Explore Guides
Local food map
London (United Kingdom)
Hotels in area
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
450kcal
35gProtein
10gCarbs
25gFat
—Fibre
400 gServing
* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.
Allergens
🐟 Fish
Jellied Eels
How to order / say it
Say it
Jellied Eels — [Jellied eels]
Order
I'd like the jellied eels, please.
Say locally
Eels cooked in a spiced stock and set into a jelly-like consistency.
Why try it?
Jellied eels are a historical dish linked to the East End of London. They highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness of London's working class and traditions passed through generations.
How it tastes
Eels have a soft, fleshy texture and a mild flavor. The jelly is both savory and slightly tangy, seasoned with a unique blend of spices, offering a distinctive and traditional taste.
Origin & History — first documented: 1780
Jellied eels originated in the 18th century as a cheap and nutritious food for London's poor. After the end of the Thames eel fishing ban in the 20th century, its popularity soared, becoming a symbol of the East End.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🐟 500 g eels
- 🍋 50 ml vinegar
- 🌿 5 g bay leaves
- 🧂 5 g peppercorns
- 10 g gelatin
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
Method
- 1 Clean and cut eels into segments.
- 2 Simmer eels with vinegar, bay leaves, and peppercorns until cooked.
- 3 Strain the stock and add gelatin to make a jelly.
- 4 Arrange eels in a dish, pour over the jelly, and allow to set before serving.
More from London
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
roast beef and YORK-shur PUH-ding
Traditional British Sunday roast featuring beef and fluffy batter pudding.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Pie and Mash
A traditional London dish of minced beef pie served with mashed potatoes.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Sunday Roast
sun-day roast
Traditional British meal of roasted meat and vegetables.
© Wikimedia Commons
Dessert
Vegetarian
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Stik-ee Toh-fee Pud-ing
A moist sponge cake with finely chopped dates, covered in a toffee sauce.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Vegetarian
Bubble and Squeak
bub-ul and skweek
Pan-fried mix of leftover vegetables, often with potatoes and cabbage.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, and more.
© Wikimedia Commons
Dessert
Vegetarian
Chelsea Bun
Chel-see Bun
A sweet, spiced bun with dried fruits and a sticky glaze.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Beef Wellington
A luxurious dish of beef tenderloin coated in pâté and duxelles, wrapped in puff pastry.
© Wikimedia Commons
Dessert
Vegetarian
Eton Mess
ee-ton mess
Mix of strawberries, broken meringue, and cream.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Bangers and Mash
Bang-guhz and mash
A simple dish of sausages served with mashed potatoes and gravy.