Must-Try Foods In St John's College (Cambridge) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of St John's College, Cambridge, United Kingdom

St John's College, founded in 1511, has a long tradition of dining that reflects the history of English cuisine, as well as academic and collegiate life. The College's dining hall, or the 'Buttery' as it's traditionally known, has served meals to students and fellows for centuries. In the past, these meals would have been rather simple and based on local ingredients, but over time the food served has become more diverse, reflecting not only changes in British cuisine but also the international character of the student body.

Formal Hall – a three-course evening meal served in the grand setting of the dining hall – is a core part of the College's dining tradition. Though originally this would have featured a lot of game and meat, today vegetarians are well catered for. College dinners often feature locally sourced ingredients, and sustainability has become an integral part of food provision at the College.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes at St John's College, Cambridge, United Kingdom

1. Fish and Chips (Non-Veg) - A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with chips.
2. Vegan Shepherd's Pie (Veg) - A meat-free version of the traditional shepherd's pie, using lentils or soy mince instead of meat, topped with mashed potato.
3. Cauliflower Cheese (Veg) - Baked cauliflower florets covered in a creamy cheese sauce, often served as a side dish.
4. Mushroom Risotto (Veg) - A creamy Italian rice dish made with mushrooms, broth, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Vegetable Curry (Veg) - A variety of vegetables cooked in a flavorful curry sauce, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of India.
6. Ploughman's Lunch (Veg) - A cold meal that includes cheese, pickles, bread, and sometimes eggs or fruits.
7. Welsh Rarebit (Veg) - Toasted bread topped with a savory sauce made from melted cheese and other ingredients like mustard or beer.
8. Sticky Toffee Pudding (Veg) - A moist sponge cake made with dates, covered in a sticky toffee sauce, often served with vanilla custard or ice cream.
9. Ratatouille (Veg) - A classic French Provençal stewed vegetable dish consisting of tomatoes, zucchini, onions, peppers, and eggplant.
10. Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni (Veg) - Pasta tubes filled with a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, baked in a tomato sauce and topped with cheese.

Top Famous Restaurants Near St John's College, Cambridge, United Kingdom

• The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie
  16 Trinity Street, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Grilled Asparagus (Veg)
• Fitzbillies
  52 Trumpington Street, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Chelsea Buns (Veg)
• Varsity Restaurant
  35 St Andrew's Street, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Mushroom Bolognese (Veg)
• Cambridge Chop House
  1 King's Parade, Cambridge
  Famous Food: King's Parade Pudding (Veg)
• Midsummer House
  Midsummer Common, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Fine Vegetarian Tasting Menu (Veg)
• Restaurant Twenty Two
  22 Chesterton Road, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Smoked Beetroot Tartar (Veg)
• Parker's Tavern
  University Arms, Regent Street, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Truffle Risotto (Veg)
• Alimentum
  152–154 Hills Road, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Poached Pear Dessert (Veg)
• Navadhanya
  73 Newmarket Road, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Aloo Gobi (Veg)
• Aromi
  1 Fitzroy Street, Cambridge
  Famous Food: Sicilian Cannoli (Veg)