Eggs Benedict

What's not to like? And since we like them so much we have created the Universal Benedict Scale™ (UBS) to rate them.

Although most likely the invention of an American the true history of Eggs Benedict is unclear. As this is the case we should perhaps first begin by defining the terms as we see them. Eggs Benedict consists of an English muffin (the white unhealthy kind), cut in half and toasted. On top of this is placed some prime ham (smoked is OK – bacon is definitely not). A poached egg is placed on top of the ham and the whole glorious concoction is covered in a Hollandaise sauce.

It has been a frequent and painful part of our travel experience to witness how often this very simple dish can go so badly wrong. Even past masters like the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney have gone sadly astray when revisited in later years. Creative chefs often seem to struggle with the concept of doing this simple dish simply and well. In Scotland they always use bacon instead of ham (we can only assume in a nationalistic attempt not to be seen as cooking an American dish). In Asia they add cheese to the sauce and grill the whole thing – which, whilst tasty enough, just isn’t an Eggs Benedict. Often the dish is labelled a Benedict but comes with spinach as well (which purists will know is actually a blend of Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine.)

Even when classically served the feat of getting the perfectly poached egg to the table defeats many restaurants. By perfectly poached I mean that when stabbed with a fork the yolk should gush forth in a brilliant dark yellow and mix in gooey glory with the paler sauce, the ham and the muffin beneath.

But enough of our horror stories. Where in the world can you try a high ranking UBS contender and experience the glory of this simple dish in perfect form? It goes without saying that to rank highly on the UBS the dish must be made classically and the egg must be perfectly poached. We might pass a sprinkling of paprika or cayenne on top or the odd sprig of parsley but all other creativity is frowned upon – when you’re onto a good thing stick with it!

If you can’t visit any of our recommendations fear not. Eggs Benedict is a surprisingly easy thing to make well yourself. See our recipes on the left. Enjoy!