Holy macaroni: Britain’s most popular regional delicacies revealed – how many have you tried?
Macaroni pie, Eccles cake and the Wigan kebab are among Britain’s most popular regional delicacies, a poll has revealed.
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Of those who took part in the survey by Fray Bentos for British Pie Week (2-8 March), almost one in five have tried macaroni pie - a Scottish mash up of macaroni cheese in a pie crust.
Salford’s sherry-soaked, currant-filled classic, Eccles cake, topped the table, followed by Haggis in second place and macaroni pie in fifth.
The survey also revealed that more than a tenth of Gen Z and Millennials have sunk their teeth into a Wigan kebab, the famous pie-in-a-roll classic, which features alongside other regional icons, including Lancashire hotpot, Staffordshire oatcakes and Teesside’s own tantaliser, the chicken parmo.
It comes as the legendary pie-in-a-tin firm launched two new flavours ahead of British Pie Week.
Mac & Cheese – Fray Bentos’ take on the macaroni pie – offers macaroni in a rich cheese sauce and is suitable for vegetarians. Meanwhile, the Chicken & Mushroom pie combines classic chicken, mushrooms and a rich, creamy sauce, all encased in the brand’s iconic golden puff pastry.
Jude Smart, Brand Manager at Fray Bentos, said: “The macaroni pie has been a Scottish staple for decades but completely unknown across the rest of UK – until now.
“Enjoyed from Exeter to Elgin and Southampton to Stranraer, the poll proves this regional delicacy is no longer a Scottish secret and we’ve launched our own version to mark this milestone.
“The Fray Bentos pie in a tin has been a family favourite for generations, guilty pleasure for some, and a true British icon since 1961.”
The Mac & Cheese pie is available in B&M and Morrisons across the UK and Tesco stores in Scotland, while the Chicken & Mushroom pie is sold in Tesco, Sainsbury’s and B&M across the UK. Both have a MRRP of £2.99.
Most popular regional dishes
1. Eccles cake 36%
2. Haggis 31%
3. Lancashire hotpot 31%
4. Chicken parmo 20%
5. Macaroni pie 19%
6. Manchester tart 17%
7. Laverbread 11%
8. Staffordshire oatcakes 10%
9. Scouse 10%
10. Tottenham cake 8%
11. Cranachan 7%
12. Wigan kebab 7%
13. Sussex pond pudding 6%
14. Brummie bacon cakes 6%
15. Pan haggerty 5%
16. Fat rascal 5%
17. Stargazy pie 5%
18. Singin’ hinnies 2%