Nearly half of Brits (48%) believe the UK should officially crown a national dish, according to new research commissioned by KFC. The fast-food chain has established The National Agency for the Assessment of National Dishes (N.A.A.N.) to settle the long-running debate over what truly represents British cuisine.
Traditional Favourites Lead the Poll
When asked which dish should take the title, traditional favourites emerged as leading contenders: Fish and Chips (32%), a Sunday Roast (23%), and the Full English Breakfast (15%). However, Chicken Tikka Masala is considered a modern British classic by over a quarter of Brits (26%).
Half of respondents (50%) believe Brits' food culture has changed significantly over the past 20 years. Of those, 41% feel these changes have been positive, with many now associating modern British food culture with international cuisines (28%), street food (28%), and Indian-inspired dishes (23%).
Fusion Food and Adventurous Eaters
The research found growing support for fusion food as part of Britain's culinary identity, with half of Brits (50%) agreeing that fusion dishes reflect modern British food culture. Brits also proved increasingly adventurous eaters, with nearly two thirds (65%) saying they would be open to trying modern twists on well-known dishes.
That's the thinking behind KFC's latest summer launch. The street food-inspired Crispy Naan features KFC's signature fried chicken served in soft naan bread, with two flavours: the spicy Tandoori Zinger and the herby Creamy Original. Available for a limited five-week run in select KFC restaurants from 20th July to 23rd August.
When presented with a range of fusion dishes, fried chicken served in naan (34%) ranked among the options Brits would be most willing to try, alongside roast dinner wraps (33%), chicken tikka pizza (31%), and curry-flavoured loaded fries (34%).
What Makes a Dish British?
A dish doesn't necessarily have to originate in Britain to feel British. Almost half (49%) believe a dish is British because it is widely eaten across the UK, nearly a quarter (23%) because it reflects modern British tastes, and 50% of Brits see a dish as British if it is commonly served for your tea.
Content creator MC is helping launch the campaign by throwing his support behind KFC's Crispy Naan as Britain's potential national dish.
"I've probably started an argument before people have even read this, but that's alright," he said. "Food debates are what we do best. Everyone's got that one meal they'll defend with their life. For me, KFC's Crispy Naan has all the makings of a national dish. Fried chicken meets Indian naan - It's two of Britain's favourite takeaways in one seriously tasty bite."
"It's the perfect combo of KFC's classic crispy chicken with a Tandoori twist, and honestly, it's going to be a banger this summer. But if you think you've got a better shout for Britain's national dish, go on then... let's hear it."
Public Vote and Debate
The campaign invites the public to visit nationaldish.org to cast their vote and join the debate over what dish truly represents Britain today, with the debate already gaining traction across LadBible.
Whether voters back a timeless classic like Fish and Chips, a Sunday Roast, or decide Britain's future belongs to the Crispy Naan, one thing is certain: Britain's national dish debate is well and truly on.
