British Foods That Don't Make Sense to Anyone Outside the UK

Custard Creams

For starters, let’s take a moment to unpack the language barrier at play here. In the UK, a custard cream is called a biscuit—but it’s nothing like the fluffy, gravy-covered biscuits we enjoy in the U.S. and Canada. What Brits call a custard cream, we’d label a cookie. And not just any cookie—it’s a pretty unusual one at that. Ever seen one? It’s two cookie layers with a smooth vanilla custard filling in the middle

The intricate pattern on top? No one’s quite sure what it’s supposed to represent, but it definitely adds to the charm.

Here’s the kicker: while we might call it a cookie, Brits have their own ideas about what qualifies as one. Confusing, right? This treat is a staple in British tea culture, often paired with a hot cuppa. It’s a simple yet indulgent snack, but its quirky design and name make it stand out. So, next time you’re in the UK, give it a try—just don’t expect it to taste like anything you’d find in your cookie jar back home.