You can take the Brit out of Britain, but at some point they'll want a proper cup of tea, a decent sausage and a box of cereal they recognise. The good news is that both Dubai and Spain make it surprisingly easy to stock up on home comforts.
British food in Dubai
Dubai's supermarkets are well used to British shoppers. Waitrose, Spinneys and Carrefour all carry familiar brands, from baked beans to digestives, and some branches have British-style bakeries and deli counters. Expect to pay a premium for imported favourites.
- Pork products are sold in designated sections of some supermarkets, clearly separated from everything else.
- Delivery apps make it easy to order groceries, including British brands, often within the hour.
- Sunday roasts are a big thing in hotel restaurants and pubs, if you'd rather someone else did the washing up.
British food in Spain
In areas with large British communities, especially along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, you'll find British supermarkets and specialist shops selling everything from crumpets to Cornish pasties. Some large Spanish supermarkets also stock international aisles.
That said, it's worth embracing local food too. Spanish supermarkets are excellent and much cheaper than imported British brands, and once you've had a proper Spanish breakfast you may not miss the full English quite as much. Probably.
Ordering from the UK
Several online retailers ship British groceries abroad. Delivery can be pricey, so it makes most sense for treats rather than the weekly shop. Bear in mind the rules have changed since Brexit:
- Sending or carrying meat and dairy products from the UK into the EU is restricted, so the sausage-filled suitcase is best avoided.
- Parcels from the UK to Spain can attract customs charges and handling fees.
- The UAE has its own import rules, particularly for meat products and alcohol.
Tea, the eternal question
British tea bags are easy to find in Dubai and in British shops in Spain, but they're one of the most commonly packed items for good reason. Hard water in parts of Spain can change the taste too, which is why some expats swear by a water filter. Others simply complain about it, which is also very British.
Finding your local favourites
The quickest way to find the best butcher, bakery or British shop is to ask other expats. Local Facebook groups and community forums are full of recommendations, along with spirited debates about where to get the best bacon.
Next steps
Settling in is about more than paperwork. If you need help with the bigger parts of your move, from removals to visas, Expat Confidant can introduce you to a vetted specialist for each step.
This guide is general information. Import rules change, so check the current position before sending food abroad.