkshire puddings, and lashings of gravy. Top spots for a roast dinner in London include Blacklock, Temper, and Hawksmoor, although you'll find them at any London pub worth its salt.

Fish and chips: Don’t miss out on the chance to eat one of Britain’s most famous foods while visiting the capital: Fish and chips—a plate of crispy battered cod and thick, perfectly cooked chips. While you can happily pair it with a strong cup of tea, it's equally as good washed down with a pint of real ale. Adding a healthy amount of salt and malt vinegar to the fish and chips is optional but encouraged. To grab a plate, stop into a traditional pub such as Bunch of Grapes near London Bridge.

Full English: Quite the opposite of its European counterpart, the Continental, this hearty start to the day is perhaps one of England’s most famous exports. Sausages, bacon, beans, hash browns, and black pudding—as well as other extras including mushrooms, tomatoes, and fried bread—are sure to fuel you up for the day (or send you back for a nap). Head to 338 Café in Bethnal Green for a traditional take, or visit chic Caravan in King's Cross for a more modern variation.

Pie and mash: Simple and satisfying, pie and mash has been served in the shops of east London since the Victorian era—the thick crust of the pie protected the filling from the grime of London. Now, however, it’s eaten purely for enjoyment rather than practicality. Visit Holborn Dining Room for an elevated take on the dish, while traditional Goodard’s in Greenwich offers pies with the accompaniment of jellied eels, a London delicacy that are exactly what they sound like.

Afternoon tea: In London, afternoon tea is a cultural institution that’s remained beloved since its “invention” in 1840—and for good reason. What’s not to love about dainty finger sandwiches, pretty pastries, English tea, and flutes of Champagne? Two of the top spots to enjoy this English tradition are The Savoy and Fortnum and Mason, although you can also grab an afternoon tea on a double decker bus or in the Kensington Palace gardens.

Cheese: England has a wealth of great cheeses. Take Stilton, crumbly Cheshire (just as popular as Cheddar in many British supermarkets), or even Wensleydale. (Wallace and Gromit, anyone?) Make your way to the posh Mayfair neighborhood to find London’s oldest cheese shop, where you can sample cheese from around the country. Another great spot is Borough Market, with dozens of vendors and countless delicious products.

Scotch egg: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a London gastropub that doesn’t serve some variation of the humble Scotch egg—a hard-boiled egg traditionally encased in sausage meat and crispy breadcrumbs. Often topping the list of the best place to try this delicacy is the Harwood Arms in Fulham, which uses venison, and the Bull and Last pub near Hampstead Heath.

Curry: Curry is a classic pub grub meal, fancy takeout option, or greasy hangover remedy in England. The heart of the city’s Bangladeshi community, Brick Lane in particular is home to numerous curry houses—it's not for nothing that the chicken tikka masala is the country's national dish. Head to Brick Lane and while you're in the area, save some room for a salt beef bagel from one of Britain’s most famous bagel shops, Brick Lane Beigel Bake, too.