During British Pie Week, an American visitor in London decided to experience a quintessential local specialty: pie, mash and liquor. This iconic working-class dish, originating from the East End in the 19th century, consists of a minced beef pie, mashed potatoes, and a distinctive green parsley sauce known as liquor.
TikToker's Culinary Adventure
Kalani, who shares content on TikTok under the handle @kalanighosthunter, documented his first encounter with this traditional meal. He visited Manze, a renowned establishment where locals insisted he "needed" to try it. There, he met Rick, who guided him through the ordering process.
Ordering Guidance and Jellied Eels
Rick advised Kalani to order a "three-in-one" and cautioned him about jellied eels, another East End delicacy. Rick enthusiastically described jellied eels as his favorite, instructing Kalani to "suck the meat off the bone" to avoid any hospital visits from ingesting bones.
The video captured staff preparing the dish, showcasing a generous portion that looked appetizing. Kalani then proceeded to taste each component, starting with the liquor sauce.
Tasting and Verdict
Kalani noted that the liquor sauce had a subtle parsley flavor, meant to complement the pie and mash rather than stand alone. He praised the pies as "fresh out of the oven," pressing them to reveal the oozing filling, which he then mixed with vinegar.
For the full experience, he combined all elements and delivered his five-word verdict: "a lot of interesting flavours." After another bite, he appeared increasingly impressed, describing the pie as "incredible" and rating it an eight out of ten.
British Reactions
In the comments section, many Brits admitted they had never tried liquor sauce, with some unaware of its existence. One user remarked, "I've lived all my 66 years in the UK and I have no idea what liquor sauce is." Another commented, "As a Brit, most of us have never had this, so good for you for trying it."
Others sparked a friendly debate, suggesting that "never have a pie down south" and to "go up north" for a superior pie, though southerners would likely dispute this claim.
This tasting adventure highlights the cultural exchange and curiosity surrounding traditional British foods, especially during celebratory events like British Pie Week.
