Northern European cuisine includes the hearty and simple cooking of the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and parts of Germany and Scandinavia. Dishes emphasize root vegetables, grains, dairy, and meats, with a focus on stews, roasted meats, and baked goods. Fish, especially herring and salmon, is common in coastal regions, while rye bread, cheese, and fermented foods like sauerkraut are dietary staples. The cuisine balances rustic, comforting meals with a growing emphasis on farm-to-table and foraged ingredients.