To all the foodies who are currently studying in the UK, what is your comfort food? Whether you fancy traditional fish and chips, spicy burritos, delicious burgers, or steaming-hot bowls of ramen, the country offers a diverse range of cuisine that will delight your taste buds and suit your budget. We have compiled a list of the 15 best UK fast food restaurants worth exploring.

Five Guys

Five Guys is a well-known fast food restaurant chain in the US, which has acquired loyal followers in the UK. Their juicy burgers, made with never-frozen beef, and famous hand-cut fries offer a satisfying experience, along with a range of toppings and sauces that will surely satisfy your fast food cravings.

Leon

Leon is a British fast food restaurant chain specialising in healthy Mediterranean-inspired food. With fresh, natural ingredients, the company's ethos is to serve fast food that is good for you, offering a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Leon's most popular dishes include its Moroccan meatballs, sweet potato falafel, and baked fries. 

Nando's

Nando’s is a South African fast food chain that has been extremely popular in the UK. The chain serves its iconic peri-peri chicken marinated in a spicy sauce and cooked to perfection, with a variety of complementary sides and sauces. Nando's is for those craving a fast food meal with a bit of spice. It’s one of the most preferred UK fast food restaurants.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is a well-known American pizza fast food chain restaurant, which has been operating in the UK since 1973. It has more than 260 locations in the UK, and has a variety of pizza, pasta, salads, side dishes and desserts. Pizza Hut’s speciality is the Stuffed Crust Pizza, which is made with a ring of melted cheese baked into the crust. 

There are vegetarian and vegan options, including the Vegan Margherita pizza, topped with dairy-free cheese and a variety of vegetables. With a variety of toppings and crust options to choose from, Pizza Hut offers a special fast food experience that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Subway

Subway is another fast food chain store that’s popular in the UK and is an American fast food restaurant specialising in made-to-order sandwiches and salads. The company has been operating in the UK since 1996 and has more than 2,500 locations. Subway offers a range of bread options, including its signature Sub Roll, as well as a selection of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces. Customers can customise their sandwiches and choose from various fillings and toppings.

Pret a Manger

Pret a Manger is a British sandwich and coffee shop chain which was established in 1983 in London. Pret a Manger is a French term that means “ready to eat”, which reflects how the company emphasises high-quality food and coffee. Pret a Manger sources its ingredients from local and organic farms and offers an extensive menu featuring sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and pastries.

Greggs

Greggs is a fast food chain in the UK that specialises in baked goods. The company has more than 2,000 locations across the UK, and is best known for its savoury pastries, such as sausage rolls and steak bakes. It also has a variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sweet treats, including its renowned doughnuts and pastries. Over the past few years, multiple healthy alternatives have been added, including vegan and vegetarian options, and Greggs has committed to reducing the sugar content in its products.

Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee is a UK-based fast food chain that specialises in coffee and baked goods. Costa Coffee serves a wide range of coffee options, including lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos as well as an assortment of teas, hot chocolates, and cold drinks. With a wide variety of snacks and light meals to offer, including its cheese and ham toasties, as well as sweet treats such as muffins and cakes, the company has options for everyone.

Costa Coffee has also introduced a range of healthier options such as salads and wraps as well as offers plant-based milk options for coffee drinks. It’s a great place to go for a quick dose of caffeine or to grab snacks and sandwiches.

Burger King

Another American fast food chain in the UK is Burger King, which has been operating in the UK since 1977. The company has more than 500 locations, and is known for its flame-grilled burgers and Whopper sandwiches. Burger King’s menu also features a range of chicken and vegetarian options, as well as sides and desserts. Over the years, it has introduced various menu innovations, including its Angry Whopper and Plant-based Whopper options. 

The reasonable cost and widespread availability also make it a favourite for a quick and convenient meal, with delivery and takeaway services, which have made it even more accessible to the people of the UK.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is an American fast food chain featuring Mexican-inspired cuisine. The company opened in the UK in 1986 and has since expanded to over 40 locations across the country. The menu offers a range of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, sides, and desserts. The company has a reputation for bold flavour combinations, featuring the Crunchwrap Supreme and the Cheesy Gordita Crunch. 

Taco Bell has also introduced a variety of vegetarian and vegan menu options, including its Crunchwrap Supreme and Black Bean Quesarito. It’s one of the leading fast food restaurants in the UK, combining flavour with affordability.

West Cornwall Pasty Company

The West Cornwall Pasty Company is a British fast food chain restaurant specialising in old-fashioned Cornish pies. The company was founded in 1998 and had over 50 branches across the UK, including major railway stations and airports. The pastries are prepared using locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes such as the famous steak pasty, which consists of locally reared beef combined with potatoes, onions, and seasoning. The company has also added a variety of vegetarian and vegan pastries, as well as other products, such as sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks.

McDonald's

The all-time favourite of all! McDonald's is famous for its Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, fries, and Chicken McNuggets. McDonald’s menu also offers a range of breakfast options, including the Egg McMuffin and the Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and a variety of sides and desserts. The company has also introduced various innovations to its menu over the years, including the addition of McFlurry desserts and, more recently, the plant-based McPlant burger. With a range of menu options to choose from, as well as a variety of sides and sauces, McDonald's is a go-to fast food destination for many people.

Yo! Sushi

Yo! Sushi is a fast food restaurant chain in the UK that serves Japanese cuisine. Yo! Sushi’s menu includes various traditional Japanese dishes, such as sushi rolls, sashimi, and ramen, as well as fusion dishes incorporating elements of Western cuisine. It has become famous for its unique way of placing orders, referred to as the “kaiten” or conveyor belt system, which allows customers to choose dishes as they pass by their table. The company also offers several vegan and vegetarian dishes, including its famous Vegetable Gyoza and Tofu Katsu Curry.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is an American fast food chain that has recently gained popularity in the UK. The items on the menu at Shake Shack include a variety of traditional American-style burgers, such as the ShackBurger and SmokeShack, as well as vegetarian options like the Shroom Burger. The company strongly emphasises using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with its burgers made from 100% Aberdeen Angus beef and its buns baked fresh daily. Shake Shack also offers a variety of desserts on its menu, including its frozen custard and hand-spun milkshakes.

Wimpy

Last but not least, Wimpy. Wimpy is a classic UK fast food store with burgers and milkshakes that satisfy fast food lovers. The first Wimpy restaurant opened in the UK in 1954, and since then, has grown to become a popular destination. Wimpy UK, unlike other fast food chains, offers table service and a more relaxed dining experience.

The menu features a diverse selection of burgers, including vegetarian and halal options, as well as breakfast meals, hot dogs, and a variety of desserts. With a retro vibe and a menu full of comfort food classics, it’s an excellent choice for a nostalgic fast food experience.

The United Kingdom has more than enough fast food restaurants to explore, ranging from classic burger chains to international cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and tasty snack or a satisfying meal, there’s something for everyone. Another fact worth mentioning is that the UK is home to some of the best Indian and Chinese restaurants, which are also worth checking out.