The Classic British Dishes Sports Players Should Devour

The NBA is huge. Some stars in the competition have even been partial to Downton Abbey, while others have been pictured soaking up English football culture. However, be it after a big game or in the off-season when they’re on vacation, many NBA heroes probably aren’t aware of some English treats they can devour.

Sure, during his visit to Anfield, LeBron James might’ve sampled Scouse, the city’s hearty, slow-cooked stew, but the LA Lakers star might have missed fish and chips or a filling winter pie. Likewise, Jalen Brunson, who plays for a Knicks team many fans are backing when assessing today’s NBA Finals odds, might only be aware of New York pizza instead of the emergence of London-style pizza.

With the NBA coming to London on a more regular basis, below we highlight some British favorites that are perfect for basketball stars when they’re staying in the country.

A Sunday roast is essential

For NBA players who are training in the UK, munching on a Sunday roast probably isn’t going to unlock their best performances. When the big game is over, though, and they’re left to their own devices to explore Big Ben and the like, visiting a highly-rated establishment for a huge roast dinner is essential. Containing a variety of meat, such as roast chicken, lamb, or pork, adding some crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a silky gravy to accompany the star of the show is delightful. Don’t forget a Yorkshire pudding, either. Overall, this hearty weekend feast is glorious if it’s done well.

Start the day right with a full English

Once again, this next dish probably won’t please an NBA team’s dietician, but a good old English breakfast is deemed as the best start to the day on the planet by many. Containing bacon, sausage, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and, on occasions, black pudding, it’s capable of sustaining you right through to dinner.

You have to try fish and chips, right?

When NBA players have been pictured exploring London before their clashes on this side of the pond, they’ve been seen on social media exploring the capital and trying various foods. However, London isn’t filled with top fish and chips spots. For visitors, there are some exceptional locations that buck the trend by serving a light and crispy battered piece of cod and an unbeatable curry sauce for chip dipping, though. For our American friends, these locations in London are Poppies Fish & Chips, The Mayfair Chippy, and The Devonshire.

You can’t beat sticky toffee pudding

America is a nation that does dessert well. However, there is a strong argument to suggest the British outdo them on that front. In fact, thanks to creations like sticky toffee pudding, America arguably can’t compete. This classic British dessert is to die for, making it the perfect end to a meal for any NBA hero looking to celebrate a magical triumph with a guilty treat. Consisting of chopped dates to create a moist sponge that’s dense and filling, it’s then covered in a luxurious toffee or caramel sauce before being served with a dollop of custard. With ice cream and pouring cream, beating custard for many, sticky toffee pudding for dessert really is special.

A Cornish pasty goes a long way

Finally, we have a Cornish pasty. A handheld treat that is steeped in history, it’s packed full of beef, potatoes, onions, and swede in a stunning golden pastry case. A grab-and-go snack that will fill you up for a good few hours, there are some great pasty shops all over the nation.