As someone who's been studying in the UK for a while, I totally get it — one of the biggest questions people ask when they first arrive is:
“Is there anything good to eat in the UK besides fish and chips?”
The answer? Absolutely. So much more!After two years of “research” (lots of eating), here are my top 3 UK-based chain restaurants that locals AND international students actually love. Think of this as your go-to starter pack for dining out in Britain without breaking the bank or getting homesick.
1. Wagamama: The UK's Take on Japanese Food
Wagamama started in London in 1992 and now has branches in pretty much every major UK city — London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, York, Manchester, Bath, Birmingham, Bristol… you name it.
It’s known for its “Asian-inspired” dishes, mostly ramen and fusion rice bowls (think: Japanese-style, but with a British twist). The seating is communal — long shared tables and an open kitchen, giving off a buzzy, casual vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
🍛 Chicken Katsu Curry (£13)
Their most iconic dish — crispy fried chicken served with mild curry sauce and sticky rice. It’s nowhere near “authentic” Japanese katsu, but UK folks LOVE this dish. A must-try version of British-Japanese comfort food.
🍜 Ramen (£13–15)
Loads of choices here, but the Chilli Chicken Ramen is the fan favourite — spicy, rich broth, bouncy noodles, perfect for winter. If you can't handle spice, try the Grilled Chicken Ramen instead.
🥟 Gyoza (£7)
Crispy outside, juicy inside. Their Beef & Kimchee Gyoza is my fave, but you can also go for Chicken or Duck Gyoza if you don’t eat beef.
👉 First time trying Wagamama, I expected something super authentic (thanks to the hype), but quickly realized this is more of an "Asian food for Western palates" kind of place — and honestly, it works.
2. Turtle Bay: A Taste of the Caribbean in the UK
Turtle Bay is the UK’s largest Caribbean restaurant chain, with colorful decor, reggae beats, rum cocktails, and a laid-back vacation vibe.
It’s all about bold flavors — Jamaican spices, tropical ingredients, and a whole lot of grilled goodness.
Must-Try Dishes:
🔥 Jerk Chicken (£14.5)
Spicy, smoky, slightly sweet — grilled to perfection and served with rice & peas (basically coconut rice with beans). Prefer beef? Go for the Jerk Beef Rib (£19).
🦑 Crispy Chilli Squid (£8.2)
A great starter for sharing with friends — crunchy and packed with flavor.
🍌 Sweet Plantain (£4.1)
Not your average banana — plantains are sweeter and starchier, with a caramelized edge after frying. A total hidden gem that’ll get you hooked on tropical snacks.
🌴 Pro Tip: Go During Happy Hour
Turtle Bay does 2-for-1 cocktails daily from noon–7PM and again after 9:30PM. At just £8.95 for two, that’s basically £4.50 per drink — a total steal for the UK.
3. Nando’s: The Ultimate British Student Hangout
Nando’s is a huge part of UK youth culture. If you ever hear someone say, “Let’s go for a cheeky Nando’s,” you’ll know they mean it’s time for some spicy, saucy PERi-PERi chicken.
It’s all about flame-grilled chicken marinated in their signature PERi-PERi sauce — made with African Bird’s Eye Chili. You can customize the spice level from zero heat to mouth-on-fire:
🌶 Spice levels:
- Plain...ish
- Lemon & Herb
- Medium
- Hot
- Extra Hot (you’ve been warned)
Must-Try Dishes:
🍗 ¼, ½, or Whole Chicken (£5.5–£16.95)
Tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin, smothered in PERi-PERi sauce. I recommend starting with Medium heat to get that perfect balance of flavor and spice.
🍟 PERi-Salted Chips (£4.25–£7.25)
These fries are addictive — golden, crispy, and dusted with that signature PERi salt. Best side dish, hands down.
Money-Saving Tips:
💡 Download their app for first-time discounts.
📱 Follow their socials for surprise promos.
🎓 Always bring your student ID — many branches offer student deals!
So yes — the UK has way more than just fish and chips.
Whether you're a student, a tourist, or here on a work visa, these chains are tried-and-true favourites:
🥢 Wagamama – Asian fusion done the British way
🍗 Nando’s – Spicy chicken + casual vibes = student fave
🌴 Turtle Bay – Caribbean heat, cocktails, and good times
