Historically, the national dish of the Isle of Man island has
been Spuds and Herrin, or Priddhas an' Herrin', which consists of
boiled potatoes and herring. This dish was popular due to the its
role supporting the subsistence farmers and fishermen of the
island.
In recent times, if you asked a passer-by in the street to name the
national dish you would probably be told "chips, cheese and gravy".
Found in many fast food outlets and popular with late night
revellers it consists, as you would expect, of chips covered in
grated cheese and topped with a thick gravy.
Seafood has traditionally accounted for a large proportion of the
local diet. Although commercial fishing has declined in recent
years, local delicacies include Manx kippers (smoked herring) which
are produced by the smokeries in Peel. They also produce other
specialities including smoked salmon and bacon.
Crab, lobster and scallops are all commercially fished, and the
Queen Scallops (Queenies) are regarded as a particular
delicacy, with a light, sweet flavour. Cod, ling and mackerel are
often angled for the table, and freshwater trout and salmon can be
taken from the local rivers and lakes, supported by the Government
fish hatchery at Cornaa.
Cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry are all commercially farmed; Manx
lamb from the hill-farms being a popular dish. Loaghtan, the
indigenous breed of Manx sheep, has a rich, dark meat that has
found favour with chefs - featuring in dishes on the BBC's
MasterChef series.
Our cheese has also been a particular success, with smoked and
herb-flavoured varieties stocked by many of the UK's supermarket
chains. Manx cheese took bronze medals in the 2005 British Cheese
Awards, and sold 578 tonnes over the year.
There are not many unique desserts, although the Peel flapjack is
popular one.
Beer is brewed on a commercial scale by Okell's Brewery
(established in 1850) and Bushy's Brewery. Manx Spirit is a clear
spirit distilled by Kella Distillers, offering a range of blended
and pure malt whiskeys.
Another local favourite is the Manx Bonnag, a flat cake which in
recent times have evolved into a rich fruit cake.