Finding Home in Every Bite: Cooking & Eating Abroad

Moving abroad is an adventure—new cultures, new experiences, and, of course, new food. But as exciting as it is, there comes a moment when the novelty wears off, and you’d trade a thousand fancy dinners for just one proper taste of home.
 For me, food isn’t just about eating—it’s about comfort, connection, and identity. It’s Sunday roasts with the family, buttered toast that tastes better than it should, and the smell of a freshly baked pie filling the house. It’s knowing exactly what brand of biscuits goes best with a cup of tea. And when you live abroad, you suddenly realise just how much those little things matter.
 
The Hunt for British Ingredients Abroad
Any expat will tell you—the first mission upon moving to a new country isn’t finding a doctor, a school, or even a good café. It’s tracking down a decent cup of tea, proper cheese, and some recognisable sausages.
 At first, you try the local alternatives. You convince yourself that the generic “black tea” will probably taste like PG Tips (it won’t). You optimistically buy a block of something labelled “Cheddar,” only to find it has all the flavour of a candle. And sausages? Let’s just say some places shouldn’t even be allowed to use the word.
 Then begins the great ingredient hunt. You ask other expats for tips, you scout out specialty stores, and eventually, you stumble across a little shop that stocks British food at wildly inflated prices. But when you spot a jar of Branston Pickle or a tin of Heinz Baked Beans, it’s like striking gold.
 
Adapting Recipes & Getting Creative
Of course, sometimes you just have to make do and mend. Over the years, I’ve learned that: 
 Homemade pastry is essential when “puff pastry” in some places is closer to cardboard.
You can recreate Bisto-style gravy with stock, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of kitchen magic.
Scones will never rise the same in hot, humid weather, but we try anyway.
 There’s a strange kind of joy in adapting recipes—making a traditional dish work with what you’ve got. It becomes a little less about recreating things perfectly and more about keeping traditions alive. And let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of stuffing a suitcase with British essentials when visiting home.
 
The Emotional Side of Food Abroad
It’s funny how certain foods can transport you back in time. A single bite of something familiar can bring a wave of nostalgia, warmth, and even homesickness. The first time I found proper bacon in Australia, I nearly cried. When I made a proper pork pie from scratch, it felt like a personal victory.
 Food is more than just fuel. It’s memories, history, and a way to feel connected—even when you’re thousands of miles away. And sometimes, the best way to cure homesickness isn’t a phone call home—it’s a warm scone, a proper cup of tea, and a moment to just sit and savour.
 
Finding Home in Every Bite
Living abroad changes the way you cook and eat. You learn to be resourceful, adaptable, and to appreciate the little things. You learn that a meal doesn’t have to be perfect to feel like home—it just needs to be made with love (and preferably a good dollop of butter).
 So, whether it’s a Sunday roast in a sweltering Aussie summer or a homemade sausage roll when no bakery stocks the real deal, every expat knows:
 Home isn’t just a place—it’s a plate.
 Would love to hear—what’s the one food you miss the most from home? Let me know in the comments!