Must-Try Foods In The Backs (Cambridge) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of The Backs, Cambridge, United Kingdom

The Backs in Cambridge, known for the picturesque views of the River Cam and the historic colleges of Cambridge University, boast a rich culinary tradition shaped by its academic heritage and international influence. The food history here is a blend of traditional English dishes, student-friendly fare, and diverse international cuisine brought by visitors and scholars from around the world. Local eateries often showcase seasonal produce from the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside, emphasizing farm-to-table freshness in their offerings.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in The Backs, Cambridge

1. Fish and Chips (Non-Veg) - A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish served with chips, often enjoyed by the riverbanks.
2. Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam (Veg) - A quintessential English afternoon tea snack, best experienced in one of the many cosy tea rooms.
3. Vegetarian Punting Picnic (Veg) - Grab a picnic basket filled with vegetarian sandwiches, pastries, and fruits for a meal on the move while punting on the Cam.
4. Pie and Mash (Can be Non-Veg or Veg) - Savory pies filled with various ingredients, from vegetables to fish, served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
5. Eton Mess (Veg) - A dessert of broken meringue, whipped cream, and strawberries, celebrating local produce and summer flavors.
6. Ploughman's Lunch (Veg option available) - A cold meal with cheese, bread, and accompaniments like pickles and apple.
7. Welsh Rarebit (Veg) - Essentially fancy cheese on toast, this dish features a savory cheese sauce broiled until golden and bubbly.
8. Grilled Halloumi Skewers (Veg) - A Mediterranean touch of grilled halloumi cheese, perfect for a light meal.
9. Traditional Cambridge Burnt Cream (Veg) - Similar to crème brûlée, a rich custard with a hard caramelized top, hailing from the city itself.
10. Sticky Toffee Pudding (Veg) - A moist sponge cake covered in toffee sauce, often served with vanilla ice cream or custard.

Top Famous Restaurants in The Backs, Cambridge

Varsity Restaurant

Address: 35 St Andrew's St, Cambridge CB2 3AR, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Grilled Halloumi Skewers (Veg)

Midsummer House

Address: Midsummer Common, Cambridge CB4 1HA, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Seasonal Tasting Menu (Veg and Non-Veg options available)

Michaelhouse Café

Address: St Michael's Church, Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1SU, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Freshly Baked Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam (Veg)

The Orchard Tea Garden

Address: 47 Mill Way, Grantchester, Cambridge CB3 9ND, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Traditional Afternoon Tea including Finger Sandwiches (Veg and Non-Veg options)

Fitzbillies

Address: 52 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RG, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Chelsea Buns (Veg)

Aromi

Address: 1 Bene't St, Cambridge CB2 3QN, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Wood-fired Pizzas (Veg and Non-Veg options)

The Granta

Address: 14 Newnham Rd, Cambridge CB3 9EX, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Fish and Chips (Non-Veg)

Cambridge Chop House

Address: 1 King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Sunday Roasts (Veg and Non-Veg options, excluding cow non-veg)

Rainbow Café

Address: 9A King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes (Veg)

Amelie Flammekueche

Address: The Grafton Centre, East Rd, Cambridge CB1 1PS, United Kingdom

Famous Food: Flammekueche, a thin crust pizza-style dish (Veg and Non-Veg options)