Brown sauce

Brown sauce is a beloved condiment in the UK and Ireland, easily recognizable by its dark brown hue. It's made from a combination of tomatoes, molasses, dates, apples, tamarind, spices, vinegar, and occasionally raisins. Its taste can vary from tart to sweet, with a peppery kick reminiscent of Worcestershire sauce. This versatile condiment is frequently served with full breakfasts, bacon sandwiches, or as a dip for chips.

In Edinburgh, Scotland, there's a local variation known as "chippy sauce" which blends spirit vinegar or water with brown sauce, making it a popular topping for fish and chips.

The origins of brown sauce trace back to an 1862 London cookbook that featured a "sauce for steaks" recipe made from ale, wine, ketchup, black pepper, and butter.

Different countries have their own versions of brown sauce. In Japan, there's Tonkatsu sauce; in Jamaica, it's Pickapeppa sauce; and in China, there's a soy-based sauce thickened with starch. In the United States, A.1. Sauce is a popular steak sauce that bears a resemblance to British brown sauce.

Some of the well-known brands in the UK include HP Sauce and Daddies, while in Ireland, Chef and YR Sauce are popular choices. Supermarkets also offer their own versions of brown sauce. Despite a slight dip in sales between 2013 and 2014 in the UK, brown sauce remains a staple in many households, with over 13 million kilograms consumed each year.