MARILYN CORNWELL: Marilyn's Photos - Oct 30 2026 - British Reactions to Foreign Foods

A popular internet title is about the reaction of British people to various foods from foreign countries. I wonder what makes the British the subject of this topic? You can't find articles on the French trying dishes from foreign countries. Only on the influence of French cuisine - the reverse point of view. The articles about American reactions of other countries' food are sparse to non-existent. The article are about American foods people from other countries find gross. Headings like "17 foods Americans enjoy that are banned in other countries." But then I wouldn't consider chewing gum a food. And most items on the list are bogus foods. Americans do not love eating haggis or horse meat.

Somehow there is something in the British character that seems so much more interesting and amusing than in other countries. Here's the response to American cheese slices:
"Brits grow up with mature cheddar, crumbly stilton, and creamy brie. So when confronted with a perfectly square, individually wrapped slice of processed American cheese that melts into a suspicious orange puddle, the judgment is swift and silent.

"It's not really cheese, is it?" is the unspoken thought at every British barbecue where someone dares use it. Ironically, most Brits have eaten it in a McDonald's cheeseburger and thoroughly enjoyed every single bite."

Here's the write-up for Canadian Poutine:
"Chips, gravy, and cheese curds — Canada's national comfort dish sounds like it was invented during a very enthusiastic late-night craving. Brits are genuinely intrigued but also quietly horrified by the cheese curds, which squeak against your teeth when you bite them.

Squeaky cheese on chips drenched in gravy is a concept that takes some warming up to. Once they try it though, most Brits quietly admit it hits differently after midnight."

Here's another very wonderful moment:
Scottish Deep-Fried Mars Bar:
"Yes, this one is technically British — but the rest of the world judges it, and Brits from outside Scotland judge it with equal enthusiasm while pretending to be open-minded. A chocolate bar, battered and deep-fried, served at a chip shop.

It sounds like a dare.

Scotland invented it, Scotland owns it, and honestly, it tastes exactly as chaotic and wonderful as it sounds. The judgment is just jealousy dressed up as concern for public health.

Every Brit who tries one becomes an immediate convert."

The full article is HERE.

Here we are in Niagara-on-the-Lake at Front and Regent Street looking away from the Lake towards the main street. Turn the other way and climb this little hill for a panoramic view of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River - and across the river in easy view is Old Fort Niagara on the American side.