# Does the term "full English" get used outside UK? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 11, 2019, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821 "2019-05-11T10:24:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/101 "2019-05-17T11:55:14Z")
> [@Brayne\_Ded](#): > > Most people just eat cereals thee days. In other words, Corn Flakes. In England you usually only find a full English breakfast in a B&B or a hotel. Black pudding is for the north of England, not everybody likes it. In my experience you don’t often get kippers. > > As for English baked beans … I hate them. Canteen food at its blandest. Why do people like the things? May be regional, but I don’t think that many people even eat corn flakes these days - too much sugar. At work I see more eating granolas, fruit or toast. Besides hotels, you can get a full English in any cafe or restaurant that’s open for breakfast or brunch. Even my local ‘[posh turkish](https://soukitchen.co.uk/southville/#brunch)’ place serves a full english alongside its shakshukas etc at breakfast time. They call it ‘the local’, but it’s just a full english. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/102 "2019-05-17T12:18:12Z")
There’s a breakfast/lunch place in my town run by an elderly couple—the husband is English and the wife is Thai. On weekends the feature an English breakfast (makes beans optional) and an American breakfast, among other things. I like the breakfast with beans, but I wish for a better species of sausage—bangers aren’t really to my liking. I’d love to have some black and white pudding with that. I’ve never heard anyone call that a ”full English” here. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/103 "2019-05-17T13:35:50Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > Besides hotels, you can get a full English in any cafe or restaurant that’s open for breakfast or brunch. Even my local ‘[posh turkish](https://soukitchen.co.uk/southville/#brunch)’ place serves a full english alongside its shakshukas etc at breakfast time. They call it ‘the local’, but it’s just a full english. I love that adaptation! “Turkish beans on toast with feta.” And a Harissa Bloody Mary! ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/104 "2019-05-17T13:40:19Z")
For an “American breakfast,” I see any combination of eggs, hash browns, hot buttered toast, and breakfast meat—ham, streaky bacon, sage sausage patties or links. Pancakes with butter and maple syrup are another option, also served with breakfast meat(s). Even grilled Spam could be served as a breakfast meat. My personal favorite is steak and eggs with hash browns and hot buttered toast with blackberry or cherry jam. All accompanied by a pot of hot black coffee and a jug of chilled orange juice. Yum! Corned beef hash topped with fried eggs and accompanied by hot buttered toast is also a delicious breakfast, but not one encountered all that often. I could eat like this daily until a few years ago, but not any more. An end was put to my gluttony around the time I turned 60. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/105 "2019-05-17T13:46:32Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > I love that adaptation! “Turkish beans on toast with feta.” And a Harissa Bloody Mary! Isn’t there something odd about a Turkish restaurant serving pork products? :dubious: 😕 In Toronto (more specifically Scarborough, which is heavily Muslim), I’ve seen hamburgers sent back because the customer observed the cook touching pieces of bacon. Maybe the bangers are made with beef? Not long ago, I bought some “Scottish sausage” for my British Full breakfasts. Made with beef instead of pork, it tastes just like Swift’s Minute Steaks. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/106 "2019-05-17T13:47:18Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > May be regional, but I don’t think that many people even eat corn flakes these days - too much sugar. At work I see more eating granolas, fruit or toast. Because modern granola has no added sugars in it at all. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/107 "2019-05-17T13:49:51Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > Corned beef hash topped with fried eggs and accompanied by hot buttered toast is also a delicious breakfast, but not one encountered all that often. Ditto for biscuits with sausage gravy, or eggs and grits with ham and red-eye gravy. But those are mainly Southern dishes. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/108 "2019-05-17T13:57:01Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > I love that adaptation! “Turkish beans on toast with feta.” And a Harissa Bloody Mary! Out of curiosity … what does the description “Turkish beans” evoke? Something kind of like Heinz beans in appearance, but spiced in a particular manner? Or perhaps a totally different kind of bean dish altogether? ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/109 "2019-05-17T14:08:29Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > Out of curiosity … what does the description “Turkish beans” evoke? Something kind of like Heinz beans in appearance, but spiced in a particular manner? Or perhaps a totally different kind of bean dish altogether? There’s a Georgian dish called _lobio_—kidney beans seasoned with cilantro (coriander leaves). I’m guessing “Turkish beans” are similar? **Bean Salad:** \*\*Baked Beans:\*\* > **[LOBIO (GEORGIAN BEAN DISH)](https://georgianrecipes.net/2013/03/29/lobio-georgian-bean-dish/)** > > Lobio (Georgian: ლობიო), is a popular dish made with kidney beans and usually eaten with Mchadi and marinaded vegetables . The Georgian word ‘lobio’ means ‘beans’. There are a number of varieties o… ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/110 "2019-05-17T15:00:05Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > There’s a Georgian dish called _lobio_—kidney beans seasoned with cilantro (coriander leaves). I’m guessing “Turkish beans” are similar? > > **Bean Salad:** > > \*\*Baked Beans:\*\* > > [LOBIO (GEORGIAN BEAN DISH) | Georgian Recipes](https://georgianrecipes.net/2013/03/29/lobio-georgian-bean-dish/) I should have hit myself with that “Let Me Google That For You” meme 😃 [**Barbunya Pilaki** (Turkish Baked Beans)](https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/barbunya-pilaki-turkish-baked-beans/). Not all that far off regular 'ol baked beans, actually. The Georgian baked beans recipe you gave looks amazing all the same. Seems to have some influences from Indian (and maybe Iranian?) cuisine. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/111 "2019-05-17T15:32:23Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > Out of curiosity … what does the description “Turkish beans” evoke? Something kind of like Heinz beans in appearance, but spiced in a particular manner? Or perhaps a totally different kind of bean dish altogether? As you’ve (and I’ve) discovered, just a spicing variation, mainly. The addition of feta cheese is what really intrigued me. Well, that and the harrisa. I’m gong to have to try that this weekend. Seems like it would be quite tasty. