Dippy eggs top ‘noshtalgia’ survey of foods which spark memories of childhood

Fish fingers, beans on toast, “dippy” eggs and Angel Delight are among the most popular comforting foods which bring back memories of childhood.

A survey of 2,000 Britons asking for the most nostalgic meals also includes rice pudding, apple crumble and custard, fairy cakes and shepherd’s pie.

Top of the list is “dippy” eggs and soldiers – a soft-boiled egg with buttered toast cut into “soldier” strips.

Sue Bailey, a writer and culinary history consultant, explained why some foods prompt such personal memories.

She said: “Personal nostalgia is a strong emotion linked to the familiar taste and smell of food, particularly based on comforting foods when a child.

“Foods such as fish fingers are a common part of childhood memories as most parents will serve them at some point. Unless badly undercooked, they will always be tasty.

“But someone’s pleasure can be another person’s disappointment. Nostalgia is very individual – I remember butterscotch Angel Delight with pleasure as a child as a special treat, yet I would not fancy it now. However, a dippy egg is another matter.”

According to the survey, dippy eggs remain popular for adults – even sometimes being used to cure hangovers.

The survey showed most people prefer a runny yolk, white sliced bread soldiers and salted butter, although some now include toppings such as Marmite, hot honey and harissa.

Bex Tonks, the founder of St Ewe Free Range Eggs, said: “The way we eat our eggs might evolve – white sliced bread becomes sourdough, or tastes become a little more adventurous – but the simple joy of cracking into a beautiful golden egg and dipping that first soldier hasn’t really changed.”

Will Torrent, from Waitrose, said: “We’re seeing a surge in what we call ‘noshtalgia’ – with food lovers revisiting the humble, cheerful dishes of our youth.

“In a world that often feels fast-paced and unpredictable, people aren’t just eating for fuel; they’re eating for a sense of comfort.

“The magic of dishes such as shepherd’s pie, rice pudding, or fish fingers and beans is their total escapism.

“They’re warm, soft, carb-rich, and comforting.”

The 20 most nostalgic British dishes, according to the St Ewe Free Range Eggs survey, are:

Dippy eggs and soldiers – 39%Angel Delight – 38%Fish fingers, chips and beans – 37%Jelly and ice cream – 37%Beans on toast – 37%Sausage and mash – 35%Rice pudding – 34%Apple crumble and custard – 32%Sausage, egg and chips – 32%Fairy cakes – 27%Jam roly-poly and custard – 26%Arctic roll – 25%Shepherd’s pie – 25%Cottage pie – 23%Victoria sponge cake – 23%Toad in the hole – 22%Viennetta – 22%Bread and butter pudding – 20%Eggy bread – 20%Ham, egg and chips – 19%.