A Sunday roast is a beloved favourite for many, and during a trip to the UK, an American man tried this classic British dish at a well-known restaurant. He’s now shared his honest thoughts
A Sunday roast is an adored British tradition, savoured by countless people every week. Some prefer to venture out for this hearty meal, while others enjoy cooking their own version at home to share with loved ones.
Even those hailing from outside the UK seem intrigued by this classic British custom, like Kalani Smith, an American social media sensation renowned for his critiques of British food. He recently sampled a Sunday roast during a visit to Wales and has candidly shared his impressions. The American dined at Butterflies Bar and Kitchen in Blaenavon and posted a video on TikTok detailing his experience.
Having heard the restaurant allegedly serves the “best roast in all of the UK”, he had sky-high expectations.
Taking a look at the menu, Kalani felt it was a bit steeper than other roasts he sampled elsewhere but noted the food looked “incredible”.
He first tried a rarebit with bread and was thoroughly pleased before moving onto the main event – the roast.
The American also ordered some cauliflower cheese and the eatery’s ‘dirty roasties’, roast potatoes topped with steak and ale pie, cheese, onions and gravy, which he thought sounded “magical”.
Kalani was delighted with the roast when it arrived, particularly impressed by how “juicy” the pork looked.
He opted for all the meat options, including chicken, beef and lamb. The food reviewer began by taking a bite of the pork and proclaimed it to be the best piece of pork he ever tasted with “enough crunch at the top” and a juicy texture at the bottom.
Next, he sampled a parsnip that caught his eye and enjoyed both its appearance and flavour before trying the chicken, which he discovered was “so tender”.
Kalani remarked: “One thing I’m noticing really quickly is the premium meats they have here. That is like the most succulent piece of chicken.”
The American visitor then tasted the beef and lamb. He thought the beef was “so good” and called the lamb “lush”.
After this, he moved on to a duck fat roastie and observed it was crispy on the outside. Kalani took a bite and immediately nodded, displaying his approval.
He went on: “The veg here is even ridiculously flavourful.” The foodie tried a Yorkshire pudding dunked in some gravy next and all he could say was “wow”.
Kalani then tried the side dishes and felt there was “really good cheese on the cauliflower” and he enjoyed the dirty roasties as well.
The US tourist said: “This is an absolutely banging roast. You can see why this place is booked out so far in advance.
“[It is] probably one of the best ones I’ve had.” He couldn’t manage to finish the entire dish so he wrapped up his leftovers to take away with him.
To finish off the meal, Kalani treated himself to a cornflake tart served with ice cream and a berry sauce. He was very happy with the dessert and described it as beautiful.