Food History of Canterbury Roman Museum, Canterbury, United Kingdom
The Canterbury Roman Museum is a fascinating insight into the town's history during the Roman occupation. Although the museum focuses on the archaeological finds and the historical context of Roman Canterbury, including the preserved remains of a Roman townhouse with its famous mosaic floors, it's not home to an extensive documentation of food history. What we do know is that the Romans introduced various foods and culinary techniques to Britain. These include the introduction of new fruits like apples and pears, vegetables such as leeks and cabbages, and herbs for seasoning. They also cultivated vineyards and introduced the Britons to the pleasures of wine.
During Roman times, food and dining were significant aspects of social life, with the wealthy hosting feasts featuring multiple courses. Roman cuisine blended local produce with exotic spices and ingredients brought from across the empire, creating a diverse gastronomy that continued to influence British culinary practices long after the Romans left.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Canterbury
1. Fish and Chips - Non-Veg: A classic British dish, typically consisting of battered and fried fish served with chips (French fries).
2. Cream Tea - Veg: Enjoy scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam, typically served with a pot of tea.
3. Sunday Roast - Non-Veg: Typically includes roasted meat (excluding beef), roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding.
4. Pie and Mash - Non-Veg/Veg: Savory pies served with mashed potatoes and sometimes accompanied by liquor or gravy.
5. Full English Breakfast - Non-Veg: A hearty meal that usually consists of bacon, sausages, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and black pudding.
6. Ploughman’s Lunch - Veg/Non-Veg: A cold meal which typically includes cheese, pickles, bread, and sometimes ham or other cold meats.
7. Eton Mess - Veg: A dessert made from crushed meringues, strawberries, and whipped cream.
8. Sticky Toffee Pudding - Veg: A moist sponge cake covered in toffee sauce, often served with vanilla ice cream or custard.
9. Vegetable Curry - Veg: Inspired by the Indian cuisine that is very popular in the UK, these curries can range from mild to spicy.
10. Shepherd’s Pie - Non-Veg (Traditionally made with lamb, but can be adapted for vegetarian preferences using lentils or chickpeas).
Top Famous Restaurants in Canterbury and Their Specialties
1. Deeson's British Restaurant
Address: 25-27 Sun St, Canterbury CT1 2HX
Famous Food: Traditional Sunday Roast - Non-Veg
2. Café des Amis
Address: 95 St Dunstan's St, Canterbury CT2 8AD
Famous Food: Mexican-inspired vegetarian and seafood dishes - Veg/Non-Veg
3. Oscar & Bentleys
Address: 10 Guildhall St, Canterbury CT1 2JQ
Famous Food: Gluten-free British cuisine, with notable dishes like their Veggie Burger - Veg
4. The Foundry Brew Pub
Address: 77 Stour St, Canterbury CT1 2NR
Famous Food: Artisanal beers brewed on-site with a menu featuring Handmade Pies - Non-Veg/Veg
5. The Ambrette Canterbury
Address: 14-15 Beer Cart Ln, Canterbury CT1 2NY
Famous Food: Indian cuisine with a modern twist, offering an array of vegetarian options - Veg/Non-Veg
When visiting Canterbury, it is essential to note that the Roman Museum itself does not serve these dishes, but they can be readily found in the city's numerous restaurants and eateries, reflecting the town's vibrant food scene and its historical culinary influences.