A Spanish diplomat’s damning verdict on British sauces risks souring the countries’ relations.
Ignacio Peyro, director of the Instituto Cervantes in London, penned an article in Spanish Esquire telling his countrymen what to expect when dining in the UK.
The head of Spain’s official language and cultural centre in London wrote that English mustard has “such a devastating strength that it scorches the unsuspecting palate as thoroughly as the most spiteful chilli”.
He also described yeast spread Marmite as “filth”.
Peyro, one of Spain’s most respected cultural diplomats, who has lived in London for two years, slammed HP Sauce as “sickly-sweet and unsophisticated”.
But he praised Lea & Perrins, bread sauce and piccalilli.
Peyro also said he was a fan of Britain’s kippers, soups, raspberries, oysters, fennel, eggs and “extraordinary range” of beers.
Explaining the Spanish Esquire article, he said: “I always defend British food. You’ve got wonderful things, such as pies.
“Then you have the roasts. You just can’t argue with roast beef.”
Spanish delicacies include boiled chewy pig’s ear, tripe stew and bull’s testicles, and barnacles.
.png?w=600)
