Question 1

True or false: Steak and kidney pie is a common street food sold from carts in London.

Accepted Answer

False. It's a pub or home-cooked meal, not street food—pie carts are more associated with pasties or sausage rolls.

Question 2

True or false: Steak and kidney pie is typically served with a side of mushy peas and mint sauce.

Accepted Answer

False. Common sides are mashed potatoes or gravy, not mushy peas and mint sauce—that combo is more for fish and chips or lamb.

Question 3

True or false: The pie filling must include only beef kidney, never lamb or pork kidney.

Accepted Answer

False. Lamb or pork kidney is often used, especially in modern recipes, though beef kidney is traditional for its robust flavor.

Question 4

True or false: The pie crust is traditionally made with suet to keep it flaky and rich.

Accepted Answer

True. Suet, or beef fat, is mixed into the pastry for a crumbly, tender texture that contrasts with the savory filling.

Question 5

True or false: The kidneys are always soaked in milk overnight to remove bitterness.

Accepted Answer

True. Soaking kidneys in milk draws out blood and reduces the strong, bitter flavor, ensuring a milder taste in the pie.

Question 6

True or false: The pie was invented by a French chef working for King Henry VIII.

Accepted Answer

False. No record links it to a French chef; it evolved from humble British pot pies, not royal kitchens.

Question 7

True or false: Steak and kidney pie is a national dish of Scotland, not England.

Accepted Answer

True. While popular in England, it's considered Scotland's national dish alongside haggis, with a long history in Scottish cookbooks.

Question 8

True or false: Steak and kidney pie was originally a medieval dish made with venison and ox kidneys.

Accepted Answer

True. Early versions used venison and ox kidney, but beef became standard in the 19th century as cattle farming expanded.

Steak and Kidney Pie Trivia Questions