For such a curiously named dish, the classic British dish known as bubble and squeak is, well, kind of boring: It’s just vegetables, usually potato and cabbage, pan-fried together and served as a side dish. Historically, it holds some significance, as it dates to at least the late 18th century, according to The Oxford Companion to Food, which also notes the dish was originally made with beef, too. (Likely the ingredients were leftovers from a Sunday roast.)
Its name is said to have come from the noise created during the frying process, which makes us wonder if perhaps a 10-year-old came up with it. In any case, it tastes good: Comforting and a bit greasy, it’s no wonder it’s still a breakfast-brunch mainstay—and an excellent hangover food.
Where: On foodie-favorite Exmouth Market, Caravan (11-13 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, map), renowned for its excellent roasted-in-house coffee, does a popular weekend brunch.
When: Mon-Fri, 8am-11:30am (breakfast); noon-10:30pm. Sat, 10am-4pm (brunch); 5pm-10:30pm. Sun, 10am-4pm (brunch). For this dish, come for breakfast or brunch.
Order: When available, Caravan’s bubble and squeak isn’t, we admit, totally traditional—instead of resembling a loose, pan-fried hash, here it’s more a crispy patty, almost like a deep-fried knish of sorts. But its innards were good old potato and cabbage, and we enjoyed the crunchy texture. It was offered as a side (£3) during our visit, and usually as part of at least one dish, like grilled ham with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce. The pour-over coffee is a highlight here.
Alternatively: Most restaurants doing a good fry-up will have bubble and squeak on the breakfast menu, including Mother Mash (multiple locations including 26 Ganton St., map) in Soho, Bill’s Cafe (28 St. Martin’s Courtyard, map) in Covent Garden, and Roast (The Floral Hall, Stoney St., map) in Borough Market, where it’s made with beef drippings.
FAQs
Bubble and squeak is a fried British dish made with potatoes and cabbage. It's quite similar to the Irish colcannon. Bubble and squeak, which often contains meat such as ham or bacon, is traditionally made on Monday with the leftovers from Sunday's dinner or on Boxing Day with leftovers from the Christmas feast.
What does the British term "bubble and squeak" mean? ›
The origins of the name bubble and squeak are not known, but there is a reference in the "Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" from 1785: "Bubble and squeak is beef and cabbage fried together. It is so-called from its bubbling up and squeaking while over the fire."
Do they have bubble and squeak in America? ›
The dish is not common in the US but is not unknown; an American recipe from 1913 resembles Rundell's version, with the addition of a border of mashed potato.
What's the difference between bubble and squeak and Colcannon? ›
Colcannon is mashed potatoes and chopped cabbage and usually chopped ham or bacon. Bubble and squeak is mashed leftover potatoes and chopped cabbage mixed up and fried as single round cake, and then sliced and served usually at breakfast.
Why do my bubble and squeak fall apart? ›
Use a floury potato for the mash. The potatoes and vegetables need to be very well drained and the potatoes roughly mashed. Do not add milk etc., if there is too much moisture then the bubble & squeak patties will break apart.
Is bubble and squeak a southern thing? ›
Bubble and Squeak is a tasty British hash made from potatoes and cabbage similar to colcannon, named for the noise it made while cooking.
What do you serve with bubble and squeak? ›
A great leftover recipe that can be made with any vegetable leftovers. Serve with a poached, fried or scrambled egg and crispy bacon or with poached smoked haddock fillets or grilled trout. Pop them in the freezer at the end of step 4 for a delicious snack on another day.
Is bubble and squeak part of an English breakfast? ›
This is a traditional post-Christmas breakfast dish - but don't wait until then to make this. Excellent if served as part of an English breakfast with bacon and eggs, or as a light supper dish."
What is the story of bubble and squeak? ›
A boy gets two gerbils from a friend and so starts the battle between him and his sisters (with the silent support of his step-father) on one side and his mother on the other. Cute, short, and sweet. An engaging story of a family and their two new gerbils, Bubble and Squeak.
How to flip bubble and squeak? ›
Halfway through the cooking, flip it over using a fish slice, or like a pancake if you're brave. If it breaks don't worry, just push it back together. Let it crisp up on the underside then nick a bit and taste it.
chatter, small talk [bubble (and squeak) v.].
How long does bubble and squeak last? ›
How long will it keep? Leftover mashed potato and vegetables will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Once you have made the Bubble & Squeak you can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I would then eat them the next day.
What do the British call bubble and squeak? ›
About Bubble and Squeak
Then there's Rumbledethumps, a Scottish traditional dish that's also named after the apparent sounds the ingredients make in the pan as they fry!
Why are mashed potatoes called champ? ›
Champ is popular in Ulster, whilst colcannon is more so in the other three provinces of Ireland. It was customary to make champ with the first new potatoes harvested. The word champ has also been adopted into the popular Hiberno-English phrases, to be "as thick as champ", meaning to be stupid, ill-tempered or sullen.
What is another name for bubble and squeak? ›
The dish's name supposedly derives from the noises made when the ingredients are fried. Similar dishes, also based on fried vegetables, include colcannon (Ireland) and rumbledethumps (Scotland).
What is bubble and squeak drink? ›
Extra dry and crisp Prosecco from Italy. One of the most popular Proseccos across bars and restaurants in the UK.
Does bubble and squeak contain egg? ›
Add the beaten egg to the mashed potato, then mix in the cabbage, spring onions and bacon with the pan juices. Season. Melt the rest of the butter and oil in the frying pan and swirl to cover the surface. Add the potato mixture and level the top, pressing it down lightly.
