The Most Iconic UK Food Chains, As Voted By Americans
Any American visiting the UK probably has food at the top of their to-do list. After all, who doesn’t want to try authentic British fish and chips, or pub food that includes British roasts and other local dishes like a full English breakfast?
However, many of the foods that American tourists end up loving the most aren’t actually from the UK at all, but are instead from some of the best-loved food chains across the country. These offer a wide variety of cuisines, some British, some not, and all of the following are loved by locals and American tourists alike. So let’s get going!
# 1 – Nando’s
You can find Nando’s all over the world, including in North American states like Washington, Maryland, and Texas. But the cult following for this food in the UK is undeniably impressive, and the UK menu most definitely lives up to that hype. Home to nationwide sayings like ‘cheeky Nando’s’, there are almost 500 Nando’s locations in the UK, and the menu here offers options you just don’t get elsewhere, including much-loved sides like the peri-salted chips and spicy rice.
# 2 – Greggs
From something that’s not solely British to something that definitely is – Greggs is the UK’s largest bakery chain, with over 2,750 locations. This is also one of those cultural icons that are impossible to miss, famed for everything from sausage rolls (and vegan versions) to hot savoury bakes, freshly-made sandwiches, and plenty of cakes. Greggs is a great budget option, but a lot of US tourists love more than just the price, with top picks including the steak bake and the glazed yum yum.
# 3 – Zizzi
Brits are also surprisingly adept at making fantastic-tasting Italian food, as can be seen from UK chains like Zizzi, which, after starting life out of a pizza oven in Chiswick, has become a huge nationwide chain with over 130 Italian restaurants in Nottingham, Plymouth, London, Bristol, and many other major cities. As you can expect, Zizzi has made its name on classic dishes that include plenty of pasta and pizza, especially its signature ‘rustica’ pizzas, which are larger, crisper, and generously topped.
# 4 – Wetherspoons
What if you just want a quick, affordable meal during days out in a UK city? Look no further than J.D. Wetherspoons, or ‘Spoons’, which is perhaps the most iconic UK chain of all. This chain, which also has a few locations in both Ireland and Spain, buys and converts unused British pubs or buildings (including old cinemas and post offices) for the sake of serving cheap and cheerful British ‘pub grub’. Owner Tim Martin is especially passionate about keeping food affordable, and the menu consists of burgers, curries, and classic local food like fish and chips or sausages and mash. You can also get a full English here at a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere, and most visitors report that it tastes great!
Heading to the UK? It might be worth giving these chains a try while you’re there!