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/112 "2019-05-17T15:52:32Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > I love that adaptation! “Turkish beans on toast with feta.” And a Harissa Bloody Mary! It is a restaurant of wonder - thoroughly recommended for anyone who ever finds themselves in Bristol (UK). ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/113 "2019-05-17T15:58:02Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > Out of curiosity … what does the description “Turkish beans” evoke? Something kind of like Heinz beans in appearance, but spiced in a particular manner? Or perhaps a totally different kind of bean dish altogether? It does sort of look like beans on toast - but the beans are larger (not sure what kind), and obviously made on the premises with some kind of special spicing. They also put some kind of sliced sausage on it - [not sure this picture really gives you a clear ide](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g186220-d2014581-i119811695-Souk_Kitchen_Southville-Bristol_England.html)a. > [@DesertDog](#): > > Because modern granola has no added sugars in it at all. :dubious: In my experience, people make their own. > [@terentii](#): > > Isn’t there something odd about a Turkish restaurant serving pork products? :dubious: 😕 > > In Toronto (more specifically Scarborough, which is heavily Muslim), I’ve seen hamburgers sent back because the customer observed the cook touching pieces of bacon. > > Maybe the bangers are made with beef? Not long ago, I bought some “Scottish sausage” for my British Full breakfasts. Made with beef instead of pork, it tastes just like Swift’s Minute Steaks. It’s Turkish (/eastern mediterranean) influenced, not Turkish owned. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/114 "2019-05-17T16:10:36Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > It is a restaurant of wonder - thoroughly recommended for anyone who ever finds themselves in Bristol (UK). I really wish I hadn’t read the menus now 😃 So cheap too! ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/115 "2019-05-17T16:16:27Z")
Because the world is a small, strange place, I used to work at a Turkish cafe in the same city as that place. The owner of that place was Turkish and nominally Muslim, but included bacon in their version of the Full breakfasts. He’d even cook it, when the normal chef was away, though he’d never eaten the stuff. It was a little funny when he had a bunch of his Turkish friends round while he was doing food prep, and there’s this huge tray of bacon, a bunch of Muslim guys, and me, the vegetarian waitress. Mind you, he did like beer as well… Not all Muslims are strict about such things. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/116 "2019-05-17T19:52:12Z")
I wouldn’t have any clue what someone was talking about if they referred to an “American breakfast”, because there are so many things that could be. It could be something like an English/Irish, centering on eggs and cured meats, or it could be a big stack of pancakes (or waffles or French toast), or it could be biscuits and gravy (which might or might not be served with a side of eggs), or it could be a breakfast sandwich like you get at fast food places, or it could be hot or cold cereal, or it could be a pastry like on the Continent. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/117 "2019-05-17T21:47:36Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I wouldn’t have any clue what someone was talking about if they referred to an “American breakfast”, because there are so many things that could be. It could be something like an English/Irish, centering on eggs and cured meats, or it could be a big stack of pancakes (or waffles or French toast), or it could be biscuits and gravy (which might or might not be served with a side of eggs), or it could be a breakfast sandwich like you get at fast food places, or it could be hot or cold cereal, or it could be a pastry like on the Continent. I’m not sure I’d expect sausage gravy over biscuits if I ordered an “American breakfast” - that’s a dish pretty much limited to the South, in my experience. Most non-Southerners I’ve seen encountering it are repulsed. I’d expect an “American” breakfast to include eggs in some form, sausage (either patties or links) or bacon, toast, and coffee. Possibly a short stack of pancakes, as well. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/118 "2019-05-17T22:03:14Z")
> [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](#): > > I’m not sure I’d expect sausage gravy over biscuits if I ordered an “American breakfast” - that’s a dish pretty much limited to the South, in my experience. Most non-Southerners I’ve seen encountering it are repulsed. I’d expect an “American” breakfast to include eggs in some form, sausage (either patties or links) or bacon, toast, and coffee. Possibly a short stack of pancakes, as well. Biscuits and gravy are as big or bigger in the Mountain West as they are in the Southeast. I’ve seen them on more breakfast menus in Montana or Wyoming than in the Carolinas. Northeast “American breakfast” would add some kind of potatoes — hash browns or home fries — to the eggs, toast, and sausage/ham/bacon. Pancakes are something extra. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/119 "2019-05-17T23:07:40Z")
> [@Ukulele\_Ike](#): > > Biscuits and gravy are as big or bigger in the Mountain West as they are in the Southeast. I’ve seen them on more breakfast menus in Montana or Wyoming than in the Carolinas. > > Northeast “American breakfast” would add some kind of potatoes — hash browns or home fries — to the eggs, toast, and sausage/ham/bacon. Pancakes are something extra. Good god, really? I had no idea; I’ve only ever seen biscuits and gravy served at Southern- or “country”-themed restaurants. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821/120 "2019-05-17T23:36:44Z")
> [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](#): > > Good god, really? I had no idea; I’ve only ever seen biscuits and gravy served at Southern- or “country”-themed restaurants. They’ve become increasingly common here in the Midwest, as well, even at places other than Cracker Barrel and Bob Evans. My two favorite local breakfast places (one owned and run by a Greek-American, the other owned and run by a Mexican-American, neither of whom have any apparent roots in the Southern U.S.) both have biscuits and gravy (and, for that matter, country-fried steak) on their menus. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-term-full-english-get-used-outside-uk/833821.md?page=7)